Apple iPhone 13 Pro vs Motorola Moto G23 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date September 24, 2021 January 24, 2023
Release Year 2021 2023

Physical

Volume 80.77 cm³ 99.66 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 2.99 "/g 3.53 "/g
Weight 204 g 184.3 g
Height 146.7 mm 162.7 mm
Width 71.5 mm 74.7 mm
Thickness 7.7 mm 8.2 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Silver
  • Gold
  • Graphite
  • Sierra Blue
  • Alpine Green
  • Pearl White
  • Steel Blue
  • Matte Charcoal

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 120 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 1000 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 1200 nits 400 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 83.18 mAh/in² 118.34 mAh/in²
Battery Density 38.32 mAh/cm³ 50.17 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 3095 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.23 GHz Avalanche + 4x1.82 GHz Blizzard) Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Apple GPU (5-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 15 13
Maximum OS Version 18

Comparison Summary

Alright, let's dive deep into the battle between the Apple iPhone 13 Pro and the Motorola Moto G23. We're not just looking at numbers here; we're figuring out how these phones fit into your life.

1. Specifications Breakdown

Here’s a detailed look at how these two stack up, with a focus on what each spec means for you:

FeatureApple iPhone 13 ProMotorola Moto G23Real-World Implications
Design
Dimensions146.7 x 71.5 x 7.7 mm162.7 x 74.7 x 8.2 mmiPhone 13 Pro is more compact and pocketable. Moto G23 is larger and might feel bulkier.
Weight204g184.3gThe Moto G23 is noticeably lighter, which can make a difference during extended use.
Display
Size6.1"6.5"Moto G23 offers more screen real estate, which is good for media consumption.
Resolution1170 x 2532720 x 1600iPhone 13 Pro delivers significantly sharper and more detailed visuals.
Pixel Density (PPI)460270The iPhone 13 Pro's display will look much crisper and clearer.
TechnologyOLEDIPS LCDiPhone 13 Pro has superior contrast and vibrant colors, better viewing angles and blacks.
Refresh Rate120Hz90HziPhone 13 Pro offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations.
Brightness1200 nits0 nitsiPhone 13 Pro is dramatically better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetApple A15 Bionic (5 nm)Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm)iPhone 13 Pro provides significantly faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming.
Antutu Score1,325,768225,154iPhone 13 Pro is far more powerful, which will be noticeable in daily usage.
GPUApple 5-coreMali-G52 MC2iPhone 13 Pro will deliver vastly superior graphics performance, especially in games.
Camera
Standard Camera12MP, f/1.550MP, f/1.8Moto G23 has higher resolution but the iPhone 13 Pro boasts a wider aperture for better low light performance.
Selfie Camera12MP, f/2.216MP, f/2.5Moto G23 has slightly higher resolution, but the iPhone 13 Pro has a wider aperture for better low light photos.
Telephoto Lens12MP, f/2.8N/AiPhone 13 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities, enabling closer images without loss of detail.
Wide Angle Lens12MP, f/1.85MP, f/2.2iPhone 13 Pro captures higher resolution and brighter wide-angle shots.
ToF 3D SensorYesN/AiPhone 13 Pro provides depth information for better portrait photos and AR features.
Macro LensN/A2MP, f/2.4Moto G23 can take close-up photos that the iPhone 13 Pro cannot.
VideoUp to 4K@60fps1080p@30fpsiPhone 13 Pro records higher-resolution videos, and includes optical stabilization.
DXOMark CameraMobile:141, Selfie: 134N/AiPhone 13 Pro's camera is significantly better.
Battery Life
Capacity3125mAh5000mAhMoto G23 has a much larger battery, potentially offering better battery life (real world will vary).
Charging20W Fast Charging30W Fast ChargingMoto G23 charges slightly faster.
Wireless Charging15W MagSafe, 7.5W QiNoiPhone 13 Pro offers the convenience of wireless charging.
Other
Operating SystemiOS 15 (upgradable)Android 13 (no max version specified)iPhone 13 Pro has access to the Apple ecosystem and longer software support. Moto G23's software updates are less clear.
RAM6GB4GB/8GBMoto G23 can have more RAM, potentially aiding in multitasking and gaming if you opt for the 8GB version.
Storage128GB-1TB64GB/128GBiPhone 13 Pro has significantly more storage space, especially if you opt for the 512GB/1TB version.
SecurityBasicFingerprint SensorMoto G23 offers fingerprint sensor authentication, which is faster and more convenient in some situations

2. Key Insights

  • iPhone 13 Pro's Strengths:
    • Superior Performance: The A15 Bionic chip is a powerhouse, delivering unmatched speed and smoothness.
    • Stunning Display: The OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness is a visual treat, particularly when consuming HDR content and in bright conditions.
    • Pro-Grade Camera System: The triple-lens setup with telephoto and 3D ToF sensor offers exceptional versatility and image quality, with great photo and video recording abilities.
    • Premium Build and Features: Wireless charging, water resistance, and robust software support make it a top-tier device.
  • Motorola Moto G23's Strengths:
    • Budget-Friendly: The most apparent strength of this device is it's lower cost, making it accessible.
    • Larger Battery: The 5000 mAh battery should provide longer battery life if software is optimized correctly.
    • Larger Screen: The 6.5" display is good for media consumption.
    • Fingerprint Sensor: The physical fingerprint sensor allows you to unlock the device fast and reliably.
  • Trade-offs:
    • iPhone 13 Pro: Higher price, smaller battery (may need to charge during a day if used heavily).
    • Motorola Moto G23: Lower display resolution and pixel density, weaker performance, less versatile camera.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

  • Apple iPhone 13 Pro:

    • Content Creators: Excellent for high-quality video recording and editing.
    • Power Users: Demands top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and resource-intensive apps.
    • Ecosystem Loyalists: Integrates seamlessly with other Apple devices.
    • Premium Experience Seekers: Prioritizes a top-tier experience and is willing to invest in high quality and performance.
  • Motorola Moto G23:

    • Budget-Conscious Buyers: Looking for a functional phone without breaking the bank.
    • Everyday Users: Need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and social media.
    • Media Consumers: Appreciate a larger screen and decent battery life for video watching and light gaming.
    • Physical Fingerprint Fans: Want fast and reliable biometrics, as face unlock may be problematic in some conditions.

4. Buying Decision Framework

Here are three questions to help you decide:

  1. What is your budget? The iPhone 13 Pro is a high-end device with a premium price tag, while the Moto G23 is much more affordable. If budget is a primary constraint, the Moto G23 is the obvious choice.
  2. What is your primary use case? If you need a phone for intensive tasks like gaming, video recording, and editing, the iPhone 13 Pro is the clear winner. If your needs are more basic, the Moto G23 will do just fine.
  3. What level of experience are you seeking? The iPhone 13 Pro offers a premium experience with superior display, camera, and performance. The Moto G23 provides a functional experience for everyday tasks at a more accessible price point.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Photography Enthusiast: Go with the iPhone 13 Pro. Its versatile camera system, superior image quality, and video capabilities make it the ideal choice.
  • Scenario 2: Casual User on a Budget: The Motorola Moto G23 will satisfy your daily needs without breaking the bank.
  • Scenario 3: Mobile Gamer: The iPhone 13 Pro's A15 Bionic chip and advanced GPU will offer smoother and more enjoyable gaming.
  • Scenario 4: Long Battery Life Priority: While both have different sizes, consider the Motorola Moto G23. It has a larger battery that will likely last longer.

My Choice

If I were choosing, I'd go with the iPhone 13 Pro. As someone who appreciates the very best in performance, camera capabilities, and display quality, the iPhone 13 Pro simply delivers a premium experience that the Moto G23 can't match. I work with photos and videos on a daily basis, and the ability to shoot in 4K, have a stunning display to view it, and rely on the rock-solid processing power and speed is more important to me than price and the benefits of a larger battery. The seamless integration with other Apple products and the longevity of software updates are also key factors for me. Yes, the price is higher, but I'm willing to invest in top-tier tech for the quality and experience it provides.

Alex Griffin
Alex Griffin

Technology analyst specializing in mobile devices and consumer electronics.

Core Expertise

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Consumer electronics evaluation
  • Technical specification interpretation
  • User experience insights

Professional Mission Empowering readers to make informed technology decisions by transforming intricate specifications into understandable, practical guidance.

Demystifying technology, one device at a time.