Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G vs. Sony Xperia 5 III: In-Depth Comparison
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Sony Xperia 5 III | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 169.5 × 77.5 × 9.4 mm | 157 × 68 × 8.2 mm | Xperia 5 III is more compact and pocket-friendly, while the Moto G Stylus is bulkier. |
| Weight | 217.5g | 168g | Xperia 5 III is 49.5g lighter, making it easier for one-handed use. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 6 | Xperia 5 III has better drop and scratch resistance. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | Xperia’s side sensor is faster and more ergonomic. |
Key Insight:
The Xperia 5 III is the clear winner in ergonomics and durability, while the Moto G Stylus is larger and heavier, which may appeal to users who prefer a bigger device.
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Sony Xperia 5 III | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" IPS LCD | 6.1" OLED | Moto G Stylus has a bigger screen, but Xperia’s OLED offers deeper blacks and better contrast. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (387 PPI) | 1080x2520 (449 PPI) | Xperia 5 III is sharper (62 PPI difference). |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Xperia 5 III has smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | Unknown | Unknown | No clear advantage. |
Key Insight:
The Xperia 5 III wins in display quality (OLED, 120Hz, higher PPI), while the Moto G Stylus offers a larger screen—better for media but with lower sharpness and refresh rate.
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Sony Xperia 5 III | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480 (8nm) | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Xperia 5 III is far more powerful (flagship vs. budget chip). |
| AnTuTu Score | 171,000 | 880,000 | Xperia 5 III is 5x faster—better for gaming and multitasking. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB | Xperia 5 III handles more apps in memory without slowdowns. |
| Storage | 128GB (non-expandable) | 128/256GB (non-expandable) | Xperia 5 III offers more storage options. |
Key Insight:
The Xperia 5 III is a performance beast, while the Moto G Stylus is entry-level—fine for basic tasks but struggles with heavy apps.
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Sony Xperia 5 III | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.7, 0.8µm) | 12MP (f/1.7, 1.8µm) | Xperia’s larger pixels capture better low-light shots despite lower MP. |
| Ultrawide | 16MP (f/2.2) | 12MP (f/2.3) | Moto G Stylus has higher resolution, but Xperia has better processing. |
| Telephoto | None | 12MP (f/2.2) | Xperia 5 III has optical zoom, a big advantage for portraits. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP (f/2.0) | 8MP (f/2.0) | Moto G Stylus has higher resolution, but Xperia’s processing may be better. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@60fps | 4K@120fps, OIS, HDR | Xperia 5 III is far superior for videography. |
Key Insight:
The Xperia 5 III has better camera hardware (larger pixels, optical zoom, 4K video), while the Moto G Stylus relies on higher megapixels but lacks advanced features.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Sony Xperia 5 III | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4500mAh | Xperia 5 III has 13% more battery life. |
| Charging Speed | 10W | 30W | Xperia 5 III charges 3x faster. |
| Battery Tech | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Xperia’s battery is more efficient and durable. |
Key Insight:
The Xperia 5 III wins in battery life and charging speed, while the Moto G Stylus is slower to charge.
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Strengths:
✅ Bigger display (6.8") – better for media consumption.
✅ Built-in stylus – useful for note-taking and drawing.
✅ Higher MP cameras (48MP main, 20MP selfie) – on paper, more detail.
Sony Xperia 5 III Strengths:
✅ Superior performance (Snapdragon 888, 8GB RAM) – flagship-level speed.
✅ Better display (OLED, 120Hz, higher PPI) – smoother and more vibrant.
✅ Advanced camera system (optical zoom, 4K video, OIS).
✅ Lighter, more compact, and durable (Gorilla Glass 6).
Trade-Offs:
- Moto G Stylus sacrifices performance, display quality, and build for a larger screen and stylus.
- Xperia 5 III is more expensive but justifies it with flagship specs.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Moto G Stylus 5G?
- Budget-conscious users who want a big screen and stylus.
- Casual users who don’t need high-end performance.
- Note-takers and artists who value the stylus.
Who Should Buy the Xperia 5 III?
- Power users who need fast performance and multitasking.
- Photography/videography enthusiasts (4K, OIS, telephoto).
- Gamers (120Hz display, Snapdragon 888).
- Those who prefer a compact, premium phone.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do I need a stylus? → Moto G Stylus 5G
- Do I prioritize performance and camera quality? → Xperia 5 III
- Do I prefer a big screen or a compact design? → Moto (big) vs. Xperia (compact)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Student on a budget? → Moto G Stylus 5G (cheaper, stylus for notes).
- Mobile gamer/content creator? → Xperia 5 III (flagship specs, 120Hz, 4K video).
- Business professional? → Xperia 5 III (better build, faster performance).
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Sony Xperia 5 III.
Why?
- Performance: The Snapdragon 888 ensures longevity and smooth operation.
- Display: OLED + 120Hz is a game-changer for media and gaming.
- Camera: Optical zoom, 4K video, and OIS make it a better shooter.
- Build & Ergonomics: Lighter, more compact, and durable—easier to use daily.
The Moto G Stylus 5G is a good budget option, but the Xperia 5 III is a far more capable device in almost every way. Unless you absolutely need a stylus, the Xperia is the better investment.
