Moto G06 vs. Moto G Stylus 5G (2023): A Deep Dive into Motorola's Budget Lineup

Motorola's G-series consistently delivers value, but the range offers choices. The Moto G06 represents a focus on maximizing endurance and affordability, while the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) aims to bring 5G connectivity and a more modern chipset to the table. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which phone best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing long battery life and a lower price point, the Moto G06 is the better choice. However, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) justifies its higher cost with a significantly more efficient chipset and 5G capabilities, making it ideal for data-heavy users and future-proofing.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Moto G06 Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Europe1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71
5G bands-1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2025, September 052023, May 30
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, September 23Available. Released 2023, June 02
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, silicone polymer back (eco leather)Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions171.4 x 77.5 x 8.3 mm (6.75 x 3.05 x 0.33 in)162.8 x 73.8 x 9.2 mm (6.41 x 2.91 x 0.36 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM
Weight194 g (6.84 oz)202 g (7.13 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3, Mohs level 4-
Resolution720 x 1640 pixels (~260 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density)
Size6.88 inches, 112.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~87.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120HzIPS LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Helio G81 Ultra (12 nm)Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUMali-G52 MC2Adreno 710
OSAndroid 15Android 13, planned upgrade to Android 14
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual-50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF
FeaturesLED flash, HDRLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF-
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single8 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1.12µm16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
BluetoothYes5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASSGPS (L1+L5), GALILEO
RadioNoFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximityFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging10W wired20W wired
Type5200 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsPantone: Laurel Oak, Arabesque, Tapestry, TendrilCosmic Black, Rose Champagne
ModelsXT2535-1, XT2535-2, XT2535-3, XT2535-14XT2315-1, XT2315-4
PriceAbout 130 EUR$ 93.43
EU LABEL
Battery55:21h endurance, 1200 cycles-
EnergyClass A-
Free fallClass A (270 falls)-
RepairabilityClass A-

Motorola Moto G06

  • Exceptional battery endurance (55:21h)
  • High charge cycle count (1200)
  • More affordable price point

  • Less powerful chipset
  • No 5G connectivity
  • Slower charging speed

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)

  • More efficient Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset
  • 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
  • Faster 20W charging

  • Likely shorter battery life compared to G06
  • Higher price tag
  • Battery endurance data unavailable

Display Comparison

While display specifications are absent from the provided data, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) likely benefits from a more modern panel due to its newer release. The G06, positioned as a budget device, likely utilizes a standard LCD. The key difference lies in the chipset's ability to drive a higher refresh rate display, a feature likely exclusive to the Stylus model. The G Stylus 5G’s 4nm chipset will also allow for more efficient display power consumption.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the newer chipset in the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) likely supports more advanced image signal processing (ISP) capabilities, resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance. The G06’s Helio G81 Ultra is capable, but the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 offers a more modern platform for computational photography. We can assume the Stylus model will have a more sophisticated camera system overall.

Performance

The core difference here is the chipset architecture. The Moto G06’s Mediatek Helio G81 Ultra (12nm) uses a combination of Cortex-A75 and A55 cores, offering decent performance for its price bracket. However, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) boasts the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm) with Cortex-A78 and A55 cores. The A78 cores represent a significant architectural leap, providing substantially improved single-core and multi-core performance. Crucially, the 4nm process node of the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 translates to significantly better thermal efficiency, reducing throttling during sustained workloads and extending battery life even under heavy use. This benefits gamers and power users.

Battery Life

The Moto G06 boasts an impressive 55:21h endurance and 1200 charge cycles, indicating a focus on long-term battery health and longevity. While the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) doesn’t have endurance data, its 4nm chipset is significantly more power-efficient. The 20W charging on the Stylus model will also allow for faster top-ups compared to the G06’s 10W charging, potentially offsetting any difference in battery capacity (which isn't specified). The G06 prioritizes sheer runtime, while the Stylus balances runtime with faster charging and overall efficiency.

Buying Guide

Buy the Motorola Moto G06 if you need exceptional battery life and are primarily concerned with everyday tasks like calling, texting, and social media. It’s the perfect phone for users who prioritize longevity over cutting-edge features. Buy the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) if you prefer faster performance, 5G connectivity for quicker downloads and streaming, and a more modern processor that will handle future software updates more smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 in the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) handle demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is a capable chipset, Genshin Impact is a particularly demanding title. Expect to play at lower graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The 4nm process will help mitigate thermal throttling, but it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience.
❓ How much faster are downloads on the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) compared to the Moto G06?
The Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) supports 5G connectivity, which, depending on network availability, can offer download speeds several times faster than the 4G LTE supported by the Moto G06. In ideal conditions, you could see download speeds exceeding 100Mbps on 5G, compared to 20-50Mbps on 4G.
❓ Is the 1200 charge cycle claim for the Moto G06 realistic? What does it mean for long-term battery health?
1200 charge cycles indicate that the battery is designed to retain at least 80% of its original capacity after being fully charged and discharged 1200 times. This is a strong indicator of long-term battery health and suggests the G06 will maintain good battery performance for several years of typical use.