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Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) vs Motorola Moto G Play 2026

The Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) is the better phone for most people deciding between these two. It has a sharper 1080p 120Hz screen, a built-in stylus, a stronger triple camera with 4K video, dual SIM and a headphone jack. The Moto G Play 2026 is a newer budget model with Android 16, a larger battery and a cleaner software start, but its HD+ screen, 64GB storage and single-SIM carrier lock hold it back. Owners of the Stylus line praise the pen and screen; Play owners accept the trade-offs for a basic daily phone.

  • Choose the Moto G Stylus 5G if you want a sharp 120Hz screen, a stylus for notes and sketching, and a more capable camera.
  • Choose the Moto G Play 2026 if you want the newest Android version, long battery life and a simple phone for calls, messaging and light apps.

Prices

  • Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022): $649.35 at Amazon (last seen Nov 1)
  • Motorola Moto G Play 2026: $159.72 at Amazon (last seen Nov 2)
  • Difference: the Motorola Moto G Play 2026 is $489.63 cheaper than the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) at the latest prices (Nov 1 and Nov 2)
Motorola
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) XT2215-4

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022)

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) XT2215-4

$649.35at AmazonObserved Nov 1, 2026, 9:15 PM
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Visit Amazon

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Pros
  • Sharp 1080p screen at 120Hz
  • Built-in stylus for notes and sketches
  • Triple camera with 4K video
  • Unlocked dual SIM and microSD slot
  • Headphone jack and fingerprint scanner
Cons
  • Ships on Android 12, so updates are behind
  • Only 4GB RAM
  • Heavier at 6.77 oz
  • Battery rated around 13 hours of use
Motorola
Motorola Moto G Play 2026

Motorola Moto G Play 2026

3.6(36 ratings)
$159.72at AmazonObserved Nov 2, 2026, 4:46 PM
See all prices and details
Visit Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

Pros
  • Android 16 out of the box
  • 5200 mAh battery rated up to 2 days
  • RAM Boost expands memory to 12GB
  • microSD support up to 1TB
  • 18W charging capable
Cons
  • HD+ screen is soft at 263ppi
  • 64GB storage fills quickly
  • Single SIM and Straight Talk carrier lock
  • Basic 16MP camera and 8MP front camera

What separates them

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022)Motorola Moto G Play 2026
Display6.8 in, 1080 x 2460, 120Hz6.7 in, HD+ 1604 x 720, 263ppi
StylusBuilt-in stylus for notes and drawingNo stylus
SoftwareAndroid 12 at launchAndroid 16
Cameras50MP main plus ultra-wide and macro, 4K video, 16MP front16MP main, macro lens, 8MP front
Storage128GB plus microSD64GB plus microSD up to 1TB
Battery5000 mAh, about 13 h rated use5200 mAh, rated up to 2 days
SIM and carrierUnlocked, dual SIMSingle SIM, Straight Talk
ExtrasHeadphone jack, fingerprint scanner, water resistantHeadphone jack, sensor hub, RAM Boost

Price history

$649.35$45.00
Nov 1Nov 9
  • Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022): lowest $56.00 on Nov 9 at Walmart.
  • Motorola Moto G Play 2026: lowest $45.00 on Nov 3 at Walmart; $179.00 on Nov 7.

Prices at every store

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022)

  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $56.00Free shippingObserved Nov 9, 2026, 3:47 AM
    Visit Walmart
  • vipoutlet.comNew

    In stock

    $68.00Free shippingObserved Nov 9, 2026, 3:47 AM
    Visit vipoutlet.com
  • Cell Phone BeastNew

    Availability unknown

    $179.99Observed Nov 9, 2026, 3:47 AM
    Visit Cell Phone Beast
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $649.35Observed Nov 1, 2026, 9:15 PM
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • YYWirelessCheck price at YYWireless
All 5 stores and price history →

Motorola Moto G Play 2026

  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $179.00Free shippingObserved Nov 7, 2026, 8:35 AM
    Visit Best Buy
  • WootNew

    In stock

    $179.99Observed Nov 7, 2026, 8:35 AM
    Visit Woot
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $159.72Observed Nov 2, 2026, 4:46 PM
    Visit Amazon
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknown

    $209.95Observed Nov 5, 2026, 10:11 AM
    Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 5 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecMotorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022)Motorola Moto G Play 2026
Screen size6.8 in6.5″
Display resolution1080 x 2460HD+ (1600 x 720)
Battery capacity5000 mAh5000 mAh
Battery life13 hup to 2 days of battery
RAM4 GB4 GB RAM
ProcessorQualcomm SnapdragonMediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor with 2.4GHz o…
Refresh rate120Hz120Hz refresh rate
Operating systemAndroid 12Android™ 16
CarrierUnlockedStraight Talk
SIM SupportDual SIMSingle SIM
ColorIndigoBlack
Water ResistantYesYes
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecMotorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022)Motorola Moto G Play 2026
With Expandable StorageYesYes
Broadband Generation4G5G
SIM Card TypeNano SIMNano SIM
Lens TypeWide Angle, Ultra Wide Angle, MacroMacro
Weight6.77 oz202g
Storage Capacity128 GB storage32 GB storage
Rear Camera Resolution48 MP rear camera16 MP rear camera
Front Camera Resolution16 MP front camera8 MP front camera
Rear camera50 MP—

What reviewers say

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022)

Owners generally treat the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) as a solid value phone: the stylus, big 120Hz screen and battery life get the most praise. Complaints center on the modest 4GB of RAM and the midrange processor, which show under heavy multitasking and gaming.

What people mention
  • StylusPraisedOwners like having a stylus that stores inside the phone for notes and sketches.
  • DisplayPraisedThe 6.8-inch 120Hz screen is called big and smooth for the price.
  • BatteryPraisedThe 5,000 mAh battery is reported to last a full day of normal use.
  • PerformanceCriticisedThe midrange Snapdragon chip and 4GB of RAM feel slow under heavy multitasking and gaming.

Motorola Moto G Play 2026

  • 3.6 / 536 ratings

Ratings sit at 3.6 out of 5 from 36 buyers, a middling score for a budget phone. Owners tend to like the battery life and price and to fault performance and the low-resolution screen.

What people mention
  • BatteryPraisedOwners report it lasting well beyond a day of normal use.
  • PerformanceCriticisedReviewers find it slows down with several apps open, which they tie to 4GB RAM.
  • DisplayCriticisedThe 720p panel is called soft and dim next to sharper budget rivals.

Questions and answers

Which has the better screen?
The Moto G Stylus 5G. Its 1080 x 2460 panel at 120Hz is much sharper and smoother than the Moto G Play 2026's HD+ 720p screen.
Which lasts longer on a charge?
The Moto G Play 2026. Its 5200 mAh battery is rated for up to two days, while the Stylus 5G is rated around 13 hours of use.
Is the stylus worth stepping up for?
If you take handwritten notes, sketch or mark up documents, yes. The stylus is built in and needs no separate purchase. If you never write by hand, the Moto G Play covers the basics.
Which has the newer software?
The Moto G Play 2026 ships with Android 16. The Stylus 5G launched on Android 12, so it starts further behind on updates.
Which is better for photos and video?
The Moto G Stylus 5G. It has a 50MP main camera, an ultra-wide lens and 4K video. The Moto G Play 2026 has a 16MP main camera and an 8MP front camera.
Can I use either on any carrier?
The Moto G Stylus 5G is sold unlocked with dual SIM support. The Moto G Play 2026 listed here is a Straight Talk single-SIM model, so check carrier compatibility before buying.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best unlocked Moto G Stylus phones under $150
Front camera
16 MP
—
Cellular network2G/3G/4G LTE/5G—
Bluetooth5.1—
Connector TypeHeadphone Jack, USB C—
SecurityFingerprint Scanner—
Lens QuantityTriple Lens—
With 4K VideoYes—
Quad-BandYes—
With Wireless ChargingYes—
With StylusYes—
With OLED DisplayYes—
Hearing Aid CompatibleYes—
Standby Time22.9 days on standby—
Internal Storage—64GB built-in
Memory Card—up to 1TB microSD card expandable
Memory (RAM)—4GB RAM, expandable up to 12GB with RAM Boost
Battery Size—5,200 mAh
Charging—18W device charing capable
Display Size—6.7" display
ValuePraised
Buyers say it is a lot of phone for a low price, especially on sale.