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Moto G Stylus (2022)
Upgrades and changes
Motorola has made some notable changes between the Moto G Stylus (2021) and the Moto G Stylus (2022), but some may still prefer the older model, depending on which one best meets your needs and priorities. If you want to upgrade, you’d better go for the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022).
Moto G Stylus (2021)
It could be the best choice
When buying a new phone, you will rarely want to choose an older model version when a newer one is available. But depending on your needs and desires, you may find that the Moto G Stylus (2021) is worth holding on to if you already own it, at least for a short period of time until you upgrade to something higher.
A little over a year after the Moto G Stylus (2021) was introduced, Motorola followed up with the Moto G Stylus (2022), an allegedly upgraded version of the phone.
But when looking at the Moto G Stylus 2022 versus the Moto G Stylus 2021, is it really worth the upgrade? It will depend on where your priorities lie, how you use the phone, and which features are most important. To help you break down this, we compare and contrast the two phones.
Moto G Stylus (2022) vs. Moto G Stylus (2021): Appearance
The distinguishing feature of both these phones is that they come with a built-in stylus for easy drawing, note taking, photo editing, text highlighting, and more with better precision than what you get with your finger alone. This is especially useful for students, mobile workers, and those who have larger fingers and tend to fiddle with the small screen of a cumbersome mobile device.
Both have 6.8-inch Max Vision FHD+ displays that extend from the edges of the screen, so you get as much screen space as possible. But the Moto G Stylus (2022) display has a higher resolution of 2460 x 1080, as opposed to only 2400 x 1080 for the Moto G Stylus (2021). It’s a nominal difference, but the Moto G Stylus’s 90Hz refresh rate (2022) is what really stands out, allowing for a smoother scrolling experience.
The Moto G Stylus (2022) comes in Metallic Rose or Twilight Blue, and features My UX for gesture control, personalized entertainment experiences, and more. With a waterproof case, it comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack – an important item for those who still like to use wired headphones, even as a backup – along with USB Type-C charging.
The 5000 mAh battery lasts up to two days, and it comes with a 10W charger. With 128GB of memory, you can expand it up to 512GB with an optional microSD memory card.
In comparison, the Moto G Stylus (2021) comes in Aurora Black or Aurora White, which are more elegant and classic color options. It also has My UX, a waterproof design, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, along with USB Type-C charging. However, it has a smaller 4000mAh battery, with 10W charging as well, Which means that in theory the phone might have to charge a bit more. It also has the same built-in memory of 128 GB, which can also be expanded up to 512 GB.
Moto G Power (2022) vs. Moto G Power (2021): Breaking down the specs
Next, we’ll look at two important aspects, processing power and cameras. But first, let’s analyze the basic specifications of the two phones.
| Moto G Stylus (2022) | Moto G Stylus (2021) | |
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Metallic rose, light blue | Aurora Black, Aurora White |
| Screen size and type | 6.8 inch Max Vision Full HD + | 6.8 inch Max Vision Full HD + |
| screen resolution | 2460 x 1080 | 2400 x 1080 |
| The operating system | Android 11 | Android 10 |
| Healer | MediaTek Helio G88 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 678 |
| storage | 128 GB (expandable up to 512 GB) | 128 GB (expandable up to 512 GB) |
| memory | 6 GB RAM | 4 GB RAM |
| cameras | 50MP Rear, 2MP Macro, 8MP Ultra Wide, 16MP Front | 48MP Rear Camera, 2MP Macro, 8MP Ultra Wide, 2MP Depth, 16MP Front Camera |
| water resistant | yes (repellent) | yes (repellent) |
| The battery is charging | 5000 mA, 10 watts | 4000 mAh, 10 watts |
| headphone jack | yes | yes |
| Shipping | Type-C USB | Type-C USB |
| Connection | 4G, Bluetooth 5.0, WiFi | 4G, Bluetooth 5.0, WiFi |
| Dimensions | 170.21 x 75.9 x 9.45 mm | 169.8 x 77.9 x 9 mm |
| Weight | 216 grams | 213 grams |
These phones are quite similar, in fact, but a closer look reveals the differences that might affect you keeping the old model. Or, conversely, the desire to upgrade to the latest version.
Moto G Stylus (2022) vs. Moto G Stylus (2021): Processing Power
The Moto G Stylus (2022) runs on Android and will likely only get one upgrade to Android 12. It runs on the MediaTek Helio G88 processor, which some might consider a downgrade from the Qualcomm Snapdragon processor in the Moto G Stylus (2022). In general, Snapdragon processors tend to work better for things like games and apps.
If you’re not a big gamer and don’t plan to use the phone for any bandwidth intensive tasks, this might not matter. However, it is important to note this. As is the inclusion of 6GB of RAM in this model, a key factor for multitaskers who need as much RAM as possible for managing multiple windows and data-intensive tasks.
Additionally, the Moto G Stylus (2022) has some nifty additional features, such as a screenshot editor to enhance any photo, Moto Note for easy taking a quick note when something comes to mind (without having to unlock the phone first), and a coloring book that lets You fill areas on the screen with a color of your choice, and easily switch between different areas.
Some may prefer the Snapdragon 678 processor from the Moto G Stylus (2021), finding that it better meets their needs and makes for a perfect stick with this phone. However, also keep in mind that with one possible OS update, the most you’ll get from this phone is Android 11. With Android 12 already out, this will quickly put you back in some of the upgrades coming next year, which could be enough to impact your decision.
With 4GB RAM, you will not get a smooth experience with Moto G Stylus (2021) as with the latest version. And there aren’t any “cool” added features worth writing about at home.
Neither phone supports tap-to-pay, which could be a small annoyance for anyone who likes to use this feature. It should be noted that both are also 4G devices which, while not quite outdated yet, puts you a step behind the increased 5G coverage.
Moto G Stylus (2022) vs. Moto G Stylus (2021): Let’s take some pictures!
The camera systems are very similar to each other in these two smartphones. The Moto G Stylus (2022) has a 50MP camera system that allows capturing great shots in low light, as well as clear close-ups. The ultra-wide lens means you can fit more in every shot, too.
Along with the 50MP rear camera, there’s an 8MP, 118-degree field-of-view camera, a depth sensor, and a 2MP camera, as well as a 16MP front camera for selfies and more. It can also shoot FHD video at 30/60 frames per second.
Enjoy tons of different shooting modes, from night vision to portrait and panorama, along with AI features like smart composition, shot optimization, automatic smile capture, and even Google Lens integration. There is a built-in speaker and smart PA, as well as two microphones.
Looking at the Moto G Stylus (2021), it has a slightly less 48MP camera system with Quad Pixel technology. It includes a 2-megapixel macro vision, an 8-megapixel wide-angle camera with the same 118-degree field of view, a 2-megapixel depth sensor, and a 16-megapixel front camera. Video can also be captured in FHD, 30 frames per second.
You’ll see many of the same image capture modes, including intelligent composition, automatic smile capture, and Google Lens support. It has front speakers and two microphones as well.
Both work with Google Assistant for voice control while using the camera and for other purposes. There are no big noticeable differences between these phones when it comes to cameras and built-in features.
Moto G Stylus (2022) vs. Moto G Stylus (2021): Should you upgrade?
While it can be tempting to rush every time a new version of your favorite phone is released, sometimes it’s okay to skip an upgrade cycle or two (or three). In the case of the Moto G Stylus, you might want to do exactly that.
Looking at the Moto G Stylus (2022) versus the Moto G Stylus (2021), there’s no compelling reason to upgrade. In fact, in some cases, you may actually prefer to buy the old model if you are looking for a basic and affordable phone to use.
One reason some might want to use the Moto G Stylus (2021) over the Moto G Stylus (2022) is the processor: some simply prefer the Snapdragon over the MediaTek, only to find that it better meets their heavy needs. There are also more cameras in the Moto G Stylus (2021) that might make you want to stick with this one. The exterior colors are also more muted, which is perfect for someone who doesn’t want something more flashy (although you should protect either one with a case anyway).
Now, move on to the reasons to upgrade or get a Moto G Stylus (2022) instead. The highlight is the operating system: you’ll be able to upgrade it to Android 12 and it comes with Android 11 out of the box. The Moto G Stylus (2021) is two OS updates, and even if and when you can upgrade, you’ll still be late. Assuming another update comes out by the end of 2022 or early 2023, you’ll be in pretty old territory with the Moto G Stylus (2021).
The Moto G Stylus (2022) also has a bigger and better battery, an improved screen refresh rate, and a slightly better screen resolution; Plus nifty extra features like the Moto Note that you might find really handy.
Realistically speaking, if you already own a Moto G Stylus (2021), stick with it now. If you really want to upgrade and stick with the Motorola family of devices, consider using the Moto Stylus 5G instead. The 5G option offers upgrades in design and features, along with 5G connectivity, to take you to the latest and greatest.
Moto G Stylus (2022)
good choice
The Moto G Stylus (2022) is a good option with some upgrades over the Moto G Stylus (2021) including a better refresh rate, more RAM and Android 11, upgradable to Android 12. But you may not find it necessary to upgrade if you are Already owns a Moto G Stylus (2021).
Moto G Stylus (2021)
It might be a favorite
The Moto G Stylus (2021) may be the preferred choice for some due to the Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and a similar feature set on the Moto G Stylus (2022), but it has an older OS, smaller battery and less RAM, which may have you looking forward to something else. to update it.