Apple iPhone 12 vs Motorola Moto G13 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date October 23, 2020 January 24, 2023
Release Year 2020 2023

Physical

Volume 77.62 cm³ 99.66 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.72 "/g 3.54 "/g
Weight 164 g 183.5 g
Height 146.7 mm 162.7 mm
Width 71.5 mm 74.7 mm
Thickness 7.4 mm 8.2 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Red
  • Blue
  • White
  • Green
  • Purple
  • Rose Gold
  • Matte Charcoal
  • Blue Lavender

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 % 83.9 %
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 400 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 75.65 mAh/in² 118.34 mAh/in²
Battery Density 36.27 mAh/cm³ 50.17 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 2815 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.1 GHz Firestorm + 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm) Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Apple GPU (4-core graphics) Mali-G52 MC2

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

Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 12 vs. Motorola Moto G13

1. Specifications Comparison

Design

FeatureApple iPhone 12Motorola Moto G13Practical Impact
Dimensions146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm162.7 × 74.7 × 8.2 mmiPhone 12 is more pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use. Moto G13 is larger and may be less convenient to carry.
Weight164g183.5giPhone 12 is lighter, reducing fatigue during extended use.
BuildStandardStandardBoth are standard smartphones.

Display

FeatureApple iPhone 12Motorola Moto G13Practical Impact
Size6.1"6.5"Moto G13 offers more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking.
Resolution1170x2532720x1600iPhone 12 has a much sharper and clearer display, resulting in better image and text clarity.
PPI460270iPhone 12's higher pixel density provides finer details and smoother visuals.
TechnologyOLEDIPS LCDiPhone 12 has superior contrast, color accuracy, and deeper blacks, resulting in a more vibrant and immersive viewing experience.
Refresh Rate60Hz90HzMoto G13 has slightly smoother scrolling and animations.
Brightness1200 nits0 nitsiPhone 12 has significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight (Motorola Moto G13 brightness unavailable).

Performance

FeatureApple iPhone 12Motorola Moto G13Practical Impact
ChipsetApple A14 Bionic (5 nm)Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm)iPhone 12 offers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
AnTuTu Score1,083,947225,154iPhone 12 provides a much snappier and more responsive user experience.
GPUApple GPU (4-core graphics)Mali-G52 MC2iPhone 12 handles graphically intensive tasks (gaming, video editing) much better.

Camera

FeatureApple iPhone 12Motorola Moto G13Practical Impact
Main Camera12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.55"50MP, f/1.8iPhone 12 has better low-light performance due to wider aperture and larger pixel size. Moto G13 captures more detail in well-lit conditions.
Selfie Camera12MP, f/2.28MP, f/2.0iPhone 12 captures more detailed selfies. Moto G13 has a wider aperture for better low-light selfies.
Wide Angle12MP, f/2.4N/AiPhone 12 captures wider scenes, useful for landscapes and group photos.
Portrait ModeN/A2MP, f/2.4Moto G13 creates a blurred background effect for portrait shots.
Macro LensN/A2MP, f/2.4Moto G13 captures close-up details of small objects.
Video4K@60fps HDR1080p@30fpsiPhone 12 records higher-quality, more detailed videos with better stabilization.
StabilizationOISDigitaliPhone 12 produces smoother videos, especially in motion.
DxOMark (Mobile)117N/AiPhone 12 has a significantly better camera system based on DxOMark scores.
DxOMark (Selfie)132N/AiPhone 12 has a significantly better selfie camera based on DxOMark scores.

Battery

FeatureApple iPhone 12Motorola Moto G13Practical Impact
Capacity2815mAh5000mAhMoto G13 will likely offer significantly longer battery life on a single charge.
Charging20W20WBoth phones support fast charging, but the larger battery on the Moto G13 takes longer to fill.
Wireless Charging15W (MagSafe), 7.5W (Qi)N/AiPhone 12 offers convenient wireless charging options.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Apple iPhone 12 Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: The A14 Bionic chip provides significantly faster and smoother performance for all tasks.
    • Practical Impact: Apps launch instantly, multitasking is seamless, and demanding games run smoothly.
  • High-Quality Display: The OLED display offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent outdoor visibility.
    • Practical Impact: Immersive viewing experience for movies, photos, and games.
  • Better Camera System: The iPhone 12 captures higher-quality photos and videos with excellent stabilization.
    • Practical Impact: Great for capturing memories and creating professional-looking content.
  • Wireless Charging: Convenient wireless charging with MagSafe and Qi compatibility.
    • Practical Impact: Easy to charge the phone without cables.
  • Premium Build Quality: The iPhone 12 feels more premium and durable.
    • Practical Impact: Increased confidence in the phone's longevity.

Motorola Moto G13 Advantages:

  • Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery provides significantly longer battery life.
    • Practical Impact: Reduced need to charge the phone frequently.
  • Lower Price: The Moto G13 is significantly more affordable.
    • Practical Impact: More accessible to budget-conscious consumers.
  • 90Hz Refresh Rate: Offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations.
    • Practical Impact: Slightly more fluid experience in day-to-day use.
  • Expandable Storage: Can be expanded via microSD card.
    • Practical Impact: More storage for photos, videos and files.
  • Triple Camera System: Offers a dedicated macro and depth sensor.
    • Practical Impact: Greater versatility for different shooting scenarios.

Significant Trade-offs:

  • iPhone 12: Shorter battery life compared to the Moto G13. Higher price point.
  • Moto G13: Significantly lower performance than the iPhone 12. Lower-resolution display. Inferior camera system.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Apple iPhone 12 - Ideal Users:

  • Power Users: Those who demand the best performance for gaming, content creation, and multitasking.
  • Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality photos and videos.
  • Content Consumers: Those who enjoy watching movies and videos on their phone and appreciate a vibrant display.
  • Eco-System Integrators: Users deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem.

Use Cases for iPhone 12:

  • Gaming: Playing graphically intensive games with smooth performance.
  • Video Recording: Capturing high-quality 4K videos for vlogging or personal use.
  • Photo Editing: Editing photos and videos on the go with ease.
  • Professional Use: Running demanding apps and multitasking efficiently.

Motorola Moto G13 - Ideal Users:

  • Budget-Conscious Consumers: Those looking for a smartphone with essential features at an affordable price.
  • Casual Users: People who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing the web.
  • Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Those who need a phone that can last all day on a single charge.

Use Cases for Moto G13:

  • Everyday Communication: Making calls, sending texts, and checking emails.
  • Social Media Browsing: Scrolling through social media feeds and watching short videos.
  • Navigation: Using GPS for maps and directions.
  • Long Trips: Ensuring the phone lasts throughout a day of travel without needing to be charged.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The iPhone 12 is a premium device, while the Moto G13 is an entry-level option.
  2. How important is performance? If you need a fast and responsive phone for demanding tasks, the iPhone 12 is the clear choice.
  3. How much do you value battery life? If long battery life is a top priority, the Moto G13 is the better option.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Student on a Budget: Choose the Motorola Moto G13. It provides essential features and long battery life at an affordable price.
  • Scenario 2: Professional Photographer: Choose the Apple iPhone 12. Its superior camera system and powerful performance are essential for professional use.
  • Scenario 3: Casual User Who Wants Long Battery Life: Choose the Motorola Moto G13. It offers sufficient performance for basic tasks and a battery that can last all day.

What I would choose and why!

If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Apple iPhone 12. While the Motorola Moto G13 has a larger battery and is more budget-friendly, the overall user experience offered by the iPhone 12 is far superior. Here's why:

  • Performance: The A14 Bionic chip is significantly faster, making the iPhone 12 much more responsive for everyday tasks, gaming, and content creation.
  • Display Quality: The OLED display on the iPhone 12 is vibrant, sharp, and offers excellent viewing angles, making it ideal for media consumption.
  • Camera Capabilities: The iPhone 12's camera system produces higher-quality photos and videos, which is important for capturing memories and sharing them with others.
  • Ecosystem Integration: If you already own other Apple devices, the iPhone 12 seamlessly integrates with them, offering a more cohesive user experience.

While the battery life of the iPhone 12 is not as long as the Moto G13, it is still sufficient for a full day of moderate use. Additionally, the fast charging capabilities of the iPhone 12 help to mitigate this issue.

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
  • Technical storytelling
  • User-centric technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.