Apple iPhone 12 Pro vs Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date October 23, 2020 June 14, 2021
Release Year 2020 2021

Physical

Volume 77.62 cm³ 123.48 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.23 "/g 3.13 "/g
Weight 189 g 217.5 g
Height 146.7 mm 169.5 mm
Width 71.5 mm 77.5 mm
Thickness 7.4 mm 9.4 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Silver
  • Gold
  • Graphite
  • Pacific Blue
  • Cosmic Emerald

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.8 "
Resolution 1170 x 2532 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 87.1 % 85 %
Pixel Density 460 PPI 387 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A N/A
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 800 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 1200 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 75.65 mAh/in² 108.13 mAh/in²
Battery Density 36.27 mAh/cm³ 40.49 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 2815 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes No
Chipset Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.1 GHz Firestorm + 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm) Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)
GPU Apple GPU (4-core graphics) Adreno 619

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features Lightning 2.0 USB Type-C 2.0

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 14.1 11
Maximum OS Version 18 12

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

Design

FeatureApple iPhone 12 ProMotorola Moto G Stylus 5GPractical Impact
Dimensions146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm169.5 × 77.5 × 9.4 mmiPhone 12 Pro is significantly more compact and pocketable. Moto G Stylus 5G is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use.
Weight189g217.5giPhone 12 Pro is lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods.
BuildPremium materials (likely glass & metal)Likely plastic frameiPhone 12 Pro likely feels more premium in hand; Moto G Stylus 5G may be more durable to drops.

Display

FeatureApple iPhone 12 ProMotorola Moto G Stylus 5GPractical Impact
Size6.1"6.8"Moto G Stylus 5G offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking.
Resolution1170x25321080x2400iPhone 12 Pro has a slightly sharper image, but the difference may not be noticeable to everyone.
Pixel Density460 ppi387 ppiiPhone 12 Pro displays finer details and sharper text.
TechnologyOLEDIPS LCDiPhone 12 Pro offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. OLED is generally considered a higher quality display.
Brightness1200 nits0 nits (Implied from missing spec)iPhone 12 Pro is much more visible outdoors in bright sunlight. The Moto G Stylus 5G display information is missing so it is unknown how it performs in sunlight.
Refresh Rate60Hz60HzBoth displays refresh at the standard rate, meaning no added smoothness in animations or gaming.

Performance

FeatureApple iPhone 12 ProMotorola Moto G Stylus 5GPractical Impact
ChipsetApple A14 Bionic (5 nm)Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm)iPhone 12 Pro has significantly faster performance, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities. The A14 Bionic is a flagship-level chip, while the Snapdragon 480 is an entry-level 5G chip.
AnTuTu Score1,082,644171,000iPhone 12 Pro is vastly faster in all tasks.
GPUApple GPU (4-core graphics)Adreno 619iPhone 12 Pro delivers a superior gaming experience with smoother graphics and higher frame rates.
RAM6GB4GBiPhone 12 Pro can handle more apps running in the background without slowing down.

Camera

FeatureApple iPhone 12 ProMotorola Moto G Stylus 5GPractical Impact
Main Camera12MP, f/1.648MP, f/1.7The iPhone 12 Pro likely produces higher-quality images in various lighting conditions due to better image processing and larger pixel size, despite the lower megapixel count.
Telephoto LensYesNoiPhone 12 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities for closer, detailed shots without digital distortion.
Ultrawide Lens12MP, f/2.416MP, f/2.2Moto G Stylus 5G ultrawide lens is wider, capturing more in the frame.
Macro LensNo2MP, f/2.2Moto G Stylus 5G can take close-up shots of small objects.
Selfie Camera12MP, f/2.220MP, f/2.0Moto G Stylus 5G selfie camera may capture more detail in good lighting due to the higher megapixel count and aperture.
Video RecordingUp to 4K@60fps with HDRUp to 1080p@60fpsiPhone 12 Pro can record higher-resolution, more cinematic videos.
StabilizationOISDigital Image StabilizationiPhone 12 Pro provides better video stabilization for smoother handheld recording.

Battery

FeatureApple iPhone 12 ProMotorola Moto G Stylus 5GPractical Impact
Capacity2815mAh4000mAhMoto G Stylus 5G likely offers longer battery life due to its larger capacity, especially considering the less power-hungry processor.
Charging20W Fast Charging10W Fast ChargingiPhone 12 Pro charges faster, reducing downtime.
Wireless ChargingYes (MagSafe & Qi)NoiPhone 12 Pro offers convenient wireless charging options.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Apple iPhone 12 Pro Advantages:

  • Significantly Superior Performance: The A14 Bionic chip provides a vastly smoother and faster user experience compared to the Snapdragon 480 5G.
  • Higher Quality Display: The OLED display offers better contrast, color accuracy, and outdoor visibility.
  • Better Camera System: The iPhone 12 Pro has a more versatile and higher-quality camera system with features like optical zoom, 4K video recording, and optical image stabilization.
  • Premium Build Quality: Offers a more premium feel in hand compared to the likely plastic build of the Moto G Stylus 5G.

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Advantages:

  • Larger Display: Provides a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming.
  • Potentially Longer Battery Life: The larger battery capacity may translate to longer usage times between charges.
  • Stylus Integration: The built-in stylus offers added functionality for note-taking, drawing, and precise input.
  • More Affordable: Likely significantly cheaper than the iPhone 12 Pro.

Trade-offs:

  • Choosing the iPhone 12 Pro means sacrificing battery life and a larger screen for significantly better performance and camera quality.
  • Choosing the Moto G Stylus 5G means accepting slower performance and a lower-quality display for potentially longer battery life and stylus functionality.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Apple iPhone 12 Pro:

  • Ideal Users:
    • Professionals who need a fast and reliable smartphone for work.
    • Photography enthusiasts who value high-quality images and videos.
    • Users who prioritize a premium design and build quality.
    • Users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem.
  • Use Cases:
    • Mobile photography and videography.
    • Demanding mobile gaming.
    • Video editing and content creation on the go.
    • Seamless integration with other Apple devices.

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G:

  • Ideal Users:
    • Users who need a large screen for media consumption and productivity.
    • Note-takers and artists who can benefit from the stylus.
    • Budget-conscious consumers looking for a 5G-enabled device.
    • Users who prioritize battery life over performance.
  • Use Cases:
    • Taking notes and drawing with the stylus.
    • Watching videos and movies on the go.
    • Basic gaming and social media use.
    • Everyday tasks with stylus utility.

4. Decision Framework

Consider these questions to guide your decision:

  1. What is your budget? The iPhone 12 Pro is a premium device, while the Moto G Stylus 5G targets budget-conscious consumers.
  2. How important is performance? If you need a fast and responsive phone for demanding tasks, the iPhone 12 Pro is the clear choice.
  3. Do you value camera quality and features? The iPhone 12 Pro offers a superior camera system with more advanced features.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Mobile Photographer/Videographer: Choose the iPhone 12 Pro for its superior camera system, 4K video recording, and image stabilization.
  • Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious Student: Choose the Moto G Stylus 5G for its larger screen, stylus functionality, and lower price point.
  • Scenario 3: Power User Who Needs Long Battery Life: Choose the Moto G Stylus 5G.
  • Scenario 4: Everyday User Wanting Performance and Ease-of-Use: Choose the iPhone 12 Pro.

My Choice

If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Apple iPhone 12 Pro.

Here's why:

  • Performance is paramount: As someone who uses their phone for a variety of tasks, including occasional gaming and photo editing, the significantly faster processor and ample RAM in the iPhone 12 Pro are crucial for a smooth and responsive experience.
  • Camera quality matters: I value high-quality photos and videos, and the iPhone 12 Pro's superior camera system, especially its 4K video capabilities and optical image stabilization, make it the better choice.
  • The OLED display is a significant upgrade: The better color accuracy, contrast, and outdoor visibility of the OLED display on the iPhone 12 Pro enhance the overall user experience.

While the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G has the advantage of a larger display, longer battery life, and a stylus, these benefits don't outweigh the significant performance and camera quality differences. I am willing to prioritize those factors for an overall better experience.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.