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Apple iPhone 16 vs Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)

Updated Apr 2026phones
Apple iPhone 16
Apple
Apple iPhone 16
$799
8.6/10
Winner
VS
Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)
Motorola
Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)
$399
7.1/10

The Verdict

Apple's iPhone 16 and Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) target entirely different buyer profiles despite both costing under $800. The iPhone 16 delivers flagship performance with its A18 chip, stunning 2000-nit Super Retina XDR display at 6.1 inches, and exceptional 48MP main camera with 4K 60fps Dolby Vision recording. You're paying $799 for class-leading speed, longevity (7+ years of updates), and seamless ecosystem integration. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2023), priced at $399, costs half as much and offers genuine compromises worth considering. Its 6.6-inch 120Hz display is larger and smoother despite lower brightness (550 nits), the 5000mAh battery lasts noticeably longer than the iPhone's 3561mAh, and it includes a stylus absent from Apple's device. Performance-wise, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 handles daily tasks but lags the A18 significantly. Camera quality favors the iPhone substantially, particularly in low light and video. Build quality differs markedly: the iPhone uses premium aluminum framing and IP68 water resistance versus plastic construction and IP52 rating on the Motorola. If you want flagship features and plan keeping your phone five years, spend the extra $400 on the iPhone 16. Budget-conscious buyers or those prioritizing battery life and stylus input should grab the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023).

Value5G (2023)
CameraiPhone 16
Battery5G (2023)
DisplayiPhone 16
PerformanceiPhone 16

Who Should Buy

Buy the Apple iPhone 16 if…

  • A18 chip enables Apple Intelligence
  • New Camera Control button
  • Compact and lightweight design

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

Apple iPhone 16
Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)
Value
8.0
8.5
Camera
9.1
7.3
Battery
7.2
8.9
Display
9.2
7.8
Performance
9.4
6.5

Pros & Cons

Apple iPhone 16

Pros

  • A18 chip enables Apple Intelligence
  • New Camera Control button
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Improved 48 MP main camera
  • Strong battery life for its size

Cons

  • Still 60Hz display in 2024
  • USB-C limited to USB 2.0 speeds
  • No telephoto lens
  • No always-on display

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

SpecApple iPhone 16Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)
SoftwareiOS 18Android 13
Body
Weight170 g202 g
MaterialAluminum framePlastic body
IP ratingIP68IP52
Dimensions147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm162.8 x 74.2 x 9.2 mm
Camera
Main camera48 MP50 MP, f/1.8
Front camera12 MP16 MP, f/2.4
Video4K@60fps Dolby Vision1080p@60fps
Ultrawide12 MP8 MP, f/2.2
Macro2 MP, f/2.4
Memory
RAM8 GB4 GB
Storage options128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB128 GB, 256 GB
Battery
Capacity3561 mAh5000 mAh
Charging20W wired20W TurboPower
Wireless charging25W MagSafeNo
Display
Size6.1 inches6.6 inches
TypeSuper Retina XDR OLEDIPS LCD
Resolution2556 x 11792400 x 1080
Refresh rate60Hz120Hz
Brightness (nits)2000550
Processor
CPUHexa-coreOcta-core (4x2.2 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz)
GPUApple GPU (5-core)Adreno 710
ChipsetApple A18Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1
Connectivity
5G
NFC
USBUSB-C 2.0USB-C 2.0
Wi-FiWi-Fi 7Wi-Fi 6E
Bluetooth5.35.1

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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 or the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023).