Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G vs. Apple iPhone 16 Plus: A Practical Comparison
These two phones cater to very different audiences—one is a budget-friendly stylus-equipped device, while the other is a premium 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 16 Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 169.5 × 77.5 × 9.4 mm | 160.9 × 77.8 × 7.8 mm | iPhone is slimmer and shorter, easier for one-handed use. Moto G is bulkier but has a built-in stylus. |
| Weight | 217.5g | 199g | iPhone is 18.5g lighter, making it more comfortable for long use. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | None (Face ID) | Moto G offers a physical fingerprint sensor, while iPhone relies on Face ID. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Apple iPhone 16 Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" IPS LCD | 6.7" OLED | Similar size, but iPhone’s OLED offers deeper blacks and better contrast. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (387 PPI) | 1290x2796 (460 PPI) | iPhone is sharper—better for reading text and media. |
| Brightness | Not specified | 2000 nits (peak) | iPhone is far brighter, making it usable in direct sunlight. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both are standard 60Hz—no high refresh rate advantage. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Apple iPhone 16 Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480 (8nm) | Apple A18 (3nm) | iPhone is dramatically faster—better for gaming, multitasking, and future-proofing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 171,000 | 1,753,018 | iPhone is 10x faster—handles demanding apps effortlessly. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB | iPhone has double the RAM, meaning smoother multitasking. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Apple iPhone 16 Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.7) | 48MP (f/1.6) | iPhone has a wider aperture (better low-light shots) and a larger sensor (more detail). |
| Ultra-Wide | 16MP (f/2.2) | 12MP (f/2.2) | Moto G has a higher-res ultra-wide, but iPhone’s sensor is likely better optimized. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP (f/2.0) | 12MP (f/1.9) | Moto G has higher resolution, but iPhone’s wider aperture helps in low light. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@60fps | 4K@60fps (HDR) | iPhone supports 4K HDR, better for professional-looking videos. |
| Extra Features | Macro lens, ToF sensor | Cinematic Mode, Night Mode | iPhone has better computational photography (better portraits, low-light shots). |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Apple iPhone 16 Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4674mAh | iPhone has a larger battery, likely better endurance. |
| Charging Speed | 10W wired | 25W wired + 25W wireless | iPhone charges 2.5x faster and supports wireless charging. |
Software & Extras
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Apple iPhone 16 Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (up to 12) | iOS 18 | iPhone gets longer software support (5+ years vs. 2-3 for Moto). |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6E | iPhone has faster, more stable Wi-Fi in crowded areas. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | iPhone has better Bluetooth range and efficiency. |
| Storage Options | 128GB (non-expandable) | 128GB/256GB/512GB | iPhone offers more storage choices, but neither has expandable storage. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Strengths
✅ Built-in stylus – Great for note-taking, sketching, and precise control.
✅ Higher-res ultra-wide & selfie camera – More detail in wide shots and selfies.
✅ Fingerprint sensor – Some users prefer it over Face ID.
✅ Lower price – More budget-friendly.
Apple iPhone 16 Plus Strengths
✅ Far superior performance – 10x faster in benchmarks, better for gaming and future-proofing.
✅ Better display – OLED, higher resolution, and much brighter.
✅ Superior cameras – Better low-light performance, 4K HDR video, and advanced computational photography.
✅ Longer software support – iOS updates for 5+ years vs. Android’s 2-3.
✅ Faster charging & wireless charging – More convenient power options.
Trade-Offs
- Moto G Stylus sacrifices performance, display quality, and charging speed for affordability and stylus functionality.
- iPhone 16 Plus is much more expensive but offers flagship-level performance and longevity.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Moto G Stylus 5G?
✔ Budget-conscious users who want a stylus for notes/drawing.
✔ Casual users who don’t need top-tier performance.
✔ Those who prefer Android and expandable storage (though this model lacks it).
Who Should Buy the iPhone 16 Plus?
✔ Power users who want the best performance and longevity.
✔ Photography/video enthusiasts (4K HDR, Night Mode, Cinematic Mode).
✔ iOS ecosystem users (iCloud, AirDrop, Apple Watch compatibility).
✔ Those who value premium build and display quality.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do I need a stylus? → Moto G Stylus 5G
- Do I want the best performance and camera? → iPhone 16 Plus
- Am I budget-limited? → Moto G Stylus 5G
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Student on a budget who takes notes? → Moto G Stylus 5G
- Photographer/content creator? → iPhone 16 Plus
- Long-term user who keeps phones for years? → iPhone 16 Plus
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the iPhone 16 Plus.
While the Moto G Stylus 5G is a solid budget option with stylus functionality, the iPhone 16 Plus is in a different league—offering far better performance, display, cameras, and long-term software support. Unless you absolutely need a stylus or are strictly budget-limited, the iPhone is the better investment for most users.
That said, if you’re a student or artist who relies on a stylus, the Moto G Stylus 5G is a rare and practical choice in the budget segment.
Your turn—what matters more to you: stylus functionality or flagship performance? 🚀
