Apple iPhone 12 vs Motorola Moto G Power (2022) - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date October 23, 2020 February 22, 2022
Release Year 2020 2022

Physical

Volume 77.62 cm³ 120.23 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.72 "/g 3.2 "/g
Weight 164 g 203 g
Height 146.7 mm 167.2 mm
Width 71.5 mm 76.5 mm
Thickness 7.4 mm 9.4 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Red
  • Blue
  • White
  • Green
  • Purple
  • Black

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.5 "
Resolution 1170 x 2532 720 x 1600
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 87.1 % 79.7 %
Pixel Density 460 PPI 270 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 625 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 41.59 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 2815 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes No
Chipset Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.1 GHz Firestorm + 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm) 8
GPU Apple GPU (4-core graphics) 8

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

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureApple iPhone 12Motorola Moto G Power (2022)Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm167.2 × 76.5 × 9.4 mmiPhone 12 is significantly smaller and easier to handle with one hand; Moto G Power is larger and bulkier.
Weight164g203giPhone 12 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use.
Display
Size6.1"6.5"Moto G Power offers a larger viewing area for media consumption and gaming.
Resolution1170x2532720x1600iPhone 12 provides a much sharper and more detailed image, resulting in a better visual experience.
PPI460270iPhone 12 has a significantly sharper display, making text and images appear clearer.
TechnologyOLEDIPS LCDiPhone 12 offers superior color accuracy, deeper blacks, and better contrast, resulting in more vibrant and realistic visuals.
Refresh Rate60Hz90HzMoto G Power provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations, but the difference may not be noticeable to all users.
Brightness1200 nits0 nitsiPhone 12 is much more visible in direct sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetApple A14 Bionic (5 nm)Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm)iPhone 12 delivers significantly faster performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
AnTuTu Score1,083,947159,800iPhone 12 offers a much smoother and more responsive user experience.
GPUApple GPU (4-core graphics)PowerVR GE832iPhone 12 provides superior graphics performance for gaming and other visually intensive applications.
Camera
Main Camera Resolution12MP50MPMoto G Power captures images with more detail in well-lit conditions, but the iPhone 12 generally has better image quality due to its superior sensor and processing.
Main Camera Aperturef/1.6f/1.8iPhone 12 performs better in low-light conditions, capturing brighter and clearer images.
Standard Sensor Size1/2.55"1/2.76"iPhone 12 gathers slightly more light for better low-light photos.
Selfie Camera Resolution12MP8MPiPhone 12 captures more detailed selfie photos.
Wide Angle LensYesNoiPhone 12 can capture wider scenes.
Portrait mode (depth)NoYesMotorola Moto G Power (2022) can capture portrait mode with more focus on subject.
Macro lensNoYesMotorola Moto G Power (2022) can capture macro images of objects.
Video RecordingUp to 4K@60fpsUp to 1080p@30fpsiPhone 12 records higher-quality videos with better stabilization and dynamic range.
Battery
Capacity2815mAh5000mAhMoto G Power offers significantly longer battery life, potentially lasting for two days or more on a single charge.
Charging20W Fast Charging10W Fast ChargingiPhone 12 charges faster, but the Moto G Power's larger battery compensates for the slower charging speed.
Wireless ChargingYes (MagSafe & Qi)NoiPhone 12 offers the convenience of wireless charging.
Software
OSiOS 14.1 (Upgradable to iOS 18)Android 11iPhone 12 receives faster and more consistent software updates from Apple; iOS is known for its ease of use and strong privacy features.
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)iPhone 12 supports the latest Wi-Fi standard for faster and more reliable wireless connections.
Bluetooth5.15.0iPhone 12 has a slightly newer Bluetooth version.
SIMDual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM)Single SIM (Nano SIM)iPhone 12 offers more flexibility for users who need to use two phone numbers or travel internationally.
Storage
Internal Storage64/128/256GB64/128GBiPhone 12 offers a higher maximum storage option.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither phone allows for expandable storage.
Security
BiometricsFace IDSide-mounted Fingerprint SensoriPhone 12 uses facial recognition for secure unlocking; Moto G Power uses a fingerprint sensor.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Apple iPhone 12 Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: The A14 Bionic chip offers significantly faster performance for all tasks.
    • Practical Implication: Apps launch quicker, multitasking is smoother, and demanding games run without lag.
  • Significantly Better Display: OLED display with higher resolution and brightness provides a much better viewing experience.
    • Practical Implication: Videos and photos look more vibrant and detailed, and the screen is easily visible outdoors.
  • Better Camera System: Captures higher-quality photos and videos, especially in low-light conditions.
    • Practical Implication: Better image quality for social media, capturing memories, and video calls.
  • More Advanced Features: Includes wireless charging, dual SIM support, and access to the Apple ecosystem.
    • Practical Implication: Greater convenience and flexibility for power users.

Motorola Moto G Power (2022) Advantages:

  • Significantly Longer Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery can easily last for two days on a single charge.
    • Practical Implication: Reduces the need for frequent charging, making it ideal for users who are often away from power outlets.
  • Larger Display: Provides a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption.
    • Practical Implication: Better for watching videos, browsing the web, and playing games.
  • Fingerprint Sensor: Offers a convenient and secure way to unlock the phone.
    • Practical Implication: An alternative to face unlock, which may be preferable in certain situations.
  • Portrait Mode and Macro Lens:
    • Practical Implication: Gives more options for capturing different types of images.

Significant Trade-offs:

  • iPhone 12: Shorter battery life compared to the Moto G Power.
  • Moto G Power: Significantly lower performance and display quality compared to the iPhone 12.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Apple iPhone 12:

  • Ideal Users:
    • Users who prioritize performance, camera quality, and display quality.
    • Users who are already invested in the Apple ecosystem.
    • Users who value a compact and lightweight design.
  • Specific Use Cases:
    • Mobile gaming
    • Photography and videography
    • Video editing
    • Demanding multitasking
  • Price-to-Value: Good if you value performance and user experience.

Motorola Moto G Power (2022):

  • Ideal Users:
    • Users who prioritize long battery life above all else.
    • Users who need a large display for media consumption.
    • Users on a tight budget.
  • Specific Use Cases:
    • Extended use without access to charging
    • Watching videos and movies
    • Casual gaming
    • Basic daily tasks
  • Price-to-Value: Excellent for users on a budget needing long battery life.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions to Consider:

  1. What is my budget? The Moto G Power is significantly more affordable.
  2. How important is battery life? If long battery life is a top priority, the Moto G Power is the clear winner.
  3. How important is performance and display quality? If you need a fast phone with a great screen and camera, the iPhone 12 is the better choice.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Budget-conscious user who needs a phone that lasts all day: Choose the Motorola Moto G Power (2022).
  • Scenario 2: User who values performance, camera quality, and display above all else: Choose the Apple iPhone 12.
  • Scenario 3: User who wants a balance of features and battery life: The decision depends on your priorities. If you lean towards longer battery life, choose the Moto G Power. If you lean towards performance and display, consider whether the reduced battery life of the iPhone 12 is acceptable.

My Choice

I would choose the Apple iPhone 12. While the Motorola Moto G Power (2022) offers exceptional battery life, the iPhone 12's superior performance, significantly better display, and higher-quality camera system make it the more compelling choice for me. I prioritize a smooth and responsive user experience, and the iPhone 12's A14 Bionic chip delivers that in spades. The OLED display is also a huge plus, as it makes watching videos and browsing photos a much more enjoyable experience. While the battery life is shorter, I am usually near charging options and value the overall user experience more than the extended battery life.

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.