Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Apple iPhone 13 and the Motorola Moto G72. These two phones sit at different ends of the smartphone spectrum, and understanding their nuances is crucial for making the right choice. I'm going to break down their specs, translate them into real-world experiences, and help you figure out which one fits your needs best.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Apple iPhone 13 | Motorola Moto G72 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-09-24 | 2022-10-03 | The Moto G72 is a year newer, so it benefits from slightly more up-to-date tech. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are typical slab-style smartphones, not foldables. |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.7 mm | 160.5 x 74.4 x 7.9 mm | The Moto G72 is noticeably taller, wider, and slightly thicker, making it bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 174g | 166g | The Moto G72 is slightly lighter, which may be preferable for extended one-handed use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.6" | The Moto G72 offers a larger screen, which is better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 1080 x 2400 | The iPhone 13 has a sharper, clearer display due to its higher pixel density. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 460 | 402 | The iPhone 13's higher pixel density results in noticeably crisper text and images. |
| Technology | OLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, but OLED has a slight reputation for better contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Moto G72's 120Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness (Nits) | 1200 | 0 | The iPhone 13 has significantly higher brightness, making it far better for use in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | The A15 Bionic is a powerhouse, significantly faster for gaming, multitasking, and future-proofing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,256,049 | 415,300 | The iPhone 13 boasts considerably higher benchmark scores, highlighting its superior performance capabilities. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Mali-G57 MC2 | Apple's GPU architecture is designed for superior gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.6 | 108MP, f/1.7 | The Moto G72 captures highly detailed images with its high-resolution sensor, while the iPhone excels in dynamic range and overall photo quality due to better processing. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 16MP | The Moto G72 has slightly higher resolution selfies but the difference is not that significant. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/1.9 | The iPhone's wide-angle lens captures more detail, but the Moto G72's is wider with a larger aperture. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Moto G72 includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, a feature the iPhone lacks. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps HDR | Up to 1080p@60fps | The iPhone 13 is far superior in video recording, offering 4K HDR options with better stabilization. |
| Stabilization | OIS | Digital | iPhone has optical stabilization which is better for reducing shakes. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 3240mAh | 5000mAh | The Moto G72 should offer much longer battery life, making it ideal for users on the go. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | The Moto G72 charges faster, reducing downtime when plugged in. |
| Wireless Charging | MagSafe 15W, Qi 7.5W | None | The iPhone 13 offers wireless charging convenience, which the Moto G72 lacks. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | iOS 15 (upgradable to 18) | Android 12 | The iPhone 13 gets long-term iOS updates, while the Moto G72's update cycle may be shorter. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | The iPhone 13 supports newer Wi-Fi standard, offering faster speeds, lower latency, better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 | Both support Bluetooth 5.0 for reliable wireless connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Both provide comprehensive GPS functionality, but with different satellite systems. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | The iPhone has eSIM capabilities for digital carriers, while Moto offers 2 physical nano sims. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB/512GB | 128GB/256GB | The iPhone 13 offers up to 512GB of storage, double the capacity of the Moto G72. |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB/8GB | The Moto G72 offers more RAM which is helpful in multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS / DTS X, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | The iPhone 13 provides a more immersive audio experience with additional features like better noise cancellation and surround sound capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Security Features | Fingerprint Sensor | The Moto G72 includes a basic fingerprint sensor for biometric security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Each phone offers a diverse range of sensors for different functionalities, with the iPhone including a barometer and the Motorola including a compass. |
2. Key Insights
Apple iPhone 13 Strengths
- Superior Performance: The A15 Bionic chip is a performance beast, offering a noticeably faster and more fluid experience across the board.
- Display Quality: Despite the smaller size, the iPhone 13’s display is sharper and brighter with a more vibrant color reproduction, making it better for detail and outdoor visibility.
- Camera System: The iPhone 13's camera shines in challenging lighting conditions, delivering superior image quality with better dynamic range and excellent video recording capabilities.
- Premium Build and Software: iOS is generally regarded as smoother, more secure, and offers long-term updates.
- Wireless Charging Ecosystem: MagSafe and Qi wireless charging add convenience.
Motorola Moto G72 Strengths
- Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery provides significantly longer battery life, suitable for heavy usage without constant charging.
- Display Size & Smoothness: The 6.6" display with a 120Hz refresh rate offers a more immersive and smooth visual experience, ideal for gaming and media.
- Faster Charging: The 33W fast charging gets you back to full power quickly.
- Macro Lens: The inclusion of a macro lens provides a versatile photography experience.
- Price Point: Typically, the Moto G72 is much more affordable, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
- More RAM: The G72 has the option for 8GB of RAM which is better for multitasking.
Trade-offs
- iPhone 13: Higher price, smaller display, and smaller battery than the G72.
- Moto G72: Lower performance, less refined camera experience, a less secure OS, and a lower resolution and quality screen.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Apple iPhone 13
- Ideal for: Users who prioritize top-tier performance, exceptional camera quality, and a premium user experience within the Apple ecosystem.
- Use Cases: Excellent for mobile gaming, demanding productivity tasks, photography enthusiasts, and users who value long-term software support.
Motorola Moto G72
- Ideal for: Users who need a large screen, long battery life, and a budget-friendly price tag.
- Use Cases: Great for media consumption, social media, and users who need a reliable all-day device without frequent charging.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To decide which phone is better for you, consider these questions:
- Performance and Usage: Do you need top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, or other resource-intensive tasks?
- Camera Requirements: Is camera quality paramount, especially for video, or are you happy with good performance for general photography?
- Battery Life: How important is all-day battery life without needing a recharge?
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- The Mobile Gamer/Power User: If performance and a smooth experience are key, the iPhone 13 is the clear winner.
- The Content Creator: If you require the best video quality and robust photo capabilities, the iPhone 13 remains the better choice due to its better video, image processing, and ease of use.
- The Media Enthusiast: The Moto G72 wins out for screen size and battery life, making it better for all-day media consumption.
- The Budget-Conscious User: The Moto G72 will generally cost less and offers better value for the price with it's battery, screen size, and high-res main camera.
- The Daily Driver: If battery life is a priority, then the Moto G72 may be a better fit, if you need the performance, screen quality, camera, and build, then the iPhone 13 will be the better fit.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose between these two devices, I would pick the Apple iPhone 13. My reasoning is grounded in the type of activities I engage in daily, and the features that are most important to me. As a tech journalist, the iPhone 13’s processing power, especially the robust A15 chip, is critical for handling the type of performance-heavy tasks I regularly do, which include things like editing photos and videos. The iPhone 13 also offers a far more comprehensive software ecosystem, which allows better productivity and access to a wider range of sophisticated apps. It's a more mature platform, which I prefer. While it might come at a higher price, the long-term value, with the long term updates, and the quality of hardware, justifies the upfront cost for me.
However, I wouldn’t say the Moto G72 is a bad choice. Its large battery life, fast charging, larger screen, and more affordable price makes it a great choice for casual users. Its higher resolution main camera, while not as good as the iPhone, would still provide a great experience for daily photos and videos. It's just that for my particular requirements, the iPhone 13 aligns better with my needs and usage habits.
