Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) vs Moto G Stylus (2021): The Ultimate Showdown

The Motorola Moto G Stylus series has consistently offered a compelling blend of stylus functionality and affordability. But with a new model released, is the 2022 version a worthy upgrade over the already solid 2021 edition? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) offers a noticeable performance boost thanks to its newer chipset and 5G connectivity. While the 2021 model remains a capable budget option, the 2022 version is the clear winner for those prioritizing speed and future-proofing, especially if 5G is important.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) Motorola Moto G Stylus (2021)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71 - USA1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 26, 29, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71
5G bands1, 2, 5, 12, 14, 24, 26, 29, 30, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA - USA-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
 -CDMA 800 / 1900
Launch
Announced2022, April 222021, January 08
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, April 27Available. Released 2021, January 14
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions168.9 x 75.8 x 9.3 mm (6.65 x 2.98 x 0.37 in)169.8 x 77.9 x 9 mm (6.69 x 3.07 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM
Weight215 g (7.58 oz)213 g (7.51 oz)
 Stylus Water-repellent designStylus Water-repellent coating
Display
Resolution1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~386 ppi density)
Size6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~85.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.8 inches, 112.2 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120HzIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)Qualcomm SDM678 Snapdragon 678 (11 nm)
GPUAdreno 619Adreno 612
OSAndroid 12, planned upgrade to Android 13Android 10
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad-48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0, 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Triple50 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0, 1.12µm Auxiliary lens-
Video1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioFM radioUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximityFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity
Battery
Charging10W wired, QC310W wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 4000 mAh
Misc
ColorsSteel Blue, Seafoam GreenAurora Black, Aurora White
ModelsXT2215, XT2215-1, XT2215-2, XT2215-3, XT2215-4XT2115, XT2115-1
Price$ 66.60About 90 EUR

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022)

  • Faster Performance (Snapdragon 695 5G)
  • 5G Connectivity
  • Potentially Improved Camera Processing
  • Slightly More Efficient Chipset

  • Potentially Higher Price
  • Minor Display Improvements (if any)

Motorola Moto G Stylus (2021)

  • More Affordable
  • Reliable Performance for Basic Tasks
  • Large Battery Capacity
  • Good Value for Money

  • Slower Performance (Snapdragon 678)
  • No 5G Connectivity
  • Older Chipset

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a large 6.8-inch display, likely with a similar resolution (likely FHD+). The 2022 model *may* have slightly improved color accuracy or brightness, but the difference is likely minimal. The stylus experience will be similar on both.

Camera Comparison

Both phones likely feature a similar main camera setup (likely a 48MP main sensor). However, the 2022 model's newer chipset *may* offer improved image processing and low-light performance. Video recording capabilities might also be slightly enhanced on the 2022 model.

Performance

The Snapdragon 695 5G in the 2022 model is a significant upgrade over the Snapdragon 678 in the 2021 version. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the 2022 device. The 6nm process of the 695 also contributes to improved efficiency.

Battery Life

Both phones boast a large 5,000mAh battery, suggesting similar all-day battery life. However, the more efficient 6nm chipset in the 2022 model *could* provide slightly better longevity.

Buying Guide

The Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) is ideal for users who want a responsive stylus experience, 5G connectivity, and a smoother overall performance. The Moto G Stylus (2021) is a great choice for budget-conscious buyers who don't need the latest features and prioritize a reliable, albeit slightly slower, experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) worth the upgrade from the 2021 model?
If you prioritize performance and 5G connectivity, then yes. The 2022 model offers a noticeable upgrade. If you're on a tight budget and don't need those features, the 2021 model remains a solid choice.
❓ What is the stylus used for on these phones?
The stylus can be used for note-taking, drawing, navigating the interface, and more. Both phones offer a dedicated stylus silo for storage.