Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max vs. Motorola Moto G71 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2019-09-20 | 2022-01-19 | The Moto G71 is significantly newer, potentially having more recent software features and security updates |
| Dimensions | 158 x 77.8 x 8.1 mm | 161.2 x 73.9 x 8.5 mm | iPhone 11 Pro Max is wider and slightly thinner, while Moto G71 is taller and slightly thicker. |
| Weight | 226g | 179g | Moto G71 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.4" | Minimal difference in size, negligible in daily use. |
| Resolution | 1242x2688 | 1080x2400 | iPhone 11 Pro Max offers sharper images and text due to higher pixel density. |
| PPI | 458 | 411 | iPhone 11 Pro Max has a slightly crisper display |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, but differences might be nuanced to most users. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have standard refresh rates; neither offers smoother scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | iPhone 11 Pro Max is vastly brighter, much better for outdoor visibility in sunlight. Note: Motorola value is listed as 0, which is likely a data error as AMOLED screens have a brightness value. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | The A13 Bionic is significantly faster, offering smoother performance in demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 916,151 | 396,564 | iPhone 11 Pro Max has much higher performance capabilities for demanding apps and gaming. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Adreno 619 | The Apple GPU provides better graphics performance for gaming and visually intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 3969mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G71 has a larger battery, potentially leading to longer battery life. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Moto G71 charges significantly faster reducing charging times. |
| Features | Fast Charge 18W, Wireless Reverse Charging | None | iPhone 11 Pro Max has more convenient charging features. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | Moto G71's standard camera offers a much higher resolution, capturing more detail in images. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.55" | 1/2.76" | iPhone 11 Pro Max has a slightly larger sensor, capturing more light for potentially better low light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes | No | iPhone 11 Pro Max offers a telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities, a key advantage. |
| Wide Angle Lens Resolution | 12MP | 8MP | iPhone 11 Pro Max wide-angle captures higher resolution images. |
| Wide Angle Lens Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.2 | Moto G71 has a wider aperture on its wide angle lens, allowing more light to hit the sensor, which is beneficial in low light scenarios. |
| Macro Lens | No | Yes | Moto G71 offers macro lens for detailed close up photography. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 12MP | 16MP | Moto G71 captures higher resolution selfies. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | iPhone 11 Pro Max offers significantly higher resolution video recording quality. |
| DxOMark Score | Mobile: 122, Selfie:122 | Not tested | iPhone 11 Pro Max has a rated superior camera performance compared to the Moto G71 as the Moto G71 is not listed. |
| Additional Features | OIS, Night Mode | Optical Zoom, PDAF, LAF, Panorama | Each phone offers different strengths in photography features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 13 | Android 11 | Different operating systems: iOS is known for its ecosystem and simplicity, Android for customization and openness. |
| Max OS Version | 18 | 12 | The iPhone 11 Pro Max likely has more software support remaining with iOS18 vs Android 12 on the Moto G71, though the Moto will get its security patches. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | iPhone 11 Pro Max supports the latest WiFi standard, enabling faster speeds and better performance on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 | Both have the same Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Both offer multiple satellite navigation for accurate location, with minor differences in supported systems |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | iPhone 11 Pro Max offers more flexible SIM options. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/256/512 GB | 128 GB | iPhone 11 Pro Max offers significantly more storage options. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 6/8 GB | Moto G71 has more RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither support expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, 2 mics | iPhone 11 Pro Max has superior audio output. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Face ID | Fingerprint sensor | Different security methods: Face ID for seamless face recognition, fingerprint for a traditional touch sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall | Both provide key sensors, but each provides different features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The A13 Bionic chip delivers significantly higher processing power and GPU performance, resulting in smoother multitasking and a better gaming experience.
- Better Display: Higher resolution and brightness offer a crisper and more visible display, especially outdoors.
- Better Cameras: The telephoto lens provides optical zoom, higher resolution wide-angle lens, and better overall camera performance as tested by DxOMark.
- Higher Quality Video Recording: Supports 4K video recording at up to 60fps with more features.
- Premium Build and Features: Includes wireless charging, a more premium build, and additional audio features with noise cancellation and stereo speakers.
- Ecosystem Advantage: Seamless integration with Apple's ecosystem and longer software support.
- Faster WiFi: Includes the newer WiFi 6 standard.
Motorola Moto G71 5G Advantages:
- Lower weight: Significantly lighter build for better portability and user comfort.
- Bigger Battery: Longer battery life due to the higher capacity, allowing longer use between charges.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- More RAM: More RAM enhances multitasking capabilities.
- Macro Lens: Provides close-up photo shooting capabilities.
- Affordable Price: Typically available at a lower price point than the iPhone 11 Pro Max.
- Wider Aperture on Wide-Angle Lens: Offers better performance in low-light settings on its wide angle camera.
Significant Trade-offs:
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Loses on battery capacity, charging speed, and RAM. It's also heavier.
- Motorola Moto G71 5G: Loses significantly on processing power, display quality, camera performance (especially video), and overall software features. Also lacks wireless charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max:
- Power Users: Individuals who need a phone for demanding tasks, such as gaming, video editing, or running resource-intensive apps.
- Photography and Videography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality images and 4K video recording with advanced features.
- Apple Ecosystem Users: Those deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem will appreciate the seamless integration.
- Users Prioritizing Display: Those who need a crisp and bright screen, especially for outdoor use.
Specific Use Cases for iPhone 11 Pro Max:
- Professional photography and videography: For content creators and vloggers.
- Mobile gaming: For users who play graphically intensive games.
- Productivity: For professionals who need fast and reliable performance for multitasking.
- Outdoor use: The brighter screen makes it easier to use in sunny conditions.
Ideal Users for Motorola Moto G71 5G:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals who want a good smartphone experience without paying a premium price.
- Users Prioritizing Battery: Those who need a device with long battery life and quick charging.
- Users wanting Macro Photography: Those who want the ability to take close-up photos.
- Users who like a lighter phone: Those who prefer a phone that's lightweight and easy to carry for long periods.
Specific Use Cases for Moto G71 5G:
- Everyday Communication: For users who primarily use their phones for calls, texts, and social media.
- Travel: Long battery life is beneficial for extended use without constant charging.
- Casual Photography: For users who want a good camera for everyday snapshots and some detailed close-up photography.
- Users with a tight budget: Those who want a reasonable device without breaking the bank.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The iPhone 11 Pro Max comes at a higher price point, offering premium features and performance, but at a higher cost.
- The Moto G71 5G provides a more budget-friendly option with a larger battery and fast charging, but compromises on performance and display quality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? Are you willing to pay more for premium features and performance, or are you looking for a more budget-friendly option?
- How important is performance? Do you need a phone for demanding tasks like gaming or video editing, or will it mostly be for basic everyday use?
- What's my priority for camera use? Do you need a better camera with optical zoom, or are you okay with a decent camera with some unique capabilities like a macro lens?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Performance & Camera Focused): If performance and high-quality photography/videography are your priorities, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is the clear choice.
- Scenario 2 (Budget & Battery Focused): If you value battery life, quick charging, and a more affordable price, the Moto G71 5G is the better option.
- Scenario 3 (Balance): If you want a balance of features, the Moto G71 5G provides a good range of features for everyday use at a more affordable price.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max. Although it is older and heavier, it is better in the areas that are most important to me such as: performance, camera, and display. While the Motorola G71 has a bigger battery and charges faster, the performance difference is so big that I feel I'd be happier with the more powerful iPhone, especially for tasks like video editing and gaming. The high-quality display is also important to me as I like watching videos on my phone. Additionally, while it is older, the longer software support of the iPhone is an advantage to me.
