1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Apple iPhone 12 mini and Motorola Moto G24, focusing on practical implications:
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Motorola Moto G24 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 131.5 × 64.2 × 7.4 mm | 163.5 × 74.5 × 8 mm | iPhone 12 mini is significantly more compact, fitting easily in small hands and pockets; Moto G24 is larger, potentially harder to use single-handed. |
| Weight | 135g | 181g | iPhone 12 mini is much lighter, improving comfort during long use. Moto G24 feels bulkier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.4" | 6.56" | Moto G24 offers a much larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming. iPhone 12 mini is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 720x1612 | iPhone 12 mini has much sharper text and images. Moto G24 has noticeably lower clarity. |
| Pixel Density | 476 PPI | 269 PPI | iPhone 12 mini display is considerably crisper. Moto G24's display appears less detailed. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | iPhone 12 mini has superior contrast, colors, and deeper blacks. Moto G24 has a more basic panel. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Moto G24 animations and scrolling may feel slightly smoother; however, the lack of smoothness is offset by the low pixel density. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 500 nits | iPhone 12 mini is significantly more readable outdoors in bright sunlight. Moto G24's display might be difficult to see in direct light. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | iPhone 12 mini's chipset is significantly more powerful, offering faster app loading, smoother multitasking and better gaming. Moto G24 is suitable for basic tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,072,354 | 266,894 | iPhone 12 mini has substantially better overall performance, suitable for resource-intensive tasks. Moto G24 is less responsive under heavy use. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Mali-G52 MC2 | iPhone 12 mini offers superior graphics capabilities, smoother gameplay and rendering. Moto G24's GPU is less powerful. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.6 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Moto G24's higher megapixel count does not guarantee better image quality due to other sensor limitations; iPhone 12 mini has a wider aperture, which generally allows for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | iPhone 12 mini generally provides higher quality selfies. Moto G24 has a slightly wider aperture for better low light selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | iPhone 12 mini has significantly higher resolution for wider shots. Moto G24's wide-angle lens has very limited detail. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Moto G24 can take basic close-up shots, while the iPhone 12 mini doesn't have a dedicated macro lens. |
| Video | 4K@60fps HDR | 1080p@30fps | iPhone 12 mini can record higher resolution videos, ideal for quality recordings. Moto G24 is limited to 1080p recording. |
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No | iPhone 12 mini reduces video shakiness for more stable footage. Moto G24 lacks this feature. |
| DXOMark Score (Main) | 117 | N/A | iPhone 12 mini's camera is tested and rated, while the Moto G24 has no DXOMark data. iPhone 12 mini has a very good photo and video score, which is expected for a 2020 flagship. |
| DXOMark Score (Selfie) | 132 | N/A | iPhone 12 mini's selfie camera is tested and rated, while the Moto G24 has no DXOMark data. iPhone 12 mini has a very good photo and video score, which is expected for a 2020 flagship. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 2227mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G24 has significantly larger battery capacity, likely giving longer battery life. iPhone 12 mini has a smaller battery. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | iPhone 12 mini charges slightly faster; however, battery charging speed is often less important than battery life. |
| Wireless Charging | MagSafe 15W, Qi 7.5W | No | iPhone 12 mini offers convenient wireless charging options. Moto G24 lacks wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 14.1 (upgradable to iOS 18) | Android 14 | Different operating systems: iOS offers a more integrated ecosystem, while Android provides more flexibility and customization |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | iPhone 12 mini has a newer Wi-Fi standard, which can provide faster and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | iPhone 12 mini has a newer Bluetooth standard, which provides better connection and efficiency. |
| GPS | Yes | Yes | Both support standard GPS, but the iPhone 12 mini uses more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Both support dual SIM but the iPhone 12 mini supports eSIM for easier switching between carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | iPhone 12 mini comes with higher storage options for storing more files, while Motorola G24 is limited to 256GB. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 4/8 GB | Moto G24 has option for more RAM, providing better multitasking, while iPhone 12 mini is limited to 4GB. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, meaning you are limited to the original storage choice. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Atmos | Both phones offer Dolby Atmos for better audio, but iPhone 12 mini has a slight edge in audio features with Dolby Digital Plus. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Security Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor | Moto G24 offers biometric fingerprint security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint | Both share basic sensors, iPhone 12 mini includes a barometer sensor for altitude tracking. Moto G24 includes fingerprint scanner for biometric security. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 mini Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The A14 Bionic chip offers significantly faster processing speeds, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. Practical impact: Apps open faster, less lag, better for demanding games/apps.
- Higher Quality Display: The OLED display with high resolution and pixel density provides a much sharper, vibrant, and color-accurate viewing experience. Practical impact: Better clarity when reading or watching videos; improved outdoor visibility.
- Better Camera Quality: Superior image quality and video recording capabilities, particularly in low light. Practical impact: Better photos for memorable moments, clearer videos for high-quality memories.
- Premium Build: Higher-quality build materials, although not explicitly specified, suggest greater durability. Practical impact: More confidence when using and a more premium feel.
- Wireless Charging: Offers convenient MagSafe and Qi wireless charging options. Practical impact: Easier to charge without needing cables and extra accessories.
- eSIM Support: Convenient for switching between carriers. Practical impact: Easy travel between countries and use local sim card.
Motorola Moto G24 Advantages:
- Larger Display: Much larger display size is better for media consumption and gaming. Practical impact: More immersive viewing and better for gaming/streaming.
- Significantly Larger Battery: Offers significantly longer battery life, especially for heavy users. Practical impact: Less frequent charging and greater usage freedom.
- Macro Lens: Can take close-up shots, a feature the iPhone lacks. Practical impact: Ability to capture fine details of small objects.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Offers fast and convenient biometric security. Practical impact: Easier to quickly unlock the device.
- Lower Price: A more affordable option for budget-conscious users. Practical impact: More accessible to users with limited budgets.
Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12 mini: Higher price, shorter battery life, smaller screen.
- Motorola Moto G24: Significantly lower performance, lower-quality display, less capable cameras, lacks wireless charging and less premium build.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Apple iPhone 12 mini:
- Users who prioritize performance and a premium user experience.
- Users who need a compact and easily pocketable smartphone.
- Users who value high-quality photos and videos.
- Users deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Use Cases:
- Gaming on demanding games
- High-quality social media content creation
- Professional use in situations where a small device is important.
- High-quality mobile photography and videography.
- General users who prioritize performance and a premium feel.
Ideal User for Motorola Moto G24:
- Users who prioritize long battery life and a larger screen.
- Users who are budget-conscious and require a cost-effective option.
- Users who require basic smartphone functionalities.
- Users who are less concerned about advanced performance and higher-end features.
Use Cases:
- Daily use for basic tasks such as browsing, social media, and communication.
- Users who prioritize streaming video or basic gaming experiences.
- Users who need a secondary smartphone with a large battery.
- Students, teenagers and casual users looking for cost effectiveness.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- iPhone 12 mini: Offers high performance, build, and features but comes at a higher price.
- Motorola Moto G24: Provides basic functionality at a lower cost, suitable for budget-conscious users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The iPhone 12 mini is generally more expensive than the Motorola Moto G24.
- Do I prioritize performance or battery life? iPhone 12 mini excels in performance, while the Moto G24 has much longer battery life.
- How important is display and camera quality? iPhone 12 mini offers a far superior display and camera experience.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (High Performance, High Budget): If you need a high-performing compact device with great camera and display, choose the iPhone 12 mini.
- Scenario 2 (Long Battery, Tight Budget): If you need a long-lasting device and have a limited budget, choose the Motorola Moto G24.
- Scenario 3 (Balance): If you want a balance between performance and battery with decent quality on a reasonable budget, you should look at other options that are better value. Neither phone is very good in this situation.
What I would choose and why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Apple iPhone 12 mini, despite its age and smaller battery. My reasoning is as follows:
- Performance and Longevity: I prioritize performance and longevity in a smartphone. The A14 Bionic chip in the iPhone 12 mini is significantly more powerful than the Helio G85, meaning the phone will handle demanding tasks with ease and will remain relevant for a longer period. Although the phone is older, the A14 chip still compares well with modern day mid-range devices.
- Display and Camera Quality: The high-resolution OLED display and the far superior camera system make a significant difference in daily use. I value high-quality images and videos, and the iPhone 12 mini does not disappoint in this regard. I would rather have a smaller, high quality display, rather than a larger lower quality display. The difference in camera quality, especially in low light, is a massive plus point for the iPhone 12 mini.
- Ecosystem: As someone already invested in the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone 12 mini would integrate seamlessly with my other Apple devices, which is a key advantage for me. Wireless charging is also a plus for convenience.
- Size and Build: I prefer the compact size and build quality of the iPhone 12 mini. It’s easier to handle, fits comfortably in my pocket and feels much more premium in the hand.
While the Motorola Moto G24 has a much larger battery, this would not be as important to me as the improved camera, performance and screen. The G24 has a budget display, poor performance and a mediocre camera. The only advantages for the G24 is the much larger battery, larger screen size and the finger print scanner.
Therefore, for my preferences and typical use case, the iPhone 12 mini would be the better choice, as it offers a superior user experience in the areas I value most. I would also be looking at other options that are more modern, while still focusing on performance, build quality, camera and screen quality over the battery life.
