Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G vs. Asus ROG Phone 8: A Battle of Budget vs. Beast
These two phones couldn’t be more different—one is a budget-friendly stylus-equipped workhorse, and the other is a gaming powerhouse with bleeding-edge specs. Let’s break them down to see which one fits your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Asus ROG Phone 8 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 169.5 × 77.5 × 9.4 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | The ROG Phone 8 is slightly more compact and slimmer, making it easier to hold one-handed. |
| Weight | 217.5g | 225g | Almost identical—neither is particularly heavy, but the Moto G Stylus is marginally lighter. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | ROG Phone 8 is significantly tougher against drops and scratches. |
| Stylus Support | Yes | No | The Moto G Stylus has built-in stylus functionality—great for notes and sketches. |
Takeaway:
- Moto G Stylus wins for stylus users and those who prefer a slightly lighter device.
- ROG Phone 8 is more durable and compact, ideal for gamers and frequent travelers.
Display
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | Asus ROG Phone 8 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.8" IPS LCD | 6.78" AMOLED | Nearly identical size, but AMOLED means richer colors and deeper blacks on the ROG Phone. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 165Hz | The ROG Phone’s 165Hz makes games and scrolling ultra-smooth—a huge advantage for gamers. |
| Brightness | Unknown (~500 nits?) | 2500 nits | The ROG Phone is leagues ahead in outdoor visibility. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (387 PPI) | 1080x2400 (388 PPI) | Same sharpness, but ROG Phone’s AMOLED offers better contrast. |
Takeaway:
- ROG Phone 8 dominates with superior brightness, refresh rate, and AMOLED vibrancy.
- Moto G Stylus is fine for basic media, but not for high-end gaming or outdoor use.
Performance
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | Asus ROG Phone 8 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480 5G | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | The ROG Phone is in a different league—faster, more efficient, and future-proof. |
| Antutu Score | 171,000 | 2,020,000 | 10x faster—apps load instantly, multitasking is flawless, and gaming is buttery smooth. |
| RAM | 4GB | 12GB or 16GB | The ROG Phone obliterates the Moto G in multitasking and heavy gaming. |
| Storage | 128GB (non-expandable) | 256GB (non-expandable) | More onboard storage on the ROG Phone, but neither has microSD. |
Takeaway:
- ROG Phone 8 is a performance monster—perfect for gaming, heavy apps, and long-term use.
- Moto G Stylus is adequate for calls, social media, and light tasks—but struggles with demanding apps.
Camera
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | Asus ROG Phone 8 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.7) | 50MP (f/1.9, Sony IMX890) | ROG Phone has a slightly better sensor, but Moto G’s wider aperture helps in low light. |
| Ultrawide | 16MP (f/2.2) | 13MP (f/2.2, macro-enabled) | Moto G has dedicated ultrawide, but ROG Phone’s combines ultrawide + macro. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP | 32MP | ROG Phone has a sharper front camera. |
| Video Recording | 1080p @ 60fps | 8K @ 24fps, 4K @ 60fps | ROG Phone is far superior for videography. |
Takeaway:
- Moto G Stylus has more lens versatility (ultrawide + ToF sensor), but ROG Phone 8 has better computational photography and videography.
- Neither is a camera flagship, but ROG Phone wins for versatility.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | Asus ROG Phone 8 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5500mAh | ROG Phone will last much longer, especially with efficient AMOLED and chipset. |
| Charging Speed | 10W (Slow) | 65W (Very Fast) | ROG Phone charges fully in ~30 mins; Moto G takes hours. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Li-Polymer is slightly more durable. |
Takeaway:
- ROG Phone 8 wins in every battery metric—longer life, faster charging.
- Moto G Stylus is underwhelming—expect mid-day charging for heavy users.
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Strengths
✅ Built-in stylus – Great for note-takers, artists, or anyone who prefers precision input.
✅ Ultrawide + ToF camera – More versatile than ROG Phone’s setup.
✅ Lighter weight – More comfortable for one-handed use.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Strengths
✅ Top-tier performance – Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 + 16GB RAM = future-proof speed.
✅ Best gaming display – 165Hz AMOLED, ultra-bright, and smooth.
✅ Superior battery life & charging – 5500mAh lasts longer, 65W charging refuels in minutes.
✅ Better durability – Gorilla Glass Victus 2 is tougher than Moto’s unknown protection.
Trade-Offs & Limitations
- Moto G Stylus lacks power – Struggles with heavy multitasking or modern games.
- ROG Phone has no stylus – Not ideal for artists or note-takers.
- Price disparity – The ROG Phone is far more expensive, but justifiably so.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Moto G Stylus 5G?
📌 Budget-conscious users – If you need a stylus without breaking the bank.
📌 Casual users – Calls, social media, light browsing, and occasional photos.
📌 Students & artists – The stylus is great for notes and sketches.
Who Should Buy the Asus ROG Phone 8?
📌 Gamers – Top-tier performance, 165Hz display, and gaming optimizations.
📌 Power users – Heavy multitaskers needing speed and longevity.
📌 Tech enthusiasts – The latest Snapdragon, AMOLED, and insane charging speeds.
4. Buying Decision Framework
3 Questions to Help You Choose:
- Do you need a stylus? → Moto G Stylus 5G
- Do you play demanding games or hate lag? → ROG Phone 8
- Do you prioritize battery life & fast charging? → ROG Phone 8
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
🎮 Gaming & Performance? → ROG Phone 8
📝 Note-taking & Budget? → Moto G Stylus 5G
📸 Better camera & speed? → ROG Phone 8
Final Verdict: What Would I Choose?
Winner: Asus ROG Phone 8 🏆
Why?
- Performance is king – The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and 16GB RAM obliterate the Moto G’s aging chipset.
- Display is unmatched – 165Hz AMOLED vs. 60Hz LCD isn’t even a contest.
- Battery & charging – 5500mAh + 65W charging means never waiting around for power.
- Future-proofing – If you keep phones for 3+ years, the ROG Phone will age far better.
Exception: If you absolutely need a stylus, the Moto G Stylus is the obvious choice—but expect compromises everywhere else.
For everyone else? The ROG Phone 8 is the clear winner. 🚀
