The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for your money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the TCL Ion X and the Motorola Moto G Stylus (2022). Both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, but which one comes out on top?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Motorola Moto G Stylus (2022) is the clear winner. While the TCL Ion X is a budget option, the Moto G Stylus boasts a significantly faster processor, a stylus for added functionality, and generally a more polished software experience, making it the better overall choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 26 | 2022, February 03 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 26 | Available. Released 2022, February 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 156.5 x 75.2 x 8.9 mm (6.16 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) | 170.2 x 75.9 x 9.5 mm (6.70 x 2.99 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 177.4 g (6.24 oz) | 216 g (7.62 oz) |
| | - | Stylus
Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~78.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 109.3 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android, TCL UI | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide) 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0, 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Twilight Blue, Metallic Rose |
| Price | About 100 EUR | $ 90.99 |
TCL Ion X
- Very affordable
- Decent display for the price
- Lightweight design
- Slow performance
- Basic camera
- Slow charging
- Limited software updates
Motorola Moto G Stylus (2022)
- Faster processor
- Stylus included
- Better camera system
- Larger display
- More refined software
- Slightly more expensive
- 10W charging is slow
- Stylus can add bulk
Display Comparison
The Motorola Moto G Stylus (2022) typically features a larger display (around 6.8 inches) with a higher resolution than the TCL Ion X (likely around 6.5 inches and HD+). While both use LCD panels, the Moto G Stylus often offers better color accuracy and brightness. The stylus integration on the Moto G Stylus is a significant advantage for note-taking and creative tasks.
Camera Comparison
The Moto G Stylus (2022) generally has a more versatile camera system, often including a higher resolution main sensor and additional lenses like ultrawide or macro. While both phones offer decent image quality in good lighting, the Moto G Stylus typically performs better in low-light conditions and offers more creative options. The Ion X's camera is adequate for basic snapshots.
Performance
Here's where the Moto G Stylus (2022) truly shines. Its Helio G88 chipset is noticeably faster than the Ion X's Helio G25. Expect smoother multitasking, quicker app loading times, and a more responsive overall experience on the Moto G Stylus. The Cortex-A75 cores in the G88 provide a significant performance boost over the G25's Cortex-A53 cores.
Battery Life
Both phones likely offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, the Moto G Stylus (2022) often has a larger battery capacity (typically 5000mAh) which can translate to slightly longer usage times. Both phones share the same slow 10W charging speed.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the TCL Ion X? Users prioritizing the absolute lowest price and basic functionality. Who should buy the Motorola Moto G Stylus (2022)? Those seeking a more capable phone with a stylus, better performance, and a more refined user experience, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the TCL Ion X good for gaming?
The TCL Ion X's Helio G25 chipset is not ideal for demanding games. You'll likely experience lag and low frame rates. Simpler games may be playable at lower settings.
❓ Does the Motorola Moto G Stylus (2022) have a good camera?
The Moto G Stylus (2022) offers a more capable camera system than the TCL Ion X, with better image quality, especially in low light, and more versatile shooting options.
