1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Motorola Moto G04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | 163.5 x 74.5 x 8 mm | iPhone 12 is more pocketable and easier to handle with one hand. Moto G04s is larger and may be less comfortable for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 164g | 178.8g | iPhone 12 is lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Build Quality (Screen) | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Moto G04s provides better scratch and impact resistance for the screen, increasing durability. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Motorola Moto G04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.1" | 6.56" | Moto G04s offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 720 x 1612 | iPhone 12 has a much sharper and detailed display, providing a better viewing experience for photos, videos, and text. |
| Pixel Density | 460 PPI | 269 PPI | iPhone 12 displays sharper text and images, reducing eye strain. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | iPhone 12 has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, resulting in a richer visual experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Moto G04s offers smoother scrolling and animations, making the user interface feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | iPhone 12 is significantly more visible in direct sunlight, providing better outdoor usability. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Motorola Moto G04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | iPhone 12 offers significantly faster performance, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,083,947 | 220,000 | iPhone 12 can handle demanding apps and games with ease, while Moto G04s may struggle with heavier tasks. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Mali-G57 MP1 | iPhone 12 provides a better gaming experience with smoother graphics and higher frame rates. |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB | Both phones provide same ram size, which is sufficient for basic usage |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Motorola Moto G04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | Moto G04s captures more detailed images in good lighting conditions. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.6 | f/1.8 | iPhone 12 performs better in low-light conditions due to its wider aperture, capturing more light. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.55" | 1/2.76" | iPhone 12 gathers more light, resulting in better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 12MP | 5MP | iPhone 12 captures more detailed and sharper selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Yes | No | iPhone 12 allows for capturing wider scenes, ideal for group photos and landscapes. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | iPhone 12 records higher-quality videos with more detail and smoother motion. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 117 | N/A | iPhone 12 has a significantly better camera system overall, as indicated by its DXOMark score. |
| Features | 4K Video, OIS, Night Mode, RAW | OIS, LAF | iPhone 12 offers more advanced features like 4K video recording, night mode for better low-light shots and RAW support for advanced editing. Motorola G04s has laser autofocus (LAF) |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Motorola Moto G04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2815 mAh | 5000 mAh | Moto G04s offers significantly longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging, Wireless Charging | 15W Fast Charging | iPhone 12 charges faster with wired charging and offers the convenience of wireless charging. |
Other
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Motorola Moto G04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | iOS 14.1 (Upgradable to 18) | Android 14 | iPhone 12 offers a different user experience with iOS, known for its simplicity and tight integration with Apple's ecosystem. Moto G04s offers Android, known for its customization options and open-source nature. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | iPhone 12 supports newer Wi-Fi standard, offering faster speeds and better performance in crowded networks. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | iPhone 12 supports eSIM for digital carrier switching, while Moto G04s allows for using two physical SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expanding storage, so users need to choose a model with sufficient internal storage. |
| Security | Basic | Fingerprint Sensor | Moto G04s offers a more convenient way to unlock the phone and secure data with a fingerprint sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The A14 Bionic chip offers significantly faster processing power for demanding tasks, gaming, and future-proofing.
- Better Display: The OLED display provides higher resolution, better contrast, and more accurate colors for a superior viewing experience.
- Better Camera: The camera system offers better low-light performance, 4K video recording, and advanced features like Night Mode.
- Wireless Charging: Convenience of charging without cables using MagSafe or Qi wireless chargers.
- Premium Build Quality: Though the specifications do not clarify screen protection, iPhones generally have better build materials (besides Gorilla Glass).
Motorola Moto G04s Advantages:
- Significantly Longer Battery Life: The larger battery capacity provides much better endurance for all-day use.
- Higher Refresh Rate: The 90Hz display offers smoother scrolling and animations.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Convenient and secure biometric authentication.
- Lower Price: Generally more affordable, providing better value for budget-conscious users.
- Screen Protection: Has Corning Gorilla Glass 3, which gives it good protection from falls.
Trade-offs:
- Choosing the iPhone 12 means sacrificing battery life and fingerprint sensor for superior performance, display, and camera.
- Choosing the Moto G04s means sacrificing performance, display quality, and camera capabilities for longer battery life and a lower price.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 Ideal Users:
- Performance Seekers: Users who need a phone for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, or running complex apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality photos and videos, especially in low-light conditions.
- Display Quality Advocates: Users who value a sharp, vibrant, and accurate display for media consumption and general use.
- iOS Ecosystem Users: Those already invested in the Apple ecosystem and prefer the iOS operating system.
Use Cases:
- Gaming: Smooth and responsive gaming experience with high frame rates.
- Photography/Videography: Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
- Content Creation: Editing photos and videos on the go with smooth performance.
- Professional Use: Running demanding apps and multitasking efficiently.
Motorola Moto G04s Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who want a functional smartphone at an affordable price.
- Battery Life Prioritizers: Users who need a phone that can last all day without needing to be charged.
- Basic Users: Users who primarily use their phone for calling, texting, social media, and light browsing.
- Android Purists: Users that like simple but effective smartphones.
Use Cases:
- Everyday Communication: Calling, texting, and using social media apps.
- Media Consumption: Watching videos and browsing the web for extended periods.
- Travel: Long battery life for extended use without access to charging.
- Secondary Phone: A reliable backup phone with long battery life.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The Moto G04s is significantly more affordable.
- How important is performance to me? If you need a fast and responsive phone, the iPhone 12 is the clear winner.
- How important is battery life? If you need all-day battery life, the Moto G04s is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Student on a tight budget: The Motorola Moto G04s is the better option due to its affordability and long battery life.
- Scenario 2: Professional photographer: The Apple iPhone 12 is the better option due to its superior camera system and image processing capabilities.
- Scenario 3: Mobile gamer: The Apple iPhone 12 is the better option due to its powerful processor and smooth graphics.
- Scenario 4: Traveler who needs all-day battery: The Motorola Moto G04s is the better option due to its larger battery capacity.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Apple iPhone 12.
Here's why:
- Performance: As someone who uses their phone for various tasks, including photo editing, light gaming, and multitasking, the significantly faster performance of the A14 Bionic chip is a major advantage. The Moto G04s might struggle with these tasks, leading to a frustrating user experience.
- Camera Quality: While the Moto G04s has a higher megapixel count on its main camera, the overall image quality, especially in low-light conditions, is likely to be superior on the iPhone 12 due to its wider aperture, larger sensor, and advanced image processing.
- Display Quality: The OLED display on the iPhone 12 offers a much better viewing experience compared to the LCD on the Moto G04s. The higher resolution and pixel density also contribute to a sharper and more detailed image.
- Longevity: Apple tends to provide software updates and support for their devices for a longer period than many Android manufacturers.
- Ecosystem: As I already use other apple products, it makes more sense.
While the longer battery life of the Moto G04s is appealing, I believe the superior performance, camera, and display of the iPhone 12 outweigh this advantage for my specific needs. I would be willing to charge the iPhone 12 more frequently to enjoy its other benefits.
