Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 12 mini vs. Motorola Moto G71 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-11-13 | 2022-01-19 | Moto G71 5G is newer, potentially with more up-to-date features. |
| Dimensions | 131.5 × 64.2 × 7.4 mm | 161.2 × 73.9 × 8.5 mm | iPhone 12 mini is much more compact and pocketable. Moto G71 5G is larger and may be less comfortable for small hands. |
| Weight | 135g | 179g | iPhone 12 mini is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.4" | 6.4" | Moto G71 5G offers a larger screen for better media consumption, gaming, and easier readability. iPhone 12 mini is more compact, suitable for single-hand use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Similar resolution; both are sharp enough for typical use. |
| PPI | 476 | 411 | iPhone 12 mini has a sharper display, leading to better text clarity and image detail. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer excellent color reproduction and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have standard 60Hz, no smooth scrolling benefits on either. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | iPhone 12 mini is significantly brighter, leading to much better visibility in direct sunlight. Moto G71 5G brightness data is missing, posing a big issue. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Apple A14 is significantly faster and more efficient for demanding apps and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,072,354 | 396,564 | iPhone 12 mini has drastically superior performance, making it much smoother for gaming and heavy use. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 619 | Apple GPU generally delivers better gaming performance compared to Adreno 619. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | Moto G71 5G has higher megapixel count which may lead to more detailed images in some situations, but sensor size and other factors are crucial to real-world image quality. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.6 | f/1.8 | iPhone 12 mini has wider aperture, better low light performance and shallower depth of field. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.55" | 1/2.76" | iPhone 12 mini has slightly larger sensor, generally better image quality in low light. |
| Standard Camera Pixel Size | 1.40 µm pixel size | 0.64 µm pixel size | iPhone 12 mini has larger individual pixels, leading to better light gathering and lower noise. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 12MP | 16MP | Moto G71 5G has a higher megapixel count for selfie shots. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.2 | Same aperture, similar light performance for selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera Resolution | 12MP | 8MP | iPhone 12 mini captures more detail with the wide angle lens. |
| Wide Angle Camera Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.2 | Moto G71 5G wide angle is slightly brighter. |
| Macro Lens | No | 2MP | Moto G71 5G includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | iPhone 12 mini offers much higher quality video recording (4k), better for content creators and videographers. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | iPhone 12 mini provides more stable videos while filming. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 117 | N/A | iPhone 12 mini has a good score, while Moto G71 5G is not tested. |
| DxOMark Selfie Score | 132 | N/A | iPhone 12 mini has a good score, while Moto G71 5G is not tested. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 2227mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G71 5G has a vastly larger battery, likely resulting in much longer battery life. |
| Charging | 20W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Moto G71 5G charges faster, despite larger battery capacity. |
| Wireless Charging | MagSafe 15W, Qi 7.5W | No | iPhone 12 mini offers convenient wireless charging options, while the Moto G71 5G doesn't. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 14.1 (up to iOS 18) | Android 11 (up to Android 12) | iPhone 12 mini has the iOS ecosystem, and a longer software support. Moto G71 5G is Android, which is customizable. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | iPhone 12 mini has faster, more reliable Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | iPhone 12 mini has a newer version for better connectivity. |
| GPS | QZSS | SUPL | Similar but each has their own additional support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | iPhone 12 mini offers eSIM flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB | iPhone 12 mini has higher storage options, if needed. |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB or 8GB | Moto G71 5G likely offers better multitasking with more RAM (8GB). |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | iPhone 12 mini has a better audio experience due to stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic security features | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Moto G71 5G provides quick and easy biometric security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Barometer | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint, Hall | Each offers different sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 mini Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The A14 Bionic chip provides much faster processing speed and graphics performance, ideal for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Sharper and Brighter Display: Higher pixel density and dramatically brighter screen provide a more detailed and visible experience, especially in bright sunlight.
- Better Camera System: Better main camera in most aspects (aperture, sensor, pixel size), higher video quality and better stabilization for photos and videos, plus better quality wide angle and better selfi camera (tested by DxOMark).
- Premium Build & Features: MagSafe and Qi wireless charging, higher quality materials, and more advanced software features.
- More Compact & Lighter: Easier to handle and carry, fitting comfortably in smaller pockets.
- eSIM Support: Greater flexibility with mobile carrier selection.
- More storage options: Comes in 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB storage configurations.
Motorola Moto G71 5G Advantages:
- Much Larger Battery: Significantly longer battery life for extended use.
- Faster Charging: Charges the larger battery more quickly (33W vs 20W).
- Bigger Display: Larger screen size for better media consumption and usability for users who prefer larger fonts/icons.
- Dedicated Macro Camera: Enables close-up photography not available on the iPhone.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Convenient and fast unlocking via biometric fingerprint authentication.
- More RAM: Offers 6 GB or 8 GB of RAM, which can improve multitasking.
Significant Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12 mini: Smaller battery and screen size, higher price point, no expandable storage.
- Moto G71 5G: Lower performance chipset, lower screen brightness, less refined camera system, lacks wireless charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for iPhone 12 mini:
- Users who prioritize high performance and a smooth user experience, who need more power for tasks like gaming, demanding apps or video editing.
- Users who value a compact and lightweight device for single-handed use and portability.
- Users who want a better camera for photos and videos, including those using it for social media, etc.
- Users heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem.
- Users who do not mind sacrificing battery life for a compact size and high performance.
- Users who value a good display with high brightness for bright sunlight use.
Ideal User for Motorola Moto G71 5G:
- Users who prioritize battery life and need a phone that can last all day or longer.
- Users who want a larger display for easier media consumption and readability.
- Users who prefer Android and its customization options.
- Users who are on a budget but still want 5G connectivity and a large screen.
- Users who value convenient fingerprint unlocking.
- Users who need a macro camera.
Use Cases:
- iPhone 12 mini: Gaming, professional photography/videography (if compact form factor is required), high-end app usage, users with smaller hands and pockets.
- Moto G71 5G: Long travel days, media consumption, everyday use, users on a budget, taking macro photos.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Performance Requirements: Do you need high-end performance for gaming and demanding apps, or is basic performance sufficient?
- Battery Life vs. Size: Is all-day battery life a must, or is a compact and lightweight phone more important?
- Camera Needs: Do you need high-quality photos and video, or is a basic camera sufficient for casual use?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance User: If you prioritize performance and need a device for heavy tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking, the iPhone 12 mini is the clear choice.
- Scenario 2: Long Battery Life: If you need a phone to last all day without needing a charge, the Moto G71 5G is recommended, due to its significantly larger battery.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious User: If you are looking for a more affordable device with a big screen and decent 5G connectivity, the Moto G71 5G may fit your needs.
What I would choose and why!
My Choice: Apple iPhone 12 mini
Despite the smaller battery and larger price point, I would choose the Apple iPhone 12 mini. My primary use case requires high performance for gaming and app development. The A14 Bionic chip offers a massive performance advantage that makes a significant difference in daily usage. Additionally, the superior camera system, screen brightness, and the compactness of the phone outweigh the benefits of the larger battery and display of the Moto G71 5G. The better build quality and ecosystem integration of the iPhone are also factors I value.
While the Moto G71 5G excels in battery and screen size, the significant performance difference and the noticeably better display of the iPhone make it a more suitable choice for me. The iPhone 12 mini's display brightness would also be crucial for me as I spend a good amount of time outdoors. The trade-off in battery life is something I'd be willing to manage with charging since performance and screen quality are higher priorities for my usage. Finally, although not an important reason, I also prefer iOS over android.
