Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Sony Xperia 1 III and the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024). These two phones, while both aiming for a premium experience, approach it from very different angles. I'll break down the specs, explain what they mean for you, and help you figure out which one might be the best fit for your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Okay, let's get into the nitty-gritty with a detailed comparison table. I'll not just list the specs but also explain what they mean for real-world usage.
| Feature | Sony Xperia 1 III | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-08-25 | 2024-05-30 | Motorola is significantly newer, likely benefiting from more recent software and hardware advancements. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, not foldable or other unique form factors. |
| Dimensions (mm) | 165 × 71 × 8.2 | 162.6 × 74.8 × 8.3 | Sony is taller and narrower, while Motorola is shorter and wider. Thickness is almost identical. |
| Weight (g) | 186 | 190 | Both are relatively light, making them comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size (inches) | 6.5 | 6.7 | Motorola offers slightly more screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1644x3840 | 1080x2400 | Sony's display is significantly sharper with a higher pixel count, resulting in clearer, more detailed images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 643 | 395 | Sony's display will look crisper and more detailed, especially noticeable in text and high-resolution images. |
| Technology | OLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, but slight differences in pixel arrangement and power efficiency might exist. |
| Refresh Rate (Hz) | 120 | 120 | Both offer a smooth scrolling and gaming experience. |
| Brightness (nits) | 0 | 1200 | Motorola's screen will be much more visible in bright sunlight. Sony's value is missing, this is a big red flag for outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 | Sony’s chip is a former flagship processor, much faster in benchmarks and in real world usage. |
| AnTuTu Score | 889,100 | 514,000 | Sony's phone will provide significantly smoother performance and is better suited for gaming and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 710 | Different GPUs, Sony’s will offer better graphical power while Motorola is more power efficient. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity (mAh) | 4500 | 5000 | Motorola’s larger battery will likely provide longer battery life. |
| Charging (W) | 30W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Both offer fast charging at the same speed. |
| Features | Bypass Charging | Reverse/Wireless Charging | Sony can bypass battery while plugged-in, and Motorola can charge other devices wirelessly and has wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera (MP) | 12 | 50 | Motorola's main camera captures more detail in ideal conditions, but Sony's larger pixels might perform better in low-light. |
| Main Aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.8 | Sony's wider aperture may capture more light in low-light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera (MP) | 8 | 32 | Motorola will capture higher-resolution selfies, but pixel size can affect quality. |
| Selfie Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.45 | Sony's wider aperture may offer better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes | No | Sony has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom photography. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Yes | No | Sony includes a wide-angle lens for capturing more in a single frame. |
| Macro Lens | No | Yes | Motorola has a macro lens for close-up photography. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | Yes | No | Sony includes a depth sensor for portrait mode and other depth-related features. |
| Video | Up to 4K 120fps | Up to 4K 30fps | Sony offers more versatility with higher framerate 4k video recording. |
| DxoMark | 105 | Not tested | Sony’s camera was rated by DxoMark, while Motorola's hasn't been tested, but Sony has the better main camera. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 14 (up to 15) | Motorola will receive more software support as it ships with the latest OS, but both phones are similar in support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6E | Motorola has the more updated Wi-Fi standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.1 LE | Sony’s phone has a slightly more recent Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | L1+L5 | L1+L5 | Both have similar GPS, but with different added features to give slightly better accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano | Dual SIM + eSIM | Motorola offers the flexibility of using an eSIM along with a physical SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 256/512GB | 256GB | Sony offers more storage space. |
| RAM | 12GB | 8GB | Sony will handle multitasking and demanding apps better, thanks to the larger RAM. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res, Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos, 2 mics | Sony’s Hi-Res audio is better for audiophiles, but the Motorola has 2 mics for better sound capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side Mounted | Basic | Sony has a more advanced fingerprint sensor. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Sony has better screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus, while the Motorola is unknown. |
| Sensors | Barometer | No Barometer | Sony includes a barometer. |
2. Key Insights
Let's break down what this all means for your daily experience:
Sony Xperia 1 III:
- Strengths: This phone is a powerhouse for performance and media consumption. Its incredibly sharp display is perfect for watching movies and viewing high-resolution content. The camera setup, while lower in megapixel count, is highly versatile with optical zoom, wide angle, and 3D sensor. The Snapdragon 888 is a beast for demanding tasks.
- Competitive Advantages: Superior display sharpness, more versatile camera system, advanced fingerprint sensor, better audio capabilities, and high performance.
- Trade-offs: Older operating system, lower battery capacity, likely to be expensive, no screen brightness.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024):
- Strengths: The Moto G Stylus shines in practical, everyday use. Its larger display and higher brightness make it excellent for outdoor use. The larger battery will last you longer. The inclusion of a stylus is great for productivity and quick note taking.
- Competitive Advantages: Newer Android OS, larger battery, stylus support, higher screen brightness, and newer WiFi.
- Trade-offs: Less sharp display, lower processing power, less versatile camera, a basic fingerprint sensor, and no Hi-Res audio.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Okay, let's get real about who each phone is for:
Sony Xperia 1 III:
- Best for: Mobile photographers and videographers who want a wide array of features, users who prioritize high-end gaming performance and the best multimedia experience, users that enjoy the highest screen quality possible.
- Use Cases: Professional photography or videography, watching HDR content, graphic-intensive games, anyone who enjoys a premium tech experience and doesn't mind a higher price point.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024):
- Best for: Users who prioritize everyday practicality and productivity, users who want a large, bright screen and long battery life, users who use the stylus, anyone who wants an affordable all-rounder with a modern OS.
- Use Cases: General web browsing, note-taking, multitasking, watching videos, anyone who needs a phone that can keep up with their daily life without breaking the bank.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What do you value most: Display quality and Performance or battery life and practical features? The Sony prioritizes high-end media and performance, while Motorola focuses on battery and practicality.
- How important is photography and video to you? If you need the best versatility and options, the Sony is better but if you just need general photography then the Motorola will suffice.
- What is your budget? The Sony is likely to be much more expensive due to its higher-end features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- "I'm a mobile photographer and want the best image quality.": Go for the Sony Xperia 1 III. Its telephoto lens, optical zoom, and 3D sensor make it the better choice.
- "I need a reliable phone for work that can last all day and I love to take notes." Go for the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G. The larger battery, stylus, and brighter display are perfect for your needs.
- "I play high-end games and need a high quality display": Go for the Sony Xperia 1 III, thanks to its much better processing power.
- "I want a modern phone that's affordable": The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is the obvious choice, offering a newer experience at a good price point.
What I Would Choose
If it were my money, I'd personally lean towards the Sony Xperia 1 III. I value the higher display quality, and the more advanced camera, especially since I like to do a lot of mobile photography. I do understand that the missing screen brightness is a massive drawback, but I am not often in situations where I will be in direct sunlight for a long period, making the better display quality the deciding factor.
I hope this breakdown helps you make an informed decision!
