Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G vs. Xiaomi Redmi 13: A Practical Comparison
Both phones cater to budget-conscious users but take different approaches—Motorola offers a stylus and versatile cameras, while Xiaomi leans into performance and battery life. Here’s how they stack up in key areas.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 13 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 169.5 × 77.5 × 9.4 mm | 168.6 × 76.3 × 8.3 mm | Xiaomi is slightly slimmer and lighter (205g vs. 217.5g), making it more pocket-friendly. Motorola’s extra bulk accommodates the stylus. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted (power button) | Side-mounted is more ergonomic for unlocking while holding the phone. |
| Durability | Unknown screen protection | Unknown screen protection | Neither has confirmed Gorilla Glass, so a case/screen protector is recommended for both. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 13 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" IPS LCD | 6.79" IPS LCD | Near-identical screen size; both offer ample space for media. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi’s higher refresh rate makes scrolling and animations smoother. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Minor difference—both are sharp enough for daily use. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 13 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm) | Helio G91 Ultra (12nm) | Xiaomi’s chip is newer and 57% faster (AnTuTu: 269K vs. 171K), making it better for gaming and multitasking. |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB / 8GB | Xiaomi’s extra RAM helps with app switching and future-proofing. |
| Storage | 128GB (non-expandable) | 128GB / 256GB (non-expandable) | Xiaomi offers a 256GB option, better for heavy media users. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 13 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.7) | 108MP (f/1.8) | Xiaomi wins in resolution, but Motorola’s wider aperture helps in low light. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 16MP | ❌ None | Motorola’s ultrawide is great for landscapes and group shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP | 13MP | Motorola has a sharper front camera, better for selfies. |
| Extra Cameras | Macro (2MP), ToF sensor | Depth (2MP) | Motorola offers more versatility (macro shots, better portrait depth sensing). |
| Video Recording | 1080p @ 30/60fps | 1080p @ 30fps | Motorola supports 60fps, smoother for action clips. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 13 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5030mAh | Xiaomi’s 26% larger battery means longer screen time. |
| Charging Speed | 10W | 33W | Xiaomi charges 3x faster—great for quick top-ups. |
| Extras | ❌ No reverse charging | ✅ Reverse charging | Xiaomi can top up other devices (e.g., earbuds). |
Software & Extras
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 13 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 | Xiaomi ships with a newer OS and likely longer support. |
| Stylus Support | ✅ Built-in stylus | ❌ None | Motorola’s stylus is great for notes, doodling, and precise navigation. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Xiaomi’s newer Bluetooth improves connectivity with wireless accessories. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Strengths:
✅ Stylus functionality – Great for note-takers and artists.
✅ Better camera versatility – Ultrawide, macro, and ToF sensors offer more creative options.
✅ Higher-res selfie camera – Better for video calls and social media.
Xiaomi Redmi 13 Strengths:
✅ Faster performance – 57% higher benchmark score, smoother for gaming.
✅ Bigger battery & faster charging – Lasts longer with 33W charging.
✅ Newer software – Ships with Android 14 vs. Motorola’s older Android 11.
Trade-offs:
- Motorola’s battery is smaller (4000mAh vs. 5030mAh).
- Xiaomi lacks a stylus and ultrawide camera.
- Motorola’s OS is outdated (Android 11 vs. 14).
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Choose the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G if you:
✏️ Need a stylus – Ideal for note-taking, drawing, or precise navigation.
📸 Want better camera flexibility – Ultrawide and macro modes add versatility.
📞 Take frequent selfies – Higher-resolution front camera.
Choose the Xiaomi Redmi 13 if you:
⚡ Prioritize speed – Faster chipset and more RAM for gaming/multitasking.
🔋 Need battery longevity – Larger battery with much faster charging.
🔄 Prefer newer software – Android 14 out of the box.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself:
- Do I need a stylus? → Yes = Motorola, No = Xiaomi
- Is battery life a dealbreaker? → Xiaomi wins.
- Do I care more about camera versatility or raw performance? → Motorola (cameras) vs. Xiaomi (speed).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Student/Artist? → Motorola (stylus + cameras).
- Gamer/Power User? → Xiaomi (better chip + RAM).
- Longevity & Updates? → Xiaomi (newer OS).
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d go with the Xiaomi Redmi 13. While I love the idea of the Moto G Stylus’s pen support, the Xiaomi’s superior performance, bigger battery, and faster charging make it a more future-proof daily driver. The higher-refresh screen and newer software are also big pluses for long-term usability.
However, if I heavily relied on a stylus for work or creativity, I’d pick the Motorola despite its weaker battery and aging software—because productivity tools outweigh raw specs in that case.
Your choice depends on whether you value functionality (Motorola) or speed & endurance (Xiaomi). Both are solid—just for different needs!
