Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)
The Verdict
Apple's iPhone 16 Pro Max dominates on nearly every front with its superior A18 Pro chipset, stunning 2000-nit Super Retina XDR display, and exceptional 4K 120fps Dolby Vision recording. The 48MP main camera with 5x optical zoom and advanced computational photography vastly outperform the Moto's 50MP setup. Battery capacity favors Moto slightly at 5000mAh versus 4685mAh, but iPhone's efficiency means real-world longevity is comparable, plus you get 25W wireless charging versus none on the Moto. Build quality differs dramatically: titanium frame and IP68 rating on iPhone versus plastic body with IP52 protection. The Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 delivers surprising value for $399, offering a stylus, decent 120Hz display (though dimmer at 550 nits), and adequate performance for everyday tasks. However, it's a midrange device competing against a flagship flagship. iPhone 16 Pro Max costs three times more but delivers proportionally superior performance, imaging, display, and longevity. Choose iPhone if you want the best phone experience and can justify the premium. Pick Moto if you need reliable performance on a tight budget and appreciate the stylus convenience.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max if…
- →Class-leading A18 Pro performance
- →Versatile camera system with 5x tetraprism telephoto
- →Premium titanium build
Buy the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) if…
- →Built-in stylus for note-taking and sketching
- →5G connectivity at an affordable price
- →5000 mAh battery with great endurance
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Pros
- Class-leading A18 Pro performance
- Versatile camera system with 5x tetraprism telephoto
- Premium titanium build
- Bright 2000-nit ProMotion display
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- Very expensive starting price
- Heavy at 227 g
- Slow charging vs Android flagships
- Apple Intelligence features rolling out gradually
Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)
Pros
- Built-in stylus for note-taking and sketching
- 5G connectivity at an affordable price
- 5000 mAh battery with great endurance
- Wi-Fi 6E support at this price
- 120Hz display for smooth scrolling
Cons
- LCD display instead of AMOLED
- Only 4 GB RAM limits multitasking
- Slow 20W charging
- IP52 is only splash resistant
- Only one OS update guaranteed
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 18 | Android 13 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 227 g | 202 g |
| Material | Titanium frame | Plastic body |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP52 |
| Dimensions | 163 x 77.6 x 8.25 mm | 162.8 x 74.2 x 9.2 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 48 MP | 50 MP, f/1.8 |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 16 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 4K@120fps Dolby Vision | 1080p@60fps |
| Telephoto | 12 MP 5x | — |
| Ultrawide | 48 MP | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| Macro | — | 2 MP, f/2.4 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 4 GB |
| Storage options | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4685 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 27W wired | 20W TurboPower |
| Wireless charging | 25W MagSafe | No |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.9 inches | 6.6 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED, LTPO | IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 2868 x 1320 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 550 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (6-core) | Adreno 710 |
| Chipset | Apple A18 Pro | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.1 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in phones, see all Apple products or all Motorola products. View full details for the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023).
