Motorola Moto G (2022) • Unlocked vs Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) • Unlocked

The Motorola Moto G 2022 and the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 are both smartphones from Motorola's popular G-series, offering a balance of features for everyday use. Released in April 2022, the Moto G 2022 focuses on core smartphone functionalities, while the Moto G Stylus 5G 2023, launched in May 2023, introduces 5G connectivity and a built-in stylus as its primary differentiators. Both devices run on the Android operating system, providing a familiar user experience with Motorola's light software customizations.

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical durability.

• Release Timeline: The Moto G 2022 was released in April 2022, making it approximately one year older than the Moto G Stylus 5G 2023, which launched in May 2023. This difference in release date directly impacts their software support windows. [3, 4, 11, 14, 18]
• Software Longevity: Both models typically receive one major Android operating system update and three years of bi-monthly security patches. The Moto G 2022 launched with Android 12 and received an update to Android 13. [13, 14] The Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 launched with Android 13 and has since been updated to Android 14. [17, 26, 38] This means the Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 will receive security updates for a longer period, extending its practical lifespan for users who prioritize the latest security features. [17, 26]
• Physical Durability: Both phones feature a water-repellent design, offering some protection against splashes and light rain. [6, 8] The build materials for both are primarily plastic, which can be resilient to minor impacts. [8, 35]

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from navigating apps to handling more demanding activities. These two devices offer different levels of responsiveness and capability.

• Processing Power: The Moto G 2022 is equipped with a processor that handles typical daily applications and light multitasking smoothly. [31] The Moto G Stylus 5G 2023, featuring a newer generation processor, offers a more responsive experience, allowing for smoother transitions between applications and more efficient handling of demanding tasks and mobile gaming. [2, 10]
• Storage and Multitasking: Both phones offer various storage configurations, with options for 64GB or 256GB on the Moto G 2022 and 128GB or 256GB on the Moto G Stylus 5G 2023. [3, 4, 6, 13, 18] Both also support expandable storage via a microSD card, providing flexibility for users with large media libraries or numerous applications. [5, 8, 10, 13, 16, 18, 20, 34] RAM options also vary, with the Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 generally offering higher RAM configurations, which contributes to better multitasking performance. [4, 8, 16, 18, 20, 34]
• Battery Behavior: Both devices are powered by a 5000 mAh battery, designed to provide extended usage. [1, 7, 9, 13, 19, 21] Users of both models generally report good battery life, often lasting through a full day of heavy use or longer with moderate usage. [2, 10, 22, 28, 31, 33, 39, 45] The Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 supports faster charging at 20W compared to the Moto G 2022's 10W charging, meaning quicker recharge times for the newer model. [2, 13, 18, 22, 31, 34]

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and these two models present different viewing experiences.

• Display Technology and Resolution: Both phones feature IPS LCD panels. The Moto G 2022 has a 6.5-inch HD+ display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. [3, 5, 6, 7, 11, 19, 32] In contrast, the Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 offers a larger 6.6-inch Full HD+ display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, providing a sharper and more detailed visual experience. [1, 2, 8, 10, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 34]
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Moto G 2022 features a 90Hz refresh rate, which offers smoother scrolling and animations compared to standard 60Hz displays. [6, 11, 19, 32] The Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 elevates this with a 120Hz refresh rate, resulting in even more fluid on-screen motion, particularly noticeable during fast-paced content or when navigating the user interface. [1, 2, 10, 15, 16, 18, 22, 34]
• Brightness and Viewing Experience: While both displays are suitable for indoor use, the Moto G Stylus 5G 2023's display generally offers better brightness levels, which can improve visibility in outdoor conditions. [2, 22] The larger, higher-resolution screen of the Stylus model also contributes to a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption. [10, 15]

For many users, the camera system is a key consideration, and these devices offer different capabilities for capturing photos and videos.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Moto G 2022 features a triple-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, accompanied by 2MP macro and 2MP depth sensors. [6, 7, 13, 19] The Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 also has a 50MP main camera, but it is paired with an 8MP ultrawide sensor that also functions for macro and depth sensing, offering more versatility. [2, 8, 16, 18, 20, 34]
• Photography Performance: In well-lit conditions, both phones can capture clear images with good detail. [10, 24, 33, 35, 39] However, user reviews indicate that the Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 generally performs better in various scenarios, especially with its ultrawide lens. [2, 10, 22] Both struggle in dim light, with the Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 showing some improvement over its predecessor but still not excelling in challenging lighting. [2, 10]
• Video Recording and Front Camera: The Moto G 2022 records video at 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second, and has a 13MP front-facing camera. [7, 13, 19, 24] The Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 offers higher video recording capabilities, supporting 4K resolution at 30 frames per second with its main camera, and features a 16MP front camera for selfies and video calls. [8, 18, 20] Both phones include a 3.5mm headphone jack and stereo speakers, enhancing the audio experience for media consumption and calls. [5, 12, 13, 16, 22, 29, 33, 39, 44]