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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerMoto g stylus 5G (2024) vs Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
The Moto g stylus 5G (2024) is the better buy for most people - its 6.7" 120Hz display crushes the Motorola Moto G Play (2024) and its 90Hz screen. You get a smoother experience when scrolling and gaming, making it a no-brainer if you want a dynamic display. In my testing, the Moto g stylus 5G (2024) delivers a stunning 120Hz refresh rate, which makes everything feel twice as smooth compared to the 90Hz in the Moto G Play. But if you need 5G connectivity, the stylus model wins hands down, as the Play sticks to 4G LTE only.
📱 Display: 6.7" vs 6.5"⚡ Refresh: 120 Hz vs 90 Hz⚖️ Weight: 6.70 oz vs 6.53 oz
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Moto g stylus 5G (2024)
★4.5
(2,366)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:1 major Android OS upgrade; 3 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 Mobile Platform
Graphics:Qualcomm Adreno 710
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Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
★4.5
(848)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates (until Jan 2027)
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm)
Graphics:Adreno 610
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Moto g stylus 5G (2024)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Moto g stylus 5G (2024)
6.7" (measured diagonally)Winner
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
6.5"
Refresh Rate
Moto g stylus 5G (2024)
120Hz (Lacks adaptive refresh rate of flagships)Winner
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
90Hz (Auto/60Hz/90Hz)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Moto g stylus 5G (2024)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 Mobile Platform
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm)
RAMKey
Moto g stylus 5G (2024)
8GB LPDDR4XWinner
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost)
Storage
Moto g stylus 5G (2024)
128GB / 256GB (MicroSD expandable up to 2TB)Winner
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
64GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Moto g stylus 5G (2024)
50MP Wide (f/1.8, 1.0µm), Ultra Pixel, PDAF, OIS
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Quad Pixel Technology
Ultra-Wide Camera
Moto g stylus 5G (2024)
13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV), Macro Vision
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
No (Not supported)
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Moto g stylus 5G (2024)
5,000 mAh (Non-removable)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
5,000mAh (Typical)
Wireless Charging
Moto g stylus 5G (2024)
15W Wireless Charging
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
No (Not supported)
Design2 specs
Weight
Moto g stylus 5G (2024)
6.70 oz (190 g)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
6.53 oz (185 g)Winner
Dimensions
Moto g stylus 5G (2024)
6.40" x 2.94" x 0.33" (162.6 x 74.8 x 8.3 mm)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
6.45 x 2.95 x 0.33 in (163.8 x 75.0 x 8.3 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Moto g stylus 5G (2024)
5G (Sub6); Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.1; NFC; GPS
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
4G LTE (No 5G), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.1, GPS
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Moto g stylus 5G (2024) vs Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Moto g stylus 5G (2024)
★4.5(2,366)Amazon
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
★4.5(848)Best Buy
| Criterion | Moto g stylus 5G (2024) | Motorola Moto G Play (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(2,366)Amazon | ★4.5(848)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 1 major Android OS upgrade; 3 years of security updates | 1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates (until Jan 2027) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 Mobile Platform | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) |
Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno 710 | Adreno 610 |
RAM | 8GB LPDDR4X | 4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost) |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB (MicroSD expandable up to 2TB) | 64GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB) |
Display Size | 6.7" (measured diagonally) | 6.5" |
Screen Type | pOLED (10-bit, DCI-P3) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (Peak) |
Resolution | 2400 x 1080 pixels (FHD+), 395 ppi | 1600 x 720 (HD+) |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz (Lacks adaptive refresh rate of flagships) | 90Hz (Auto/60Hz/90Hz) |
Peak Brightness | 1,200 nits (Peak) | 500 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 50MP Wide (f/1.8, 1.0µm), Ultra Pixel, PDAF, OIS | 50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Quad Pixel Technology |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV), Macro Vision | No (Not supported) |
Telephoto Camera | N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens) | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | N/A (Digital zoom only) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 8x | Up to 8x |
Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps (4K recording is notably absent) | 1080p @ 30fps |
Front Camera | 32MP Front (f/2.4, 0.7µm), Quad Pixel technology | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm |
Battery | 5,000 mAh (Non-removable) | 5,000mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | Up to 30W TurboPower (Charger sold separately) | 15W TurboPower (Charger NOT included in box) |
Wireless Charging | 15W Wireless Charging | No (Not supported) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6); Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.1; NFC; GPS | 4G LTE (No 5G), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.1, GPS |
USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
Durability | IP52 (Water-repellent design); Vegan leather back; Plastic frame | IP52 (Water-repellent design); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front) |
Dimensions | 6.40" x 2.94" x 0.33" (162.6 x 74.8 x 8.3 mm) | 6.45 x 2.95 x 0.33 in (163.8 x 75.0 x 8.3 mm) |
Weight | 6.70 oz (190 g) | 6.53 oz (185 g) |
Biometrics | In-display Fingerprint Reader; Face Unlock | Side-mounted fingerprint reader, Face Unlock |
Extras | Built-in Stylus; 3.5mm Headphone Jack; Stereo Speakers with Dolby Atmos | Stereo speakers (Dolby Atmos), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot |
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As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Moto g stylus 5G (2024)
Rating:★4.5(2,366)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:1 major Android OS upgrade; 3 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 Mobile Platform
Graphics:Qualcomm Adreno 710
RAM:8GB LPDDR4X
Storage:128GB / 256GB (MicroSD expandable up to 2TB)
Display Size:6.7" (measured diagonally)
Screen Type:pOLED (10-bit, DCI-P3)
Resolution:2400 x 1080 pixels (FHD+), 395 ppi
Refresh Rate:120Hz (Lacks adaptive refresh rate of flagships)
Peak Brightness:1,200 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:50MP Wide (f/1.8, 1.0µm), Ultra Pixel, PDAF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV), Macro Vision
Telephoto Camera:N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens)
Optical Zoom:N/A (Digital zoom only)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x
Video Recording:1080p@30/60fps (4K recording is notably absent)
Front Camera:32MP Front (f/2.4, 0.7µm), Quad Pixel technology
Battery:5,000 mAh (Non-removable)
Wired Charging:Up to 30W TurboPower (Charger sold separately)
Wireless Charging:15W Wireless Charging
Connectivity:5G (Sub6); Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.1; NFC; GPS
USB:USB Type-C 2.0
Durability:IP52 (Water-repellent design); Vegan leather back; Plastic frame
Dimensions:6.40" x 2.94" x 0.33" (162.6 x 74.8 x 8.3 mm)
Weight:6.70 oz (190 g)
Biometrics:In-display Fingerprint Reader; Face Unlock
Extras:Built-in Stylus; 3.5mm Headphone Jack; Stereo Speakers with Dolby Atmos
✓ Pros:
- • Significantly upgraded 6.7-inch pOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
- • Includes a built-in Stylus with improved software features
- • Rare inclusion of 15W wireless charging in this price segment
- • Excellent battery life (5,000mAh) combined with efficient Snapdragon chip
- • Retains enthusiast features like 3.5mm headphone jack and microSD slot
✗ Cons:
- • Video recording is capped at 1080p (no 4K support)
- • Short software support window (only 1 OS upgrade guaranteed)
- • Charging speed (30W) is relatively slow compared to premium models
- • IP52 rating is only splash-resistant, not fully waterproof
- • Packed with pre-installed bloatware out of the box
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Rating:★4.5(848)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates (until Jan 2027)
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm)
Graphics:Adreno 610
RAM:4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost)
Storage:64GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Display Size:6.5"
Screen Type:IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (Peak)
Resolution:1600 x 720 (HD+)
Refresh Rate:90Hz (Auto/60Hz/90Hz)
Peak Brightness:500 nits (High Brightness Mode)
Main Camera:50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Quad Pixel Technology
Ultra-Wide Camera:No (Not supported)
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x
Video Recording:1080p @ 30fps
Front Camera:8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm
Battery:5,000mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:15W TurboPower (Charger NOT included in box)
Wireless Charging:No (Not supported)
Connectivity:4G LTE (No 5G), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.1, GPS
USB:USB Type-C 2.0
Durability:IP52 (Water-repellent design); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front)
Dimensions:6.45 x 2.95 x 0.33 in (163.8 x 75.0 x 8.3 mm)
Weight:6.53 oz (185 g)
Biometrics:Side-mounted fingerprint reader, Face Unlock
Extras:Stereo speakers (Dolby Atmos), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot
✓ Pros:
- • Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos are excellent for this price tier
- • Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 provides reliable basic performance (better than Helio G37)
- • Clean, bloat-free My UX software experience
- • Gorilla Glass 3 protection on the front display
- • Excellent battery life with 5,000mAh capacity
✗ Cons:
- • Resolution is limited to 720p (HD+) while competitors offer 1080p
- • No 5G connectivity (4G LTE only)
- • No NFC for mobile payments (Google Pay)
- • Charging is slow (15W max) and no charger is included in the box
- • Single usable rear camera (no ultrawide or macro lens)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
The Moto g stylus 5G (2024) is the better buy for most people - its 6.7" 120Hz display crushes the Moto G Play's 6.5" screen. That said, grab the Moto G Play if you want to save money - it's a fantastic budget option.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Moto g stylus 5G (2024) if: you want a smooth 120Hz display for gaming, you need 5G connectivity, or you value a built-in stylus for note-taking.
Choose the Motorola Moto G Play (2024) if: you need a reliable phone for basic tasks, you want a budget-friendly option, or you prefer a clean software experience without bloatware. (6.5" display, 90 Hz refresh)
Conclusion
Moto g stylus 5G (2024) and Motorola Moto G Play (2024) are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Moto g stylus 5G (2024) excels if you value significantly upgraded 6.7-inch poled display with 120hz refresh rate. Motorola Moto G Play (2024) is better if you prioritize stereo speakers with dolby atmos are excellent for this price tier. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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