Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max vs. Motorola Moto G (2023)
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | Motorola Moto G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158 × 77.8 × 8.1 mm | 164 × 75 × 8.4 mm | iPhone 11 Pro Max is slightly wider, while the Moto G is taller and a tad thicker. Moto G is easier to hold with one hand due to the reduced width. |
| Weight | 226g | 189g | Moto G is significantly lighter making it more comfortable for extended use and easier to handle. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both have the same screen size. |
| Resolution | 1242x2688 | 720x1600 | iPhone 11 Pro Max offers much sharper text, images, and videos. Moto G screen will appear less detailed. |
| PPI | 458 | 270 | iPhone 11 Pro Max's higher pixel density results in a noticeably crisper display compared to the Moto G. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | iPhone 11 Pro Max has richer colors, deeper blacks and better contrast, while the Moto G has a more traditional LCD look |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Moto G's display feels smoother for scrolling and gaming, iPhone 11 Pro Max is less fluid. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | iPhone 11 Pro Max is much more readable in bright sunlight. Moto G brightness information is not available |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | iPhone 11 Pro Max has significantly faster processing for apps, gaming, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 916,151 | 380,000 | iPhone 11 Pro Max delivers a much smoother experience in demanding tasks like video editing or gaming. Moto G might show some lag with resource-heavy apps. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 619 | iPhone 11 Pro Max will have significantly superior graphics performance, better for gaming and graphically intense applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.8µm | Moto G captures more detail in well lit conditions, but iPhone 11 Pro Max with larger pixels might have slightly better low light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.0 | None | iPhone 11 Pro Max has an optical zoom allowing for better close up shots without loss of quality. Moto G relies on digital zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 | None | iPhone 11 Pro Max offers wider perspective for group photos or landscape shots. Moto G will need to move further away to capture the same image. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | Moto G can capture close up shots of small objects. iPhone 11 Pro Max will not be able to focus on close objects. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | iPhone 11 Pro Max has a higher resolution front camera, better selfies especially in bright conditions. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | 1080p@30fps | iPhone 11 Pro Max can record much higher quality videos, ideal for vlogging or capturing precious memories, with better stabilization and slow motion. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 122 | Not Available | iPhone 11 Pro Max has a proven higher camera performance based on DxOMark, however, the Moto G has no score listed for proper comparison. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, OIS, Night Mode, Triple Camera, etc. | Digital Image Stabilization, Dual Camera, PDAF, etc. | iPhone 11 Pro Max has more professional features, while Moto G offers more basic functionalities. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 3969mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G is expected to last longer on a single charge due to its higher capacity. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | iPhone 11 Pro Max charges slightly faster. |
| Battery Features | Wireless Charging | None | iPhone 11 Pro Max offers wireless charging option. Moto G does not support this feature. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 13 (upgradable to iOS 18) | Android 13 | Different user experiences, iOS ecosystem is generally considered more streamlined and controlled, whilst Android provides more customization. iPhone 11 Pro Max has updates until iOS 18 whilst the Moto G has no listed max update version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | iPhone 11 Pro Max has a newer WiFi standard for faster, more efficient internet access. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.1 | Moto G has a slightly newer version of Bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Moto G has a few more satellite systems, theoretically offering more reliable location tracking, although both are sufficient. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Both phones have a Dual SIM capability using physical SIM + eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/256/512GB | 128GB | iPhone 11 Pro Max offers much more storage options. |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB | Both devices provide similar amounts of RAM, sufficient for general usage. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise Cancellation | Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | iPhone 11 Pro Max has advanced audio features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic security | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Moto G offers biometric fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones have similar levels of protection according to the provided information. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Hall, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both phones have comprehensive sensor suites. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, better pixel density, OLED technology and higher brightness make it ideal for consuming media and outdoor use.
- Much Higher Performance: The A13 Bionic chipset provides significantly faster processing power for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Better Camera System: Telephoto and wide-angle lenses, higher video recording capabilities, and more advanced features like OIS and Night Mode.
- Premium Audio: Dolby Atmos support and a noise-cancellation microphone offer an enhanced audio experience.
- Faster Charging: 18W fast charging allows faster top up, along with wireless charging.
- More Storage Options: Choice of larger storage variants (64 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB) are useful for people who want to store a lot of media.
Motorola Moto G (2023) Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel more fluid.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life.
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable to hold and use for longer periods.
- More Modern Software: Ships with a more recent version of Android 13.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Convenient side mounted sensor for security.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for close-up shots.
Significant Trade-offs:
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Heavier, older, and significantly higher cost, less fluid display (60Hz), no headphone jack, and will eventually lose support from Apple due to it's age.
- Motorola Moto G (2023): Lower display resolution and brightness, slower chipset, inferior camera performance (especially video) and lacks premium features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a premium display, high performance, camera quality, and an established ecosystem.
- Use Cases:
- Professional photographers and videographers who need reliable and quality results.
- Mobile gamers who want high frame rates and smooth gameplay.
- Users who consume a lot of video content and need excellent visual quality.
- Individuals who need reliable performance for productivity and demanding tasks.
- Users deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Motorola Moto G (2023):
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who value a long battery life, smooth scrolling, and basic smartphone functionality.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday users who browse the web, social media, and use communication apps.
- Students or casual users needing an affordable device for general tasks.
- Users who prefer a lighter phone.
- Users wanting good battery life.
- Users who want fingerprint security.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The iPhone 11 Pro Max was a premium device at launch and can still hold up in terms of performance. However, it is older and will not be supported as long by Apple, even if it is still very capable.
- The Moto G (2023) is a budget-friendly option, offering a more contemporary smartphone experience at a lower cost, with newer software and better battery life.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (e.g., gaming, photography, daily tasks, social media, productivity)
- What is your budget? (The iPhone 11 Pro Max is likely more expensive.)
- What do you value more? (e.g., premium display quality or battery life, processing power or fingerprint security)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For a user who wants the best camera and display and is less concerned about price: The iPhone 11 Pro Max is the better choice, although the newer iPhones provide a further improvement over this model.
- For a user on a tight budget and mainly needs a reliable phone for everyday tasks: The Motorola Moto G (2023) is more suitable, offering a good balance of features for its cost.
- For a user who prefers smooth scrolling and a longer battery life: The Motorola Moto G (2023) is the better option.
- For a user who wants a device with the latest operating system and support: The Motorola Moto G (2023) is the better option.
- For a user deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem: The iPhone 11 Pro Max is the only option, however, consider upgrading to a newer iPhone for the improved software support.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max, even though it is an older device. While it has some downsides, the superior camera, display quality, and significantly higher performance would still make it the better device for my usage as someone who takes a lot of photos and videos, and is interested in performance and gaming. The Moto G (2023)'s smoother display and longer battery life are definitely attractive, and it is also more up-to-date with its operating system, however, it is just not a match in terms of camera, and more intensive uses like video editing and gaming. The iPhone 11 Pro Max also has a better audio experience with the Dolby Atmos and better build quality. I do acknowledge the limitations of the older software, the lack of support by Apple in the future and the higher price compared to the Moto G, so it's essential to weigh your priorities and requirements.
