Apple iPhone 12 vs Motorola Moto G32 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date October 23, 2020 August 16, 2022
Release Year 2020 2022

Physical

Volume 77.62 cm³ 101.5 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.72 "/g 3.53 "/g
Weight 164 g 184 g
Height 146.7 mm 161.8 mm
Width 71.5 mm 73.8 mm
Thickness 7.4 mm 8.5 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Red
  • Blue
  • White
  • Green
  • Purple
  • Mineral Grey
  • Satin Silver
  • Rose Gold

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.5 "
Resolution 1170 x 2532 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 87.1 % 85.4 %
Pixel Density 460 PPI 405 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 49.26 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 2815 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.1 GHz Firestorm + 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm) Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver)
GPU Apple GPU (4-core graphics) Adreno 610

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 12
Maximum OS Version 18 13

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

Design

FeatureApple iPhone 12Motorola Moto G32Practical Impact
Dimensions146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm161.8 x 73.8 x 8.5 mmiPhone 12 is more pocketable and easier to handle with one hand. Moto G32 is noticeably larger.
Weight164g184giPhone 12 is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use.
BuildStandardStandardBoth are standard smartphones.

Display

FeatureApple iPhone 12Motorola Moto G32Practical Impact
Size6.1"6.5"Moto G32 offers a larger viewing area for multimedia and gaming.
Resolution1170 x 25321080 x 2400iPhone 12 has a sharper display with more detail, though the difference may not be noticeable to everyone.
PPI460405iPhone 12 has noticeably sharper text and images, especially important for reading and detailed graphics.
TechnologyOLEDIPS LCDiPhone 12 provides superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, resulting in a more visually appealing experience.
Refresh Rate60Hz90HzMoto G32 has smoother scrolling and animations.
Brightness1200 nits0 nitsiPhone 12 is much easier to see in direct sunlight.
Screen ProtectionUnknownUnknownUnable to compare durability without this information.

Performance

FeatureApple iPhone 12Motorola Moto G32Practical Impact
ChipsetApple A14 Bionic (5 nm)Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)iPhone 12 offers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. It is also likely to receive software updates for a longer period.
AnTuTu Score1,083,947249,000iPhone 12 is much more responsive and capable of handling demanding tasks.
GPUApple GPU (4-core graphics)Adreno 610iPhone 12 provides a superior gaming experience with smoother graphics and higher frame rates.
RAM4 GB4 GB or 6 GB or 8 GBMoto G32 configurations with 6GB or 8GB RAM will offer better multitasking performance, allowing more apps to run in the background without slowing down.

Camera

FeatureApple iPhone 12Motorola Moto G32Practical Impact
Main Camera12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.55"50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76"iPhone 12 likely captures better low-light photos due to the wider aperture and larger sensor size. Moto G32 captures more detailed shots in good lighting conditions due to the higher resolution.
Selfie Camera12MP, f/2.216MP, f/2.2Moto G32 captures more detailed selfies, but image quality also depends on sensor quality and processing.
Wide Angle Lens12MP, f/2.48MP, f/2.0iPhone 12 captures higher resolution wide angle shots. Motorola Moto G32 has a wider aperture.
Macro LensN/A2MP, f/2.4Moto G32 can take close-up photos of small objects.
Video RecordingUp to 4K@60fps HDRUp to 1080p@30fpsiPhone 12 captures significantly higher quality videos, particularly in terms of resolution, dynamic range, and stabilization.
DxOMark (Mobile)117N/AiPhone 12 has a well-regarded camera system.
FeaturesOIS, Night Mode, 4K VideoDigital Image Stabilization, Laser AutofocusiPhone 12 offers superior video stabilization and low-light photography capabilities. Moto G32 features Laser Autofocus.

Battery

FeatureApple iPhone 12Motorola Moto G32Practical Impact
Capacity2815 mAh5000 mAhMoto G32 will likely offer significantly longer battery life, potentially lasting a full day or more for moderate users.
Charging20W Fast Charging, Wireless Charging30W Fast ChargingMoto G32 charges faster. iPhone 12 supports wireless charging.

Storage and Connectivity

FeatureApple iPhone 12Motorola Moto G32Practical Impact
Internal Storage64/128/256 GB64/128/256 GBSufficient for most users, but consider needs for photos, videos, and apps.
Expandable StorageNoNoLimited storage if you have a large media library.
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 5iPhone 12 supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi.
Bluetooth5.15.2Moto G32 has a slightly newer Bluetooth version.
SIMNano SIM + eSIMDual Nano SIMiPhone 12 offers eSIM support, providing flexibility for using multiple carriers.

Audio and Security

FeatureApple iPhone 12Motorola Moto G32Practical Impact
AudioDolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo SpeakersDolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphonesBoth offer good audio experiences. iPhone 12 offers enhanced spatial audio and surround sound with Dolby Digital Plus, while Motorola Moto G32 has two microphones.
SecurityBasic security featuresSide-mounted Fingerprint SensorMoto G32 offers convenient biometric unlocking.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Apple iPhone 12 Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: The A14 Bionic chip offers significantly faster processing and graphics performance, leading to a smoother and more responsive user experience.
  • Better Display: The OLED display provides superior contrast, color accuracy, and brightness, resulting in a more visually pleasing experience, especially outdoors.
  • Higher Quality Camera: The iPhone 12's camera system excels in video recording, low-light performance, and overall image quality, backed by DxOMark scores.
  • Premium Build and Ecosystem: Generally perceived as having a more premium build quality, with access to the Apple ecosystem and potentially longer software support.

Motorola Moto G32 Advantages:

  • Larger Battery: The significantly larger battery capacity provides much longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging.
  • Faster Charging: The 30W charging support allows for quicker battery top-ups.
  • Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens enables close-up photography.
  • 90Hz Display: Smoother scrolling and animations.
  • Fingerprint Sensor: Offers a convenient and secure biometric unlock option.

Trade-offs:

  • iPhone 12: Sacrifices battery life and a larger display for a more compact design and superior performance.
  • Moto G32: Sacrifices performance and display quality for longer battery life and a lower price point.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Ideal Users for Apple iPhone 12:

  • Performance Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize speed, responsiveness, and smooth multitasking.
  • Photography and Videography Lovers: Users who value high-quality photos and videos, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
  • Ecosystem Adopters: Users who are already invested in the Apple ecosystem and appreciate seamless integration with other Apple devices.
  • Users who need a bright display.

Use Cases for iPhone 12:

  • Gaming: Handles graphically intensive games smoothly.
  • Video Editing: Efficient for editing videos on the go.
  • Content Creation: Produces high-quality photos and videos for social media or professional use.
  • Outdoor Use: Easily visible display in bright sunlight.

Ideal Users for Motorola Moto G32:

  • Budget-Conscious Users: Users who seek a good value for their money and prioritize essential features over premium specifications.
  • Battery Life Prioritizers: Users who need a phone that can last all day or longer on a single charge.
  • Casual Users: Users who primarily use their phones for browsing, social media, and basic communication.

Use Cases for Moto G32:

  • Daily Communication: Reliable for calls, texts, and emails.
  • Media Consumption: Large display ideal for watching videos and browsing social media.
  • Long Trips: Extended battery life ensures the phone lasts throughout the journey.
  • Macro Photography Capturing images of insects or other small objects

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The price difference between these phones is significant, which could be the deciding factor.
  2. How important is performance and camera quality to you? If you need a phone for demanding tasks or capturing high-quality photos and videos, the iPhone 12 is the better choice.
  3. How much do you value battery life? If battery life is your top priority, the Moto G32 is the clear winner.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Student on a Budget: Moto G32 offers good value with long battery life for attending classes and studying.
  • Scenario 2: Professional Photographer: iPhone 12's superior camera system is essential for high-quality content creation.
  • Scenario 3: Frequent Traveler: Moto G32 provides longer battery life for extended trips, reducing the need for frequent charging.
  • Scenario 4: Mobile Gamer: iPhone 12 offers significantly better gaming performance due to its powerful chipset and GPU.

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 G32 offers excellent battery life and is more budget-friendly, the iPhone 12 provides a superior user experience in areas that I value most. These include:

  • Performance: The A14 Bionic chip is significantly faster, ensuring a smooth and responsive experience for all tasks, from everyday use to more demanding applications like video editing and gaming.
  • Camera Quality: I prioritize high-quality photos and videos, and the iPhone 12's camera system is significantly better, especially in low-light conditions and for video recording.
  • Display: The OLED display offers more vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and better outdoor visibility, making it a more enjoyable experience for media consumption and general use.
  • Ecosystem Integration: As an existing Apple user, the seamless integration with other Apple devices is a significant benefit.

While the battery life of the iPhone 12 is a compromise, I am willing to manage that with optimized usage and charging habits. The superior performance, camera, and display make it the better choice for my needs.

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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  • User-centric technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.