Apple iPhone 12 Pro vs Motorola Moto G32 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date October 23, 2020 August 16, 2022
Release Year 2020 2022

Physical

Volume 77.62 cm³ 101.5 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.23 "/g 3.53 "/g
Weight 189 g 184 g
Height 146.7 mm 161.8 mm
Width 71.5 mm 73.8 mm
Thickness 7.4 mm 8.5 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Silver
  • Gold
  • Graphite
  • Pacific Blue
  • Mineral Grey
  • Satin Silver
  • Rose Gold

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.5 "
Resolution 1170 x 2532 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 87.1 % 85.4 %
Pixel Density 460 PPI 405 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 90 Hz
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 118.34 mAh/in²
Battery Density 36.27 mAh/cm³ 49.26 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 2815 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.1 GHz Firestorm + 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm) Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver)
GPU Apple GPU (4-core graphics) Adreno 610

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 12
Maximum OS Version 18 13

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

Design

FeatureApple iPhone 12 ProMotorola Moto G32Practical Impact
Dimensions146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm161.8 × 73.8 × 8.5 mmiPhone 12 Pro is more pocketable and easier to handle with one hand. Moto G32 is larger and may be less comfortable for smaller hands.
Weight189g184gBoth phones are similar in weight. The 5g difference is unlikely to be noticeable.
BuildPremium materials (likely stainless steel and glass)Plastic frame and backiPhone 12 Pro feels more premium and durable. Moto G32 is likely more prone to scratches and dents.

Display

FeatureApple iPhone 12 ProMotorola Moto G32Practical Impact
Size6.1"6.5"Moto G32 offers a larger viewing area for media consumption and gaming.
Resolution1170x25321080x2400iPhone 12 Pro has a sharper display, resulting in finer details and crisper text.
Pixel Density460 PPI405 PPIThe iPhone 12 Pro's higher PPI makes the display noticeably sharper.
TechnologyOLEDIPS LCDiPhone 12 Pro has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors due to OLED technology.
Refresh Rate60Hz90HzMoto G32 offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations.
Brightness1200 nits0 nitsiPhone 12 Pro is significantly brighter and easier to view in direct sunlight.

Performance

FeatureApple iPhone 12 ProMotorola Moto G32Practical Impact
ChipsetApple A14 Bionic (5 nm)Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)iPhone 12 Pro delivers significantly faster performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and running complex apps.
AnTuTu Score1,082,644249,000This benchmark reflects the substantial performance difference. The iPhone 12 Pro handles intensive tasks much better.
GPUApple GPU (4-core graphics)Adreno 610iPhone 12 Pro provides a better gaming experience with smoother graphics and higher frame rates.
RAM6 GB4 GB / 6 GB / 8 GBWhile the Moto G32 can have more RAM, the iPhone's superior memory management compensates for the difference.

Camera

FeatureApple iPhone 12 ProMotorola Moto G32Practical Impact
Main Camera12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.55"50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76"iPhone 12 Pro captures better low-light photos due to the wider aperture and larger sensor, despite the lower megapixel count.
Selfie Camera12MP, f/2.216MP, f/2.2Moto G32 captures slightly more detailed selfies.
Telephoto LensYesNoiPhone 12 Pro offers optical zoom for clearer zoomed-in photos.
Wide Angle Lens12MP, f/2.48MP, f/2.0iPhone 12 Pro captures wider and more detailed wide-angle shots.
Macro LensNoYesMoto G32 can take close-up macro photos.
Video RecordingUp to 4K@60fpsUp to 1080p@30fpsiPhone 12 Pro records higher-quality videos with better stabilization and dynamic range.
DXOMarkMobile: 127, Selfie: 132N/AiPhone 12 Pro has superior camera performance based on DXOMark scores.

Battery

FeatureApple iPhone 12 ProMotorola Moto G32Practical Impact
Capacity2815mAh5000mAhMoto G32 offers significantly longer battery life, potentially lasting a full day or more for most users.
Charging20W30WMoto G32 charges faster.
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 much faster processing speeds for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
  • Higher Quality Display: The OLED display offers better color accuracy, contrast, and brightness, especially in outdoor conditions.
  • Better Camera System: The camera system captures better low-light photos and offers more versatility with the telephoto lens and 4K video recording.
  • Premium Build Quality: The stainless steel and glass design feels more premium and durable.
  • Ecosystem Integration: Seamless integration with other Apple devices and services.

Practical Implications:

  • The iPhone 12 Pro excels in scenarios where performance and image quality are paramount. This includes demanding gaming, professional photography, and video editing.
  • The premium build quality and software ecosystem provide a more polished and user-friendly experience.

Motorola Moto G32 Advantages:

  • Longer Battery Life: The larger battery provides significantly longer usage time between charges.
  • Faster Charging: 30W charging allows for quicker top-ups.
  • Macro Lens: The dedicated macro lens enables close-up photography.
  • Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.2 offers slightly improved connectivity.
  • Lower Price: Significantly more affordable than the iPhone 12 Pro.

Practical Implications:

  • The Moto G32 is ideal for users who prioritize battery life and affordability.
  • The macro lens is a useful addition for those who enjoy taking close-up photos.

Trade-offs:

  • iPhone 12 Pro: Higher price, shorter battery life, lacks a macro lens.
  • Motorola Moto G32: Lower performance, inferior display and camera, plastic build.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Ideal Users for Apple iPhone 12 Pro:

  • Power Users: Individuals who need a phone that can handle demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and running complex applications.
  • Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a high-quality camera system with versatile lenses and excellent low-light performance.
  • Apple Ecosystem Users: Those who are already invested in the Apple ecosystem and want seamless integration with their other devices.

Use Cases for iPhone 12 Pro:

  • Professional Photography/Videography: Capturing high-quality photos and videos for professional use.
  • Mobile Gaming: Playing graphics-intensive games with smooth performance.
  • Video Editing: Editing videos on the go with fast processing speeds.
  • Content Creation: Creating high-quality content for social media or other platforms.

Ideal Users for Motorola Moto G32:

  • Budget-Conscious Consumers: Individuals who want a reliable phone at an affordable price.
  • Battery Life Prioritizers: Users who need a phone that can last all day on a single charge.
  • Casual Users: Those who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and communication.

Use Cases for Motorola Moto G32:

  • Everyday Communication: Making calls, sending texts, and using social media apps.
  • Media Consumption: Watching videos and browsing the web.
  • Travel: Long battery life is useful for extended periods away from a charger.
  • Budget Photography: Taking casual photos and videos.

Price-to-Value Ratio:

  • The Motorola Moto G32 offers excellent value for its price, providing a decent experience for basic tasks.
  • The iPhone 12 Pro is a premium device with a higher price tag, but it offers significantly better performance, camera quality, and overall user experience.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is my budget? The iPhone 12 Pro is significantly more expensive.
  2. How important is performance to me? If you need a phone for demanding tasks, the iPhone 12 Pro is the clear choice.
  3. What is more important: camera quality or battery life? The iPhone 12 Pro has a better camera, while the Moto G32 has much better battery life.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Professional Photographer: Choose the iPhone 12 Pro for its superior camera system and image quality.
  • Scenario 2: Student on a Budget: Choose the Motorola Moto G32 for its affordability and long battery life.
  • Scenario 3: Mobile Gamer: Choose the iPhone 12 Pro for its powerful processor and smooth graphics.

What I Would Choose and Why

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

Here's why:

  • Performance is a priority for me. I frequently use my phone for demanding tasks like editing photos and videos, playing games, and multitasking between various apps. The A14 Bionic chip in the iPhone 12 Pro offers a significantly smoother and more responsive experience.
  • Camera Quality matters. Although the Moto G32 has a higher megapixel count on its main sensor, the overall image quality, especially in low-light conditions, is noticeably better on the iPhone 12 Pro. I value the versatility of having a telephoto lens for optical zoom.
  • I value the superior display. The OLED display on the iPhone 12 Pro provides more vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and better outdoor visibility.
  • I am already invested in the Apple ecosystem. Having other Apple devices, the seamless integration of the iPhone 12 Pro into the ecosystem is a plus for me.

While the Moto G32's longer battery life is appealing, I am willing to trade that for the superior performance, camera, and display quality offered by the iPhone 12 Pro. The price difference is justified for my usage scenarios.

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.