The Moto G Stylus 2025 Introduces Smart Enhancements, Yet the 2024 Model Is a Budget Treasure
Motorola persists in enhancing its sought-after Moto G Stylus series, with the 2025 version offering several significant improvements. However, the 2024 model is now available at a substantial discount, leading many consumers to ponder: is it worth paying more for the newest offering, or should you score a deal with last year’s still competent device?
Let’s explore the updates in the Moto G Stylus 2025, how it stacks up against the 2024 version, and which option is the better investment for your requirements.
Design and Display: Familiar Aesthetics, Enhanced Brightness
The Moto G Stylus 2025 keeps the identical 6.7-inch pOLED display as its predecessor but enhances peak brightness to an impressive 3,000 nits—more than double the 1,200 nits of the 2024 model. Both devices provide a fluid 120Hz refresh rate and full-HD resolution, making them superb for media viewing and daily activities.
In terms of design, the 2025 variant features a similar vegan leather back and camera arrangement as other recent G series models. Nonetheless, it’s offered in just two blue hues—Pantone Gibraltar Sea and Pantone Surf the Web—while the 2024 model featured a broader selection with Caramel Latte and Scarlet Wave options.
Both phones exude premium quality for their cost, but the 2025 version stands out with its IP68 water and dust resistance and MIL-STD-810H durability rating—features that are absent from the 2024 model.
Performance and Hardware: A Modest but Notable Improvement
Beneath the surface, the Moto G Stylus 2025 is driven by the newer Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset, providing a slight performance enhancement over the Gen 1 chip found in the 2024 model. Both devices come equipped with 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage, although only the 2024 version allows for microSD expansion.
Battery life remains robust with a 5,000mAh battery in both variants. However, the 2025 Stylus supports much quicker charging with 68W wired charging (charger sold separately), compared to 30W on the 2024 variant. Both models also support 15W wireless charging.
Connectivity is further enhanced in the 2025 model, which incorporates Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4, as opposed to Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1 present on the older version.
Camera: Similar Specifications, Superior Sensor
While both smartphones feature a 50MP primary camera and a 13MP ultrawide lens, the 2025 iteration utilizes a Sony LYTIA 700C sensor, offering improved low-light capability and more precise color reproduction. The front-facing 32MP camera remains the same, and both devices can record 4K video at 30fps.
Software: Extended Support for the Newer Device
The Moto G Stylus 2025 comes pre-loaded with Android 15 and is guaranteed two OS upgrades along with three years of bi-monthly security patches. Conversely, the 2024 version debuted with Android 14 and will receive only one OS upgrade—capping out at Android 15.
Both phones include Motorola’s Hello UX interface and stylus-specific functionalities like note-taking, screenshot marking, and drawing. However, the stylus itself has largely stayed the same across generations.
Price and Value: The 2024 Model Is a Steal
The Moto G Stylus 2025 debuts at $399—the same launch price as the 2024 model. Nonetheless, the 2024 Stylus is frequently offered for as low as $250, making it one of the best budget Android options currently available.
At that price point, the 2024 model provides remarkable value, featuring a high-quality display, dependable performance, wireless charging, and an upscale design. The compromises? Slightly less durable construction, slower charging capabilities, and reduced software support.
Moto G Stylus 2025 vs. 2024: Key Specifications at a Quick Glance
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 2025 | Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 |
|—————————-|———————————-|———————————-|
| Display | 6.7″ FHD+ pOLED, 120Hz, 3000 nits | 6.7″ FHD+ pOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits |
| Processor | Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 |
| RAM / Storage | 8GB / 128GB or 256GB | 8GB / 128GB or 256GB (expandable) |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP wide + 13MP ultrawide | 50MP wide + 13MP ultrawide |
