Sony Xperia 10 III vs. Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024): A Practical Face-Off
Here's a structured comparison to help you decide between these two mid-range contenders, focusing on real-world usability rather than just specs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 154 × 68 × 8.3 mm | 162.6 × 74.8 × 8.3 mm | Xperia is more compact (better one-handed use), Stylus is larger (better media consumption) |
| Weight | 169g | 190g | Xperia noticeably lighter for pocket comfort |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | Xperia has verified drop protection |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic | Xperia's placement is more natural |
Display
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6" OLED | 6.7" P-OLED | Stylus better for movies/notes, Xperia sharper |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 (457 PPI) | 1080x2400 (395 PPI) | Xperia text appears crisper |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Stylus feels noticeably smoother |
| Brightness | Unknown | 1200 nits peak | Stylus far better in sunlight |
Performance
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 690 (8nm) | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm) | Stylus has newer, more efficient architecture |
| Antutu Score | 275,000 | 514,000 | Stylus nearly twice as fast for apps/games |
| RAM | 6GB | 8GB | Stylus better for heavy multitasking |
| Storage | 128GB | 256GB | Stylus offers double the space |
Camera
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.8) + OIS | Stylus captures more detail, better stabilization |
| Ultra-Wide | 8MP | 13MP macro/wide combo | Xperia has dedicated wide, Stylus more versatile |
| Front Camera | 8MP | 32MP | Stylus significantly better for selfies |
| Video | 4K@30fps, no stabilization | 4K@30fps with OIS | Stylus produces smoother footage |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Stylus lasts longer per charge |
| Charging | 18W wired | 30W wired + 15W wireless | Stylus charges faster + wireless convenience |
| Features | None | Reverse charging | Stylus can power other devices |
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 10 III Strengths:
- Superior display sharpness (457 PPI vs 395 PPI)
- More compact and lightweight design
- Triple camera system with dedicated telephoto
- Better screen protection (Gorilla Glass 6)
- More biometric sensor options
Motorola Stylus 5G (2024) Advantages:
- 120Hz display vs 60Hz (smoother scrolling)
- 50MP main camera with OIS vs 12MP
- Newer chipset (Snapdragon 6 Gen 1)
- 5000mAh battery vs 4500mAh
- Includes stylus for precision input
- Brighter display (1200 nits)
Trade-Offs:
- Xperia's camera system is more versatile with telephoto, but Stylus has better main camera tech
- Stylus' size gives more screen real estate but makes it harder to use one-handed
- Xperia's software updates ending soon (Android 13 max), while Stylus launches with Android 14
3. User Recommendations
Choose Sony Xperia 10 III if:
- You prioritize pocketability and one-handed use
- Want crisper text display for reading
- Prefer a dedicated telephoto lens
- Need guaranteed screen protection
Choose Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) if:
- You want stylus functionality
- Need better battery life and faster charging
- Play mobile games (better GPU performance)
- Frequently use phone in bright sunlight
- Want longer software support
4. Decision Framework
Ask yourself:
Do I value compact size or large screen more?
- Compact → Xperia
- Large → Stylus
What's my priority: camera versatility or camera quality?
- Versatility (telephoto/wide) → Xperia
- Quality (OIS, high-res) → Stylus
How important is future-proofing?
- Short-term use → Either
- Long-term → Stylus (newer chipset, Android 14)
My Choice: Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024)
While I appreciate the Xperia's compact design and sharper display, the Stylus offers too many practical advantages:
- The 120Hz display makes everyday scrolling noticeably smoother
- Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 provides better longevity than the older 690
- OIS on the main camera means more keepers in low light
- 5000mAh battery + faster charging solves real pain points
- Having a stylus adds creative/work possibilities missing on the Xperia
The only significant compromise is the larger size, but the 6.7" screen benefits media consumption and note-taking. For most users in 2024, the Stylus delivers better value despite being slightly less premium in build quality.
