Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G vs. Apple iPhone 14 Plus: A Practical Comparison
These two phones cater to very different audiences, with the Moto G Stylus 5G offering a budget-friendly stylus experience, while the iPhone 14 Plus delivers 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 | Moto G Stylus 5G | iPhone 14 Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 169.5 × 77.5 × 9.4 mm | 160.8 × 78.1 × 7.8 mm | iPhone is slimmer and slightly shorter, making it easier to handle. Moto G is bulkier but has a built-in stylus. |
| Weight | 217.5g | 203g | iPhone is lighter, which may matter for long usage. |
| Build Quality | Plastic body | Glass front/back, aluminum frame | iPhone feels more premium, but Moto G may be more durable for drops. |
Display
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | iPhone 14 Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" IPS LCD | 6.7" OLED | Nearly identical size, but iPhone’s OLED offers deeper blacks, better contrast. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (387 PPI) | 1284x2778 (458 PPI) | iPhone is sharper—better for reading, media. |
| Brightness | Not specified (likely ~500 nits) | 1200 nits (peak HDR) | iPhone is far better in sunlight. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Neither has a high refresh rate. |
Performance
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | iPhone 14 Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm) | A15 Bionic (5nm) | iPhone is vastly faster—better for gaming, multitasking, and longevity. |
| AnTuTu Score | 171,000 | 1,330,312 | iPhone is ~7.8x faster—no contest. |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB | iPhone handles more apps in memory smoothly. |
Camera
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | iPhone 14 Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.7) | 12MP (f/1.5, larger sensor) | iPhone’s smaller MP but better sensor means superior low-light and dynamic range. |
| Ultrawide | 16MP (f/2.2) | 12MP (f/2.4) | Moto G has higher resolution, but iPhone likely processes better. |
| Selfie | 20MP (f/2.0) | 12MP (f/1.9) | Moto G has more detail, but iPhone’s wider aperture helps in low light. |
| Video | 1080p@60fps | 4K@60fps, HDR, Dolby Vision | iPhone is far superior for video. |
| Extra Features | Macro lens, ToF sensor | Night Mode, Cinematic Mode | iPhone has better computational photography. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | iPhone 14 Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4325mAh | iPhone has slightly more capacity, but real-world battery life depends on optimization. |
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi | iPhone supports wireless charging, but Moto G charges slightly faster wired. |
Software & Extras
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | iPhone 14 Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (up to 12) | iOS 16 (up to iOS 18+) | iPhone gets longer software support. |
| Security | Rear fingerprint sensor | Face ID | Face ID is more convenient, but Moto G has a physical fallback. |
| Stylus Support | Yes (included) | No | Moto G is better for note-taking, drawing. |
| Storage | 128GB (non-expandable) | 128GB/256GB/512GB | iPhone offers more storage options. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Strengths:
✅ Built-in stylus – Great for artists, note-takers.
✅ Higher MP cameras – On paper, more detail (though processing lags behind).
✅ Cheaper – Far more budget-friendly.
Apple iPhone 14 Plus Strengths:
✅ Blazing-fast performance – A15 Bionic is years ahead of Snapdragon 480.
✅ Superior display – OLED, higher brightness, better colors.
✅ Better cameras – Despite lower MP, computational photography wins.
✅ Longer software support – iOS updates for 5+ years.
✅ Premium build – Glass & aluminum vs. plastic.
Trade-Offs:
- Moto G Stylus 5G is slower, bulkier, and has weaker cameras but offers a stylus at a low price.
- iPhone 14 Plus is far more expensive but delivers better performance, display, and longevity.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Moto G Stylus 5G?
✔ Budget-conscious users who want a big screen + stylus.
✔ Casual users who don’t need top-tier performance.
✔ Students or artists who sketch or take notes often.
Who Should Buy the iPhone 14 Plus?
✔ Power users who want speed, longevity, and premium features.
✔ Photography/video enthusiasts (4K HDR, Dolby Vision).
✔ Apple ecosystem users (iMessage, AirDrop, FaceTime).
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do I need a stylus? → Moto G Stylus 5G.
- Do I prioritize performance & camera quality? → iPhone 14 Plus.
- Am I budget-limited? → Moto G Stylus 5G.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- "I take notes and draw a lot." → Moto G Stylus 5G.
- "I want the best performance and camera." → iPhone 14 Plus.
- "I need a phone that lasts 4+ years." → iPhone 14 Plus.
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the iPhone 14 Plus—because:
✅ Performance is unmatched (A15 Bionic vs. Snapdragon 480 is no contest).
✅ Camera quality is significantly better (especially video).
✅ Longer software support (5+ years vs. 1-2 for Moto).
✅ OLED display & premium build make it a joy to use daily.
However, if I needed a stylus and was on a tight budget, the Moto G Stylus 5G would be a solid alternative.
Bottom Line:
- For most users, iPhone 14 Plus is the better long-term investment.
- For stylus lovers on a budget, Moto G Stylus 5G is a rare find.
Which would you pick? Let me know in the comments! 🚀
