Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Apple iPhone 13 Pro and the Motorola Moto G85. We've got a classic matchup here: a former flagship champion versus a solid mid-ranger. Let's see how they stack up beyond just the spec sheets.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the technical specs, along with the real-world implications for you, the user:
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 13 Pro | Motorola Moto G85 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Size | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.7 mm | 161.9 x 73.1 x 7.6 mm | The Moto G85 is noticeably taller and slightly wider, meaning it might be less comfortable for one-handed use but offer a larger screen area. Both have a similar thickness. |
| Weight | 204g | 171g | The Moto G85 is significantly lighter (33g difference), making it more comfortable to hold for longer periods. |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The Moto G85 has better-known screen protection |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 13 Pro | Motorola Moto G85 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.1" | 6.67" | The Moto G85 offers more screen real estate for content consumption, gaming and multitasking. The iPhone 13 Pro is more compact and better for those with smaller hands or who prefer portability. |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 1080 x 2400 | The iPhone 13 Pro has a slightly sharper and crisper display due to its higher pixel density (about 14% more pixels), this is not easily noticeable unless you have very good eye sight. |
| PPI | 460 | 395 | The iPhone 13 Pro boasts significantly sharper images, making text and graphics clearer. |
| Technology | OLED | P-OLED | Both offer excellent color and deep blacks. The differences are subtle in daily usage. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide a smooth scrolling experience; daily use feels fluid and responsive. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1600 nits | The Moto G85 is much more visible in bright sunlight and outdoor conditions. This is a significant advantage for users who are often outdoors. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 13 Pro | Motorola Moto G85 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic (5nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 (6nm) | The A15 Bionic is a powerhouse, handling demanding tasks and games with ease, and it provides snappy performance. The Snapdragon chip is more suited to everyday tasks, multitasking, and casual gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 1,325,768 | 475,000 | The iPhone 13 Pro is significantly faster. It loads apps quicker and makes for a smoother user experience. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core) | Adreno 619 | The Apple GPU is significantly more powerful, meaning better graphics in games and resource-intensive applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 13 Pro | Motorola Moto G85 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.5, 1/1.66" Sony IMX703, 1.9 µm pixels | 50MP, f/1.79, 1/2" Sony LYT-600, 1.00 µm pixels | The iPhone has a larger sensor size and larger pixels, enabling better low-light performance and sharper images. The Moto G85 has high resolution but smaller pixels, suitable for detail in good light. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 Sony IMX514 | 32MP, f/2.4 | The Moto G85 has higher-resolution selfies, but the wider aperture on the iPhone may provide better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.8, Sony IMX713 | None | The iPhone 13 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities, allowing for clearer zoomed-in shots without digital distortion. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/1.8, Sony IMX772 | 8MP, f/2.2 | The iPhone 13 Pro delivers higher-resolution wide shots with better low light. The Moto G85 has a lower resolution. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | Yes, 12MP 1/3.4" Sony IMX590 | None | This enhances portrait mode and depth-sensing, for accurate augmented reality applications. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR | 1080p@60fps | The iPhone 13 Pro is capable of higher-quality video with higher resolutions, and also offers a smoother and more professional video experience. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 141, Selfie: 134 | Mobile: 88 | The iPhone 13 Pro has a much superior camera system based on its DxOMark score, with both the main and selfie cameras performing considerably better. |
Battery Life
| Feature | Apple iPhone 13 Pro | Motorola Moto G85 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 3125mAh | 5000mAh | The Moto G85 has a much larger battery, which translates to longer battery life, often lasting a full day or more. The iPhone 13 Pro may require more frequent charging. |
| Charging | 20W fast charging | 30W fast charging | The Moto G85 charges faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi wireless charging | None | The iPhone offers convenient wireless charging, a feature missing on the Moto G85. |
2. Key Insights
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Strengths:
- Performance: The A15 Bionic chip offers top-tier performance, making it ideal for gaming and demanding apps.
- Display Quality: A sharper display with higher pixel density and great color accuracy.
- Camera Prowess: A versatile camera system with excellent image quality, 4K video and a complete package of features and modes.
- Software Ecosystem: Seamless integration with Apple's ecosystem and long-term software support.
- Premium Build: The iPhone has a more premium feel, and provides wireless charging.
Motorola Moto G85 Strengths:
- Battery Life: Its 5000 mAh battery is a huge plus for users who need all-day or multi-day battery life.
- Display Brightness: The higher brightness makes it ideal for outdoor use.
- Affordability: The Moto G85 offers excellent value, packing a decent display, long-lasting battery life, and a functional camera without breaking the bank.
- Newer: It's a much newer device, with a fresher design.
- Lighter: It's a light weight phone, compared to the iPhone 13 Pro.
Trade-offs:
- The iPhone 13 Pro's smaller battery and lack of fast charging can be limiting for some users.
- The Moto G85's processing power falls well short of the iPhone. It has a more basic camera experience overall.
- The iPhone 13 Pro can be very expensive.
- The Moto G85 may lack some of the refined experience that Apple's ecosystem provides.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Apple iPhone 13 Pro: Ideal for power users, content creators, and those deep within the Apple ecosystem. It's the go-to for:
- Serious gamers and app users who need a very high performance device.
- Users who prioritize camera quality, especially for video recording.
- Individuals who prefer Apple's seamless ecosystem, along with long-term software support.
- Those who have a higher budget, and appreciate a more premium experience.
Motorola Moto G85: Best for budget-conscious users who need a reliable daily driver with a focus on battery life and a large bright screen. Perfect for:
- Users who prioritize battery life, and being able to stay off the charger for a longer time.
- Anyone looking for great value and need a solid all-round phone for basic tasks.
- Users who want a bright screen, and often use their phone outdoors.
- Users who are not heavy phone users, or don't need to run demanding apps.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself:
- How important is performance? If you need top-of-the-line performance for gaming and heavy tasks, the iPhone 13 Pro is the clear choice. If you only need a phone for more basic use, the Moto G85 is adequate.
- Do you prioritize camera quality or battery life? The iPhone wins out on camera, while the Moto G85 excels in battery life. Pick what's more important to you.
- What is your budget? The iPhone 13 Pro is significantly more expensive. If you're on a budget, the Moto G85 offers great value for your money.
Scenario Recommendations:
- For the Mobile Photographer: The iPhone 13 Pro with its superior camera system, and high video capabilities is the clear winner here.
- For the Power User and Gamer: The iPhone 13 Pro, due to its incredibly powerful processor, would be the device of choice.
- For the Budget-Conscious User: The Motorola Moto G85, provides a great experience at a more affordable price point, and good enough features for a less demanding user.
- For Long-Term Use: The iPhone 13 Pro, with the long-term support of software updates, would be the best choice.
- For Users on the Go: The Moto G85 is the clear winner due to the combination of having a much longer battery life, and being a lighter device.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I'd personally lean towards the iPhone 13 Pro. While the Moto G85's battery life and lower price are appealing, the iPhone's superior performance, camera quality, and integration with Apple's ecosystem are more important to me. As a tech journalist who also does a lot of video recording, and takes lots of photos, the camera capabilities, combined with the high performance of the device, would be the most beneficial to me, with the benefits clearly outweighing the negatives.
However, for most everyday users, the Motorola Moto G85 is a fantastic and more logical choice due to its amazing battery life, bright screen, and very good price point. It's a well-rounded smartphone that offers excellent value. The choice really comes down to individual needs and priorities.
