Hey there! If you‘re trying to decide between Motorola‘s latest Moto G Stylus phones, you‘ve come to the right place. The Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 and Moto G Stylus 2021 share the same value premise – delivering a quality stylus experience without breaking the bank.
But with an entire generation between these two models, you may be wondering exactly what‘s changed, which upgrades matter, and ultimately, which is the better buy today. I‘ve analyzed all the key details between the Moto G Stylus 2022 and 2021 models to make your decision easier. Let‘s dive in!
At a Glance: Moto G Stylus 2022 vs 2021 Specs
First, here‘s a high-level spec comparison between the two generations:
| Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 | Moto G Stylus 5G 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.8" FHD+, 120Hz | 6.8" FHD+, 90Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 695 5G | Snapdragon 480 5G |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP main + 8MP ultrawide + 2MP depth | 48MP main + 8MP ultrawide + 5MP macro + 2MP depth |
| Front Camera | 16MP | 16MP |
| Battery (claimed) | 5000 mAh, over 2 day life | 5000 mAh, over 2 day life |
| Charging Speed | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Wireless Charging? | No | No |
| Stylus | Yes | Yes |
| Android Version | Ships with Android 12 | Ships with Android 11 |
As you can see, most core capabilities like screen size, battery size, and stylus support remain consistent. The 2022 edition stands out through its faster processor, higher refresh rate display, updated main camera, larger RAM capacity options, and more modern software version.
But specs alone don‘t determine real-world experience. Let‘s analyze exactly how impactful these changes are for you.
Display: Slight Refresh Rate Bump
A quick look reveals nearly identical 6.8-inch displays on both handsets. You‘re getting the same 20:9 aspect ratio FHD+ resolution spanning 2460 x 1080 pixels. That results in a sharp 394 pixels per inch (PPI) density suited even for reading small text.
The LCD technology behind both screens also enables good brightness (500 nits peak), color reproduction covering over 100% of the sRGB spectrum, and HDR10 video support. Touch sampling rates hit 240Hz as well for responsive tactile interaction.
So if you‘re enjoying media or browsing social feeds, either Stylus edition provides an excellent viewing canvas made possible by these large, vivid displays.
The sole difference lies in refresh rate capabilities. While hardly slow at 90Hz, the Moto G Stylus 2021‘s screen tops out at that base level. Its successor bumps peak refresh speeds up to 120Hz. What does this mean?
- At 120Hz vs 90Hz, screen content gets refreshed nearly 35% more often per second. So everything from scrolling text to gaming visuals stays ultra smooth and sharp in motion.
- However, running at peak rates all the time has battery life implications. Moto‘s 2022 model dynamically adjusts between 30Hz, 60Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz based on current usage. So simpler tasks like reading emails won‘t be needlessly taxing at the highest refresh setting.
According to DisplayMate‘s lab analysis, the newest model‘s Adaptive Refresh tech works seamlessly to balance fluid visuals and endurance. Other reviewers like CNET have confirmed the 120Hz display indeed offers "snappier response when swiping through menus or scrolling web pages."
If keeping within a strict budget, the older 90Hz panel still provides pleasing performance for everyday media enjoyment. But 120Hz feels clearly more fluid, and I suspect you’ll appreciate it both today and years down the road as content complexity increases.
Performance: Significant Leap with Snapdragon 695
The latest Qualcomm silicon powers both Moto G Stylus variants, but the processors represent vastly different performance profiles. Let‘s break them down:
Snapdragon 480 (Moto G Stylus 2021):
- Octa-core CPU with 2 high-power cores (2.0 GHz) + 6 efficiency cores (1.8 GHz)
- Adreno 619 integrated graphics
- 8nm fabrication process
- AI Engine for machine learning tasks
Snapdragon 695 (Moto G Stylus 2022):
- Octa-core CPU with 2 Cortex-A78 performance cores (2.2 GHz) + 6 efficiency cores (1.7 GHz)
- Adreno 619 graphics now 30% faster thanks to higher clocks
- Lower power 6nm fabrication
- Hexagon processor with twice the AI acceleration
On paper, Qualcomm‘s generational architectural improvements deliver roughly 20% faster overall CPU throughput. The beefier GPU also promises better gaming, graphics, and ML potential.
Multiple outlet benchmarks have recorded between 15-25% higher scores for the Snapdragon 695-equipped 2022 model over its predecessor. As Android Authority summed up in a performance test, "the Snapdragon 695 crushed the Snapdragon 480 in app load times and task switching."
What does this mean in regular use? Faster, snappier responses across the board whether launching apps, juggling multiple tasks, or enjoying casual games. The latest silicon also keeps the phone feeling fresh for longer. Its advanced 6nm process enables better sustained performance and efficiency even years down the road when apps demand more resources.
Both chipsets support sub-6GHz 5G networks. But Snapdragon 695 expands coverage across more global 5G bands. So you can access the fastest connections more widely as carriers build out leading infrastructure.
Cameras: Fewer But Better in 2022
Neither Moto G Stylus model will take award-winning photos. But Motorola notably ditched the Depth Vision macro and went with an updated main lens in the latest model for noticeable improvements:
2022 Main Cam Upgrades:
- 50MP 1/2.76" sensor for 12.5 MP quad pixel shots
- Faster f/1.9 aperture lets in more light
- Optical image stabilization (OIS) reduces blur
- PDAF autofocus locks on quicker
Versus the older 48MP main shooter without OIS, Moto‘s newer sensor and lens setup simply capture more detail and light for better exposure across lighting conditions. OIS also enables sharper handheld shots plus clearer low light images with longer shutter speeds.
While Motorola dropped the 5MP macro, nearly all reviews found the latest single- and quad-pixel binning 50MP lens captures solid images all-around:
- Engadget: "The [50-megapixel sensor‘s] photos were reasonably colorful without looking too oversaturated. Details were sharp enough for social media purposes…with very little noise."
- Android Authority: "The Moto G Stylus (2022) has excellent daylight image quality with loads of detail, saturated colors, and high contrast."
Meanwhile, the older model‘s 48MP main lens lacks the stabilization or pixel binning to compete here. And its 2 extra shooter mostly feel gimmicky based on reviews:
- CNET: "The depth sensor for portrait mode worked fine, but the macro was largely useless."
- Tech Advisor: "As with most budget phones, I’d recommend ignoring the macro lens altogether. Stick to the main and ultrawide sensors for better photos."
Both generations share 8MP 118° ultrawides capable of packing more people/scenery into the frame. And their 16MP selfie cams capture crisp social media-ready shots. But the 2022 model pulls decisively ahead through its singular yet more advanced 50MP rear lens.
Software: Modern and Secure in 2022
Being newer provides software advantages for the Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 right out the gate:
- Ships with modern Android 12 instead of dated Android 11
- Guarantees one OS update to Android 13 down the road
- 3 years of bi-monthly security updates keep it safer for longer
In contrast, the 2021 model remains stuck on Android 11. And while Moto promises bi-monthly security updates through 2023, you miss out on all the helpful user-facing perks with Android 12+ like:
- Improved one-handed mode
- Extra privacy controls
- Faster access to Google Assistant
- More customizable home screen widgets
- Nearby device sharing
Staying up-to-date with the latest Android builds is especially important these days considering how deeply integrated connected services are in our digital lives. Newer software versions incorporate stronger encryption, app permissions safeguards, malware scanning, and other protections to keep our data more secure.
Both generations run nearly stock Android UIs with Moto‘s helpful gestures mixed in (twist for quick camera access, chop chop for flashlight, etc). But I strongly favor the 2022 model here shipping with modern Android 12 out of the box while receiving an Android 13 update down the road.
Battery and Charging: Equally Long Endurance
On paper, the Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 and 2021 models offer identical 5,000 mAh battery capacities. And Motorola rates both for 2+ days of mixed usage per full charge.
In practice, you can expect extremely similar longevity between them for a couple key reasons:
- Efficient 120Hz display won‘t drain much quicker than 90Hz panel under normal use thanks to adaptive refresh rates.
- Newer Snapdragon 695 chip actually rivals old Snapdragon 480 in power efficiency due to smaller 6nm process.
- Identical lower-resolution FHD+ screens consume less energy than 1440p+ panels on expensive flagships.
So whether streaming videos for hours or spending entire weekends off chargers, both editions deliver fantastic endurance even heavier users struggle draining under a day.
The catch lies in charging rates once depleted. Despite adopting USB-C ports, both models charge at just 10W wired speeds out of the box. So you‘re looking at 2.5-3 hours for full top offs from empty. There‘s no wireless charging support either.
While 10W chargers help limit heat, I really want to see 18-25W charging minimum on modern phones. Luckily, both G Stylus variants can safely handle faster aftermarket chargers and charging bricks. So I recommend grabbing an 18-20W PD wall adapter bringing full top offs down closer to 2 hours if you ever need quicker turnarounds.
Which Model Offers More Value Right Now?
Thanks to deep post-holiday sales, the Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 currently sells between $250-$350 at major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy after instant discounts up to $200 off MSRP. Even Verizon bundles it for just $300 paired with unlimited plans.
Meanwhile, the older 2021 edition widely sells for $200-$250 currently following even steeper 50% off cuts throughout January.
At these sale prices, I believe the 2022 model easily justifies its modest $50-$100 premium over last year‘s release. The markedly faster processor, buttery smooth 120Hz display, enhanced main camera, and modern software stack make that small step-up an easy call. Unless budget concerns are paramount, springing for future-proofed 2022 hardware feels wise.
On the other hand, consider the Moto G Stylus 2021 if rock-bottom pricing tops your priorities. The older software and slower chip leave less headroom down the road. But with 2 years of security support left and excellent battery life retained, it remains highly competent for basic communication, browsing, and media needs – especially at just $200.
Either way, I hope mapping out their key spec differences here helps inform your buying choice between two excellent budget-friendly options with stylus support! Let me know if any other questions come up.
