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When the latest smartphones start to reach 1,200 dollars, it’s easy to start considering other options. Thankfully, Motorola has continued to develop mid-range devices for the budget-conscious.
With only marginal changes between their last two models, it’s worth looking at what you can expect. When trying to decide between the Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 and the Moto G Stylus 2021, most of it comes down to price and relevance.
With hardly any updates in design and just a slight upgrade in processing, you’ll really have to think about memory, storage, and operating systems. Continue reading for all the details.
Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 vs Moto G Stylus 2021: Side-by-Side Comparison
Both of Motorola’s latest smartphones come with nearly identical specs. Check out the chart below to discover the minor differences.
| Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 | Moto G Stylus 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 168.9 x 75.8 x 9.3mm | 169.5 x 77.5 x 9.4mm |
| Weight | 215.0g | 217.5g |
| Screen | 6.8” Max Vision Full HD+ | 6.8” Max Vision Full HD+ |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB (MicroSD expandable to 1TB) | 128GB, 256GB (MicroSD expandable to 1TB) |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB, 8GB | 4GB, 6GB |
| Cameras | 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP depth sensor, 16MP front camera | 48MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, 2MP depth sensor, 16MP front camera |
| Battery Size | 5,000mAh | 5,000mAh |
| Price | $499.99 ($299.99 with a deal) | $399.99 ($199.99 with a deal) |
Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 vs Moto G Stylus 2021: What’s the Difference?
Design
What we notice immediately when comparing the Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 vs Moto G Stylus 2021 is that the newest edition takes practically everything from its predecessor. Both phones feature the same slick curves and quintessential stylus.
And while last year’s version comes with one less camera, the housing box only does what it needs to do to contain them. In fact, all the design changes seem about as marginal as that; the Stylus 5G 2022 has a screen-to-body ratio that’s barely noticeable.
While slightly smaller in every direction than the 21’ version, previous Motorola users aren’t jumping the gun for its updated size. When it comes to style, you can almost choose based on the color options; the Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 comes in Steel Blue and Seafoam Geen, while the 2021 model comes in Cosmic Emerald.
Display
- Optical sensor resolution: 50 megapixels
- Maximum display resolution:1080 x 2460 pixels
- Display Type: LTPS
- Built-in creative stylus
- 50MP camera system with OIS
- 6.8" Max Vision 120Hz display
- Super fast 5G performance
There’s not much difference in the display, either. Both phones feature the same 6.8” Max Vision Full HD+ screen. The Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 does come with better resolution, but just slightly. And, as you might expect, both devices have stylus interactivity.
While not as developed as Samsung’s new Galaxy S22 Ultra, users can write and draw with more accuracy than with a finger. This makes these Motorola options great for students, artists, and notetakers.
The most noticeable difference between the two phones is the refresh rate. While the Moto G Stylus 5G 2021 refreshes at 90Hz, the 2022 version trumps it at 120Hz.
This makes Motorola’s newest model great for watching videos or playing video games. Combined with 5G connectivity and an updated ARM processor, you’ll hardly have issues with anything but the most demanding applications.
Performance
Speaking of processing units, the Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 comes with an updated Snapdragon 695 ARM SoC, Qualcomm’s latest mid-range smartphone chip. This makes the updated phone slightly more powerful and energy-efficient than its predecessor.
It’s also paired with up to 8GM of RAM, making it much more capable. Both phones come with 128 or 256GB of built-in storage, with the 2022 model offering a microSD card slot with up to 1TB of extendable storage.
Perhaps the more critical performance update, however, is the addition of near-field communication (NFC). This is the technology that allows you to use your phone as a ticket or credit card. The Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 includes NFC for the first time, making it ideal for those that would like to load money on their phones.
Finally, it’s important to note that while both phones feature comparable performance, the 2021 version is on its last leg. With an OS limit of Android 11 and no coming updates, users will find this phone quickly becoming obsolete.
If you’re someone that likes to hold on to their devices for several years, you might consider the Moto G Stylus 5G 2022, which comes with Android 12 and is slated for another OS update in the future.
Camera
While both of these phones have cameras, they almost feel like a formality rather than a feature. The Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 sacrifices the 5MP macro camera for an updated main lens.
The 50MP lens comes with 2 more megapixels and has better pixel binning and image stabilization. However, if you’re someone that likes to look at the details of an object, this is not the phone for you.
The 2021 model comes with one more camera, but we wonder if more is better. This phone features a 48MP main lens, an 8MP ultrawide, a 5MP macro, and a 16MP front-facing camera.
However, outside of the macro lens for taking close-up shots, none of these cameras produce anything stellar. They definitely feel worth the price tag.
Battery Life
- Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G processor
- 5,000mAh battery that can go two days on a full charge
- 48 MP primary camera, 8 MP ultrawide lens, 5 MP macro lens, and 2 MP depth sensor
- 256GB of built-in storage
- 6.8" Max Vision Full HD+ Display
Where these phones lack performance and features, they excel in battery life. As mid-tier phones, both of them have some of the best battery lives in the industry. Motorola even advertises them as two-day phones, requiring half the charging as even the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
While this is a little overstated, we’re definitely impressed with both of these phones. Each featuring a 5,000mAh lithium-ion battery, they outperform everything on the market.
The 2022 model, with better performance and a higher refresh rate, lasts for about 13 hours and 30 minutes with average use. Its predecessor was even better, with a max life of nearly two more hours.
Although these batteries last significantly longer than most smartphones, they don’t charge quickly. With just a 10W wired charge capacity, it can take nearly 3 hours to fully power them from empty.
This is disappointing with the advancements in USB-C. But if you’re only charging it at night, what’s an extra hour of charge time?
Price
Despite the lackluster attributes of these two phones, they definitely advertise an enticing price tag. For the ability to stream videos, play games, and even take notes, you can expect to spend no more than $500.
This is over half the price of Apple’s newest smartphone, which doesn’t come with a stylus. And if you’re looking to save even more, the 2021 model is a low $399.99.
If it’s the prices that have you considering these Motorola phones over Apple, Samsung, or even the new Google Pixel 7 Pro, then you should know that these numbers are even lower right now during the holiday season.
For the foreseeable future, you can purchase the newest Stylus phone for less than $300. And for even more savings, you’ll find the 2021 model at 50% off the regular price.
Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 vs Moto G Stylus 2021: 5 Must-Know Facts
- The Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 isn’t much different than its predecessor, but the minor changes might be enough to make it worth an upgrade.
- Both phones come with an integrated stylus, making them ideal for students and other notetakers.
- The Stylus 5G 2022 has an updated processor and a higher refresh rate, making it the ideal choice for those that use heavy apps.
- Motorola’s newest phone comes with NFC, allowing its users to load it with money for easy retail payments.
- While the 2021 model uses an outdated Android 11 OS, the phone comes for 100 dollars less.
Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 vs Moto G Stylus 2021: Which One Is Better?
When comparing the Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 vs Moto G Stylus 2021, neither of these phones brings anything special to the smartphone market. However, as far as mid-range devices go, they have some value. If you’re just getting started with smartphones or you’d like the best budget android model, Motorola’s G Stylus 5G 2022 is worth considering.
This phone brings an updated ARM processor with the latest Android OS, making it future-proof for the next few years. And its updated refresh rate and long-lasting battery make it a solid option for those that use their devices regularly throughout the day.
However, if the price is the most important factor, you’re hard-pressed to find a deal like the Moto G Stylus 2021. While you shouldn’t expect industry-standard cameras or performance, you still receive a device that can handle videos and some gaming. And with stylus integration, this makes a great value option for students or other productivity-minded individuals.
Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 vs Moto G Stylus 2021: Further Review
You can hardly make a poor choice when deciding between the Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 vs Moto G Stylus 2021. Still, these only make up some of the best mid-range smartphones on the market. For other devices, you should consider this holiday season, check out the articles below.
- iPhone 14 vs Google Pixel 6A: Full Comparison and Features – Here’s what you should know about the newest base models from Apple and Google.
- iPhone 14 vs iPhone 14 Plus: 8 Key Differences and Full Comparison – If you’re an Apple fan, you’ll want to see how the company’s newest phones match up.
- Google Pixel 7 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4: Full Comparison – When you think of smartphones, it’s hard not to consider the best devices from Google and Samsung.
- iPhone 14 Pro Max vs OnePlus 10 Pro: Full Comparison – How does one of the best up-and-coming smartphones compare to the latest model from the industry-leading company?
