Galaxy S22+ 5G • Locked T-Mobile vs Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) • Unlocked

Galaxy S22+ 5G • Locked T-Mobile
Galaxy S22+ 5G • Locked T-Mobile
Starting at

Refurbished price:$212.82

Versus $959.99 new

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Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) • Unlocked
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$106.00

Versus $237.99 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, released in February 2022, and the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2023, launched in May 2023, are both Android smartphones designed for different user priorities. While the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G offers a premium experience with advanced display and camera technology, the Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 distinguishes itself with an integrated stylus and a focus on extended battery life. Both devices operate on the Android ecosystem, providing a familiar software environment, though their approaches to hardware and features diverge significantly.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

  • Release Timeline: The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G was released in February 2022, making it an earlier model compared to the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2023, which launched in May 2023. This difference in release date impacts their respective software support cycles.
  • OS Support Duration: Samsung typically provides four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates for its flagship devices like the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G. This means it is expected to receive updates up to Android 16, with security patches extending into 2027. In contrast, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 generally receives one major OS update and three years of security updates, offering a shorter software longevity.
  • Build and Durability: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features a more robust construction with Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, an aluminum frame, and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating it can withstand submersion in water. The Moto G Stylus 5G 2023, while featuring a water-repellent design, does not carry an official IP rating and uses a plastic frame and back, suggesting it is designed for everyday splashes rather than full submersion.

Release Year

2022

2023

Last OS Compatibility

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance capabilities of these two smartphones cater to different user demands, primarily influenced by their internal components and battery configurations.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G is equipped with a high-performance processor, enabling it to handle demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and graphic-heavy games with smooth responsiveness. Users can expect quick app loading times and seamless transitions between applications. The Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 features a mid-range processor, which provides solid performance for daily tasks, web browsing, social media, and moderate gaming. While capable, it may not offer the same level of sustained high performance as the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G during very intensive use.
  • Multitasking and Storage: Both devices offer various storage options, with the Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 also supporting expandable storage via a microSD card, a feature not present in the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G typically comes with 8GB of RAM, facilitating efficient multitasking. The Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 is available with 4GB or 6GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most users but may show limitations when running a large number of applications simultaneously.
  • Battery Behavior: The Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 houses a larger 5000 mAh battery, which often translates to extended usage times, with some users reporting up to two days of battery life under moderate use. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G has a 4500 mAh battery, providing reliable all-day power for most users, though heavy usage may require more frequent charging.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience offered by these devices differs significantly due to their display technologies and brightness levels.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. This technology provides a rich viewing experience for multimedia content. The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 comes with a 6.6-inch IPS LCD, which offers good color reproduction and viewing angles, but does not achieve the same depth of black or contrast ratio as an AMOLED panel. Both displays offer a Full HD+ resolution, ensuring sharp text and clear images.
  • Refresh Rate and Brightness: Both smartphones feature a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, contributing to smooth scrolling and fluid animations. However, the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G boasts a higher peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, which significantly enhances outdoor visibility, especially in direct sunlight. The Moto G Stylus 5G 2023's LCD panel, while bright enough for most indoor conditions, may not perform as well under intense outdoor lighting.
  • Viewing Experience: The larger screen size on both devices provides an expansive canvas for content consumption, gaming, and productivity. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G's superior display technology makes it particularly well-suited for users who prioritize visual fidelity and vibrant imagery.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2400

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

IPS LCD

Audiovisual

The camera systems on these two phones are designed with different capabilities and user experiences in mind.

  • Rear Camera System: The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50-megapixel main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This configuration allows for detailed photos across various focal lengths and improved performance in diverse lighting conditions. The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 includes a 50-megapixel main sensor with OIS and an 8-megapixel ultrawide camera that also functions for macro and depth sensing. It lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, relying on digital zoom for distant subjects.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G generally delivers strong photography performance, with features like Night Mode and advanced processing contributing to clear images even in low-light environments. Its telephoto lens provides genuine optical zoom for sharper distant shots. User reviews for the Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 indicate respectable camera performance for its category, with the main sensor capable of good pictures in adequate lighting, though some users note that the overall camera experience is not as refined as higher-end devices.
  • Video Recording and Audio: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G supports video recording up to 8K resolution at 24 frames per second, offering high-detail video capture. The Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 supports video recording up to 4K. For audio, the Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 features stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support and a 3.5mm headphone jack, providing a more versatile audio experience for media consumption. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G also has stereo speakers but omits the traditional headphone jack.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

16 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and differentiate these two devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both phones offer 5G connectivity, ensuring access to modern cellular networks. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, providing advanced wireless capabilities. The Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 supports Wi-Fi 5 (ac) and Bluetooth 5.1. A notable difference is the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack on the Moto G Stylus 5G 2023, which is absent on the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G. Both devices utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
  • Stylus Integration: A defining feature of the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 is its integrated passive stylus, which allows for note-taking, drawing, and precise navigation directly on the screen. This functionality is not available on the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G.
  • Biometric Security and Build: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking, alongside face recognition. The Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 uses a side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button, which users often find responsive. In terms of physical design, the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G has a more premium feel with its glass and aluminum construction, while the Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 utilizes plastic for its body.
  • Dimensions and Handling: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G measures 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm and weighs 195g. The Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 is slightly larger and heavier at 162.89 x 73.85 x 9.19 mm and 202g. The choice between them may depend on preference for screen size versus one-handed usability.

Weight

7 oz

202 oz

Screen size (inches)

6.6

6.8

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

T-Mobile

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

User feedback for the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G often highlights its premium display, powerful performance, and versatile camera system as strong points. Many appreciate its sleek design and the overall polished user experience. Common criticisms, however, sometimes point to its battery life, which, while generally sufficient, may not meet the demands of very heavy users without a mid-day charge. The software update policy is consistently praised for its longevity.

For the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2023, users frequently commend its exceptional battery life, often lasting well over a day, and the practical utility of its integrated stylus for productivity and creative tasks. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack and expandable storage are also well-received features. Some users note that while the camera is respectable, it may not compete with higher-end devices, and the software update commitment is shorter compared to some competitors.

Users prioritizing a premium build, a vibrant AMOLED display, a more advanced camera system with optical zoom, and a longer software support window will likely find the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G to be a suitable choice. Its robust processing power is ideal for demanding applications and mobile gaming. Conversely, individuals who value an integrated stylus for note-taking and drawing, extended battery life, expandable storage, and a traditional headphone jack may lean towards the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2023. This device is well-suited for users seeking practical features and long endurance.

Both devices offer compelling features for different user profiles, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can provide an eco-friendly alternative for making an informed and sustainable choice.

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