1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 158 x 77.8 x 8.1 mm | 162.6 x 74.8 x 8.3 mm | Moto G is taller and slightly thicker, while the iPhone is wider. |
| Weight | 226g | 190g | Moto G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. iPhone feels more substantial. |
| Build Material | (Not Specified) | (Not Specified) | Unknown, so cannot determine the difference |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard phones, not foldable. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | Moto G has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1242x2688 | 1080x2400 | iPhone has a noticeably sharper display with more pixels, leading to crisper text and images. |
| PPI | 458 | 395 | iPhone's higher pixel density results in finer details and sharper images compared to Moto G, important for reading small text. |
| Technology | OLED | P-OLED | Both use OLED technology, so color reproduction and deep blacks are similar. P-OLED can sometimes be slightly more flexible, but user experience is largely the same. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Moto G's higher refresh rate makes scrolling and animations appear much smoother. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1200 nits | Both offer identical peak brightness, suitable for outdoor use. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | iPhone's chipset is older but offers superior performance. The Moto G's chipset is newer and more power-efficient, but not as powerful overall. |
| AnTuTu Score | 916,151 | 514,000 | iPhone demonstrates significantly higher performance, better for heavy gaming, video editing, and multitasking. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 710 | iPhone's GPU is more powerful, providing better graphics performance for demanding games and apps. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/2.55", 1.40 µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", 1.00 µm | Moto G captures more detail with a higher resolution sensor and larger physical sensor size, allowing more light, but smaller pixel size. The iPhone has larger individual pixel size. |
| Telephoto Camera | 12MP, f/2.0 | None | iPhone has a telephoto camera for optical zoom, which is not available on the Moto G. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP | 32MP, f/2.45, 0.70 µm | Moto G has a higher resolution front camera, generally resulting in more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12MP, f/2.4 | None | iPhone has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing expansive scenes. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm | Moto G has a wide-angle lens that also functions as a macro lens for close-up shots, which is not available on the iPhone. |
| Video Recording | 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, HDR, Stereo Sound | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps | Both can shoot 4K video, but iPhone has more options for video frame rates and HDR, also includes Stereo sound, potentially resulting in higher quality video recording, but moto g is capable of very similar video quality in most settings. |
| DxOMark Scores | Mobile: 122 (Photo: 126, Video: 124), Selfie: 122 (Photo: 115, Video: 134) | Not Available | iPhone has benchmarked camera performance, while the Moto G is not benchmarked. |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 3969mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G has a significantly larger battery, likely resulting in much longer battery life. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 30W fast charging | Moto G charges significantly faster, enabling quicker top-ups. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Similar battery technologies, but Li-Polymer is usually slightly more flexible and can be shaped in different ways. |
| Features | Fast charge 18W, Wireless reverse charging | Reverse charging, 15W wireless charging | iPhone has wireless reverse charging. Motorola is slower at 15W wireless charging and regular reverse charging via cable. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The A13 Bionic chipset offers significantly better processing power and graphics performance, making it ideal for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density lead to a crisper and more detailed visual experience.
- Telephoto and Wide-Angle Cameras: Offers more versatile photography with dedicated zoom and wide-angle lenses.
- Benchmark Camera Quality: DxOMark scores highlight its superior camera performance compared to the Motorola
- Wireless reverse charging: Useful for charging smaller devices like headphones and other devices wirelessly
Better Video Features: HDR Video, Stereo Sound for enhanced video capabilities
iOS Ecosystem: For users deeply integrated with Apple's ecosystem, continuity features and software will be a big advantage.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) Advantages:
- Significantly Longer Battery Life: Larger battery capacity provides much better battery endurance.
- Faster Charging: 30W fast charging allows for much quicker charging times.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a more fluid user experience.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Captures more detailed selfies.
- Modern Connectivity: Supports newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards, more satellite options for GPS, also has Wifi Direct, display and MiMo
- Built-in stylus: For users who want to take notes, draw, or perform other stylus-based functions, this is a huge plus.
- Better Multi Camera features: Time lapse, digital image stabilization, continues autofocus, manual focus, PDAF, panorama, and dual capture are all not available on the iPhone.
Significant Trade-offs:
- iPhone: Higher price, older hardware, and inferior battery life compared to the Moto G.
- Moto G: Significantly lower processing power compared to the iPhone and less versatility in the camera system without a dedicated telephoto zoom lens, no benchmarked camera performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max:
- Ideal User: Users deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem who prioritize performance, camera quality, and display sharpness.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, video editing, or other graphically intensive tasks.
- Professional photographers or videographers needing a high-quality camera system.
- Users who want to prioritize performance over battery life and price.
- Users who are already invested in the Apple ecosystem and rely on it
- Price-to-Value: Although it offers very good performance and camera features, it is much older, at this point, its price-to-value is very poor.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024):
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize battery life, smooth display, and a built in stylus and also want modern connectivity features and a lower price.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday users who consume a lot of media and want a smooth scrolling experience.
- Students or professionals who use a stylus for note-taking or drawing.
- Users who require long battery life for extended use without frequent charging.
- Users who want modern connectivity options with WiFi 6E and more GPS satellite options.
- Price-to-Value: Excellent value, offering a wide array of features at a lower price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Performance or Battery Life: Do you prioritize top-tier performance or longer battery life?
- Ecosystem or Price: Are you invested in the Apple ecosystem or do you want a more affordable phone?
- Camera Versatility or Stylus: Do you need multiple camera lenses or do you need a stylus?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Gamer/Content Creator: Choose the iPhone 11 Pro Max. It provides superior processing power and a better camera, ideal for demanding games and professional video/photo editing.
- Scenario 2: Daily Media User/Student: Choose the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024). It provides a smoother display, longer battery life, and a stylus, making it perfect for consuming media and taking notes. Also offers better connectivity features.
- Scenario 3: Value-Conscious User: Choose the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024). You'll get a very well-rounded phone at a much lower price point.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024).
Here's why:
- Practicality over Raw Power: While the iPhone 11 Pro Max has a significantly more powerful chipset, for my personal daily use, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 provides sufficient power for most tasks. The improved battery life and faster charging of the Moto G, for me, outweigh the extra performance on the iPhone. I rarely edit videos or play heavy graphic intensive games.
- Modern Features The Moto G provides the latest connectivity standards and better GPS options that are very useful for my daily tasks.
- Modern Features The Moto G provides many more camera features and a higher resolution selfie camera.
- Smooth Display: The 120Hz refresh rate of the Moto G is a feature I've come to appreciate. The difference in smoothness is noticeable and it makes everyday use more pleasant.
- Price-to-Value: I appreciate a good deal, and the Moto G provides a lot of value at a much lower price point than the aging iPhone 11 Pro Max.
- Stylus Functionality: While not used daily, the built-in stylus on the Moto G is an added advantage, and I do occasionally take notes on the go.
- Better Multi Camera features: Time lapse, digital image stabilization, continues autofocus, manual focus, PDAF, panorama, and dual capture are all not available on the iPhone.
While the iPhone 11 Pro Max is still a capable phone with an excellent camera and performance for those who need it, for my needs the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is the better choice. It balances features, performance, modern connectivity, and price, making it a much more practical daily driver.
