1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | Motorola Moto G73 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-11-13 | 2023-01-24 | The Motorola is significantly newer, likely benefiting from more recent technology. |
| Dimensions | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm, 228g | 161.4 x 73.8 x 8.3 mm, 181g | iPhone is wider and heavier, which may be less comfortable for single-handed use and carrying. The Motorola is lighter and more compact. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | The iPhone offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1284 x 2778 | 1080 x 2400 | The iPhone has a much sharper display. Text and images will appear clearer and more detailed. |
| PPI | 458 | 405 | Higher PPI on the iPhone results in a noticeably sharper and more refined image. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | The iPhone's OLED provides deeper blacks, higher contrast, and generally richer colors compared to the Motorola's LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Motorola has a smoother scrolling experience and more fluid animations. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | The iPhone is much easier to see in bright outdoor conditions. Missing brightness data for the Motorola makes an outdoor visibility comparison difficult. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 930 (6 nm) | The iPhone's chip is more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,121,803 | 497,466 | The iPhone significantly outperforms the Motorola in benchmark scores, indicating faster overall performance. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | IMG BXM-8-256 | The iPhone's GPU provides much better graphics performance, making it suitable for demanding games and graphic-intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 3687mAh | 5000mAh | Motorola has a larger capacity battery which suggests better battery life, though real-world endurance depends on other factors. |
| Charging | 20W fast charging | 30W fast charging | The Motorola charges faster, allowing users to spend less time plugged in. |
| Charging Features | MagSafe, Qi wireless | No wireless charging | The iPhone supports wireless charging (MagSafe and Qi), while the Motorola does not. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.6 | 50MP, f/1.8 | The Motorola's main sensor has a higher megapixel count, but the iPhone has a wider aperture, which can be better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.4 | The Motorola's front camera has a higher megapixel count, while the iPhone has a wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes, 12MP | No | The iPhone offers optical zoom capabilities, which the Motorola lacks. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/2.2 | iPhone has a higher resolution wide angle camera but smaller aperture. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K 60fps | Up to 1080p 60fps | The iPhone offers higher quality video recording. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Optical zoom, RAW | Digital stabilization, Front Flash | The iPhone offers better optical features while the Motorola offers digital stabilization. |
| DxoMark | Mobile: 131, Selfie: 132 | Not available | Apple has a DxoMark, Motorola doesn't which makes a direct comparison impossible. The scores suggest very good camera quality on the iPhone. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 14.1, up to iOS 18 | Android 13 | The iPhone has access to Apple's ecosystem and software. The Motorola has a standard Android experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO, Direct, Display | Both support Wi-Fi 6, but the Motorola has added features, for direct connection to other devices and casting to displays. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3, AptX, LDAC, AAC | The Motorola has newer Bluetooth with advanced audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS... | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS...NavIC | The Motorola has more robust GPS with additional satellite systems, for potentially better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | The iPhone supports eSIM for convenient carrier switching, while the Motorola uses two physical nano-SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | The iPhone offers more internal storage options. Neither phones support expandable storage. |
| RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB | The Motorola has more RAM, which can improve multitasking and gaming. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo | Dolby Atmos, Stereo, 2 mics | Both phones have stereo speakers and support Dolby Atmos; the iPhone offers additional audio enhancements, while the Motorola includes dual mics. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic security features | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | The Motorola has a fingerprint sensor for convenient unlocking; the iPhone only has basic security features. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both have unknown screen protection technology. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | The iPhone has a more diverse set of sensors that are useful for apps and certain environmental readings, the Motorola includes a fingerprint sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Advantages:
- Superior Display: OLED technology, higher resolution, and pixel density result in a much sharper and more vibrant visual experience.
- Much Higher Performance: The A14 Bionic chip delivers significantly faster performance, ideal for demanding tasks, gaming, and overall responsiveness.
- Better Camera System: Offers a telephoto lens for optical zoom, better video recording capabilities (4K up to 60fps), OIS, and additional features such as RAW capture, resulting in superior image and video quality. Also comes with a confirmed good DxoMark score.
- MagSafe and Qi Wireless Charging: Offers convenient wireless charging options.
- Ecosystem: iOS offers better integration with Apple's ecosystem, something that might matter for Apple users.
- Brightness: Significantly higher brightness is ideal for visibility in bright sunlight.
Motorola Moto G73 Advantages:
- Newer Phone: Launched more than two years after the iPhone, it may have better hardware.
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable for handling and portability.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate offers a smoother user experience.
- Better Battery Life Potential: Larger battery capacity suggests potentially longer use between charges.
- Faster Charging: 30W charging reduces time plugged into the wall.
- Dual SIM with Dual Standby: Two Nano SIM cards can be used at the same time.
- More RAM: More RAM for multitasking and gaming.
- Newer Bluetooth: Features Bluetooth 5.3 with advanced audio codecs.
- More GPS Systems: Offers more precise GPS tracking with additional satellite support.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Offers an additional layer of convenient biometric security.
Trade-offs:
- The iPhone's performance and camera come at the cost of a heavier design and potentially shorter battery life compared to the Motorola.
- The Motorola's advantage in battery, refresh rate, and charging is offset by its weaker performance, lower screen quality, and less advanced camera system.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for iPhone 12 Pro Max:
- Power Users: Individuals who demand top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and other intensive tasks.
- Camera Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality photos and videos, especially those who need features like optical zoom and RAW capture.
- Apple Ecosystem Users: Those who are already invested in the Apple ecosystem and value seamless integration with other Apple devices.
- Users who value display quality: Users who value good image quality and high brightness for outdoor use.
Specific Use Cases for iPhone 12 Pro Max:
- Professional Photography and Videography: High-quality images and videos with lots of options and features.
- Mobile Gaming: Demanding games at high graphics settings, thanks to the powerful chipset and excellent GPU.
- Video Streaming: High-resolution content with vivid colors and detailed visuals on the OLED display.
- Outdoor use: Excellent brightness for outdoor visibility.
Ideal User for Motorola Moto G73:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a reliable smartphone with good battery life and a smooth display without breaking the bank.
- Everyday Users: Individuals who primarily use their phones for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and casual gaming.
- Users needing longer battery life and faster charging: People who prioritize battery life and fast charging over top-tier performance.
- Users looking for a more convenient size and weight: People who dislike a heavy phone.
Specific Use Cases for Motorola Moto G73:
- All-Day Use: Long-lasting battery makes it suitable for users who don't want to worry about frequent charging.
- Smooth UI Experience: 120Hz refresh rate makes browsing and navigating the phone a smooth experience.
- Navigation: More precise GPS positioning for use with map applications.
- Audio Experience: Advanced Bluetooth audio codecs for an improved listening experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your primary use case? (e.g., gaming, photography, everyday use, battery life)
- How important is display quality to you? (resolution, color accuracy, brightness)
- What is your budget and what are your priorities? (performance vs. features vs. cost)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Performance & Camera Priority): If you prioritize raw performance, a great camera system, and are embedded in the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is the better choice.
- Scenario 2 (Budget and Battery Priority): If you are budget-conscious and need a phone with good battery life, a smoother display and fast charging, the Motorola Moto G73 is the better choice.
- Scenario 3 (Balance): If you need a balanced phone without the absolute highest performance but with better battery and refresh rate, the Motorola might be a better fit, if performance is not a priority.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max, despite its age. My primary priorities in a phone are:
- a great camera system,
- a good display,
- good performance and responsiveness. While the Motorola is a newer device, its performance doesn't compete with the iPhone and it lacks important features such as a good display, and optical zoom. The iPhone's camera system and performance are substantially better, and it also offers the benefit of the Apple ecosystem. This makes it the best choice for my needs.
