Apple iPhone 12 Pro vs Motorola One 5G Ace - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

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

Physical

Volume 77.62 cm³ 125.14 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.23 "/g 3.16 "/g
Weight 189 g 212 g
Height 146.7 mm 166.1 mm
Width 71.5 mm 76.1 mm
Thickness 7.4 mm 9.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Silver
  • Gold
  • Graphite
  • Pacific Blue
  • Frosted Silver
  • Volcanic Gray

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.7 "
Resolution 1170 x 2532 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 87.1 % 85.7 %
Pixel Density 460 PPI 393 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 111.38 mAh/in²
Battery Density 36.27 mAh/cm³ 39.96 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 2815 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.1 GHz Firestorm + 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm) Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570)
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 10
Maximum OS Version 18

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

Design

FeatureApple iPhone 12 ProMotorola One 5G AcePractical Impact
Physical Size146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mmThe iPhone 12 Pro is significantly more compact and easier to handle, especially for one-handed use. The Motorola One 5G Ace is larger and may be less pocketable.
Weight189g212gThe iPhone 12 Pro feels lighter and is more comfortable for extended use. The Motorola One 5G Ace may feel more substantial in hand.
BuildUnknownUnknownScreen protection is unknown for both.

Display

FeatureApple iPhone 12 ProMotorola One 5G AcePractical Impact
Size6.1"6.7"The Motorola One 5G Ace offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. The iPhone 12 Pro's smaller screen is more manageable for some users.
Resolution1170x25321080x2400The iPhone 12 Pro has a sharper display, resulting in crisper images and text.
PPI460393The iPhone 12 Pro's higher pixel density makes the display noticeably sharper and more detailed.
TechnologyOLEDIPS LCDThe iPhone 12 Pro's OLED display offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to the Motorola One 5G Ace's IPS LCD.
Brightness1200 nits0 nitsThe iPhone 12 Pro is much easier to view outdoors in bright sunlight. The Motorola One 5G Ace's outdoor visibility is likely poor in comparison.
Refresh Rate60Hz60HzBoth phones have standard refresh rates, so scrolling and animations will appear similarly smooth.

Performance

FeatureApple iPhone 12 ProMotorola One 5G AcePractical Impact
ChipsetApple A14 Bionic (5 nm)Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm)The Apple A14 Bionic offers significantly faster processing speeds, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. It's also more power-efficient.
AnTuTu Score1,082,644330,000The iPhone 12 Pro provides a much faster and more responsive user experience. Apps launch quicker, and demanding tasks are handled with ease.
GPUApple GPU (4-core graphics)Adreno 619The Apple GPU offers superior graphics performance, resulting in better gaming and video editing capabilities.
RAM6 GB4 GB or 6 GBBoth are suitable for moderate multitasking.

Camera

FeatureApple iPhone 12 ProMotorola One 5G AcePractical Impact
Main Camera Resolution12MP48MPThe Motorola One 5G Ace can capture more detailed images in good lighting conditions, but the iPhone 12 Pro's larger pixel size and better image processing may result in better low-light performance and dynamic range.
Main Camera Aperturef/1.6f/1.7The iPhone 12 Pro's wider aperture allows more light to enter the sensor, improving low-light performance.
Telephoto LensYesNoThe iPhone 12 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities, allowing for closer shots without significant loss of detail.
Ultra-Wide Lens12MP, f/2.48MP, f/2.2Both offer ultra-wide angle shots but the iPhone 12 Pro has a higher resolution.
Macro LensNoYesThe Motorola One 5G Ace can take close-up shots of small objects.
Selfie Camera Resolution12MP16MPThe Motorola One 5G Ace may capture slightly more detailed selfies.
Video RecordingUp to 4K@60fps with HDR, Stereo SoundUp to 4K@30fps with EISThe iPhone 12 Pro offers higher frame rate 4k video, HDR and stereo sound recording, making it better for video enthusiasts.
DxOMark ScoreMobile: 127, Selfie: 132N/AThe iPhone 12 Pro has a proven track record for camera quality, while the Motorola One 5G Ace's camera performance is less well-documented.
FeaturesOIS, Optical Zoom, 4k videoDigital Image Stabilization, Laser AutofocusApple has OIS for stable shots, while the Motorola uses digital image stabilization and Laser Autofocus.

Battery

FeatureApple iPhone 12 ProMotorola One 5G AcePractical Impact
Capacity2815mAh5000mAhThe Motorola One 5G Ace is likely to offer significantly longer battery life, especially for heavy users.
Charging20W Fast Charging15W Fast ChargingThe iPhone 12 Pro charges faster, reducing downtime. However, the charging brick is sold separately.
Wireless ChargingMagSafe & QiNoThe iPhone 12 Pro offers convenient wireless charging options.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Apple iPhone 12 Pro Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: The A14 Bionic chip provides a significantly faster and smoother user experience.
  • Better Display: The OLED display offers superior image quality, brightness, and sharpness.
  • Higher Quality Camera System: Telephoto lens for optical zoom, better video recording capabilities, and a higher DxOMark score.
  • More Compact Design: Easier to handle and pocket.
  • Wireless Charging: Offers convenient MagSafe and Qi wireless charging options.

Practical Implications: The iPhone 12 Pro excels in tasks that require processing power, such as gaming, video editing, and multitasking. Its superior display makes it ideal for media consumption and content creation. The camera system provides more versatility and higher-quality results.

Motorola One 5G Ace Advantages:

  • Significantly Larger Battery: Provides much longer battery life.
  • Macro Lens: Allows for close-up photography.
  • Lower Price: Offers a more budget-friendly option.

Practical Implications: The Motorola One 5G Ace is ideal for users who prioritize battery life and want a larger screen for media consumption. The macro lens adds versatility for creative photography.

Trade-offs:

  • Choosing the iPhone 12 Pro means sacrificing battery life and paying a premium for superior performance and display quality.
  • Choosing the Motorola One 5G Ace means sacrificing performance, display quality, and camera versatility for longer battery life and a lower price.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Ideal User for Apple iPhone 12 Pro:

  • Power Users: Those who need a fast and responsive phone for demanding tasks.
  • Content Creators: Photographers and videographers who value camera quality and features.
  • Media Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate a high-quality display for watching videos and playing games.
  • Users within the Apple Ecosystem: Those heavily invested in Apple's ecosystem and services.

Use Cases:

  • Editing 4K videos on the go.
  • Playing graphics-intensive games.
  • Taking high-quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
  • Seamlessly integrating with other Apple devices.

Ideal User for Motorola One 5G Ace:

  • Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking a capable 5G phone at an affordable price.
  • Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Those 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:

  • Streaming videos and browsing the web for extended periods without needing to recharge.
  • Taking close-up photos of flowers, insects, or other small objects.
  • Staying connected on social media and messaging apps without worrying about battery life.

4. Decision Framework

Here are three key questions a buyer should consider:

  1. What is my budget? The iPhone 12 Pro is significantly more expensive than the Motorola One 5G Ace.
  2. How important is performance? The iPhone 12 Pro offers a much faster and smoother user experience.
  3. How much do I value battery life? The Motorola One 5G Ace provides significantly longer battery life.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: High-end user willing to spend: If budget is not a concern and you need the best possible performance, display, and camera quality, the iPhone 12 Pro is the clear choice.
  • Scenario 2: Budget-conscious user needing 5G: If you are on a tight budget and want a 5G phone with long battery life, the Motorola One 5G Ace is a good option.
  • Scenario 3: Prioritizing battery life above all else: If battery life is your primary concern, the Motorola One 5G Ace is the better choice, even with its performance and display limitations.

My Choice

If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Apple iPhone 12 Pro.

Reasons:

  • Performance: As someone who uses their phone for a variety of tasks, including some light photo and video editing, the superior performance of the A14 Bionic chip is crucial for me.
  • Display Quality: I value a vibrant and sharp display for media consumption and content creation. The OLED display on the iPhone 12 Pro is significantly better than the LCD on the Motorola.
  • Camera System: The versatility of the iPhone 12 Pro's camera system, with its telephoto lens and excellent video recording capabilities, is important for capturing high-quality photos and videos.
  • Ecosystem: As someone invested in Apple's ecosystem, the seamless integration with other Apple devices is a significant advantage.

While the Motorola One 5G Ace's battery life is appealing, I am willing to sacrifice some endurance for the improved performance, display, and camera quality of the iPhone 12 Pro.

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
  • Digital media communication
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  • User-centric technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.