Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G vs OnePlus 12: In-Depth Comparison
1. Specification Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | OnePlus 12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | 169.5 x 77.5 x 9.4mm, 217.5g | 164.3 x 75.8 x 9.2mm, 220g | OnePlus 12 is slightly more compact despite larger battery. Both have similar weight. |
| Display Size | 6.8" IPS LCD | 6.82" AMOLED | Nearly identical size, but AMOLED offers better contrast and power efficiency |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (387 PPI) | 1440x3168 (510 PPI) | OnePlus offers 76% more pixels for sharper text and images |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | OnePlus provides smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | Not specified | 4500 nits | OnePlus is vastly superior in outdoor visibility |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480 5G | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | OnePlus has a flagship processor vs budget chip in Motorola |
| Performance | 171,000 AnTuTu | 2,110,808 AnTuTu | OnePlus is 12x more powerful for demanding tasks |
| RAM | 4GB | 12-24GB | OnePlus can handle heavy multitasking much better |
| Storage | 128GB | 256GB-1TB | OnePlus offers more storage options |
| Main Camera | 48MP f/1.7 (0.8µm) | 50MP f/1.6 (1.12µm) | OnePlus has slightly larger sensor with better low-light performance |
| Ultrawide Camera | 16MP f/2.2 | None | Motorola offers ultrawide option missing in OnePlus |
| Telephoto Camera | None | 64MP f/2.6 | OnePlus has dedicated telephoto for better zoom |
| Front Camera | 20MP f/2.0 | 32MP f/2.4 | OnePlus has higher resolution selfie camera |
| Battery | 4000mAh | 5400mAh | OnePlus has 35% larger battery |
| Charging | 10W wired | 100W wired + 50W wireless | OnePlus charges 10x faster with wireless option |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | OnePlus has newer OS with longer update support |
| Biometrics | Rear fingerprint | In-display fingerprint | OnePlus has more modern implementation |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Strengths:
- Includes a stylus for note-taking and drawing
- Ultrawide camera for more versatile photography
- Lower price point for budget-conscious buyers
OnePlus 12 Competitive Advantages:
- Flagship-level performance (12x more powerful)
- Superior display technology (AMOLED, 120Hz, 4500 nits)
- Much better camera system (larger sensors, telephoto)
- Significantly faster charging (100W vs 10W)
- Newer Android version with longer update support
- 35% larger battery capacity
Significant Trade-offs:
- Motorola's stylus functionality comes at the cost of performance
- OnePlus lacks an ultrawide camera found in Motorola
- Price difference is substantial (flagship vs budget)
3. User Recommendations
Choose Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G if you:
- Need a stylus for note-taking or drawing
- Want to save money and don't need high performance
- Prefer having an ultrawide camera
- Don't play demanding mobile games
Choose OnePlus 12 if you:
- Want flagship-level performance
- Need excellent display quality (AMOLED, high refresh rate)
- Prioritize camera quality (especially zoom and low-light)
- Want much faster charging
- Need longer battery life
- Play demanding games
4. Buying Decision Framework
Key Questions to Ask:
- Do I need stylus functionality or would I prefer better performance?
- How important is camera quality and zoom capability to me?
- Am I willing to pay more for significantly better specs and future-proofing?
Scenario Recommendations:
- Students: Motorola for note-taking, OnePlus if budget allows for better performance
- Photographers: OnePlus for superior camera system
- Gamers: OnePlus for flagship performance
- Budget buyers: Motorola for lower price
Final Verdict
I would choose the OnePlus 12 for my personal use. While the Motorola offers stylus functionality, the OnePlus 12's superior performance, display quality, camera system, and battery life make it a much more capable device that will remain relevant for years. The 120Hz AMOLED display alone significantly improves the user experience, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor ensures smooth performance for all tasks. The faster charging and larger battery also address one of the most common smartphone pain points. Unless you specifically need the stylus, the OnePlus 12 is the better investment for most users.
