Sony Xperia 1 IV vs. Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023): A Detailed Comparison
Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Sony Xperia 1 IV and the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023). These phones cater to different segments of the market, but both offer compelling features. My goal is to help you understand which device best aligns with your needs and priorities.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions (mm) | 165 x 71 x 8.2 | 162.8 x 73.8 x 9.2 | Xperia 1 IV is taller and slimmer; Moto G Stylus is wider and thicker. Xperia likely feels more premium due to thinner profile. |
| Weight (g) | 185 | 202 | Moto G Stylus is noticeably heavier, potentially impacting one-handed use. |
| Build Materials | Glass, aluminum | Plastic | Xperia 1 IV offers a more premium feel with its glass and metal construction. Moto G Stylus prioritizes durability with its plastic build. |
| Display | |||
| Type | OLED | IPS LCD | Xperia 1 IV's OLED delivers deeper blacks, richer colors, and better contrast, leading to a superior visual experience. |
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Moto G Stylus has a slightly larger screen. |
| Resolution | 1644 x 3840 | 1080 x 2400 | Xperia 1 IV boasts a significantly sharper display with much higher pixel density (643 ppi vs. 399 ppi), resulting in crisper text and images. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones offer smooth scrolling and animations thanks to their high refresh rates. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 | Xperia 1 IV's flagship processor provides significantly faster performance for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| RAM | 12GB | 6/8GB | Xperia 1 IV's larger RAM enables smoother multitasking and better handling of demanding applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP | 50MP | While Moto G Stylus has higher resolution, Xperia 1 IV utilizes advanced optics (ZEISS lenses) and features potentially resulting in better image quality overall. |
| Zoom | Optical 3.5-5x | Digital only | Xperia 1 IV offers true optical zoom for lossless image quality when zooming in. |
| Video | Up to 4K@120fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Xperia 1 IV provides superior video recording capabilities with higher resolution and frame rate options. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity, but real-world battery life will depend on usage patterns and software optimization. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging | Xperia 1 IV supports faster charging. |
| Other | |||
| Stylus | No | Yes | Moto G Stylus includes a built-in stylus for note-taking and drawing. |
| Price | High | Mid-range | Xperia 1 IV is significantly more expensive. |
2. Key Insights
- Performance Powerhouse: The Xperia 1 IV, with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and ample RAM, is a performance beast ideal for demanding users and mobile gamers.
- Multimedia Marvel: The Xperia 1 IV's stunning OLED display, coupled with its advanced camera system and high-quality audio features, creates an immersive multimedia experience.
- Budget-Friendly Productivity: The Moto G Stylus 5G offers excellent value with its integrated stylus, large battery, and smooth display. It's a solid choice for productivity-focused users on a budget.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xperia 1 IV: Ideal for tech enthusiasts, mobile gamers, content creators, and anyone who prioritizes top-tier performance, a premium display, and advanced camera features.
- Moto G Stylus 5G: Best suited for students, note-takers, artists, casual users, and budget-conscious individuals who value the versatility of a stylus and long battery life.
4. Buying Decision Framework
- What is your budget? The Xperia 1 IV is a premium flagship device, while the Moto G Stylus 5G is a mid-range option.
- What are your primary use cases? Gaming, content creation, and multimedia consumption favor the Xperia 1 IV. Note-taking, drawing, and general productivity lean towards the Moto G Stylus 5G.
- How important is raw performance? The Xperia 1 IV's superior processor and RAM deliver a noticeable performance advantage.
My Choice: Sony Xperia 1 IV
While the Moto G Stylus 5G is a compelling option for its price, I would choose the Sony Xperia 1 IV. As a tech journalist and smartphone analyst, I value cutting-edge technology and a premium user experience. The Xperia 1 IV's exceptional display, powerful performance, advanced camera system, and sleek design align perfectly with my needs. The significantly improved camera hardware and software, especially the true optical zoom, are major selling points for me. While the price is higher, the overall package offered by the Xperia 1 IV justifies the investment for my professional and personal use. I frequently capture photos and videos for my work, and the Xperia's capabilities in this area are unmatched in this comparison. The superior performance also ensures smooth multitasking and efficient handling of demanding applications, crucial for my workflow. Finally, the beautiful OLED display is a joy to use for both work and entertainment.
