Alright, let's dive deep into a comparison of the Apple iPhone 13 and the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022). We'll break down the specs, talk about what they mean for you, and figure out which phone might be the better fit.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the technical differences between the two phones and how those differences play out in daily use:
| Feature | Apple iPhone 13 | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.7 mm | 168.9 × 75.8 × 9.3 mm | The iPhone is noticeably smaller, making it more pocketable and comfortable in hand for most people. The Moto G is larger and heavier. |
| Weight | 174g | 215g | iPhone is lighter, better for long sessions of holding your device. |
| Build | Aluminum and Glass | Plastic and Glass | iPhone uses premium materials, Moto G uses more budget materials. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.8" | The Moto G offers a larger screen, great for media consumption and multitasking, while the iPhone is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1080x2460 | iPhone display has slightly higher pixel density, leading to sharper text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 460 | 395 | iPhone has a significantly sharper display with higher pixel density. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | iPhone has superior color reproduction, contrast, and black levels (deeper blacks). The Moto G uses IPS LCD with lower contrast and colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Moto G provides a smoother visual experience with its 120Hz display, better for scrolling and animation. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | iPhone has significantly better outdoor visibility with its high brightness display. The Moto G does not have an official nits measurement. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | iPhone has a much faster processor, translating to quicker app launches, smoother multitasking, better graphics and more future-proof device. Moto G is more for budget use and cannot compete with the iPhone. |
| Antutu Score | 1,256,049 | 385,000 | iPhone is significantly faster. A big difference that you will feel when you use the device. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 619 | iPhone's GPU is much more powerful, better for gaming and graphics intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.6 | 50MP, f/1.9 | Moto G has higher resolution, but iPhone has a wider aperture. The iPhone is likely better in low light conditions, even with lower MP sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.2 | Moto G has a slightly higher-resolution front-facing camera, but aperture is the same. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/2.2 | iPhone has a slightly higher-resolution ultra-wide lens with better details. |
| Macro Lens | No | 2MP, f/2.4 | Moto G has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. iPhone does not. |
| Video | Up to 4K 60fps HDR | Up to 1080p 60fps with EIS | iPhone has higher quality video recording, supports HDR, and is better for vloging and videos. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 3240mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G has a much larger battery, likely to last longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging, Wireless | No Fast Charging | iPhone supports fast and wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 15 (Upgradeable to iOS 18) | Android 12 | iOS is known for its simplicity, performance, and ecosystem, with updates for longer. Android is more open, customizable but Moto G is unlikely to get many updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | iPhone has the latest Wi-Fi standard for faster speeds and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | Moto G has a newer Bluetooth version with more codec support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Single SIM (Nano SIM) | iPhone supports dual SIMs with eSIM, while the Moto G only has one physical SIM slot. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128, 256, or 512 GB | 256 GB | iPhone comes in multiple storage options; Moto G has only a 256GB option. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB | Moto G has more RAM for better multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | 2 microphones | iPhone offers more features and better quality audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic security features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Moto G includes a fingerprint sensor for easy unlocking. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Barometer | Fingerprint | iPhone has an environmental sensor, while the Moto G has a biometric sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Apple iPhone 13:
- Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The A15 Bionic chip is a powerhouse, outperforming the Snapdragon in virtually every aspect, from daily tasks to gaming.
- Exceptional Display: The OLED panel offers superior color accuracy, contrast, and brightness.
- Top-Notch Camera: It has a better overall camera with advanced video features and low light performance.
- Premium Build: The phone feels more durable and refined due to its premium material.
- Competitive Advantages: The overall ecosystem, performance, and display set it apart.
- Trade-offs: The battery size and refresh rate are lower than the Moto G.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022):
- Strengths:
- Large Battery: Offers significantly longer battery life due to its large 5000mAh capacity.
- 120Hz Display: Provides smoother animations and scrolling.
- Stylus Support: The built-in stylus is great for note-taking and creative work.
- Affordable: Usually comes at a much more affordable price than the iPhone.
- More RAM: It has double the RAM for multitasking.
- Expandable Storage: Comes standard with a microSD slot.
- Competitive Advantages: Large screen, stylus, and long battery life at a lower price.
- Trade-offs: Slower processor, lower quality display, and less impressive camera.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Apple iPhone 13 is best suited for:
- Power Users: Individuals who need top-tier performance for tasks like video editing, gaming, and heavy multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want the best camera quality and video recording capabilities.
- Ecosystem Devotees: Users already invested in the Apple ecosystem seeking seamless integration across devices.
Use Cases:
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos for professional content.
- Running complex applications and games smoothly.
- Enjoying a vibrant and sharp display with superior contrast.
- Seamlessly integrating with other Apple devices like AirPods, Apple Watch, etc.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) is best suited for:
- Budget Conscious Users: Individuals seeking a good smartphone experience without breaking the bank.
- Note-Takers and Artists: People who will utilize the stylus for handwritten notes, sketches, and annotations.
- Media Consumers: Those who enjoy watching videos and browsing content on a large screen.
Use Cases:
- Taking handwritten notes in meetings or classes with the stylus.
- Casual gaming and media consumption on a large, smooth display.
- Needing a smartphone with long battery life for all-day usage.
- Drawing, editing and doodling on the screen.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three crucial questions to consider when choosing between these phones:
- How important is performance to you? If you require top-tier performance for gaming or demanding tasks, the iPhone is the obvious choice. If you're okay with more casual performance for everyday tasks, the Moto G is a good budget choice.
- What is your budget? The iPhone is a premium phone, and thus has a premium price tag. If your budget is more constrained, then the Moto G is a good alternative.
- Do you value battery life, stylus functionality, and smooth refresh rates? If these are more important to you than high-end performance, the Moto G is likely the better pick for you. If you don't need these features and care more about the highest quality camera, display, and speed, then go with the iPhone.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Tech Enthusiast: Choose the iPhone 13 for its top-tier performance, superior camera, and premium build.
- The Student/Creative User: The Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) is great for its built in stylus for note taking and sketching, smooth refresh rate, and longer battery life.
- The Casual User: The Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) offers better value, a large screen, and longer battery life for day to day use.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I'd go with the Apple iPhone 13. While I appreciate the Motorola's large battery and 120Hz screen, the overall experience with the iPhone is just far superior. The A15 Bionic chip offers an unmatched experience with the operating system. I like having the better camera with 4K video, not to mention the stunning OLED display with its unmatched color accuracy. The iPhone would be my daily driver.
