Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Apple iPhone 13 mini and the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022). We've got a classic David-vs-Goliath situation here, where one phone packs top-tier tech into a tiny body and the other opts for a large screen and stylus integration with midrange performance. Let’s break down what that means for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up across key categories:
| Feature | Apple iPhone 13 mini | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.7 mm | 168.9 x 75.8 x 9.3 mm | The iPhone is significantly more compact, fitting easily into pockets and one-hand use. The Moto is much larger, potentially feeling bulky. |
| Weight | 141g | 215g | The iPhone is much lighter, enhancing comfort during extended use and portability. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard, non-folding smartphones. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.4" | 6.8" | The Moto's larger screen is better for media consumption and multitasking, while the iPhone’s smaller screen is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2460 | Both have similar resolutions, but the difference is marginal. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 476 | 395 | The iPhone has a much sharper display due to higher pixel density, leading to clearer visuals and sharper text. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | OLED provides superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Moto's 120Hz refresh rate leads to smoother animations and transitions, improving the perceived responsiveness of the device. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits (spec missing) | The iPhone has significantly higher peak brightness, improving visibility in bright outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | The A15 Bionic is far more powerful, offering much faster app loading, multitasking, and smoother gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,250,240 | 385,000 | The iPhone's significantly higher benchmark score indicates much better overall performance for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Adreno 619 | The iPhone's GPU provides significantly better graphics performance, which matters in gaming and other graphically intensive apps. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 2438mAh | 5000mAh | The Moto has a much larger battery which likely translates to significantly longer battery life depending on the device's efficiency. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | Li-Polymer, no fast charging mentioned | The iPhone features fast charging while the Motorola's charging spec is not provided but does use a Li-Polymer battery. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi | None | The iPhone offers the convenience of wireless charging, including MagSafe compatibility for accessories. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.6 | 50MP, f/1.9 | The Moto has a higher resolution sensor, but the iPhone's larger aperture lets in more light for potentially better low-light shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.2 | The Moto has a higher resolution selfie camera, while both share an equal aperture. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/2.2 | The iPhone has a higher resolution wide-angle sensor. While the Moto's has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Macro Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Moto has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, while the iPhone lacks one. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K/60fps HDR | Up to 1080p/60fps w/ EIS | The iPhone supports higher quality video recording, with up to 4K resolution while the Motorola maxes at 1080p. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 125, Selfie: 134 | Not Tested | The iPhone has achieved impressive DxOMark scores highlighting strong camera performance. |
| Camera Features | More Features | Less Features | Both share a few similar camera features, but the iPhone has many more options, including 4K Video, Optical zoom, Dual camera, Ultra stable video, Continuous autofocus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Panorama, RAW. The Moto does have: Night Mode 2.0, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 15 (upgradable to 18) | Android 12, no max version listed | The iPhone offers iOS with consistent updates while the Moto runs on Android with no guarantee of future OS updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | The iPhone supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi 6, while the Motorola supports Wi-Fi 5. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | The Moto has a slightly newer Bluetooth standard. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The Motorola offers more satellite support for higher location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano+eSIM) | Single SIM (Nano) | The iPhone supports dual SIM functionality including the ability to use the digital eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128, 256, 512GB | 256 GB | The iPhone offers more storage options, going up to 512GB. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB | The Moto has double the RAM, which may improve multitasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, etc. | 2 microphones | The iPhone has more advanced audio features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The Moto offers a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both lack specific details regarding screen protection. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | The iPhone has a Barometer while the Moto has a Fingerprint sensor. |
2. Key Insights
- Apple iPhone 13 mini: This phone is a powerhouse packed into a tiny, premium design. Its standout features are the incredibly powerful A15 Bionic chip, the stunning OLED display with high pixel density and brightness, and a very capable camera system, as well as support for wireless charging. It's perfect for anyone who wants flagship performance but prefers a smaller, pocket-friendly phone. The audio capabilities are fantastic and will be amazing for media consumption.
- Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022): This phone aims for value with a large display, stylus support, and a decent 120Hz refresh rate, along with a large battery. It offers solid day-to-day performance for general tasks, but struggles in more demanding apps and gaming compared to the iPhone. The camera is adequate but not exceptional. It does, however, offer more satellite support and has double the RAM.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- iPhone 13 mini:
- Best for: Users who prioritize top-tier performance in a compact form factor, crave a high-quality camera, and enjoy the Apple ecosystem. Ideal for individuals who appreciate a premium feel and value wireless charging.
- Use Cases: Fast, smooth performance in demanding apps, high-quality photography and videography, one-handed use, portability.
- Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022):
- Best for: Users who want a large screen for media and productivity, appreciate stylus integration, and are on a budget. Great for those who don't need top-tier performance and want excellent battery life for all-day use.
- Use Cases: Note-taking with the stylus, media consumption on the large display, long battery life for daily use.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you value performance over everything else?
- If yes, the iPhone 13 mini is the obvious choice due to its superior chipset and GPU.
- Is a large screen and long battery life a must-have?
- If so, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) is more suitable due to its bigger screen and a larger battery.
- What kind of daily usage do you see yourself needing?
- If you need fast performance, a great camera, and a more pocketable design, go for the iPhone 13 mini. If you need a large display for media, stylus support for productivity, and solid everyday performance for a low price, then choose the Motorola.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: The Tech Enthusiast: For users who demand the best performance, enjoy gaming, and appreciate high-quality photography and videography, the iPhone 13 mini is the clear winner.
- Scenario 2: The Budget-Conscious User: If you are looking for a cost-effective device for everyday use, media consumption, and note-taking with a stylus, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) is the better option.
- Scenario 3: The Mobile Professional: If you need a compact device that can handle demanding tasks and take great photos on the fly, the iPhone 13 mini is perfect.
- Scenario 4: The Media Lover: If the most important thing is media consumption and a large screen, then the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) will likely be better for you.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Apple iPhone 13 mini. While I appreciate the larger screen and stylus features of the Moto G Stylus, for me, the sheer performance and pocketability of the iPhone 13 mini are too compelling to ignore. I often find myself wanting a phone that is fast and reliable while being very comfortable to use one-handed, and the iPhone 13 mini fits the bill perfectly. The much higher quality screen, significantly more powerful processing, and better cameras also fit my use case. It does lack the large battery of the Motorola, but its wireless charging abilities are a big plus in my book. For my day-to-day needs, the iPhone 13 mini is the better choice.
