Here’s a structured comparison of the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G and Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max, focusing on real-world usability, trade-offs, and target audiences.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | iPhone 14 Pro Max | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Dimensions | 169.5 × 77.5 × 9.4 mm | 160.7 × 77.6 × 7.9 mm | iPhone is more compact and slimmer, but Moto offers a larger screen in a similar width. |
| Weight | 217.5g | 240g | Moto is lighter, but iPhone’s heft feels premium (stainless steel frame). |
| Stylus Support | Yes (built-in) | No | Moto wins for note-takers or artists; iPhone relies on third-party accessories. |
Display
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | iPhone 14 Pro Max | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Size | 6.8" IPS LCD | 6.7" OLED | Near-identical size, but iPhone’s OLED offers deeper blacks and better contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz (ProMotion) | iPhone feels smoother for scrolling/gaming. |
| Brightness | ~400 nits (est.) | 2000 nits (peak HDR) | iPhone is vastly superior in sunlight. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (387 PPI) | 1290x2796 (460 PPI) | iPhone’s sharper display benefits text clarity and media. |
Performance
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | iPhone 14 Pro Max | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm) | A16 Bionic (4nm) | iPhone is 7.5x faster (per Antutu). Moto is adequate for basics; iPhone excels in gaming/editing. |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB | iPhone handles multitasking better. |
| Storage | 128GB (non-expandable) | 128GB–1TB (non-expandable) | iPhone offers more high-end storage options. |
Camera
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | iPhone 14 Pro Max | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Main Sensor | 48MP (f/1.7, 0.8µm) | 48MP (f/1.78, 1.22µm) | iPhone’s larger pixels and sensor (Sony IMX803) capture more light. |
| Ultra-Wide | 16MP (f/2.2) | 12MP (f/2.2) | Moto has higher resolution, but iPhone’s processing wins in dynamic range. |
| Telephoto | None | 12MP (f/2.8, 3x optical zoom) | iPhone dominates for portraits/zoom. |
| Video | 1080p/60fps | 4K HDR @ 60fps + Dolby Vision | iPhone is a filmmaker’s tool; Moto is basic. |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | 146 (Photo: 143, Video: 149) | iPhone’s computational photography (Night Mode, ProRAW) is unmatched. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | iPhone 14 Pro Max | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4323mAh | Similar endurance, but iPhone’s efficiency (A16) gives it an edge. |
| Charging | 10W wired | 20W wired + 15W MagSafe | iPhone charges faster and supports wireless. |
Software & Extras
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | iPhone 14 Pro Max | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| OS | Android 11 (up to 12) | iOS 16 (up to iOS 18) | iPhone gets 5+ years of updates; Moto’s support is limited. |
| Security | Rear fingerprint sensor | Face ID | Face ID is more convenient; Moto’s fingerprint is reliable but slower. |
| Audio | Basic | Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers | iPhone’s spatial audio and louder speakers are superior. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Strengths
- Budget-friendly stylus support: Rare at this price for note-taking/doodling.
- Lighter and larger screen: Better for media consumption.
- Higher-resolution selfie cam: 20MP vs. iPhone’s 12MP.
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max Strengths
- Elite performance: A16 Bionic demolishes mid-range Snapdragon 480.
- Pro-grade cameras: Better low-light, zoom, and video capabilities.
- Premium build and ecosystem: Longer software support, MagSafe, resale value.
Trade-Offs
- Moto’s display is LCD vs. iPhone’s OLED—big difference in vibrancy.
- Moto’s chipset struggles with heavy apps/games; iPhone is future-proof.
- iPhone lacks a stylus, which may matter to artists/students.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Choose the Moto G Stylus 5G if you:
- Need a stylus for notes or sketches on a budget.
- Prioritize a lightweight, large screen over premium materials.
- Are a light user (social media, calls, streaming).
Choose the iPhone 14 Pro Max if you:
- Want flagship performance (gaming, editing, multitasking).
- Value cameras (especially video and low-light).
- Prefer long-term software updates and ecosystem perks (AirDrop, iMessage).
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself:
- Do I need a stylus? → Moto.
- Is camera/video quality critical? → iPhone.
- Am I willing to pay more for longevity? → iPhone.
Scenarios:
- Student on a budget: Moto (stylus + affordability).
- Content creator: iPhone (cameras, performance).
- Long-term user: iPhone (5+ years of updates).
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the iPhone 14 Pro Max—but only if budget isn’t a constraint. Here’s why:
- The A16 Bionic’s speed and 5-year software support make it a better long-term investment.
- OLED display, 120Hz, and 2000-nit brightness are game-changers for media.
- Cameras are in another league, especially for video.
That said, the Moto G Stylus 5G is a fantastic value if you:
- Need a stylus and can accept mid-range performance.
- Don’t care about bleeding-edge specs.
Bottom line: The iPhone is the objectively better device, but the Moto fills a niche (stylus + budget) that Apple ignores. Your choice depends on priorities!
