Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G: In-Depth Comparison
1. Specification Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design & Build | 169.5 x 77.5 x 9.4 mm, 217.5g | 166 x 72.2 x 6.9 mm, 183g | The Z Flip3 is significantly lighter and more compact when folded, making it more pocket-friendly. The Moto G is bulkier but includes a built-in stylus. |
| Display | 6.8" IPS LCD, 60Hz, 1080x2400, 387 PPI | 6.7" AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080x2640, 426 PPI | The Z Flip3 has a smoother 120Hz AMOLED display with better brightness (1200 nits) for outdoor use. The Moto G’s LCD panel is larger but lacks the vibrancy of AMOLED. |
| Performance | Snapdragon 480 5G, 4GB RAM, 128GB storage | Snapdragon 888 5G, 8GB RAM, 128/256GB storage | The Z Flip3 is 4x faster (Antutu: 898K vs. 171K) and has double the RAM, making it better for gaming and multitasking. |
| Camera | 48MP (main) + 16MP (ultrawide) + 2MP (macro) + 2MP (depth) | 12.2MP (main) + 12MP (ultrawide) | The Moto G has more lenses but lacks OIS. The Z Flip3’s smaller sensor compensates with better software processing and 4K video. |
| Battery & Charging | 4000mAh, 10W charging | 3300mAh, 15W charging | The Moto G lasts longer but charges slower. The Z Flip3’s smaller battery is offset by efficient AMOLED and faster charging. |
| Software | Android 11 (up to 12) | Android 11 (up to 14) | The Z Flip3 has longer update support and One UI optimizations for foldables. |
| Extras | Stylus support, 3.5mm jack | Foldable design, IPX8 water resistance | The Moto G is a productivity tool; the Z Flip3 is a premium, compact flagship. |
2. Key Insights
- Motorola’s Strengths:
- Battery life (4000mAh) and stylus support for note-taking.
- More camera lenses (though quality lags behind Samsung’s processing).
- Samsung’s Strengths:
- Superior performance (Snapdragon 888) and 120Hz AMOLED display.
- Compact foldable design with IPX8 water resistance.
- Better software support (up to Android 14).
Trade-Offs:
- The Moto G is cheaper but slower and bulkier.
- The Z Flip3 is more expensive but offers flagship performance and portability.
3. User Recommendations
- Choose the Moto G Stylus 5G if you:
- Need a budget phone with a stylus for productivity.
- Prioritize battery life and a headphone jack.
- Choose the Z Flip3 5G if you:
- Want a premium, pocketable foldable with flagship specs.
- Value a high-refresh display and better cameras.
4. Buying Decision Framework
- Budget vs. Premium: The Moto G costs ~$250, while the Z Flip3 is ~$700+.
- Use Case: Stylus vs. Compact folding.
- Longevity: Z Flip3 will receive updates for longer.
Scenario Picks:
- Student on a budget: Moto G (stylus + battery).
- Tech enthusiast: Z Flip3 (future-proof performance).
Final Verdict
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
While the Moto G Stylus 5G is a solid budget option, the Z Flip3’s superior performance, compact foldable design, and 120Hz AMOLED display make it the better choice for most users. The Moto G is only worth it if you specifically need a stylus or a larger battery.
Why? The Z Flip3’s hardware and software optimizations justify its higher price, offering a more refined experience for daily use. The Moto G’s compromises (slow chipset, LCD screen) are too significant to ignore.
