Apple iPhone 12 vs Motorola Moto G24 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date October 23, 2020 February 6, 2024
Release Year 2020 2024

Physical

Volume 77.62 cm³ 97.45 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.72 "/g 3.62 "/g
Weight 164 g 181 g
Height 146.7 mm 163.5 mm
Width 71.5 mm 74.5 mm
Thickness 7.4 mm 8 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Red
  • Blue
  • White
  • Green
  • Purple
  • Matte Charcoal
  • Ice Green
  • Blueberry
  • Pink Lavender

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.56 "
Resolution 1170 x 2532 720 x 1612
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 87.1 % 84.9 %
Pixel Density 460 PPI 269 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 625 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 1200 nits 537 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 75.65 mAh/in² 116.19 mAh/in²
Battery Density 36.27 mAh/cm³ 51.31 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 & 6x1.7 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 14
Maximum OS Version 18

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

Here's a comparison of the Apple iPhone 12 and Motorola Moto G24, focusing on their practical impact:

FeatureApple iPhone 12Motorola Moto G24Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm163.5 × 74.5 × 8 mmiPhone 12 is more pocketable and easier to handle with one hand. Moto G24 is larger and might be less comfortable for some.
Weight164g181giPhone 12 is lighter, reducing hand fatigue during prolonged use.
Display
Size6.1"6.56"Moto G24 offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and gaming.
Resolution1170x2532720x1612iPhone 12 has a much sharper and more detailed display, noticeable in text, images, and videos.
PPI460269iPhone 12's higher pixel density results in crisper visuals and less pixelation.
TechnologyOLEDIPS LCDiPhone 12 delivers superior contrast, color accuracy, and deeper blacks.
Refresh Rate60Hz90HzMoto G24 offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations, though the difference may not be noticeable to all users.
Brightness1200 nits500 nitsiPhone 12 is significantly brighter, providing much better visibility in direct sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetApple A14 Bionic (5 nm)Helio G85 (12 nm)iPhone 12 offers significantly faster performance, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities.
AnTuTu Score1,083,947266,894The iPhone 12 will handle demanding apps and games with ease and remain more future-proof.
GPUApple GPU (4-core)Mali-G52 MC2iPhone 12 has a more powerful GPU, resulting in better graphics performance for gaming and video editing.
Camera
Main Camera12MP f/1.650MP f/1.8iPhone 12: Better low-light performance due to wider aperture and larger pixel size, despite lower megapixel count. Overall better quality
Selfie Camera12MP f/2.28MP f/2.0iPhone 12: Better selfie quality with more detail and potentially better low-light performance.
Wide Angle Lens12MP f/2.42MP f/2.4iPhone 12: Far superior wide-angle photos with more detail and less distortion.
Macro LensN/A2MP f/2.4Moto G24: Can take close-up macro shots, a feature missing on the iPhone 12.
Video RecordingUp to 4K@60fpsUp to 1080p@30fpsiPhone 12: Records much higher quality videos with better stabilization and dynamic range.
Battery
Capacity2815mAh5000mAhMoto G24: Likely provides significantly longer battery life on a single charge.
Charging20W15WiPhone 12: Charges faster, although the adapter is sold separately.
Wireless ChargingYesNoiPhone 12: Offers convenient wireless charging capabilities.
Software
OSiOS 14.1 (Upgradable)Android 14iPhone 12: Seamless experience with timely software updates. Android 14 provides customization, but update support is uncertain.
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 5iPhone 12: Supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi connections.
Bluetooth5.15.0iPhone 12: Slightly newer Bluetooth version.
SIMNano SIM + eSIMDual Nano SIMiPhone 12: Offers the flexibility of using an eSIM in addition to a physical SIM.
Storage
RAM4GB4GB or 8GBMoto G24 (8GB variant): Better multitasking and smoother performance with multiple apps open.
Expandable StorageNoNoBoth phones lack expandable storage, so choose a model with sufficient internal storage.
SecurityFace IDFingerprint SensorMoto G24: More convenient and reliable unlocking in situations where Face ID might struggle (e.g., wearing a mask).
SensorsBarometerFingerprintMotorola: More convenient and reliable unlocking in situations where Face ID might struggle (e.g., wearing a mask).

2. Key Differences Analysis

Apple iPhone 12 Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: The A14 Bionic chip offers significantly faster processing power, making it ideal for demanding apps, gaming, and overall responsiveness.
    • Practical Implication: Apps launch faster, multitasking is smoother, and games run at higher frame rates with better graphics. The phone will remain usable for a longer time.
  • Higher Quality Display: The OLED display provides better color accuracy, contrast, and brightness, resulting in a more immersive viewing experience.
    • Practical Implication: Videos look more vibrant, photos appear more realistic, and the screen is easily visible in bright sunlight.
  • Better Camera System: The iPhone 12 captures higher quality photos and videos, especially in low-light conditions.
    • Practical Implication: Sharper, more detailed photos and videos with better dynamic range, ideal for capturing memories and creating content.
  • Premium Build Quality and Features: Offers MagSafe charging, better water resistance (likely, though not specified), and a more refined design.
    • Practical Implication: More convenient charging, better protection against accidental spills, and a more premium feel in hand.
  • Software and Ecosystem: Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem and timely software updates.
    • Practical Implication: Access to the latest features and security updates for years to come, and easy syncing with other Apple devices.

Motorola Moto G24 Advantages:

  • Significantly Longer Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery provides much longer usage on a single charge.
    • Practical Implication: Less frequent charging and more peace of mind when away from a power source.
  • Lower Price: The Moto G24 is significantly more affordable, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
    • Practical Implication: Access to essential smartphone features without breaking the bank.
  • Headphone Jack: Includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing you to use wired headphones without an adapter.
    • Practical Implication: Convenience for users who prefer wired headphones or have existing audio equipment.
  • Expandable Storage: Supports microSD card expansion, allowing you to add more storage for photos, videos, and other files.
    • Practical Implication: More flexibility in managing storage space and storing large media libraries.
  • Fingerprint Sensor: Offers a convenient and reliable fingerprint sensor for unlocking the device.
    • Practical Implication: More convenient and reliable unlocking in situations where Face ID might struggle (e.g., wearing a mask).

Significant Trade-offs:

  • iPhone 12: Higher price, smaller battery, no headphone jack, and no expandable storage.
  • Moto G24: Significantly lower performance, lower quality display and camera, and less certain software update support.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Ideal Users for Apple iPhone 12:

  • Content Creators: Those who value high-quality photos and videos for social media or professional use.
  • Gamers: Those who want a smooth and responsive gaming experience.
  • Apple Ecosystem Users: Those who are already invested in the Apple ecosystem and want seamless integration with other devices.
  • Users Prioritizing Performance: Those who need a phone that can handle demanding tasks and multiple apps simultaneously.

Specific Use Cases for iPhone 12:

  • Shooting high-quality videos for YouTube or TikTok.
  • Playing graphically intensive games.
  • Using productivity apps that require fast processing power.
  • Seamlessly syncing photos, videos, and documents across Apple devices.

Ideal Users for Motorola Moto G24:

  • Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those who want a functional smartphone without spending a lot of money.
  • Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Those who need a phone that can last all day on a single charge.
  • Users Who Prefer Android: Those who are comfortable with the Android operating system and want customization options.
  • Users Who Need a Headphone Jack: Those who prefer using wired headphones or have existing audio equipment.

Specific Use Cases for Moto G24:

  • Everyday communication (calls, texts, email).
  • Browsing the web and social media.
  • Streaming music and videos.
  • Taking casual photos and videos.
  • Extended use without frequent charging.

Price-to-Value Ratio:

  • iPhone 12: Offers excellent value for those who prioritize performance, camera quality, and the Apple ecosystem. However, the higher price point may be a barrier for some.
  • Moto G24: Provides good value for those on a tight budget who need a reliable phone with long battery life. However, users should be aware of the trade-offs in performance and display quality.

4. Decision Framework

Here are three key questions to help buyers decide between the iPhone 12 and Moto G24:

  1. What is your budget? The Moto G24 is significantly cheaper than the iPhone 12.
  2. How important is performance and camera quality to you? The iPhone 12 offers a far superior experience in these areas.
  3. How important is battery life? The Moto G24 offers much longer battery life.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: You're a student on a tight budget who needs a reliable phone for communication and occasional media consumption.
    • Recommendation: Motorola Moto G24. The lower price and long battery life make it a practical choice.
  • Scenario 2: You're a content creator who wants a phone that can capture high-quality photos and videos.
    • Recommendation: Apple iPhone 12. The superior camera system and performance make it ideal for creating content.
  • Scenario 3: You're a gamer who wants a smooth and responsive gaming experience.
    • Recommendation: Apple iPhone 12. The A14 Bionic chip and superior display provide a better gaming experience.
  • Scenario 4: You need a phone that can last all day on a single charge and you don't want to spend a lot of money.
    • Recommendation: Motorola Moto G24. The large battery and lower price make it a great choice.

My Choice

If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Apple iPhone 12.

While the Moto G24 has the advantage of longer battery life and a lower price, the iPhone 12 offers a significantly better overall experience. The superior performance of the A14 Bionic chip, the higher quality OLED display, and the better camera system are all worth the extra investment for my use case. I prioritize performance and camera quality for capturing memories, playing games, and using productivity apps. The seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem is also a major plus for me.

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
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.