Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs. Motorola Moto G72
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | Motorola Moto G72 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-11-13 | 2022-10-03 | Moto G72 is significantly newer, potentially with longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm | 160.5 x 74.4 x 7.9 mm | iPhone is wider, Moto G72 is slightly thicker. |
| Weight | 228g | 166g | Moto G72 is significantly lighter, improving comfort for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | iPhone has a slightly larger screen, better for immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1284 x 2778 | 1080 x 2400 | iPhone has a sharper display with more detail. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 458 | 402 | iPhone's display appears noticeably clearer. |
| Technology | OLED | P-OLED | Similar high-quality display technologies with vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Moto G72 offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | iPhone is much brighter, ensuring better visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | iPhone has a much more powerful chipset for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,121,803 | 415,300 | iPhone offers significantly faster performance in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Mali-G57 MC2 | iPhone provides superior graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 3687 mAh | 5000 mAh | Moto G72 likely has much longer battery life. |
| Charging | 20W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Moto G72 charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | MagSafe & Qi wireless charging | None | iPhone offers wireless charging options. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 12MP, f/1.6 | 108MP, f/1.7 | Moto G72 has higher resolution; iPhone has a slightly wider aperture for low light. |
| Selfie Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 16MP | Moto G72 has a higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | iPhone has an optical zoom lens, offering better zoomed images. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/1.9 | iPhone captures more detail in wide shots; Moto G72 has a wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Moto G72 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photos. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | iPhone has much higher video resolution and frame rate. |
| OIS | Yes | No | iPhone's OIS provides steadier videos. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 131, Selfie: 132 | Not Tested | iPhone's camera quality is higher in tested benchmarks. |
| Camera Features | Optical zoom, RAW, Night Mode, etc. | Laser Autofocus, etc. | iPhone has a wider feature set, better for creative control. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 14.1, upgradable to 18 | Android 12 | iOS offers a different user experience than Android, and is likely to have a longer support window. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax), MIMO | 802.11ac, Direct, Display | iPhone has a faster WiFi; Moto G72 supports WiFi Direct, Display. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | iPhone has a slightly newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | iPhone supports QZSS; Moto G72 supports SUPL. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | iPhone offers eSIM; Moto G72 supports dual physical SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | iPhone offers a higher storage option (512 GB). |
| RAM | 6 GB | 6/8 GB | Moto G72 can have more RAM for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | iPhone has better audio with Dolby Digital Plus. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic security features | Fingerprint sensor | Moto G72 offers basic biometric security with a fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Fingerprint, Magnetometer, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | iPhone has a Barometer, Moto G72 has a Fingerprint sensor and Magnetometer |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The A14 Bionic chip delivers significantly higher processing power, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- High-Quality Display: Higher resolution and pixel density provide a sharper and clearer display. Much higher peak brightness improves outdoor visibility significantly.
- Advanced Camera System: Features like optical zoom, OIS, RAW capture, and 4K video recording capabilities offer greater flexibility and higher quality results, especially in video and zoomed photos. Significantly better camera performance as indicated by DxOMark scores.
- Premium Build Quality and Features: Includes MagSafe wireless charging, better audio capabilities with Dolby Digital Plus, and a more comprehensive selection of satellite systems for accurate location.
- More storage options: Offers a 512GB storage variant.
Practical Implications: The iPhone is better for users who need high performance for gaming, video editing, or any other heavy usage. Its superior camera system and brighter display are also ideal for photography and viewing in bright outdoor conditions.
Motorola Moto G72 Advantages:
- Significantly Lighter and More Comfortable: The Moto G72's lighter weight makes it more comfortable to hold and use for long periods.
- Longer Battery Life: A larger battery ensures all-day usage without needing frequent recharges.
- Faster Charging: The 33W charging allows quicker battery top-ups.
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate gives a smoother user interface experience for scrolling.
- Lower price point: Offers a high value for a much lower price.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Offers basic biometric security which may be desired by some users.
Practical Implications: The Moto G72 is better for users who prioritize battery life, comfort, and a smoother user experience in basic tasks. It provides a practical, budget-friendly option with good features.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Performance vs Battery Life: The iPhone trades battery endurance for higher performance, while the Moto G72 prioritizes battery life over top-tier performance.
- Camera Quality vs. Price: The iPhone boasts a more advanced camera system, whereas the Moto G72 is good for basic photography at a lower price point.
- Display Sharpness vs Smoothness: iPhone prioritizes resolution while Moto G72 prioritizes refresh rate for a smoother feel.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Ideal User:
- Power Users: Individuals who need top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and other demanding tasks.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile and high-quality camera system with optical zoom, RAW support, and superior video quality.
- Outdoor Users: People who need a display that can be easily viewed in bright sunlight.
- iOS Ecosystem Users: Individuals already invested in Apple’s ecosystem and seeking a premium device.
Specific Use Cases:
- Professional photographers who want a capable smartphone camera with advanced settings.
- Gamers who want maximum graphics performance.
- Users who record and edit 4K video on their phone.
Motorola Moto G72 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: People looking for a reliable smartphone with good features at a lower price.
- Everyday Users: Individuals who primarily use their phones for browsing, social media, and casual photography.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Those who need a phone that can last through a full day of use without needing frequent charging.
- Users seeking a lighter device: Individuals who desire a more comfortable and lightweight phone experience.
Specific Use Cases:
- Students or travelers who need a long-lasting battery without the need for peak performance.
- Individuals who want a large, smooth display for content consumption and social media use.
- Users seeking a functional camera experience for everyday shots and occasional close-ups.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Motorola Moto G72 offers a higher value for its price, providing essential features like a long battery life and a smooth display at a more affordable cost.
- The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max provides a higher-end experience and more advanced features but costs significantly more.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The iPhone is a much more expensive option.
- How important is performance for your daily usage? The iPhone is much more powerful, but the Moto G72 handles daily tasks well.
- Which features are most important? Do you prioritize camera, performance, display sharpness, battery life, or a lighter device?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You need the best possible performance and camera.
- Recommendation: Choose the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max. It offers significantly better performance and advanced camera capabilities, although at a much higher price.
- Scenario 2: You need long battery life and a budget-friendly device.
- Recommendation: Choose the Motorola Moto G72. It offers excellent battery life, a smooth display, and faster charging at a more affordable price.
- Scenario 3: You want a balance of quality and comfort without breaking the bank.
- Recommendation: Consider the Motorola Moto G72 or a different mid-range phone. The iPhone 12 Pro Max's extra features are generally overkill for this scenario.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would select the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max, despite its age. While the Motorola Moto G72 is a very capable phone for its price and offers a better battery and refresh rate, the difference in performance, camera capabilities, and display quality of the iPhone 12 Pro Max is too significant to ignore. The iPhone also benefits from the tight integration between its hardware and software.
The camera quality difference is the most important to me, as I value the ability to take great photos and videos. The additional processing power also means I can run demanding apps without any hiccups. Although it’s heavier, I am willing to deal with that for the benefits that I get.
