Which is better for taking notes and drawing?

Both have a built-in stylus with the same core Moto note features. The 5G (2021) gives you a larger, sharper 1080p screen, which makes handwriting and sketching easier to read. The 2022 model is lighter to hold for long sessions.

Do I need 5G, or is the 2022 model enough?

Get the 5G (2021) if you stream a lot or want faster downloads on a 5G carrier. The 2022 model is 4G LTE only, which is fine for calls, browsing and video at normal quality.

Which screen is better?

The 5G (2021) wins on resolution and size: 6.8 inches at 1080p versus 6.5 inches at 720p on the 2022 model. Both are 60Hz LCDs, so neither feels as smooth as a 90Hz or 120Hz phone.

Both use a 5000 mAh battery, so screen-on time is similar. The 2022 model started on a newer Android version, so it should get security updates for longer. Battery health on any used unit depends on its age and charge cycles.

Is the 2022 model worth stepping up to?

Only if you value the lighter body, stereo speakers and newer software more than 5G and a sharper screen. Otherwise the 5G (2021) offers more for media and note-taking.

How do the cameras compare?

They are close: both have a 48 MP main camera plus ultra wide and macro lenses, and a 16 MP front camera. Neither is strong in low light, so pick on screen, network and weight instead.

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2021) vs Motorola Moto G Stylus (2022)

Buy the Moto G Stylus 5G (2021) if you want 5G data and a bigger 6.8-inch screen with the built-in stylus. Buy the Moto G Stylus (2022) if you want a lighter 4G phone with newer software and stereo speakers. Both are budget stylus phones with a 48 MP main camera, expandable storage and a headphone jack. Owners like the stylus and battery life on both; reviewers say the cameras and 60Hz LCD screens are the weak spots.

Choose the Moto G Stylus 5G (2021) if you want 5G speeds and the largest screen in this pair for notes, video and reading.
Choose the Moto G Stylus (2022) if you want a lighter 4G phone with newer Android and stereo speakers.

Prices

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2021): $104.49 at Walmart (last seen Nov 4)
Motorola Moto G Stylus (2022): $149.95 at Amazon (last seen Nov 8)
Difference: the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2021) is $45.46 cheaper than the Motorola Moto G Stylus (2022) at the latest prices (Nov 4 and Nov 8)

	Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2021)	Motorola Moto G Stylus (2022)
Cellular	5G (plus 4G LTE)	4G LTE only
Display	6.8-inch IPS LCD, 2400 x 1080, 60Hz	6.5-inch LCD, 1600 x 720, 60Hz
Weight	About 7.6 oz	About 6.9 oz (195 g)
Software at launch	Android 11	Android 12, listed here as Android 13
Speakers	Single speaker	Stereo speakers
Battery	5000 mAh	5000 mAh
Cameras	48 MP main, plus ultra wide and macro	48 MP main, plus ultra wide and macro
Stylus and storage	Built-in stylus, 128 GB, microSD, 3.5mm jack	Built-in stylus, 128 GB, microSD, 3.5mm jack

Spec	Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2021)	Motorola Moto G Stylus (2022)
Operating System	Android	Android
Carrier	Unlocked	Unlocked
SIM Support	Dual SIM	Dual SIM
Connector Type	Headphone Jack, USB C	Headphone Jack, USB C
Cellular Network	GSM, CDMA	GSM, CDMA
Color	Indigo	Indigo
Water Resistant	Yes	Yes
Security	Fingerprint Scanner	Fingerprint Scanner
Lens Quantity	Triple Lens	Triple Lens
With Expandable Storage	Yes	Yes
Broadband Generation	4G	4G
SIM Card Type	Nano SIM	Nano SIM

Spec	Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2021)	Motorola Moto G Stylus (2022)
With 4K Video	Yes	Yes
Lens Type	Wide Angle, Ultra Wide Angle, Macro	Wide Angle, Ultra Wide Angle, Macro
Screen Size	6.4″	6.4″
Weight	6.77 oz	6.77 oz
Storage Capacity	128 GB storage	128 GB storage
Rear Camera Resolution	48 MP rear camera	48 MP rear camera
Front Camera Resolution	16 MP front camera	16 MP front camera
RAM	4 GB RAM	4 GB RAM

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2021) vs Motorola Moto G Stylus (2022)

Prices

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2021) vs Motorola Moto G Stylus (2022)

Prices

Motorola Moto G Stylus (2022)

What separates them

Price history

Prices at every store