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Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) vs Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)

Updated Apr 2026phones
VS
Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)
Motorola
Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)
$399
7.9/10

The Verdict

iPhone SE 3 and Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 target different priorities despite similar $399-429 pricing. Apple's offering excels with the A15 Bionic chipset delivering superior raw performance, a compact 4.7-inch design, and superior display brightness at 625 nits on its Retina IPS panel. iOS integration remains seamless with solid app optimization. However, it stumbles with a tiny 2018 mAh battery, no expandable storage, and a basic 12 MP camera setup that underperforms in low light compared to competitors. Motorola's approach prioritizes screen real estate and endurance, featuring a spacious 6.6-inch display with 120Hz refresh rate, a massive 5000 mAh battery lasting 2+ days, and a versatile camera system with 50 MP main sensor, ultrawide, and macro lenses. The included stylus adds unique productivity value. Trade-offs include heavier weight (202g vs 144g), weaker processing power via Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, lower water resistance (IP52 vs IP67), and bloatware-prone Android experience. Choose the iPhone SE if you prioritize raw speed, iOS ecosystem, and portability. Pick the Moto G Stylus 5G for battery longevity, screen size, camera versatility, and stylus functionality.

Value5G (2023)
Camera5G (2023)
Battery5G (2023)
Display5G (2023)
Performance(3rd generation)

Who Should Buy

Buy the Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) if…

  • Most affordable iPhone with 5G
  • Powerful A15 Bionic chip
  • 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 SE (3rd generation)
Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)
Value
7.5
8.1
Camera
6.9
7.7
Battery
5.8
8.9
Display
7.0
8.2
Performance
9.1
6.8

Pros & Cons

Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation)

Pros

  • Most affordable iPhone with 5G
  • Powerful A15 Bionic chip
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Touch ID home button
  • Long iOS software support

Cons

  • Dated design with thick bezels
  • Single rear camera
  • Small 4.7-inch LCD display
  • Lightning port instead of USB-C
  • Modest battery life

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 SE (3rd generation)Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)
SoftwareiOS 15Android 13
Body
Weight144 g202 g
MaterialAluminum framePlastic body
IP ratingIP67IP52
Dimensions138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm162.8 x 74.2 x 9.2 mm
Camera
Main camera12 MP50 MP, f/1.8
Front camera7 MP16 MP, f/2.4
Video4K@60fps1080p@60fps
Macro2 MP, f/2.4
Ultrawide8 MP, f/2.2
Memory
RAM4 GB4 GB
Storage options64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB128 GB, 256 GB
Battery
Capacity2018 mAh5000 mAh
Charging20W wired20W TurboPower
Wireless charging7.5W QiNo
Display
Size4.7 inches6.6 inches
TypeRetina IPS LCDIPS LCD
Resolution1334 x 7502400 x 1080
Refresh rate60Hz120Hz
Brightness (nits)625550
Processor
CPUHexa-coreOcta-core (4x2.2 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz)
GPUApple GPU (4-core)Adreno 710
ChipsetApple A15 BionicQualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1
Connectivity
5G
NFC
USBLightningUSB-C 2.0
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 6E
Bluetooth5.05.1

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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 SE (3rd generation) or the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023).