Apple iPhone 16 vs Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)
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).
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
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
| Spec | Apple iPhone 16 | Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 18 | Android 13 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 170 g | 202 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Plastic body |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP52 |
| Dimensions | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 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@60fps Dolby Vision | 1080p@60fps |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| Macro | — | 2 MP, f/2.4 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 4 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 3561 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 20W TurboPower |
| Wireless charging | 25W MagSafe | No |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.6 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 2556 x 1179 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 550 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core) | Adreno 710 |
| Chipset | Apple A18 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | 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 or the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023).
