Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)
The Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is an impressive all-around midrange phone at its price point. With 5G connectivity, an included stylus, and reliable internals, this phone offers some great upgrades over its predecessor.
Pros
- Decent performance
- Excellent battery life
- Improved charging speed
Cons
- Lackluster camera software
- No IP rating
Moto G Stylus 5G (2022)
While it may be a bit older now, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) isn’t really all that different from the new version. In fact, it still has an official IP rating, unlike the new one. And on the back, it has a three-camera array instead of only two.
Pros
- Larger display
- Official IP rating
Cons
- Less powerful chip
- No more major OS updates
Lately, Motorola has been really good at making cool stuff. You might have heard of their fancy phone, the Moto Razr+. But here’s the thing: Motorola isn’t just about fancy phones. They’re also known for making budget and mid-range Android phones, which are basically phones that don’t cost too much money. One of these phones is the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023), and it’s pretty special because it comes with a stylus, like a pen you can use on the screen. Usually, only expensive phones have this cool feature. Plus, they make it better every year.
Now, let’s talk about comparing the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) to its older sibling, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022).
Pricing, Availability, and Specifications
The Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) starts at $400, but you can often find it for $300 at places like Amazon, Best Buy, or Motorola’s website. It even has a version with more power, which has 6GB of RAM and a whopping 256GB of storage. You can get it in two colors, Cosmic Black and Rose Champagne.
As for the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022), it used to cost $500 when it first came out, but now you can snag it for way less, usually around $200 to $230. During big sales, it can go even lower. This older version also comes with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage and is available in Blue Steel and Seafoam Green colors.
If you look at the specs (which means all the technical stuff) below, you’ll see that these two phones are pretty similar. But when we take a closer look, we’ll find some important differences that make one of them a better choice for you.
| Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) | Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) | |
|---|---|---|
| SoC | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 695 |
| Display | 6.6″ FHD+ LTPS 120Hz refresh rate | 6.8″ 1080 x 2460, 120Hz, LTPS |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 4GB/6GB |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256 GB |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 5000mAh |
| Ports | USB-C, 3.5mm | USB-C, 3.5mm headset jack |
| Operating System | Android 13 | Android 12 |
| Front camera | 16MP f/2.45, 1.0µm | 16MP (f/2.2) |
| Rear cameras | 50MP f/1.88, 2.0µm, 8MP f/2.2 1.12µm | 50MP (f/1.9), 8MP Ultra-wide angle (118-degree FOV), Macro Vision 2MP Depth Sensor (f/2.4) |
| Connectivity | 5G sub6, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.1 | Sub-6GHz 5G |
| Dimensions | 162.83 x 73.77 x 9.19mm | 168.9 x 75.8 x 9.3mm |
| Colors | Cosmic Black, Rose Champagne | Steel Blue, Seafoam Green |
| Weight | 202g | 215g |
| Charging | 20W wired | 10W wired with Moto TurboPower 10W USB-C charger |
| IP Rating | None | IP52 |
| Price | $399 | $500 |
| Micro SD card support | Yes | Up to 512 GB |
Design Details
Let’s delve into the intricate world of smartphone design. When comparing the 2023 model to its 2022 counterpart, you’ll notice some noteworthy distinctions. The most apparent change is in screen size. The 2023 version is slightly smaller, sporting a 6.6-inch LCD screen compared to the 6.8-inch one on the 2022 model. Both screens boast a speedy 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth visuals for scrolling and gaming.
On the rear side of the phone, you’ll spot a different camera bump. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) features two cameras instead of last year’s three. We’ll discuss the camera differences shortly.
Software and Performance
In terms of software, both phones share similarities. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) comes with Android 13, the same software update that the 2022 model received earlier. While Motorola tends to keep its Android experience close to stock, both phones come with some pre-installed apps and prompts to download others during setup. The camera software experience on both devices is a bit sluggish, even with the upgraded chip in the 2023 model.
Performance-wise, these budget phones hold their own. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) boasts a Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chip that handles menus and most apps smoothly. It’s a slight improvement over the Snapdragon 695 in the 2022 model, but you won’t notice much difference in everyday tasks unless you’re pushing the phone to its limits.
Both phones include a stylus and offer stylus-centric features that make it fun to use. When you take out the stylus, a sidebar with quick access to stylus-powered apps like Moto Note, Google Keep Notes, and Handwriting pops up. You can even customize this list and use the stylus with any app on your phone, not just stylus-specific ones. This versatility makes both versions great for drawing and precise screen interactions.
Camera Capabilities
The camera setup on the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) has been slightly adjusted. The 2MP depth sensor has been removed, leaving only the wide and ultrawide lenses. However, the remaining cameras are just as powerful as last year’s models, with a 50-megapixel f/1.9 wide-angle and an 8MP f/2.2 ultrawide that doubles as a macro lens. The front-facing camera remains the same at 16MP.
In terms of results, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) performs competently but doesn’t stand out as exceptional. This aligns with expectations for a sub-$500 phone. It’s worth noting that the removal of one lens doesn’t mean the newer model is worse off, as the Macro lens on the 2022 model had limited utility.
Battery Life
Despite a slight reduction in size, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) retains the hefty 5,000mAh battery of its predecessor. This ensures exceptional battery life, with both phones easily lasting multiple days with typical use. Even with heavy usage, a full day’s use shouldn’t be a problem for either phone.
On the downside, the 2022 model had painfully slow 10W charging. Although the 2023 model bumps this up to a max of 20W, it’s essential to note that Motorola doesn’t include a 20W charger in the box. So, using the provided 10W charger will take about 2–3 hours to fully charge the 5,000mAh battery.
Choosing Your Phone
If you’re in the market for a budget phone that promises a great experience for the next 2–3 years, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is a solid choice. Its attractive price, coupled with improved performance from a more potent chip, makes it a compelling option. Don’t forget the stylus, which remains a fantastic feature, especially for precision tasks. Just be aware that Motorola commits to only one major OS update, followed by three years of security updates.
If you’re upgrading from the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022), it’s wise to consider waiting until next year, as this year’s model doesn’t offer significant differences.
For those who prioritize an official IP rating or prefer a larger screen, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) might be a better fit. Keep in mind, though, that there won’t be any major OS updates for this phone moving forward.