Galaxy S23+ • Unlocked vs Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) • Unlocked

Galaxy S23+ • Unlocked
Galaxy S23+ • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$259.99

Versus $999.99 new

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Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) • Unlocked
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$102.00

Versus $499.99 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, released in February 2023, and the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022), launched in April 2022, are both smartphones designed for different user priorities. While the Galaxy S23 Plus offers a premium experience with advanced camera capabilities and a vibrant display, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) focuses on productivity with its integrated stylus and a larger screen. Both devices operate on the Android platform, but they cater to distinct segments of the smartphone market.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability.

  • Release Timeline: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus was released in February 2023, making it a newer device compared to the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022), which launched in April 2022. This difference in release date impacts the expected duration of software support.
  • Software Longevity: Samsung typically provides extensive software support for its flagship devices, with the Galaxy S23 Plus expected to receive around four to five years of major Android operating system updates and five years of security updates. The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) generally receives fewer major OS updates, often one to two, and a shorter period of security patches, typically two to three years. This means the Galaxy S23 Plus will likely remain current with the latest Android features and security protections for a longer period.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a robust build with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, along with an Armor Aluminum frame, contributing to its resistance against drops and scratches. It also boasts an IP68 rating for significant dust and water resistance. In contrast, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) utilizes a plastic body and Gorilla Glass 3 for its display, offering a water-repellent design but without an official IP rating for submersion.

Release Year

2023

2022

Last OS Compatibility

Yes

No

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key differentiator, affecting how smoothly applications run and how efficiently the device handles demanding tasks.

  • Processing Power: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is equipped with a high-performance processor designed for demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and graphic-rich gaming, ensuring a responsive and fluid user experience. The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) features a processor that capably handles everyday tasks, web browsing, and lighter gaming, providing a smooth experience for general use.
  • Memory and Storage: The Galaxy S23 Plus comes with 8GB of RAM and offers storage options of 256GB or 512GB, utilizing faster UFS 4.0 storage technology for quicker app loading and data transfer. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, with the added flexibility of expandable storage via a microSD card slot, which the S23 Plus lacks.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 Plus houses a 4700 mAh battery, supporting fast wired charging at 45W, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) features a larger 5000 mAh battery, often praised for its extended usage time, and supports 10W wired charging, though it does not offer wireless charging capabilities.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is the primary interface for user interaction, and its quality significantly impacts the viewing experience.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast, providing a rich visual experience. The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) has a larger 6.8-inch IPS LCD, which offers good color reproduction and viewing angles, suitable for general media consumption and productivity tasks.
  • Resolution and Brightness: Both devices offer Full HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 for S23 Plus, 2460 x 1080 for Moto G Stylus 5G 2022), ensuring sharp images and text. The Galaxy S23 Plus stands out with a peak brightness of 1750 nits, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) provides adequate brightness for most indoor and outdoor environments, though it does not reach the same peak levels as the S23 Plus.
  • Refresh Rate: Both smartphones feature a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling, more fluid animations, and a more responsive feel during gaming. The Galaxy S23 Plus offers an adaptive refresh rate (48-120Hz), which can adjust dynamically to conserve battery life.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2460

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

IPS LCD

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, influencing the quality of photos and videos captured.

  • Rear Camera System: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is equipped with a versatile triple camera system, including a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, allowing for detailed shots across various scenarios, including enhanced low-light performance (Nightography). The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) also features a triple camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide lens that doubles as a macro camera, and a 2MP depth sensor, providing good results for everyday photography.
  • Front Camera and Video Recording: The Galaxy S23 Plus includes a 12MP front camera with advanced features for selfies and supports video recording up to 8K resolution. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) has a 16MP front camera suitable for video calls and selfies, and it records video at lower resolutions compared to the S23 Plus.
  • Audio Quality: Both devices offer stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience during media consumption. The Galaxy S23 Plus provides advanced audio recording features, including zoom-in mic capabilities for video. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, offering a traditional option for audio output that is absent on the S23 Plus.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

16 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical features contribute to the overall user experience and device utility.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both smartphones support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Galaxy S23 Plus features Wi-Fi 6E for enhanced wireless speeds and a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) supports Wi-Fi 5 (ac) and also uses a USB-C port, but notably includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is a convenience for users with wired audio accessories.
  • Biometric Security and Stylus: The Galaxy S23 Plus incorporates an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor for secure and convenient unlocking. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. A key distinguishing feature of the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) is its integrated stylus, which allows for note-taking, drawing, and precise navigation directly on the screen, enhancing productivity.
  • Physical Characteristics: The Galaxy S23 Plus is slightly more compact and lighter, measuring 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm and weighing around 195-196g. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) is larger and heavier due to its bigger screen and integrated stylus, with dimensions of 168.9 x 75.8 x 9.3 mm and a weight of 215g.

Weight

7 oz

7 oz

Width

3,43 in

2.98 in

Height

6.6 in

6.65 in

Depth

0.3 in

0.37 in

Screen size (inches)

6.6

6.8

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus and the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) cater to different user needs, each excelling in distinct areas. Users often praise the Galaxy S23 Plus for its premium build quality, exceptional display vibrancy, and advanced camera system, particularly its low-light performance and versatile zoom capabilities. Its powerful processing ensures smooth operation for demanding applications and multitasking. Some users, however, might note the absence of a headphone jack and expandable storage.

Conversely, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) receives positive feedback for its integrated stylus, which is a significant advantage for note-takers and creative users. Its large display and long-lasting battery are also frequently highlighted as strong points. Criticisms sometimes point to its less powerful processor compared to high-end devices and a shorter software update commitment. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack and expandable storage are appreciated by many.

Users prioritizing a top-tier camera experience, robust performance for intensive tasks, and a vibrant, high-brightness display with extended software support will find the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus well-suited to their needs. Those who value a built-in stylus for productivity, a larger screen for media consumption, and the flexibility of expandable storage, along with a strong battery life, may lean toward the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022). Both devices offer compelling features, and choosing between them depends on individual priorities and usage patterns. Opting for a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative.

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