Apple iPhone 8 Plus vs Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)
The Verdict
These phones target entirely different market segments. The iPhone 8 Plus launched in 2017 at a premium price point with Apple's ecosystem strength, while the Moto G Stylus 5G is a 2023 budget-friendly alternative with significantly more modern hardware. Comparing specs directly reveals stark contrasts: the Moto boasts a 6.6-inch 120Hz display versus the iPhone's 5.5-inch 60Hz screen, plus 5G connectivity and 5000mAh battery versus 2691mAh. The Moto's 50MP main camera technically surpasses the iPhone's 12MP sensor, though Apple's image processing typically compensates in real-world usage. However, the iPhone 8 Plus delivers superior video (4K@60fps vs 1080p@60fps) and includes a 2x telephoto lens. Processing power favors Apple's A11 Bionic for single-threaded tasks and gaming, though the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 handles daily workloads competently. Build quality differs substantially: aluminum and glass on Apple versus plastic on Moto. At $799 versus $399, the iPhone 8 Plus is outdated technology at a premium price, while the Moto G Stylus 5G offers modern conveniences and better value. The choice depends entirely on whether you prioritize Apple's ecosystem, app support, and longevity versus contemporary hardware and battery life at half the cost.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone 8 Plus if…
- →Wireless charging added to iPhone for the first time
- →Portrait Lighting effects for depth photography
- →Powerful A11 Bionic chipset
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 8 Plus
Pros
- Wireless charging added to iPhone for the first time
- Portrait Lighting effects for depth photography
- Powerful A11 Bionic chipset
- True Tone display technology
- Touch ID still preferred by many users
Cons
- Dated thick-bezel home button design
- Large bezels waste screen real estate
- Glass back cracks easily
- No headphone jack
- Overshadowed by iPhone X launch
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 8 Plus | Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 11 | Android 13 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 202 g | 202 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, glass back | Plastic body |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP52 |
| Dimensions | 158.4 x 78.1 x 7.5 mm | 162.8 x 74.2 x 9.2 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.8 |
| Front camera | 7 MP, f/2.2 | 16 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 1080p@60fps |
| Telephoto | 12 MP, f/2.8, 2x optical zoom | — |
| Macro | — | 2 MP, f/2.4 |
| Ultrawide | — | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 3 GB | 4 GB |
| Storage options | 64 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 2691 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired (adapter sold separately) | 20W TurboPower |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W Qi | No |
| Display | ||
| Size | 5.5 inches | 6.6 inches |
| Type | Retina IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 625 | 550 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core (2x2.39 GHz + 4x1.7 GHz) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (3-core) | Adreno 710 |
| Chipset | Apple A11 Bionic | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | Lightning | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 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.
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