Sony Xperia 10 III vs. Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G: A User-Centric Comparison
Both phones launched within days of each other in mid-2021, but they cater to different audiences. The Xperia 10 III is a compact powerhouse with a focus on display quality and battery life, while the Moto G Stylus 5G offers a larger screen, stylus support, and a more versatile camera setup.
Let’s break down the differences and determine which phone fits your needs best.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 154 × 68 × 8.3 mm | 169.5 × 77.5 × 9.4 mm | Xperia is far more compact—easier to handle one-handed. Moto is larger, making room for the stylus. |
| Weight | 169g | 217.5g | Xperia is 48.5g lighter, better for long use. Moto feels bulkier. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | Xperia has better drop protection; Moto's durability is unclear. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Rear-mounted | Xperia’s side sensor is easier to access while holding the phone. |
Key Insight:
- Xperia 10 III wins for comfort, durability, and ergonomics.
- Moto G Stylus 5G is bigger to accommodate the stylus but feels heavier in hand.
Display
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.0" OLED | 6.8" IPS LCD | Moto’s screen is much larger, better for media. Xperia’s is sharper. |
| Resolution | 1080 × 2520 (457 PPI) | 1080 × 2400 (387 PPI) | Xperia has higher pixel density, meaning crisper text. |
| Panel Type | OLED (richer colors, deeper blacks) | IPS LCD (good brightness, less contrast) | OLED offers better contrast and vibrancy; LCD better in sunlight. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Neither has a high refresh rate—both standard smoothness. |
Key Insight:
- Xperia 10 III wins for display clarity and color quality.
- Moto G Stylus 5G is better for big-screen lovers (but sacrifices sharpness).
Performance
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 690 | Snapdragon 480 | Xperia is ~61% faster in benchmarks (275K vs. 171K Antutu). |
| RAM | 6GB | 4GB | Xperia handles moderate multitasking better. |
| GPU | Adreno 619L (better clocked) | Adreno 610 | Xperia is better for gaming and graphics. |
Key Insight:
- Xperia 10 III is the clear winner in speed and performance.
- Moto G Stylus 5G is more budget-focused, may lag in heavy apps.
Camera
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, Sony sensor) | 48MP (f/1.7) | Moto has higher resolution, but Xperia’s Sony sensor may have better processing. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP (f/2.2) | 16MP (f/2.2) | Moto’s ultrawide is sharper, but Xperia’s wider aperture helps in low light. |
| Telephoto | 8MP (f/2.4) | ❌ None | Xperia has optical zoom, better for portraits. |
| Selfie Cam | 8MP (f/2.0) | 20MP (f/2.0) | Moto has higher-res selfies, but Xperia’s processing may be better. |
| Extra Features | 4K video, triple camera | Quad cameras, macro lens, ToF sensor | Moto has more versatility, Xperia has better video. |
Key Insight:
- Moto G Stylus 5G wins for versatility (macro lens, ToF sensor, higher-res sensors).
- Xperia 10 III wins for optical zoom, 4K video, and likely better low-light performance.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4000mAh | Xperia has 11% more battery, likely better endurance. |
| Charging Speed | 18W fast charging | 10W fast charging | Xperia charges almost twice as fast. |
| Battery Tech | Li-Polymer (better longevity) | Li-Ion | Xperia’s battery degrades slower. |
Key Insight:
- Xperia 10 III is the clear winner—better battery life and faster charging.
2. Key Insights: Strengths & Trade-Offs
Sony Xperia 10 III
✅ Pros:
- Better display (OLED, higher PPI, Gorilla Glass 6)
- Faster performance (Snapdragon 690, 6GB RAM)
- Longer battery life (4500mAh + 18W charging)
- Compact, lightweight, and durable design
- 4K video recording & optical zoom
⚠️ Trade-Offs:
- No stylus support
- Smaller screen (6.0")
- Fewer camera lenses (no macro or ToF sensor)
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G
✅ Pros:
- Large 6.8" screen (better for media, stylus input)
- More versatile cameras (48MP main, macro, ToF, 20MP selfie)
- Built-in stylus (great for notes, drawing, precision tasks)
⚠️ Trade-Offs:
- Slower performance (Snapdragon 480, 4GB RAM)
- Lower battery life (4000mAh, slower 10W charging)
- Lower display quality (IPS LCD, lower PPI)
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Sony Xperia 10 III?
✔ You want a compact, premium-feeling phone (easier one-hand use, better build).
✔ You prioritize performance and battery life (faster chipset, longer endurance).
✔ You care about display quality and 4K video recording.
Who Should Buy the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G?
✔ You need a big screen for media or stylus use (note-taking, sketching).
✔ You want more camera options (macro, ToF, higher-res selfies).
✔ You don’t mind slightly slower performance for extra features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do I need a stylus? → Moto G Stylus 5G
- Do I want better performance and battery? → Xperia 10 III
- Do I prefer a compact phone or a big screen?
- Compact → Xperia 10 III
- Big → Moto G Stylus 5G
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Sony Xperia 10 III.
Why? It’s the more balanced device—better display, faster performance, longer battery life, and a more compact design. The Moto G Stylus 5G is appealing for its stylus and bigger screen, but the slower chipset, lower battery life, and inferior display make it less compelling for my needs.
However, if stylus support or a massive screen is a priority, the Moto G Stylus 5G is the way to go.
TL;DR:
- Best overall performance & battery → Xperia 10 III
- Best for stylus & big-screen lovers → Moto G Stylus 5G
