Alright, let’s dive deep into this comparison between the Apple iPhone 14 Pro and the Motorola Moto G72. It’s a classic David vs. Goliath matchup, and as always, the devil is in the details. Let’s break down exactly what each of these phones offers, and more importantly, what that means for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the specs, along with what those numbers translate to in the real world:
| Feature | Apple iPhone 14 Pro | Motorola Moto G72 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 147.5 × 71.5 × 7.9 mm | 160.5 × 74.4 × 7.9 mm | Moto G72 is taller and wider; iPhone 14 Pro is more compact, better for one-handed use |
| Weight | 206g | 166g | Moto G72 is noticeably lighter, easier for extended use; iPhone feels more premium, dense |
| Build | Premium materials | Plastic | iPhone feels more premium and robust, whereas Moto is more lightweight and possibly more prone to wear/tear |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.6" | Moto G72 offers a larger viewing area, ideal for media consumption, and gaming. iPhone 14 Pro is compact. |
| Resolution | 1179x2556 | 1080x2400 | iPhone 14 Pro has a sharper and more detailed screen |
| PPI | 460 | 402 | iPhone has significantly sharper display |
| Technology | OLED | P-OLED | Both OLED screens deliver rich colors and deep blacks, slight variations in calibration |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling, animation; similar experience with display fluidity |
| Brightness | 2000 nits | 0 nits | iPhone 14 Pro has drastically better outdoor visibility, making it usable under bright sunlight, Moto G72 is not. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | A16 Bionic offers vastly superior performance for gaming, heavy apps, multitasking, also the 4nm node is more efficient |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,474,011 | 415,300 | iPhone 14 Pro is significantly faster, handling demanding tasks effortlessly, offers a better user experience overall |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core) | Mali-G57 MC2 | A16 Bionic's GPU offers superior graphics performance for gaming and GPU-intensive tasks |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.78, 1/1.3", IMX803, 1.22µm | 108MP, f/1.7, 0.64µm | iPhone's larger sensor size and pixel size usually leads to better light sensitivity, more detail, better dynamic range, better night shots |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/1.9, IMX714 | 16MP | Both take good quality selfies, but iPhone's better sensor and processing are usually better |
| Telephoto Camera | 12MP, f/2.8, IMX713, 1.0µm | None | iPhone 14 Pro has a telephoto lens for zooming; Moto G72 is limited to digital zoom |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", IMX633, 1.4µm | 8MP, f/1.9, 1.12µm | iPhone's wide-angle sensor generally captures higher quality images in daylight and low light |
| Macro Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | Moto G72 has macro lens for extreme close-up shots; iPhone doesn't have a macro lens |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K 60fps HDR | Up to 1080p 60fps | iPhone 14 Pro offers higher video resolution and quality for video enthusiasts |
| DxOMark Scores | Main: 146, Selfie: 145 | Not Tested | iPhone’s camera performs exceptionally, particularly in video |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 3200mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G72 should have better battery endurance due to its larger capacity, but software optimization and processor is also a big factor |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Moto G72 has faster charging times, though, as always, it depends on how quick your charger is |
| Wireless Charging | 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi | None | iPhone 14 Pro has wireless charging capabilities, including MagSafe for convenience; Moto G72 has none |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 16, up to 18 | Android 12 | iOS is tightly integrated, fluid; Android 12 is customizable and very good as well |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | iPhone 14 Pro supports a newer, faster Wi-Fi standard, it is also more future-proof |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.0 | iPhone 14 Pro has the newest Bluetooth and improved connectivity |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB to 1TB | 128GB or 256GB | iPhone 14 Pro has more storage options available; Both don’t have expandable storage |
| RAM | 6 GB | 6GB or 8GB | Moto G72 potentially better multi-tasking experience depending on the model; iPhone manages RAM well |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS/DTS X, Noise cancellation mic, 3 mic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | iPhone's audio features provide better spatial audio, clearer calls, enhanced immersion, and voice capture capabilities, a more immersive experience overall |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic security features | fingerprint sensor | Moto G72 offers a fingerprint sensor for quick unlocking; iPhone has face unlock which is also great |
| Sensors | Barometer, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | iPhone offers barometer which can measure air pressure; Motorola has fingerprint sensor, compass and magnetometer for better navigation and gaming |
2. Key Insights
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Strengths:
- Unrivaled Performance: The A16 Bionic chip is a powerhouse, making the iPhone 14 Pro significantly faster than the Moto G72 in all tasks, from gaming to video editing.
- Stunning Display: While smaller, the iPhone's display is sharper, brighter, and more color-accurate, especially in bright sunlight. The brightness advantage is huge for outdoor usage.
- Superior Camera System: The iPhone 14 Pro’s camera system, with its advanced sensors, processing, optical zoom, and excellent video recording, is far more versatile and capable than the Moto's. The lack of a macro lens is the only drawback.
- Premium Build: The iPhone’s build quality is significantly better, with higher-end materials, making it feel very robust.
- Ecosystem and Software: Apple's tight integration of hardware and software provides a smooth, optimized user experience with long-term software updates and a vast app ecosystem, and many Apple-exclusive features.
- Additional Features: Wireless charging, MagSafe, Face ID are all premium features that make the usage more intuitive.
Motorola Moto G72 Strengths:
- Larger Display: The Moto G72 offers a larger screen for media consumption, ideal for users who prefer a big display experience.
- Longer Battery Life: With a significantly larger battery, the Moto G72 should theoretically offer a much longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: The Moto’s faster charging is great for users who don't like waiting for the phone to charge.
- Budget-Friendly: It is clearly a much cheaper phone and offers good value for the price.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Fingerprint sensor is a great addition for an extra layer of security.
- Macro Camera: It has a Macro camera that iPhone is missing for close-up shots.
Trade-Offs and Limitations:
- iPhone 14 Pro: High price point, less battery capacity, not as suitable for users who prefer larger screens.
- Moto G72: Significantly lower performance, inferior camera system, less premium build, potentially limited software support, and lacks brightness under sunlight, not so good for the outdoors.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Apple iPhone 14 Pro is Best For:
- Power Users: Users who need top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Anyone who wants a versatile and high-quality camera system for all types of photography.
- Ecosystem Users: Those already invested in the Apple ecosystem, valuing seamless integration and long-term software support.
- Users who value a premium build Users who want a high-quality premium feeling phone that feels sturdy and long-lasting.
- Users who use their phones in the outdoors Users who need a very bright screen, or use their phones under bright sunlight.
Motorola Moto G72 is Best For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users looking for a good all-around phone at an affordable price.
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize a large display for watching videos and browsing content.
- Users with battery anxiety Users who need a long-lasting battery.
- Users who prefer Android Users who like the customization that Android offers.
- Users who like a lighter phone Users who don't want to carry a very heavy phone and prefer a lighter one.
- Users who like macro shots Users who need the macro lens for extreme close up shots.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide users:
- What's your budget? If money is a major factor, the Moto G72 is the clear choice. The iPhone is a much higher-priced phone.
- How important is performance to you? If top-notch performance and smooth multitasking are crucial, the iPhone 14 Pro is the only answer.
- What do you value most in a camera? If you want versatility, better video quality, zoom capabilities and high-quality pictures, the iPhone wins. The Moto is more for casual photography.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User. If you need an affordable phone with a large screen, good battery life, and a basic camera for everyday use, the Moto G72 is ideal.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer/Power User: If you need a top-performing phone for gaming and demanding tasks, the iPhone 14 Pro is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If you're passionate about photography and need a versatile camera system, the iPhone 14 Pro, especially its video capabilities, is the right fit.
My Choice
Given my needs and preferences, I would choose the Apple iPhone 14 Pro. Here's why:
- Performance: As a tech journalist, I often multitask, edit photos and videos, and run various applications. The A16 Bionic chip is unmatched, making my workflow seamless and efficient.
- Camera: The iPhone’s camera system is far more versatile for content creation, with high-quality photos, videos, and features such as optical zoom and better low-light capabilities.
- Display: I work in diverse lighting conditions, and the 2000 nits brightness of the iPhone display would be essential to me.
- Ecosystem: The integration between my other Apple devices and the software ecosystem is crucial for my productivity and overall workflow.
While the Moto G72 offers great value and a longer battery life, the iPhone's superior performance, camera, and overall ecosystem outweigh these benefits for my use case. The price is a major factor, but the long-term benefits of a top-tier phone are worth the investment for me.
