Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) vs Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)
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.
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
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
| Spec | Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) | Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 15 | Android 13 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 144 g | 202 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Plastic body |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP52 |
| Dimensions | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm | 162.8 x 74.2 x 9.2 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP | 50 MP, f/1.8 |
| Front camera | 7 MP | 16 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 1080p@60fps |
| Macro | — | 2 MP, f/2.4 |
| Ultrawide | — | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Storage options | 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 2018 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 20W TurboPower |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W Qi | No |
| Display | ||
| Size | 4.7 inches | 6.6 inches |
| Type | Retina IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 1334 x 750 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 625 | 550 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Adreno 710 |
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | Lightning | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | 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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