Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Apple iPhone 13 mini and the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024). On paper, these two devices might seem worlds apart, but let's break down the specs and see what they mean in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how the iPhone 13 mini and Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) stack up, and what those specs actually mean for you.
| Feature | Apple iPhone 13 mini | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-09-24 | 2024-05-30 | The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is significantly newer, which can mean better software and potentially longer support. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, not foldable or anything fancy. |
| Dimensions | 131.5 × 64.2 × 7.7 mm | 162.6 × 74.8 × 8.3 mm | The iPhone 13 mini is much smaller and more pocketable. The Moto G is noticeably larger, potentially more cumbersome. |
| Weight | 141g | 190g | The iPhone 13 mini is significantly lighter and easier to hold for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.4" | 6.7" | The Moto G offers a much larger display, better for media consumption and multitasking. The iPhone is very compact, great for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Both are very similar but practically you likely won't notice the difference. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 476 | 395 | The iPhone 13 mini has a noticeably sharper display due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | OLED | P-OLED | Both use OLED technology for vibrant colors and deep blacks, meaning similar viewing experience |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Moto G provides smoother animations and scrolling with the higher refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1200 nits | Both offer the same peak brightness for good visibility in bright conditions, you shouldn't notice much of a difference |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | The A15 Bionic is significantly more powerful, offering smoother performance for demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,250,240 | 514,000 | The iPhone 13 mini is significantly faster and more responsive than the Moto G based on benchmark scores. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 710 | The Apple GPU is a powerhouse, great for graphics-intensive tasks. The Adreno 710 is a mid-range performer. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 2438mAh | 5000mAh | The Moto G has over twice the battery capacity, suggesting significantly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 20W fast charging, Li-Ion | 30W fast charging, Li-Polymer | The Moto G offers slightly faster charging, and with the larger battery will get back to a full charge quickly. |
| Wireless Charging | MagSafe 15W, Qi 7.5W | 15W | Both offer wireless charging, the iPhone also includes MagSafe which is helpful for some users. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | The Moto G offers the ability to charge other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.6 | 50MP, f/1.8 | The Moto G offers a much higher megapixel count for higher resolution images but the iPhone has a slightly wider aperture, letting in more light. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.45 | The Moto G offers more megapixels here but the iPhone again has the wider aperture |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 | None | The iPhone includes an ultrawide angle lens, helpful for landscape shots or taking photos with friends. |
| Macro Lens | None | 13MP, f/2.2 | The Moto G has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR | Up to 4K@30fps | Both offer 4K video recording, the iPhone can capture at a higher frame rate. |
| DxOMark Score | Mobile: 125, Selfie: 134 | Not tested | The iPhone 13 mini has higher camera performance, especially video (based on DxOMark tests). |
| Camera Features | Advanced features like optical zoom, RAW and Ultra stable video. | Time-Lapse, digital stabilization, Dual capture. | Each phone has its own unique camera features that can benefit its users. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 15 (upgradable to 18) | Android 14 (upgradable to 15) | iOS is known for its smooth operation and strong privacy focus. Android offers more customization, but has fewer updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | The Moto G supports the newer 6E standard, offering faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.1 | The Moto G uses a slightly newer version of Bluetooth with better features. |
| GPS | Multiple Systems | Multiple Systems + NavIC | The Moto G has more satellite systems for more accurate GPS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Both support dual SIM functionality and eSIM capability. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB, 256GB, 512 GB | 256GB | The iPhone offers more flexibility in storage capacity, up to 512 GB. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB | The Moto G has more RAM, potentially better for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, enhanced features, 3 Microphones | Dolby Atmos, 2 Microphones | The iPhone provides better audio with more surround sound features and an extra mic. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic security features | Fingerprint Sensor | The Motorola provides biometric security through a fingerprint sensor. |
| Other | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Motorola offers a fingerprint sensor, but Apple provides a barometer. |
| Build Quality | Not Specified | Not Specified | Both phones use similar materials. |
2. Key Insights
Apple iPhone 13 mini Strengths:
- Compact Design: Exceptionally pocketable and easy to use one-handed, a rare find in modern smartphones.
- Performance Powerhouse: The A15 Bionic chip is incredibly fast, offering a premium experience with smooth multitasking and gaming.
- Premium Camera Quality: Though not the highest megapixel count, it captures excellent photos and videos, further enhanced by Apple's image processing.
- Enhanced Audio Features: Better sound quality, surround sound, voice capture, and noise cancellation.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) Strengths:
- Large Display: The expansive 6.7" screen is ideal for media consumption, note taking, and multitasking.
- Long-Lasting Battery: With a 5000mAh battery, it offers significantly longer usage time between charges.
- Higher Refresh Rate: The 120Hz display provides a smoother and more responsive user experience.
- Reverse Charging: Ability to charge other devices, expanding the device's utility.
- Built-In Stylus: Unique pen input is a major advantage for users who enjoy writing, drawing, or note-taking.
Trade-offs:
- iPhone 13 mini: Smaller screen, lower battery capacity, higher price.
- Moto G Stylus 5G (2024): Slower processor, larger and heavier, display not as sharp, camera not as advanced.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Apple iPhone 13 mini is ideal for:
- Users who prioritize a truly compact, one-handed device.
- Those who value premium performance and the smooth, secure iOS ecosystem.
- Users who take photos and videos regularly and require high-quality results and great audio recording.
- Those who prefer a simple, streamlined experience with easy integration into the Apple ecosystem.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is ideal for:
- Users who need a large screen for media consumption, note-taking, and multitasking.
- Those who need a long-lasting battery to get through a full day (or more) without needing to charge.
- Users who want to use the built-in stylus for productivity and creativity.
- People who want the more flexible open nature of Android and its vast library of apps, and who like to change more settings.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is size and portability? If a compact, one-hand usable device is your priority, the iPhone 13 mini is the best choice. If you prioritize a large screen, the Moto G Stylus 5G is the way to go.
- How important is performance? If you require peak performance for gaming and demanding apps, the iPhone 13 mini is better. If you are a more casual user, the Moto G Stylus 5G should be sufficient.
- What is your budget? The iPhone 13 mini is generally priced higher. The Moto G Stylus 5G is the more budget-friendly option, especially with the long lasting battery.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Media Enthusiast: If watching videos and browsing the web is your main use case, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024)'s larger screen and longer battery will provide a better experience.
- The Mobile Professional: If you need a powerful, reliable device for work, the iPhone 13 mini's strong performance and robust ecosystem is more useful.
- The Creative User: If you need a stylus for drawing and note-taking, the Moto G Stylus 5G is the obvious pick. If you need advanced photo and video features, the iPhone 13 mini is better.
- The Budget Conscious User: If you're looking for value, the Moto G Stylus 5G provides many useful features at a lower price.
My Choice
If I were making the choice, I would pick the Apple iPhone 13 mini. Here's why:
As a tech journalist, I prioritize performance and camera quality to document my findings and capture high-quality content. While the Moto G Stylus 5G's bigger screen and battery are tempting, the A15 Bionic chip in the iPhone provides a superior and more fluid experience overall. The compact size is also a plus, as I often prefer one-handed use. While the battery life is shorter, I find myself near chargers pretty often, and the quality of the camera and the power of the processor make this the clear winner. The enhanced audio features are a bonus, as I like to review video content often and need the best audio. Ultimately, the iPhone's performance and camera quality suit my use case better.
