New Stylus, who dis?
If you are not trying to spend an arm and a leg on a brand new smartphone, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is a good possibility. The Snapdragon chip provides it near-flagship-like efficiency and the built-in stylus pen supplies some helpful productiveness options. And at simply $399, it is lower than half the worth of a flagship.
ForImproved designUltravast digital camera doubles as a macro sensorAndroid 13 out of the boxGreat battery lifeFaster chargingSnapdragon chip performs like a champDecent low-light captureGreat audioAgainstCameras are okayStylus is fairly basicSoftware help nonetheless sucksNo IP ratingLimited storage/RAM configurationsNo OIS
Still a mighty pen
The 2022 Moto G Stylus 5G could also be a yr previous, however the Snapdragon chip powering it nonetheless performs nicely, and battery life is fairly unbelievable. Decent digital camera setup, NFC, and a fluid show give this cellphone spectacular worth, even in 2023.
ForExtra storage/RAM configurationsGood performanceIP score for water and mud resistancePrimary digital camera has OISDecent general digital camera performanceAgainstWill solely be up to date to Android 13Barely older Snapdragon chipsetLow-light efficiency shouldn’t be as goodLess-attractive design
If you need a smartphone with a built-in stylus, your choices are fairly restricted. Outside of Samsung’s earlier Note lineup and the brand new Ultra flagship Galaxy smartphones, you do not discover many choices. With LG gone, Motorola is the principle Android OEM producing inexpensive stylus-equipped smartphones with the Moto G Stylus lineup and at the very least half the worth of what you’d get for Samsung’s gadgets.The new Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is the newest mannequin from Motorola, sitting squarely in the midst of its smartphone lineup as a mid-range smartphone. Following its predecessor as a separate 5G-enabled, stylus-toting smartphone, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) affords a well-rounded bundle due to a more recent Snapdragon chipset and a really inexpensive price ticket.That stated, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) wasn’t a nasty cellphone both, and may nonetheless be a cellphone value contemplating only a yr later. Here’s how the 2 examine.Moto G Stylus (2023) vs Moto G Stylus (2022): DesignWhy you possibly can belief Android Central
Our knowledgeable reviewers spend hours testing and evaluating services and products so you possibly can select the perfect for you. Find out extra about how we take a look at.(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)Both Stylus fashions observe the design language of different Motorola telephones of their respective years. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) contains a shiny plastic rear that does not look too dangerous however shouldn’t be significantly spectacular, both. It’s additionally a fingerprint magnet, and let’s be sincere, that is by no means nice to have a look at. Of course, you possibly can at all times go for a Stylus 5G (2022) case.The newer 2023 mannequin opts for a extra frosted look that is fairly tender to the contact. And whereas it could actually nonetheless accumulate fingerprints, they don’t seem to be practically as pronounced, at the very least on the darker colorway. But as at all times, we nonetheless suggest trying out a Stylus 5G (2023) case to maintain the cellphone protected and smudge-free.The digital camera housing is extra compact on the Stylus 5G (2023) as a result of extra sq. design that is a bit extra flush to the rear. There’s additionally one much less digital camera lens on the 2023 mannequin, though we’ll get to that later.Both Stylus fashions observe the design language of different Motorola telephones of their respective years. For higher or for worse.Both again panels curve barely into the plastic body, and each telephones characteristic flat shows. The distinction is the dimensions of these shows; 6.8 inches on the Stylus 5G (2022) and 6.6 inches on the Stylus 5G (2023). However, the bezels on each are pretty minimal for mid-range telephones, with a barely bigger chin on the backside. Both even have hole-punch selfie cameras on the high. Otherwise, the button and speaker placement is essentially the identical between the 2 telephones.Of course, magnificence is within the eye of the beholder, so deciding which cellphone seems to be higher is totally subjective. But if I have been to decide on, I’d say the Stylus 5G (2023) wins this wound.Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) vs Moto G Stylus 5G (2022): Hardware & specs(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)Between the 2 telephones, lots of the {hardware} and specs are fairly comparable, which is not too stunning. Motorola did not precisely reinvent the wheel right here, bumping up some specs right here and there whereas leaving many others intact. And to be sincere, that is completely effective, because the 2022 mannequin was fairly good.The most notable change within the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is the brand new Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset. While nonetheless a mid-range chip, Qualcomm has actually stepped up its sport with regards to this section. The 6 Gen 1 guarantees a 30% enhance in CPU and 10% higher GPU efficiency, and it exhibits.While juggling between apps, streaming video, and enjoying video games, the whole lot feels very snappy. And you possibly can even get away with enjoying graphics-intensive video games like Honkai: Star Rail on the best settings with just a little adjusting. It actually outclasses lots of the finest low cost Android telephones on the market.That stated, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) isn’t any slouch, and I by no means observed any main points in my use, even when enjoying video games at increased refresh charges.Swipe to scroll horizontallyCategoryMoto G Stylus 5G (2023)Moto G Stylus 5G (2022)OSAndroid 13 (My UX)Android 12 (My UX)Display6.6-inch FHD+ (2400 x 1080), LCD, 120Hz refresh price (LTPS)6.8-inch FHD+ (2460 x 1080), LCD, 120Hz refresh rateChipsetSnapdragon 6 Gen 1Snapdragon 695Storage128GB, 256GB, expandable128GB, 256GB, expandableMemory4GB, 6GB4GB, 6GB, 8GBWater ResistanceWater-repellentIP52, water-repellentBattery & Charging5,000mAh, 20W wired charging5,000mAh, 10W wired chargingConnectivity5G (sub-6), Bluetooth 5.1, Wi-Fi (2.4GHz & 5GHz)5G (sub-6), Bluetooth 5.1, Wi-Fi (2.4GHz & 5GHz)NFC✔✔SafetyFingerprint sensor, face unlockFingerprint sensor, face unlockDimensions162.83x 73.77 x 9.19mm168.9 x 75.8 x 9.3mmWeight202g215gColorsCosmic Black, Rose ChampagneSteel Blue, Seafoam InexperiencedBoth have Full HD+ shows with 120Hz refresh charges, which feel and look nice to make use of. The 2023 mannequin has a barely smaller show at 6.6 inches, which makes the cellphone just a little simpler to carry. Pixel density is roughly the identical, due to the additional pixels within the 2022 mannequin.One distinction you will discover is that the 2023 mannequin lacks the next RAM mannequin, solely choosing 6GB (with a 4GB mannequin on some variations). I do not suppose it is a dangerous factor, as 6GB appears to be sufficient for my use. Both have 5000mAh batteries, which permit the telephones to final greater than a day on a single cost. That’s nice, however the 2023 mannequin takes the lead by seemingly doubling the wired charging pace to 20W.One space the place final yr’s mannequin has the benefit is water resistance. This yr’s mannequin solely has a water-repellent coating, whereas its predecessor comes with an IP52 score, which is not a lot, however it’s one thing. However, each telephones are solely protected towards mild splashes and rain, so neither wins in sturdiness.Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) vs Moto G Stylus 5G (2022): Cameras(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)When it involves cameras, evaluating these two telephones is just a little complicated. Both have a good digital camera setup, that includes a 50MP main sensor and an 8MP ultrawide. However, Motorola omits the additional depth sensor sound on the 2022 mannequin by combining it with the ultrawide digital camera on the 2023 mannequin. The impact is a fairly environment friendly one, as Motorola solely wants two digital camera sensors on the again of the cellphone.Another distinction is that the newer mannequin oddly omits optical picture stabilization on the first digital camera sensor. This is to assist make up for a few of the delicate actions when holding the cellphone, which might generally make or break a photograph.Swipe to scroll horizontallyHeader Cell – Column 0 Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)Moto G Stylus 5G (2022)Rear Camera 150MP wide-angle, f/1.88, 2.0μm, Quad-Pixel50MP wide-angle, f/1.9, 0.64μm, OIS, Quad PixelRear Camera 28MP ultrawide/macro/depth, f/2.2, 1.12μm8MP ultrawide/macro, f/2.2, 1.12µmRear Camera 3❌2MP depth, f/2.4, 1.75μmSelfie Camera16MP, f/2.45, 1.0μm, Quad Pixel16MP, f/2.2, 1.0μm, Quad PixelSo how do the pictures from these telephones examine? Well, like I stated, I’m a bit torn between the 2. Both take respectable photographs, particularly in good lighting situations. The 2023 mannequin has a barely wider subject of view, which is sweet and means that you can seize just a little bit extra of the scene.Images on the newer mannequin are typically a bit cooler, whereas the 2022 Stylus 5G leans towards hotter images. The predecessor additionally usually produces brighter but barely washed-out images, whereas the Stylus 5G (2023) outputs photographs with just a little extra distinction.Neither is especially good with zooming, even at 2x.Night photographs are the place the newer mannequin appears to take the lead. Images taken on the 2022 mannequin are a bit darker with out Night Vision turned on, and whereas it could actually actually punch up the brightness when Night Vision is enabled, photographs can come out grainy. Meanwhile, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) takes surprisingly balanced pictures with out Night Vision on, to the purpose the place Night Vision is not even crucial (however it’s going to activate routinely except you set it to not).Night Vision off:Night Vision on:When it involves the ultrawide digital camera, the 8MP sensor is not spectacular on both gadget. You can see within the picture of the boat that the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) punches up the distinction an excessive amount of, whereas the picture on the 2022 mannequin is fairly washed out.Things aren’t a lot better at night time, as each telephones produce very noisy photographs. The 2023 mannequin manages to supply barely extra element however continues to be very darkish with Night Vision enabled. Meanwhile, the 2022 mannequin is brighter however very grainy.Macro pictures taken with the ultrawide cameras are surprisingly respectable, they usually’re higher than what you will discover on most telephones with devoted macro cameras, as long as you could find a comparatively nonetheless topic.Portrait photographs on each are simply okay, and the telephones handle to separate the topic from the background decently. However, selfies on each aren’t nice, and the software program on the newer mannequin is a bit overaggressive with smoothing, even while you flip any beautification options off.Given the variations between the 2 cameras, I discover I favor photographs from the 2023 mannequin as a rule, proving that much less could be extra. But the added brightness added to the 2022 mannequin’s photographs can usually be extra pleasing to the attention, which is why it is usually powerful to determine which digital camera output I like higher.Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) vs Moto G Stylus 5G (2022): Which must you purchase?(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)The 5G fashions of Motorola’s Moto G Stylus lineup characterize the corporate’s finest midrange smartphones you should purchase within the United States. You cannot actually go flawed for those who decide both cellphone, however the newer mannequin unsurprisingly has the higher hand right here. The newer chipset is a little more succesful than the 2022 mannequin, you get sooner charging, and the cellphone launches with the newest Android 13 software program, which means it will be up to date to Android 14, not like its predecessor.Of course, if having the newest and biggest software program is not that vital to you, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) continues to be a superb cellphone and can obtain one other two years of software program help. Battery life continues to be nice, and it takes respectable images for the worth.Still, if it got here right down to it, I’d suggest the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) for its higher design, up to date chipset, and higher launch value.
New Stylus on the block
Equipped with the brand new Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is a powerful midrange cellphone, placing some others in its class to disgrace. That’s aided by the spectacular battery life, respectable cameras, and, after all, the built-in stylus pen.
Last yr’s taste
The 2022 Moto G Stylus 5G is a strong decide for those who’re not enthusiastic about getting the most recent smartphone. The chip supplies nice efficiency, and the cellphone can get you thru greater than a day of use due to the massive battery.