Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G vs. Asus Zenfone 9: In-Depth Comparison
These two phones target different audiences—Motorola’s Moto G Stylus 5G caters to budget-conscious users who value a stylus and large display, while the Asus Zenfone 9 is a compact powerhouse built for performance lovers. Below, we break down their differences and real-world implications.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Asus Zenfone 9 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 169.5 × 77.5 × 9.4 mm (large) | 146.5 × 68.1 × 9.1 mm (compact) | Zenfone 9 is far more pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use. Moto G Stylus is bulkier but offers a bigger display. |
| Weight | 217.5g | 169g | Zenfone 9 is 48.5g lighter, making it easier for prolonged use. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus | Zenfone 9 has far better drop protection. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Asus Zenfone 9 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.8" IPS LCD | 5.9" AMOLED | Moto G Stylus is better for media and stylus use, but Zenfone 9’s AMOLED panel delivers deeper blacks, better contrast, and better battery efficiency. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Zenfone 9 offers smoother scrolling and animations, especially in games and UI navigation. |
| Brightness | Not specified | 1100 nits (peak) | Zenfone 9 is far more visible in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Asus Zenfone 9 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) | Zenfone 9 is dramatically faster—better for gaming, multitasking, and future-proofing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 171,000 | 1,232,500 | Zenfone 9 is 621% faster—handles demanding apps and multitasking effortlessly. |
| RAM Options | 4GB | 8GB/16GB | Zenfone 9 is far better for heavy multitasking and gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Asus Zenfone 9 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.7) + 16MP ultra-wide | 50MP (f/1.8, IMX766) + 12MP ultra-wide | Zenfone 9 has a better sensor (Sony IMX766) with OIS, leading to sharper, more stable shots. Moto G Stylus has more lenses (macro, depth sensor), but they’re lower quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP (f/2.0) | 12MP (f/2.45, Sony IMX663) | Moto G Stylus has higher resolution, but Zenfone 9’s sensor is better in low light. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@60fps, no stabilization | 8K@24fps, 4K@120fps, Gimbal OIS | Zenfone 9 is far superior for video, with stabilization and pro-level features. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Asus Zenfone 9 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 4000mAh | 4300mAh | Zenfone 9 has a slightly larger battery, but efficiency gains from AMOLED and 4nm chipset make it last significantly longer. |
| Charging Speed | 10W (slow) | 30W (fast) | Zenfone 9 charges 3x faster, a major convenience advantage. |
Additional Features
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Asus Zenfone 9 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stylus Support | Yes | No | Moto G Stylus appeals to note-takers and doodlers, but the stylus is basic (no pressure sensitivity). |
| Audio | Single speaker | Stereo speakers, Hi-Res Audio | Zenfone 9 has much better sound quality for media consumption. |
| Software Update | Android 11 → 12 (limited) | Android 12 → 14 (longer support) | Zenfone 9 will get more updates. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Strengths
✅ Large display (better for stylus use & media)
✅ Extra cameras (ultra-wide, macro, depth—though lower quality)
✅ Built-in stylus (great for quick notes, but lacks premium features)
Asus Zenfone 9 Strengths
✅ Far superior performance (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 crushes the Snapdragon 480)
✅ Better cameras (Sony IMX766 sensor + OIS for sharper shots)
✅ Compact & premium build (Gorilla Glass Victus, lighter, easier to handle)
✅ 120Hz AMOLED display (smoother, more vibrant than Moto’s 60Hz LCD)
✅ Faster charging & longer battery life (30W vs. 10W)
Trade-Offs
❌ Moto G Stylus has weak performance, slow charging, and basic display.
❌ Zenfone 9 lacks a stylus and has no expandable storage.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G?
- Budget users who want a big screen + stylus for basic note-taking.
- Casual users who don’t care about gaming or fast performance.
- Secondary phone users who need a stylus for occasional annotations.
Who Should Buy the Asus Zenfone 9?
- Power users who want flagship performance in a compact body.
- Mobile gamers who need a 120Hz screen + Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1.
- Photography enthusiasts (better main camera, OIS, 8K video).
- Those who prioritize fast charging & long-term software support.
4. Buying Decision Framework
3 Questions to Help You Decide
- Do you need a stylus? → Moto G Stylus (but it’s a basic one).
- Do you want premium performance & cameras? → Zenfone 9.
- Do you prefer a big screen or a compact phone? → Moto = big, Zenfone = small.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Gaming & Performance: Zenfone 9 (no contest).
- Media Consumption: Zenfone 9 (AMOLED + stereo speakers).
- Note-Taking: Moto G Stylus (only if stylus is essential).
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
Winner: Asus Zenfone 9
Despite the Moto G Stylus 5G’s stylus and larger display, the Zenfone 9 is superior in almost every meaningful way:
✅ Flagship performance (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1)
✅ Better display (120Hz AMOLED vs. 60Hz LCD)
✅ Superior cameras (OIS, 8K video)
✅ Faster charging (30W vs. 10W)
✅ More compact & premium build
Unless you absolutely need a stylus, the Zenfone 9 is the better phone—faster, more efficient, and built to last.
My Pick: Asus Zenfone 9 (for performance, cameras, and compact design).
The Moto G Stylus 5G is only worth it if price and stylus are dealbreakers—otherwise, the Zenfone 9 is the clear winner. 🚀
