Moto G 5g vs Moto G Stylus: Which Budget Phone Reigns?
Looking for a new smartphone but don’t want to break the bank? You’re in luck! Motorola’s Moto G series offers some of the best value-for-money devices on the market. But with so many options, choosing the right one can be tricky.
Today, we’re pitting two popular contenders against each other: the Moto G 5G and the Moto G Stylus. Both phones aim to deliver a premium experience without the premium price tag. We’ll delve into their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which one is the perfect fit for your needs.
From performance and display quality to camera capabilities and battery life, we’ll cover everything you need to know. Get ready to discover which Moto G phone comes out on top in this comprehensive comparison. Let’s dive in and see which phone deserves a place in your pocket!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | moto g 5g | moto g stylus |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.6 inches | 6.8 inches |
| Display Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels | 1080 x 2460 pixels |
| Processor | Snapdragon 695 5G | Snapdragon 695 5G |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB | 4GB, 6GB |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 128GB |
| Main Camera | 50MP + 8MP + 2MP | 50MP + 8MP + 2MP |
| Front Camera | 13MP | 16MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Stylus Support | No | Yes |
| Operating System | Android 12 | Android 12 |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor
- Moto G 5g: Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G processor, the moto g 5g offers decent performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. It efficiently handles multitasking. However, it may struggle with more demanding applications.
- Moto G Stylus: Equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 678 processor, the moto g stylus provides a slightly more powerful performance compared to the moto g 5g. It’s better suited for more demanding apps and games. However, it lacks 5G connectivity.
- Winner: moto g stylus
Display
- Moto G 5g: Features a 6.7-inch Max Vision display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and animations. The display is vibrant and suitable for media consumption. However, the resolution is only 1080p.
- Moto G Stylus: Boasts a 6.8-inch Max Vision display, also at 1080p, with a 60Hz refresh rate. While the display is large, the lower refresh rate results in a less fluid experience. The stylus functionality adds a unique element.
- Winner: moto g 5g
Cameras
- Moto G 5g: The moto g 5g has a 48MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. It captures decent photos in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is average.
- Moto G Stylus: Offers a 48MP main camera, a 8MP ultrawide, a 2MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. The stylus also has a 16MP front camera. The stylus offers a more versatile camera system. Low-light performance is better.
- Winner: moto g stylus
Battery Life
- Moto G 5g: Comes with a 5000 mAh battery, providing excellent battery life, easily lasting a full day or more with moderate usage. It supports 15W charging.
- Moto G Stylus: Also has a 4000 mAh battery, which still delivers good battery life, though potentially not quite as impressive as the moto g 5g. It also supports 15W charging.
- Winner: moto g 5g
5G Connectivity
- Moto G 5g: As the name suggests, the moto g 5g supports 5G connectivity, offering faster download and upload speeds where available. This enhances the overall user experience.
- Moto G Stylus: The moto g stylus does not have 5G support. This is a significant disadvantage if 5G coverage is available in your area.
- Winner: moto g 5g
Stylus Functionality
- Moto G 5g: Does not include a stylus.
- Moto G Stylus: The key selling point of this phone is its built-in stylus, offering note-taking, drawing, and other creative possibilities. This adds a unique functionality.
- Winner: moto g stylus
Storage & RAM
- Moto G 5g: Typically offers 4GB or 6GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD.
- Moto G Stylus: Often comes with 4GB or 6GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD.
- Winner: Tie
Software
- Moto G 5g: Runs on a near-stock version of Android, known for its clean interface and minimal bloatware. This enhances the user experience.
- Moto G Stylus: Also uses a near-stock Android experience, similar to the moto g 5g, which provides a clean and user-friendly software environment.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Size | moto g stylus |
| Stylus Functionality | moto g stylus |
| Overall Value | moto g 5g |
| Front Camera | moto g stylus |
What They Have in Common:
- Processor: Both phones utilize the Snapdragon 695 5G processor, offering similar performance and 5G connectivity for fast data speeds.
- Battery Life: Both devices share a large 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life for most users.
- Main Camera System: Both devices feature a 50MP main camera, along with an 8MP ultrawide and a 2MP macro lens, for versatile photography options.
- 5g Connectivity: Both phones are 5G capable, allowing users to take advantage of faster download and upload speeds where available.
- Headphone Jack: Both phones retain the 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to users who prefer wired headphones.
Moto G 5G vs Moto G Stylus Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The Moto G 5G generally offers a more robust performance profile, thanks to its newer and often more powerful Snapdragon processor. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive overall user experience, especially when dealing with demanding applications and games. The Moto G Stylus, while still capable, may exhibit occasional lag or slower performance compared to its 5G counterpart. Consider your usage habits; if you’re a heavy user who values speed and responsiveness, the Moto G 5G is the better choice.
Display and Visual Experience
Both phones feature large displays, but they differ in key aspects. The Moto G 5G often emphasizes a higher refresh rate, resulting in smoother scrolling and animations, which enhances the overall visual experience. The Moto G Stylus, on the other hand, prioritizes its integrated stylus and the unique functionality it unlocks, such as precise drawing and note-taking. Assess your priorities: do you prioritize a fluid display or the convenience of a stylus for creative tasks?
Camera Capabilities
Camera quality varies between the two models. The Moto G 5G often boasts an improved main camera sensor, which can capture more detail and perform better in low-light conditions. The Moto G Stylus usually includes a dedicated macro lens and the convenience of the stylus for editing. Evaluate what type of photography you do most. The Moto G 5G is generally better for general photography, while the Stylus offers creative flexibility. Consider image quality and added features.
Battery Life and Charging
Both phones are known for offering excellent battery life, typically lasting a full day or more on a single charge. However, the exact battery capacity and charging speeds can vary between models. Check the specifications for the specific versions you are comparing. Consider the charging speeds; Faster charging can be a significant convenience. Also, consider your usual usage.
Stylus Functionality (Moto G Stylus only)
The Moto G Stylus’s key differentiator is its built-in stylus, which unlocks a range of unique features. This allows for precise note-taking, drawing, and photo editing directly on the device. The stylus also provides quick access to note-taking apps and other productivity tools. If you value these features for work or creative endeavors, the Moto G Stylus is a clear winner. The stylus enhances productivity.
Connectivity and 5G Support
The Moto G 5G, as the name suggests, offers 5G connectivity, providing significantly faster download and upload speeds in areas with 5G coverage. This can dramatically improve the experience when streaming videos, downloading large files, and browsing the web. The Moto G Stylus may offer 4G LTE or other variants, so check the specific model. Assess your location and network needs. If 5G is important to you, the Moto G 5G is the obvious choice.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy moto g 5g If…
- You prioritize a slightly more compact design.
- You want the best value for your money.
- You don’t need stylus functionality.
- You prefer a phone without extra features.
Buy moto g stylus If…
- You want a larger display for media consumption and gaming.
- You value the convenience of a built-in stylus for note-taking and drawing.
- You frequently take notes or sketch on your phone.
- You want a phone with a unique feature set.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the Moto G 5G and Moto G Stylus?
The Moto G 5G generally offers a more powerful processor and faster 5G connectivity. The Moto G Stylus distinguishes itself with its built-in stylus, offering features like note-taking and drawing. The camera systems, and display technologies also differ. The choice depends on your priority, either performance or stylus capabilities.
Which phone has a better camera?
The Moto G 5G often has a better main camera sensor, resulting in improved image quality in various lighting situations. However, the Moto G Stylus frequently includes a macro lens and the stylus feature to edit photos. The best camera depends on your specific photography needs.
Does the Moto G Stylus support 5G?
Some models of the Moto G Stylus may not support 5G, but this varies. Check the specific model’s specifications. The Moto G 5G, by design, will support 5G, providing faster data speeds. Verify the model before purchasing if 5G is essential.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The Moto G 5G, with its typically more powerful processor and potentially higher refresh rate display, often provides a smoother gaming experience. However, the specific gaming performance depends on the game and the processing power of the specific model. Check benchmarks for a more accurate comparison.
What is the battery life like on each phone?
Both phones are known for having good battery life, often lasting a full day or more of moderate usage. Actual battery life will vary based on usage patterns, screen brightness, and other factors. Check reviews for real-world battery experiences.
Does the Moto G Stylus come with a stylus?
Yes, the Moto G Stylus comes with a built-in stylus that’s housed within the phone. This stylus allows for precise drawing, note-taking, and easy navigation. The stylus functionality is a defining feature of this phone.
Which phone is more expensive?
The price of each phone can vary depending on the specific model and retailer. Generally, the Moto G 5G and the Moto G Stylus are similarly priced, but the cost may change based on the storage and other specific features. It’s recommended to compare prices before making a decision.
Final Verdict
Choosing between the Moto G 5G and the Moto G Stylus depends on individual needs. The Moto G 5G offers superior performance and 5G connectivity for those who prioritize speed and general use. The Moto G Stylus is the ideal choice for those who value the stylus for note-taking, drawing, and creative tasks.
Winner: [Winning Product Name]