Stylus phones are gaining popularity, offering a unique blend of productivity and creativity. The TCL Stylus and the Motorola Moto G Stylus (2023) are two compelling options in the budget-friendly segment. But which one delivers the best experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL Stylus edges out the Moto G Stylus (2023) thanks to its significantly more powerful chipset and faster charging. While both offer stylus functionality, the TCL's performance advantage makes it the better overall choice for most users, especially those multitasking or gaming.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | 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 |
| 5G bands | 25, 41, 66, 77 SA/NSA/Sub6 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June 02 | 2023, May 02 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 02 | Available. Released 2023, May 05 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 169.6 x 76.5 x 9 mm (6.68 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 162.9 x 74.1 x 9.2 mm (6.41 x 2.92 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 213 g (7.51 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| | Stylus | Stylus
Water-repellent design |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | NEG | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.81 inches, 110.1 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 | Android 13, planned upgrade to Android 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, 115˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Lunar Black | Blue, Rose Gold |
| Models | T779W | - |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| SAR | 1.25 W/kg (head) 1.25 W/kg (body) | - |
TCL Stylus
- More powerful chipset
- Faster charging (18W)
- Generally better display quality
- Sleek design
- Potentially less versatile camera
- Smaller battery capacity
Motorola Moto G Stylus (2023)
- Longer battery life
- Versatile camera system (often with macro lens)
- Clean Android experience
- Durable build quality
- Slower performance
- Slower charging (15W)
- Less powerful chipset
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, typically around 6.8 inches, with Full HD+ resolution. The TCL Stylus often boasts slightly better color accuracy and brightness, though both are perfectly adequate for everyday use. The Moto G Stylus (2023) may have a slightly higher refresh rate (90Hz vs. 60Hz on some TCL Stylus variants), leading to smoother scrolling.
Camera Comparison
The Moto G Stylus (2023) generally has a more versatile camera system, often featuring a higher resolution main sensor (50MP vs. 48MP on TCL) and potentially a dedicated macro lens. Image quality is generally comparable in good lighting, but the Moto G Stylus (2023) might offer slightly better low-light performance. Both phones offer decent video recording capabilities.
Performance
This is where the TCL Stylus shines. The Dimensity 700 chipset is considerably more powerful than the Helio G85. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the TCL. The Moto G Stylus (2023) can handle basic tasks, but will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Moto G Stylus (2023) typically has a larger battery capacity (5000mAh vs. 4000mAh on TCL Stylus), providing longer battery life. However, the TCL Stylus's faster 18W charging helps offset this difference, allowing for quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
The TCL Stylus is ideal for users who prioritize performance and a smoother user experience, even on a budget. The Moto G Stylus (2023) is a good fit for those seeking a reliable, long-lasting phone with a stylus, prioritizing battery life and a clean Android experience over raw power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the TCL Stylus have a good camera?
The TCL Stylus offers a decent camera for the price, but it's not its strongest point. It's suitable for everyday photos in good lighting, but may struggle in low-light conditions compared to the Moto G Stylus (2023).
❓ Is the Moto G Stylus (2023) good for gaming?
The Moto G Stylus (2023) can handle casual games, but its less powerful chipset means it will struggle with more demanding titles. The TCL Stylus is a better choice for gamers.
