Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G vs. Apple iPhone 15 Pro: A Practical Comparison
These two phones cater to very different audiences, with distinct strengths in affordability, productivity, and premium performance. Below, we break down how they compare in key areas.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Apple iPhone 15 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 169.5 × 77.5 × 9.4 mm | 146.6 × 70.6 × 8.3 mm | The iPhone is smaller and lighter (187g vs. 217.5g), making it easier to handle one-handed. The Moto G is bulkier but offers a larger screen for media. |
| Weight | 217.5g | 187g | The iPhone is 30g lighter, more comfortable for long use. |
| Build Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Neither has confirmed advanced protection (e.g., Gorilla Glass), but Apple’s stainless steel frame feels more premium. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Apple iPhone 15 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" IPS LCD | 6.1" OLED | The Moto G offers a larger display, better for stylus use and media. The iPhone’s OLED is sharper (461 PPI vs. 387 PPI) and more vibrant. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz (ProMotion) | The iPhone is significantly smoother in scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | ~500 nits (est.) | 2000 nits peak | The iPhone is far superior in sunlight, much easier to read outdoors. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Apple iPhone 15 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480 (8nm) | A17 Pro (3nm) | The iPhone’s chip is years ahead—faster, more efficient, and better for gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 171,000 | 1,641,883 | The iPhone is 9.6x faster, meaning it will remain smooth for years longer. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB | The iPhone handles multitasking and demanding apps far better. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Apple iPhone 15 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.7) | 48MP (f/1.78, Sony sensor) | The iPhone has better low-light performance and computational photography (Night Mode, ProRAW). |
| Ultrawide | 16MP (f/2.2) | 12MP (f/2.2, macro-capable) | The iPhone combines ultrawide + macro, while Moto G has a dedicated macro lens (2MP, low-res). |
| Telephoto | ❌ None | 12MP (f/2.8, 3x optical zoom) | The iPhone is far better for zoom shots. |
| Selfie | 20MP (f/2.0) | 12MP (f/1.9, Sony sensor) | The Moto G has higher resolution, but iPhone’s processing wins in detail and dynamic range. |
| Video | 1080p @ 60fps | 4K HDR @ 60fps, Cinematic Mode | The iPhone is superior for video, with stabilization, HDR, and professional features. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Apple iPhone 15 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 3650mAh | The Moto G has marginally longer battery life (but weaker optimization). |
| Charging | 10W wired | 27W wired, 15W MagSafe | The iPhone charges 2.7x faster and supports wireless charging. |
Extras
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Apple iPhone 15 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stylus Support | ✅ Built-in stylus | ❌ No stylus | The Moto G is better for note-taking and sketching. |
| Security | Rear fingerprint sensor | Face ID | Face ID is more convenient, but the Moto G has a fingerprint option. |
| Software | Android 11 (up to 12) | iOS 17 (up to iOS 18+) | The iPhone gets 5+ years of updates, while the Moto G is outdated. |
| Storage Expansion | ❌ No | ❌ No | Both rely on internal storage, but the iPhone offers up to 1TB. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Strengths
✔ Bigger screen with built-in stylus – Great for notes, drawing, and media.
✔ Bigger battery – Slightly longer endurance.
✔ More affordable – A budget-friendly option for stylus users.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Strengths
✔ Far superior performance – The A17 Pro is 9.6x faster, future-proof.
✔ Much better display – OLED, 120Hz, and 2000 nits brightness.
✔ Pro-level cameras – Better zoom, night shots, and video.
✔ Longer software support – 5+ years of updates vs. Android 12 (outdated).
Trade-Offs
- The Moto G is bulkier and slower, but the stylus is unique.
- The iPhone is expensive but justifies its price with flagship performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Moto G Stylus 5G?
- Budget-conscious users who need a stylus for productivity.
- Casual users who don’t need high-end performance.
- Media consumers who prefer a large display.
Who Should Buy the iPhone 15 Pro?
- Power users who want the fastest performance.
- Photographers & videographers needing pro-level cameras.
- iOS loyalists who prefer long-term software support.
- Those who value premium design and resale value.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do I need a stylus? → Moto G Stylus 5G
- Do I prioritize speed and camera quality? → iPhone 15 Pro
- Am I budget-constrained? → Moto G Stylus 5G
Scenario-Based Picks:
- Best for productivity & sketching → Moto G Stylus 5G
- Best for gaming & future-proofing → iPhone 15 Pro
- Best camera & video → iPhone 15 Pro
- Best budget pick → Moto G Stylus 5G
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the iPhone 15 Pro—because raw performance, camera quality, and long-term software support matter more to me than a stylus.
Why?
- The A17 Pro’s speed makes the phone feel snappy for years.
- The OLED display with 120Hz is much smoother for daily use.
- Superior cameras mean better photos and videos.
- 5+ years of updates ensures longevity.
The Moto G Stylus 5G is a great budget alternative, but if you can afford the iPhone, it’s the objectively better device in almost every way—except for stylus support.
Your choice depends on needs:
- Stylus + budget? → Moto G
- Best overall phone? → iPhone 15 Pro.
