Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G vs. Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro: A Battle of Budget vs. Beast
These two phones cater to entirely different audiences—one is a budget-friendly stylus-equipped device, while the other is a gaming powerhouse. Let’s break down how they compare in real-world use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 169.5 × 77.5 × 9.4 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | ROG Phone is slightly more compact, but both are large phones. |
| Weight | 217.5g | 225g | Negligible difference—both are hefty. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | ROG Phone is more durable against drops and scratches. |
Key Insight: The ROG Phone is slightly sleeker and better protected, but neither is a lightweight.
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" IPS LCD | 6.78" AMOLED | Similar size, but AMOLED means deeper blacks and better contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 165Hz | ROG Phone is far smoother for gaming and scrolling. |
| Brightness | Unknown (likely ~500 nits) | 2500 nits (peak) | ROG Phone is vastly better in sunlight. |
Key Insight: The ROG Phone’s display is superior in every way—AMOLED, ultra-smooth refresh rate, and extreme brightness.
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | ROG Phone is 10x faster in benchmarks. |
| RAM | 4GB | 16GB/24GB | ROG Phone obliterates multitasking and gaming. |
| Storage | 128GB (non-expandable) | 512GB/1TB (non-expandable) | ROG Phone offers far more space. |
Key Insight: The ROG Phone is a performance monster, while the Moto G Stylus is strictly for basic tasks.
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.7) | 50MP (f/1.9, Sony IMX890) | ROG Phone has better sensor tech. |
| Ultrawide | 16MP | 13MP (macro + ultrawide) | Moto G has a higher-res ultrawide. |
| Selfie | 20MP | 32MP | ROG Phone wins in selfie quality. |
| Video | 1080p@60fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@120fps | ROG Phone is far more capable. |
Key Insight: The ROG Phone has better low-light performance and video capabilities, but the Moto G has a slight edge in ultrawide shots.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5500mAh | ROG Phone lasts much longer. |
| Charging Speed | 10W (slow) | 65W (very fast) | ROG Phone charges in a fraction of the time. |
Key Insight: The ROG Phone wins in both battery life and charging speed.
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Strengths:
✔ Stylus support – Great for note-taking and sketching.
✔ Ultrawide camera – Wider field of view than the ROG Phone.
✔ Lighter weight – Slightly easier to handle.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro Strengths:
✔ Performance beast – Smashes benchmarks, ideal for gaming.
✔ Superior display – AMOLED, 165Hz, ultra-bright.
✔ Much better battery life – 5500mAh + 65W charging.
✔ Better cameras – Higher-res sensors, 8K video.
Trade-Offs:
- Moto G Stylus is much slower and has a weaker display.
- ROG Phone 8 Pro is far more expensive and lacks a stylus.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Moto G Stylus 5G?
- Budget-conscious users who need a stylus for notes/drawing.
- Casual users who don’t need high-end performance.
- Those who prefer a lighter phone (though the difference is minor).
Who Should Buy the ROG Phone 8 Pro?
- Gamers who want the best performance and display.
- Power users who need top-tier multitasking.
- Photography/video enthusiasts who want 8K recording.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do I need a stylus? → Moto G Stylus 5G
- Do I care about gaming or performance? → ROG Phone 8 Pro
- Is battery life a priority? → ROG Phone 8 Pro
Scenario-Based Picks:
- Student on a budget? → Moto G Stylus (for notes).
- Mobile gamer? → ROG Phone 8 Pro (no contest).
- Photographer? → ROG Phone 8 Pro (better camera system).
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro.
Why?
- The performance gap is massive—Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs. Snapdragon 480 is like comparing a sports car to a bicycle.
- The 165Hz AMOLED display is far superior for gaming and media.
- 5500mAh battery + 65W charging means no battery anxiety.
- 8K video and better cameras make it more versatile.
The only reason to pick the Moto G Stylus is if you absolutely need a stylus and are on a tight budget. Otherwise, the ROG Phone 8 Pro is in a completely different league.
Winner: Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro (by a landslide). 🚀
