Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Sony Xperia 1 III and the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022). These two phones approach the smartphone experience from very different angles, and understanding those differences is crucial to choosing the right one for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these phones stack up, focusing on real-world impact:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 1 III | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165 x 71 x 8.2 mm | 168.9 x 75.8 x 9.3 mm | Sony is more compact and pocketable. Motorola is noticeably larger and may feel bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 186g | 215g | Sony is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.8" | Motorola offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive media consumption, but the difference is not huge. |
| Resolution | 1644 x 3840 | 1080 x 2460 | Sony's display is significantly sharper, with text and images appearing much clearer. This is especially noticeable for detailed content and high-res video. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 643 | 395 | Sony has a much higher pixel density, resulting in crisper text and more detailed images. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | Sony's OLED panel delivers deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors. IPS LCD on the Motorola is good, but doesn't match the OLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both displays are smooth, offering a fluid experience for scrolling and gaming, however the Sony has the advantage in terms of display quality. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have similar peak brightness, which is not provided in nits |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Sony’s Snapdragon 888 is a much more powerful chip, ensuring faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 889,100 | 385,000 | Sony's raw performance is significantly higher, offering a very noticeable performance edge |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 619 | Sony's GPU handles graphics-intensive tasks and games far better, which is critical for higher resolution screens. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | Motorola has a larger battery, likely offering longer battery life between charges, especially during lighter usage. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Standard (unspecified) | Sony’s fast charging will get you back up and running quickly. The Motorola has no fast charging capability. |
| Charging Features | Bypass Charging | Non-removable | Sony's bypass charging helps extend battery lifespan. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.9 | Motorola has higher resolution, but Sony's wider aperture lets in more light. The Xperia's image processing is tuned to give higher quality images. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.2 | Motorola has higher resolution but Sony has wider aperture, both are good for social media or video calls. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | Sony's dedicated telephoto lens allows for optical zoom, a significant advantage for capturing detailed shots at a distance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.3 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Sony offers a higher resolution wide lens. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Motorola has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, which the Sony lacks. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | Available | None | The Sony is able to capture depth information, leading to better portrait mode performance. |
| Video Resolution | Up to 4K @120fps | 1080p @ 60fps | The Sony can record much higher quality video, with more detail and smoother motion. |
| Camera DXOMark | 105 | Not Tested | Sony has a tested and highly rated camera system. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 | Motorola is shipping with a newer version of Android, but the Sony is upgradable to Android 13. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | Sony supports the latest WiFi standard, resulting in faster and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 | Sony offers the newest Bluetooth version, providing potentially better efficiency and features. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Standard GPS set | Sony supports more satellite systems for improved location accuracy, especially in urban or challenging environments. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Single SIM | The Sony can hold and use two SIMs at the same time. |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal Storage | 256 GB or 512 GB | 256 GB | Sony offers more storage options, which is important for media hoarders, especially since neither phone supports expansion via SD. |
| RAM | 12 GB | 8 GB | Sony’s extra RAM will help with heavy multitasking and demanding games. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both phones lack expandable storage options. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | 2 microphones | Sony's audio setup is better for music and multimedia consumption. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Similar basic biometric security feature on both. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Sony offers superior screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | The Sony has more sensors (compass and barometer). |
| ### 2. Key Insights |
Sony Xperia 1 III: This phone is a powerhouse with an emphasis on high-end performance, a top-tier display, and a sophisticated camera system. Its strengths lie in its processing power, its ability to take sharp, vibrant images, and its premium audio experience. The inclusion of a telephoto lens and advanced video recording capabilities makes it a solid option for content creation.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022): This device aims to be a more practical, mid-range option with a focus on battery life and the unique functionality of its stylus. While it won’t win any performance awards, its strength lies in its large screen, long battery, and unique input method (stylus). It’s a solid workhorse for everyday use.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 1 III:
- Best for: Tech enthusiasts, gamers, photographers, and videographers who demand top-notch performance and a premium multimedia experience.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, high-resolution media consumption, professional-quality photos and videos, and users who want top-notch technology at all costs.
- Tradeoffs: Lower battery capacity and the lack of expandable storage may be a trade-off, with its performance geared to more demanding use cases.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022):
- Best for: Budget-conscious users, those who value battery life, and anyone who needs a stylus for note-taking, drawing, or general productivity.
- Use Cases: Everyday tasks, web browsing, social media, light gaming, and taking quick notes/sketches.
- Tradeoffs: The lower performance specs compared to the Sony mean it's not ideal for heavy gaming or intensive tasks. The camera is fine for general use, but lacks the premium features of the Sony.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- What is your primary use case? If you are primarily focused on demanding gaming, content creation, or just need the very best display, the Sony is the way to go. For users who need a reliable, budget-friendly device with a stylus, the Motorola is the better fit.
- How much do you value camera quality? If camera quality is your priority, the Sony's system with its telephoto lens, advanced features, and higher video quality outshines the Motorola.
- Is battery life a major concern? If you need an all day battery life without worrying about charging or don't like fast charging, Motorola's larger battery may be the better choice, otherwise Sony has you covered.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
The "Power User": If you want the best of the best for performance and features, choose the Sony. Its processor, display, and cameras provide a top-tier experience, perfect for demanding tasks.
The "Value-Conscious Creative": The Motorola is a solid choice for the user who wants a bigger screen, good battery, and the functionality of a stylus, without breaking the bank.
The "Multimedia Maven": The Sony with its superior display, speakers, and advanced video recording offers a more premium experience.
My Choice
Personally, I'd lean towards the Sony Xperia 1 III. Despite the slightly smaller battery, the sheer quality of the display, the powerful performance, and the significantly better camera system make it the clear winner for me. As a tech journalist, I value the ability to capture high-quality photos and videos, and the Xperia 1 III offers features I would use all the time. Additionally, the faster charging and the bypass charging features mean I won't be stranded by my phone when taking photos all day. While the Motorola is a good choice for more casual users, the premium experience of the Xperia 1 III justifies the higher price for my particular needs. I enjoy the cutting edge in terms of technology, and the Sony has the edge here as well.
