Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G vs. Apple iPhone 15: A Practical Comparison
These two phones cater to very different audiences—one is a budget-friendly stylus-equipped device, while the other is Apple’s latest flagship. Let’s break down how they compare in real-world use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Apple iPhone 15 | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Dimensions | 169.5 × 77.5 × 9.4 mm | 147.6 × 71.6 × 7.8 mm | iPhone 15 is much more compact and pocket-friendly, while the Moto G Stylus is bulkier but offers a larger display. |
| Weight | 217.5g | 171g | iPhone 15 is 46.5g lighter, making it more comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Build Quality | Plastic frame | Aluminum frame, Ceramic Shield | iPhone 15 feels more premium and durable. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Apple iPhone 15 | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Size | 6.8" IPS LCD | 6.1" OLED | Moto G Stylus has a bigger screen, but iPhone 15’s OLED is sharper, more vibrant, and better in sunlight. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (387 PPI) | 1179x2556 (461 PPI) | iPhone 15’s display is noticeably crisper for text and media. |
| Brightness | Not specified (likely ~500 nits) | 2000 nits (peak HDR) | iPhone 15 is far superior outdoors—no squinting in sunlight. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Neither has a high refresh rate, so scrolling is similar. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Apple iPhone 15 | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm) | A16 Bionic (4nm) | iPhone 15 is dramatically faster—better for gaming, multitasking, and future-proofing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 171,000 | 1,470,000 | iPhone 15 is 8.6x faster—apps open instantly, no lag. |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB | iPhone 15 handles more apps in memory without reloading. |
| Storage | 128GB (non-expandable) | 128GB/256GB/512GB | iPhone 15 offers more storage options, but neither has expandable storage. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Apple iPhone 15 | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.7) | 48MP (f/1.6, larger sensor) | iPhone 15 has better low-light performance and computational photography. |
| Ultrawide | 16MP (f/2.2) | 12MP (f/2.4) | Moto G Stylus has a higher-res ultrawide, but iPhone 15’s processing is superior. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP (f/2.0) | 12MP (f/1.9) | Moto G Stylus has more detail, but iPhone 15 has better dynamic range. |
| Video | 1080p@60fps | 4K@60fps HDR, Cinematic Mode | iPhone 15 is far better for video—smoother, more professional. |
| DxOMark Score | Not tested | 145 (Photo: 147, Video: 153) | iPhone 15 is one of the best smartphone cameras available. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Apple iPhone 15 | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 3877mAh | Similar endurance, but iPhone 15 is more efficient due to A16 chip. |
| Charging | 10W wired | 20W wired + 15W MagSafe | iPhone 15 charges faster and supports wireless charging. |
Extras
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Apple iPhone 15 | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Stylus Support | Yes | No | Moto G Stylus is better for note-taking and drawing. |
| Security | Rear fingerprint sensor | Face ID | iPhone 15’s Face ID is more convenient and secure. |
| Software | Android 11 (up to 12) | iOS 17 (up to iOS 18) | iPhone 15 gets longer software support (5+ years vs. 2). |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 | iPhone 15 has faster Wi-Fi and better Bluetooth. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Strengths
✅ Bigger display – Better for media and stylus use.
✅ Built-in stylus – Great for note-takers and artists.
✅ More rear cameras – Ultrawide + macro + depth sensor.
✅ Lower price – Much more affordable.
Apple iPhone 15 Strengths
✅ Far superior performance – Smoother, faster, longer-lasting.
✅ Better display – OLED, higher resolution, much brighter.
✅ Top-tier camera – Better photos, especially in low light.
✅ Longer software support – 5+ years of updates vs. 2.
✅ Premium build – Lighter, more durable, better materials.
Trade-Offs
- Moto G Stylus sacrifices performance and display quality for affordability and stylus functionality.
- iPhone 15 is more expensive but offers a flagship-tier experience in every way.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Moto G Stylus 5G?
- Budget-conscious users who want a big screen.
- Note-takers & artists who need a stylus.
- Casual users who don’t need top-tier performance.
Who Should Buy the iPhone 15?
- Power users who want speed and longevity.
- Photography & video enthusiasts (better camera, 4K HDR).
- iOS fans who want long-term software support.
- Those who prefer premium build quality.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do I need a stylus? → Moto G Stylus 5G
- Do I prioritize performance and camera quality? → iPhone 15
- Am I willing to pay more for a premium experience? → iPhone 15
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Student on a budget who takes notes? → Moto G Stylus 5G
- Photographer or content creator? → iPhone 15
- Long-term user who keeps phones for years? → iPhone 15
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the iPhone 15.
Why?
- Performance is in a different league—no lag, better future-proofing.
- Camera is significantly better—especially for video.
- OLED display is superior—brighter, sharper, more vibrant.
- Longer software support—5+ years vs. 2.
The Moto G Stylus 5G is a great budget option if you need a stylus, but the iPhone 15 is the better all-around phone for most users. If budget isn’t a constraint, the iPhone is the clear winner.
