Apple iPhone 12 vs Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date October 23, 2020 June 2, 2023
Release Year 2020 2023

Physical

Volume 77.62 cm³ 110.53 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.72 "/g 3.27 "/g
Weight 164 g 202 g
Height 146.7 mm 162.8 mm
Width 71.5 mm 73.8 mm
Thickness 7.4 mm 9.2 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Red
  • Blue
  • White
  • Green
  • Purple
  • Cosmic Black
  • Rose Champagne

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.6 "
Resolution 1170 x 2532 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 87.1 % 87.5 %
Pixel Density 460 PPI 399 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 120 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 114.78 mAh/in²
Battery Density 36.27 mAh/cm³ 45.23 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 2815 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.1 GHz Firestorm + 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm) Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Apple GPU (4-core graphics) Adreno 710

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 13
Maximum OS Version 18

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureApple iPhone 12Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm162.8 × 73.8 × 9.2 mmMoto G is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. iPhone 12 is more pocketable.
Weight164g202giPhone 12 is significantly lighter, better for extended use.
Display
Size6.1"6.6"Moto G offers a larger viewing area for media consumption and multitasking.
Resolution1170x25321080x2400iPhone 12 has a sharper, more detailed display.
Pixel Density460 PPI399 PPIiPhone 12 text and images appear crisper.
TechnologyOLEDIPS LCDiPhone 12 has superior color accuracy, deeper blacks, and better contrast.
Refresh Rate60Hz120HzMoto G provides smoother scrolling and animations.
Brightness1200 nits0 nitsiPhone 12 is much easier to view outdoors in direct sunlight. Note: Brightness for Moto G is missing
Performance
ChipsetApple A14 Bionic (5 nm)Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm)iPhone 12 offers significantly faster performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
AnTuTu Score1,083,947565,000iPhone 12 apps launch quicker and multitasking is more fluid.
GPUApple GPU (4-core graphics)Adreno 710iPhone 12 provides superior graphics performance in games and video editing.
RAM4GB4GB / 6GB / 8GBMoto G, with higher RAM options, potentially handles multitasking more smoothly, especially with the 8GB configuration.
Camera
Main Camera12MP f/1.650MP f/1.88Moto G captures more detail in good lighting. iPhone 12 may perform better in low light due to wider aperture and better image processing.
Selfie Camera12MP f/2.216MP f/2.5Moto G captures slightly more detailed selfies. iPhone 12 may perform better in low light
Wide Angle LensYesNo (Wide Angle + Macro)iPhone 12 provides standard wide-angle shots. Moto G offers wide angle with macro functionality for close-up shots.
Video RecordingUp to 4K@60fps with HDRUp to 4K@30fpsiPhone 12 offers higher frame rate 4K video recording.
Battery
Capacity2815mAh5000mAhMoto G should provide significantly longer battery life.
Charging20W Fast Charging20W Fast ChargingBoth offer fast charging, but the larger battery on the Moto G means longer charging times overall.
Wireless ChargingYes (MagSafe & Qi)NoiPhone 12 supports convenient wireless charging.
Software
OSiOS 14.1 (Upgradable)Android 13iPhone 12 offers a different user experience with iOS, known for its ease of use and tight integration with Apple's ecosystem.
Connectivity
Bluetooth5.15.2Moto G offers slightly newer Bluetooth with broader codec support for higher quality wireless audio (APT-x, LDAC, etc.)
SIMNano SIM + eSIMNano SIMiPhone 12 supports dual SIM functionality for separate work and personal lines.
Other
StylusNoYesMoto G includes a built-in stylus for note-taking, drawing, and precise navigation.
SecurityBasic security featuresSide-mounted fingerprint sensorMoto G offers the convenience of biometric fingerprint unlock.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Apple iPhone 12 Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: The A14 Bionic chip offers significantly faster processing and graphics performance. Practical Impact: Apps launch faster, games run smoother, and video editing is more responsive.
  • Better Display Quality: The OLED display provides better color accuracy, contrast, and brightness. Practical Impact: More vibrant and accurate visuals, better outdoor visibility.
  • Premium Build and Features: Wireless charging, dual SIM support, and tighter ecosystem integration. Practical Impact: More convenient charging, the ability to use two phone numbers, and seamless integration with other Apple devices.
  • Better Camera System: The iPhone 12 boasts better video capabilities with 4K@60fps recording and a wide-angle lens for versatile photography. DxOMark scores also indicate superior camera performance.
  • More Compact and Lighter Design: Easier to handle and more pocketable.

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) Advantages:

  • Significantly Longer Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery provides much better battery endurance. Practical Impact: Less frequent charging, ideal for users who are often away from power outlets.
  • Integrated Stylus: Enables precise input for note-taking, sketching, and navigation. Practical Impact: Useful for students, artists, and anyone who prefers handwriting.
  • Larger Display: Offers a more immersive viewing experience. Practical Impact: Better for watching videos, playing games, and multitasking.
  • Higher Refresh Rate Display (120Hz): Smoother scrolling and animations make the user interface feel more responsive.
  • Fingerprint Sensor: Provides quick and convenient biometric authentication.
  • Lower Price: Generally more affordable, offering better value for budget-conscious consumers.

Significant Trade-offs:

  • iPhone 12: Smaller screen, shorter battery life, and no fingerprint sensor.
  • Moto G Stylus 5G (2023): Lower performance, less premium display, and larger/heavier design.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Apple iPhone 12:

  • Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.
  • Use Cases:
    • Gaming: Demanding mobile games run smoother.
    • Photography/Videography: Capturing high-quality photos and videos.
    • Productivity: Fast multitasking and app performance.
    • Ecosystem Integration: Seamlessly working with other Apple devices (Mac, iPad, AirPods).

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023):

  • Ideal User: Users who prioritize battery life, a large display, the convenience of a stylus, and affordability.
  • Use Cases:
    • Note-taking/Sketching: The stylus enables precise handwriting and drawing.
    • Media Consumption: Enjoying videos, movies, and games on a large screen.
    • All-day Use: The large battery ensures that the phone lasts through the day.
    • Budget-conscious Buyers: Getting the most features for the price.

4. Decision Framework

Consider these questions before making a decision:

  1. What is your budget? The Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is typically more affordable.
  2. How important is performance and display quality to you? If you need the best possible performance and a high-quality display, the iPhone 12 is the better choice.
  3. How important is battery life and stylus integration? If you need all-day battery life and the convenience of a stylus, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is the better option.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer: Choose the iPhone 12 for its superior processing and graphics performance.
  • Scenario 2: Student/Note-taker: Choose the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) for its stylus integration and large screen.
  • Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious User: Choose the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) for its lower price and excellent feature set.
  • Scenario 4: Apple Ecosystem User: Choose the iPhone 12 for its seamless integration with other Apple devices.
  • Scenario 5: All-Day User: Choose the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) for its battery life.

My Choice

If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Apple iPhone 12. My reasoning is that while the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) has some compelling advantages like the stylus, larger screen, and better battery life, the iPhone 12 offers a much more polished and powerful experience overall. The superior performance and display quality are significant factors for my daily usage, which includes a lot of multitasking, media consumption, and occasional gaming. Additionally, the Apple ecosystem integration is a big plus for me as I already use other Apple devices. While the battery life is a concern, I can manage it with careful usage and occasional charging during the day. The camera on the iPhone 12 is also a big advantage, offering better video recording capabilities and a more versatile photography experience, especially with the included wide-angle lens.

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.