Apple iPhone 12 vs Motorola Edge 40 Pro - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date October 23, 2020 April 4, 2023
Release Year 2020 2023

Physical

Volume 77.62 cm³ 102.59 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.72 "/g 3.35 "/g
Weight 164 g 199 g
Height 146.7 mm 161.2 mm
Width 71.5 mm 74 mm
Thickness 7.4 mm 8.6 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Red
  • Blue
  • White
  • Green
  • Purple
  • Interstellar Black
  • Lunar Blue

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.67 "
Resolution 1170 x 2532 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 87.1 % 90 %
Pixel Density 460 PPI 394 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 165 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 625 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 1200 nits 1300 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 75.65 mAh/in² 103.40 mAh/in²
Battery Density 36.27 mAh/cm³ 44.84 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 2815 mAh 4600 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.1 GHz Firestorm + 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm) Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPU Apple GPU (4-core graphics) Adreno 740

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.2
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort 1
DisplayPort Version N/A 1.4
USB Features Lightning 2.0 USB Type-C 3.2, OTG, DisplayPort 1.4

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 14.1 13
Maximum OS Version 18 16

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureApple iPhone 12Motorola Edge 40 ProPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm161.2 x 74 x 8.6 mmEdge 40 Pro is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. iPhone 12 is more pocketable.
Weight164g199giPhone 12 is noticeably lighter, reducing fatigue during prolonged use.
Display
Size6.1"6.67"Edge 40 Pro offers a more immersive viewing experience for videos and gaming. iPhone 12 is more compact.
Resolution1170x25321080x2400iPhone 12 has a slightly sharper display, though the difference may not be noticeable to all users.
Pixel Density (PPI)460394iPhone 12's higher PPI results in crisper text and images.
Refresh Rate60Hz165HzEdge 40 Pro provides significantly smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in gaming.
Brightness (nits)12001100iPhone 12 is slightly easier to view in direct sunlight.
ProtectionUnknownCorning Gorilla Glass VictusEdge 40 Pro offers superior protection against scratches and drops.
Performance
ChipsetApple A14 Bionic (5 nm)Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)Edge 40 Pro's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 offers faster processing speeds and better efficiency for demanding tasks.
AnTuTu Score1,083,9471,532,500Edge 40 Pro provides a noticeably smoother and more responsive experience, especially in graphically intensive applications.
RAM4 GB12 GBEdge 40 Pro handles multitasking significantly better, allowing more apps to run in the background without slowdowns.
Camera
Main Camera12MP (f/1.6)50MP (f/1.8)Edge 40 Pro captures more detailed images, particularly in good lighting. iPhone 12 has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light performance.
Telephoto LensNo12MP (f/1.6)Edge 40 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities for closer shots without digital degradation.
Ultrawide Lens12MP (f/2.4)50MP (f/2.2)Edge 40 Pro captures wider scenes with more detail.
Selfie Camera12MP (f/2.2)60MP (f/2.2)Edge 40 Pro captures significantly more detailed selfies.
Video RecordingUp to 4K@60fpsUp to 8K@30fpsEdge 40 Pro allows for higher resolution video recording, suitable for professional use.
DXOMark Mobile Score117130Edge 40 Pro demonstrates superior overall camera performance based on DXOMark's testing.
Battery
Capacity2815mAh4600mAhEdge 40 Pro offers significantly longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging.
Charging Speed20W125WEdge 40 Pro charges much faster, minimizing downtime.
Wireless Charging15W (MagSafe), 7.5W (Qi)15WBoth offer wireless charging, but iPhone has the option of MagSafe.
Reverse ChargingNoYesEdge 40 Pro can wirelessly charge other devices, like earbuds or smartwatches.
Software
OSiOS 14.1 (upgradable to iOS 18)Android 13 (upgradable to Android 16)Different ecosystems with different user interfaces and app availability. iOS is known for its simplicity and tight ecosystem integration, while Android offers more customization.
Connectivity
WiFiWiFi 6WiFi 7Edge 40 Pro supports the latest WiFi standard for faster and more reliable connections.
Bluetooth5.15.3Edge 40 Pro has a more modern Bluetooth version.
GPSMultiple systemsMultiple systems, Dual-bandSimilar GPS capabilities overall.
Storage
Internal Storage64/128/256 GB256/512 GBEdge 40 Pro offers more base storage and a higher maximum storage option.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither phone supports expandable storage.
RAM4GB12GBMotorola Edge 40 Pro offers more RAM (12GB), excellent for heavy multitasking and demanding games
Audio
Audio QualityDolby Atmos, Dolby Digital PlusDolby AtmosEdge 40 Pro offers enhanced audio features (4 microphones), which provide a better audio experience, especially for content creation.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Apple iPhone 12 Advantages:

  • More compact and lighter design: Easier to handle and more pocketable, beneficial for users who prioritize portability.
  • Higher pixel density display: Sharper screen may be preferred by users who value image clarity.
  • MagSafe Wireless Charging: Offers a convenient and secure wireless charging experience.
  • Ecosystem Integration: Seamless integration with other Apple devices and services

Practical Implications: The iPhone 12 is better suited for users who value portability, ease of use within the Apple ecosystem, and a slightly sharper display, while being less concerned about battery life and raw processing power.

Motorola Edge 40 Pro Advantages:

  • Significantly faster processor: Provides smoother performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
  • Much higher refresh rate display: Offers a smoother and more responsive visual experience.
  • Larger battery capacity and faster charging: Significantly improves battery life and reduces charging time.
  • More versatile camera system: Includes a telephoto lens and higher resolution sensors for better image quality and zoom capabilities.
  • Reverse wireless charging: Can charge other devices wirelessly.
  • More RAM: Enables smoother multitasking and better performance with demanding applications.
  • Newer WiFi and Bluetooth Standards: Offers faster and more reliable wireless connectivity.
  • Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for enhanced durability.

Practical Implications: The Edge 40 Pro is ideal for users who prioritize performance, battery life, camera versatility, and a smoother display experience. The trade-off is a larger size and weight, and potentially a different user experience with the Android operating system.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Apple iPhone 12:

  • Ideal User: Someone deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, prioritizing a compact design, ease of use, and seamless integration with other Apple devices.
  • Use Cases: Everyday use, users who have other apple products and need seamless integration
  • Price-to-Value: While older, it can be a good value for those seeking an entry point into the Apple ecosystem if found at a discounted price.

Motorola Edge 40 Pro:

  • Ideal User: Gamers, content creators, and power users who demand high performance, long battery life, and a versatile camera system.
  • Use Cases: Mobile gaming, video recording, photography, and heavy multitasking.
  • Price-to-Value: Offers excellent value for its performance and features, especially compared to other flagship Android phones.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The price difference will significantly influence the decision.
  2. How important is portability? The iPhone 12 is smaller and lighter.
  3. Do you prefer iOS or Android? This is a fundamental question as it dictates the user experience and app ecosystem.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Budget-conscious user needing a compact phone: iPhone 12 (if found at a significant discount).
  • Performance-focused user who games and creates content: Motorola Edge 40 Pro.
  • User deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem: iPhone 12.
  • User prioritizing battery life and fast charging: Motorola Edge 40 Pro.

    At the end, write what you would choose and explain why!

My Choice:

I would choose the Motorola Edge 40 Pro. While I appreciate the compactness of the iPhone 12, the Edge 40 Pro's advantages in performance, display refresh rate, battery life, and camera versatility are too compelling to ignore. As someone who uses their phone for gaming, photography, and general productivity, the Edge 40 Pro's superior specifications would significantly enhance my user experience. The faster charging is also a big plus for someone always on the go. Furthermore, as a tech enthusiast, the newer technologies packed into the Motorola Edge 40 Pro, such as WiFi 7 and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, make it a more future-proofed device.

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.

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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.