Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G vs. Apple iPhone 13: A Practical Comparison
These two phones cater to very different audiences, with the Moto G Stylus 5G offering a budget-friendly stylus experience and the iPhone 13 delivering premium performance and ecosystem benefits. Let’s break down the key differences and who each device is best for.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Apple iPhone 13 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 169.5 × 77.5 × 9.4 mm | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.7 mm | iPhone 13 is more compact and pocket-friendly, while the Moto G is larger and heavier (217.5g vs. 174g). |
| Weight | 217.5g | 174g | iPhone 13 is easier to use one-handed; Moto G feels bulkier. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Face ID | Moto G offers faster unlocking (fingerprint vs. Face ID), but iPhone 13 has better security & convenience. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Apple iPhone 13 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" IPS LCD | 6.1" OLED | Moto G has a bigger screen (better for media), but iPhone 13 has deeper blacks, better contrast, and 1200 nits peak brightness (superior outdoor visibility). |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (387 PPI) | 1170x2532 (460 PPI) | iPhone 13 is sharper (73 PPI difference), making text and images crisper. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Neither has a high refresh rate, so scrolling smoothness is similar. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Apple iPhone 13 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm) | A15 Bionic (5nm) | iPhone 13 is vastly faster (635% higher benchmark score), meaning better gaming, multitasking, and longevity. |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB | Identical RAM, but iPhone 13’s optimized iOS makes it feel smoother. |
| Storage | 128GB (non-expandable) | 128GB/256GB/512GB (non-expandable) | iPhone 13 offers more storage options, but neither has microSD support. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Apple iPhone 13 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.7) | 12MP (f/1.6, Sony IMX603) | iPhone 13 has better low-light performance (larger pixels, 1.7µm vs. 0.8µm) and superior video (4K HDR vs. 1080p). |
| Ultrawide | 16MP (f/2.2) | 12MP (f/2.4) | Moto G has higher resolution, but iPhone 13’s sensor quality leads to better dynamic range. |
| Extra Lenses | Macro (2MP), ToF 3D | None | Moto G has more versatility (macro shots, depth sensing), but iPhone 13’s computational photography (Night Mode, Smart HDR) is superior. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP (f/2.0) | 12MP (f/2.2) | Moto G has higher resolution, but iPhone 13’s Face ID and better processing make selfies look more natural. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Apple iPhone 13 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 3240mAh | Moto G lasts longer (19% bigger battery), but iPhone 13’s efficient A15 chip helps it compete. |
| Charging | 10W wired | 20W wired + 15W MagSafe | iPhone 13 charges faster and supports wireless charging, a big convenience advantage. |
Software & Extras
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Apple iPhone 13 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (up to 12) | iOS 15 (up to iOS 18) | iPhone 13 gets 5+ years of updates; Moto G has limited software support. |
| Stylus Support | Yes (included) | No | Moto G is better for note-taking and drawing; iPhone requires a third-party stylus (Apple Pencil doesn’t work). |
| Audio | Basic | Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers | iPhone 13 has far better speakers and spatial audio for movies/music. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Strengths
✅ Bigger screen & stylus – Great for note-taking, sketching, and media.
✅ Larger battery – Better endurance for heavy users.
✅ More camera lenses – Macro and ultrawide add versatility.
✅ Fingerprint sensor – Faster unlocking than Face ID in some cases.
Apple iPhone 13 Strengths
✅ Blazing-fast performance – A15 Bionic crushes the Snapdragon 480.
✅ Superior display – OLED, better brightness, and color accuracy.
✅ Better cameras – Computational photography, 4K HDR video, Night Mode.
✅ Longer software support – 5+ years of iOS updates vs. 1-2 for Moto G.
✅ Premium build & wireless charging – More polished experience.
Trade-Offs
- Moto G is bulkier but has a stylus.
- iPhone 13 is more expensive but will last much longer.
- Moto G’s cameras look better on paper, but iPhone 13’s processing wins in real-world use.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Moto G Stylus 5G?
✔ Budget-conscious users who want a big screen & stylus.
✔ Casual note-takers & artists who don’t want an expensive tablet.
✔ Long-battery-life seekers who don’t need top-tier performance.
Who Should Buy the iPhone 13?
✔ Power users who want fast performance & longevity.
✔ Photography & video enthusiasts (4K HDR, Night Mode).
✔ Apple ecosystem users (iCloud, AirDrop, Apple Watch compatibility).
✔ Those who prefer premium build & wireless charging.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do I need a stylus? → Moto G Stylus 5G
- Do I want the best performance & cameras? → iPhone 13
- Do I prioritize long-term software updates? → iPhone 13
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Student on a budget? → Moto G (stylus for notes, big battery).
- Photographer/content creator? → iPhone 13 (better video, HDR, Night Mode).
- Future-proofing? → iPhone 13 (5+ years of updates).
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the iPhone 13.
While the Moto G Stylus 5G is great for stylus users and budget buyers, the iPhone 13’s superior performance, camera quality, and long-term software support make it the better investment. The A15 Bionic chip, OLED display, and 4K HDR video justify the higher price, especially if you plan to keep the phone for 3+ years.
That said, if you really need a stylus, the Moto G is one of the few affordable options—just be prepared for slower performance and shorter software support.
Winner: Apple iPhone 13 (for most users).
Alternative Pick: Moto G Stylus 5G (only if you must have a stylus on a budget).
