Motorola Moto G (2024) • Unlocked vs Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) • Unlocked

Motorola Moto G (2024) • Unlocked
Motorola Moto G (2024) • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$116.00

Versus $186.99 new

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

Refurbished price:$309.00

Versus $499.99 new

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Ratings

The Motorola Moto G 2024 and the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 are both smartphones designed to offer a balanced user experience. The Moto G 2024, released in March 2024, is a more recent offering, while the Moto G Stylus 5G 2022, launched in April 2022, distinguishes itself with an integrated stylus. Both devices operate on the Android platform, with the newer Moto G 2024 shipping with Android 14 and the Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 initially running Android 12. The primary differences lie in their display resolution, camera configurations, and the unique inclusion of a stylus in the older model.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Release Timeline: The Moto G 2024 was released in March 2024, making it a newer device compared to the Moto G Stylus 5G 2022, which launched in April 2022. This difference in release date means the Moto G 2024 will likely receive software updates for a longer period.
  • Software Longevity: Motorola typically provides one major Android OS update and a few years of security updates for its Moto G series. The Moto G 2024 ships with Android 14, while the Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 started with Android 12. Users prioritizing the latest software features and extended security patches may find the Moto G 2024 to have a slightly longer practical lifespan in terms of software support.
  • Build and Durability: Both phones feature a water-repellent design, offering some protection against splashes and light rain. The Moto G 2024 incorporates a silicone polymer back, often referred to as eco-leather, and a plastic frame, while the Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 uses a plastic body. Repairability scores are generally similar for devices in this category, with common components being replaceable by skilled technicians.

Release Year

2024

2022

Last OS Compatibility

Yes

No

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The overall responsiveness and capability for daily tasks differ between these two Motorola smartphones, primarily due to their internal components and available memory configurations.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Moto G 2024 is equipped with a current-generation processor, which provides a solid foundation for everyday applications and general smartphone use. The Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 features a capable processor that handles typical tasks smoothly, including multitasking and app navigation. While both are designed for efficient operation, the newer processor in the Moto G 2024 may offer marginal improvements in processing efficiency for demanding applications.
  • RAM and Storage: The Moto G 2024 comes with 4GB of RAM, with an option for virtual RAM expansion, and 128GB of internal storage. The Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 offers more flexibility with RAM options, available in 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB configurations, and storage options of 128GB or 256GB. Both models support expandable storage via a microSD card, allowing users to increase their storage capacity significantly. Users who frequently run multiple applications simultaneously or engage in more intensive mobile gaming might benefit from the higher RAM options available in the Moto G Stylus 5G 2022.
  • Battery Behavior: Both devices are equipped with a 5000 mAh battery, providing substantial power for extended use. The Moto G 2024 typically offers over 12 hours of video playback and can last a day and a half for many users. The Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 also demonstrates strong battery endurance, often lasting a day and a half to two days on a single charge. Charging speeds differ, with the Moto G 2024 supporting 18W wired charging and the Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 supporting Quick Charge 3.0, which can reach up to 18W, though it often ships with a 10W charger.

Memory

4 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on these two smartphones presents notable differences in clarity and display technology.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: Both the Moto G 2024 and the Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 feature IPS LCD panels. However, the Moto G 2024 has a 6.6-inch display with a 720 x 1612 pixel resolution, resulting in a pixel density of 267 PPI. In contrast, the Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 offers a larger 6.8-inch display with a higher 2460 x 1080 pixel (FHD+) resolution and a pixel density of 395 PPI. This means the Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 provides a sharper and more detailed image, which can enhance the viewing of text, images, and videos.
  • Refresh Rate and Brightness: Both devices support a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and a more fluid visual experience during navigation and gaming. For brightness, the Moto G 2024 reaches approximately 430 nits, which can be challenging for outdoor visibility under direct sunlight. The Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 can achieve over 550 nits of maximum brightness, offering better legibility in bright conditions, though some users report it's still not bright enough for easy outdoor use.
  • Viewing Experience: The larger, higher-resolution screen of the Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 provides a more expansive and detailed canvas for media consumption and productivity tasks, especially when utilizing its stylus. The Moto G 2024's display, while smooth due to its refresh rate, offers a less crisp visual due to its lower resolution.

Resolution

720x1612

1080 x 2460

Screen type

IPS LCD

IPS LCD

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Moto G 2024 and the Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 offer different capabilities for capturing photos and videos.

  • Rear Camera Configuration: The Moto G 2024 features a dual-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor and a 2MP macro lens. The Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 comes with a triple-camera system, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8MP ultra-wide lens that also functions for macro shots, and a 2MP depth sensor. The inclusion of an ultra-wide lens and OIS on the main sensor gives the Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 more versatility and potentially better stability for photos and videos.
  • Photography Performance: In well-lit conditions, both phones can capture decent images. However, the Moto G 2024's camera struggles in low-light environments, producing images that can lack clarity and detail and appear somewhat washed out. The Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 also performs better in daylight, but its low-light performance shows weaknesses, with colors appearing washed out and increased noise. The OIS on the Moto G Stylus 5G 2022's main camera can help reduce blur in photos and videos, a feature absent in the Moto G 2024.
  • Front Camera and Video: For selfies, the Moto G 2024 has an 8MP front camera, which some users find to produce grainy results. The Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 features a higher-resolution 16MP front camera. Both devices can record video at 1080p, with the Moto G 2024 limited to 30 frames per second (fps) and the Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 capable of 60fps.
  • Audio Experience: The Moto G 2024 includes dual speakers with Dolby Atmos support, offering a loud audio experience, though bass may be limited. The Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 has a single bottom-firing speaker that is adequately loud and clear, but also lacks deep bass. Both phones retain a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio connections.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

8 megapixels

16 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core features, several practical elements differentiate these two Motorola smartphones, impacting daily usability and connectivity.

  • Connectivity Options: Both the Moto G 2024 and the Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 support 5G cellular networks, ensuring access to faster mobile data speeds where available. They also both include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (dual-band) and Bluetooth 5.1 for wireless connections. NFC is present on both models, enabling contactless payments and quick pairing with compatible accessories.
  • Port Types and Sensors: Both devices feature a USB Type-C 2.0 port for charging and data transfer, and notably, both retain a 3.5mm headphone jack. For biometric security, both phones incorporate a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. Other sensors like accelerometer, gyroscope, and proximity are also common to both.
  • Physical Characteristics: The Moto G 2024 measures 164.4 x 75 x 8.2 mm and weighs 194 grams. The Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 is slightly larger and heavier at 168.9 x 75.8 x 9.3 mm and 215 grams. The Moto G Stylus 5G 2022's increased size and weight are partly due to its larger screen and the integrated stylus.
  • Unique Feature: The most significant distinguishing feature of the Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 is its built-in stylus. This stylus allows for note-taking, drawing, and precise navigation, offering a different interaction method compared to the standard touch input of the Moto G 2024.

Weight

7 oz

7 oz

Screen size (inches)

6.6

6.8

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Moto G 2024 often highlights its strong battery life and smooth 120Hz display as positive aspects, especially for its category. However, common criticisms point to its lower display resolution, less impressive camera performance, and sometimes sluggish overall performance, particularly when multitasking. The software update policy, typically one major OS update, is also a frequent point of discussion.

For the Moto G Stylus 5G 2022, users frequently praise its excellent battery life, the large, high-refresh-rate display, and the unique functionality provided by the integrated stylus. Performance is generally considered good for everyday tasks, with the higher RAM options contributing to smoother operation. Criticisms often revolve around its camera performance, which is seen as adequate but not outstanding, especially in challenging lighting conditions, and Motorola's commitment to only one major OS update. The single bottom-firing speaker is also noted as a limitation for media consumption.

Users prioritizing a newer device with the latest Android version and a slightly more compact form factor may find the Moto G 2024 well-suited to their needs. Its 120Hz refresh rate offers a fluid visual experience for general use. Conversely, users who value a larger, sharper display for media, require the precision and functionality of a built-in stylus, and appreciate more robust multitasking capabilities with higher RAM options, may lean toward the Moto G Stylus 5G 2022. Both devices offer a reliable foundation for daily smartphone use, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative for those seeking a sustainable choice.

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