Alright, let's dive into this comparison between the Apple iPhone 14 and the Motorola Moto G72. Both are solid contenders, but they cater to very different user needs and budgets. I'll break down the specs, offer my insights, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these phones stack up, along with real-world implications:
| Feature | Apple iPhone 14 | Motorola Moto G72 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.8 mm | 160.5 × 74.4 × 7.9 mm | iPhone 14 is more compact and easier to handle with one hand, while G72 is taller and slightly wider. |
| Weight | 172g | 166g | Moto G72 is slightly lighter, making it more comfortable during extended use, although the difference is marginal. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard slab smartphones, no special form factors here. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.6" | Moto G72 offers a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. iPhone 14 provides a smaller, more pocketable form factor. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1080x2400 | iPhone 14 has a sharper and clearer display with more pixels. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 460 | 402 | iPhone 14 has noticeably sharper text and images, with more detail, due to the higher pixel density. |
| Technology | OLED | P-OLED | Both use OLED tech, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Moto G72 has a smoother display experience with less motion blur due to the higher refresh rate, especially when scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | iPhone 14 is significantly brighter, making it much better for outdoor visibility, especially under direct sunlight. Moto G72 brightness not specified. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | iPhone 14 has a vastly more powerful chipset. This will translate to much faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,324,887 | 415,300 | iPhone 14’s performance is more than three times that of the G72, showing its speed advantage. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core) | Mali-G57 MC2 | iPhone 14’s custom GPU offers smoother, more detailed graphics for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 3279mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G72 has a much larger battery capacity, which should translate to much longer battery life under average use. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Moto G72 charges faster, getting you back to full power more quickly. |
| Features | 15W MagSafe/7.5W Qi | Non-removable | iPhone 14 offers versatile wireless charging options, while Moto G72 has a standard non-removable battery. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.5, 1/1.66” | 108MP, f/1.7 | Moto G72 has higher resolution, but iPhone 14 has a larger sensor and a wider aperture for better low-light. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/1.9 | 16MP | Moto G72 has slightly more megapixels for selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/2.55” | 8MP, f/1.9 | iPhone 14 has a higher resolution wide-angle lens. Moto G72 has a slightly wider aperture, theoretically better for low light. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Moto G72 has a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots, a feature missing from the iPhone 14. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps HDR | Up to 1080p@60fps | iPhone 14 supports higher resolution 4K recording, useful for more professional grade footage. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | iPhone 14 provides excellent video stability. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 133 | NA | iPhone 14 has a high quality camera. |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | 144 | NA | iPhone 14 has a high quality front camera. |
| Features | 4K Video, OIS, Night Mode | Digital stabilization, LAF | iPhone 14 excels in low light shooting and stabilized video; Moto G72 offers laser autofocus. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 16 (upgradable to 18) | Android 12 | iPhone 14 gets access to Apple's smooth ecosystem; Moto G72 provides Android with a more open source experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi ac, Direct, Display | iPhone 14 has newer Wi-Fi for faster connections and performance in crowded areas. |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 LE, AAC | 5.0 LE | iPhone 14 has the newer Bluetooth standard for better connectivity with audio accessories. |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | iPhone 14 has QZSS for slightly improved location accuracy, while Moto G72 has SUPL, which aids in GPS accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual (Nano + eSIM) | Dual (Nano + Nano) | Both offer dual SIM support; iPhone 14 additionally allows eSIM use, while G72 can use two physical SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB/512GB | 128GB/256GB | iPhone 14 offers a higher storage variant at 512 GB. |
| RAM | 6GB | 6GB/8GB | Moto G72 can have more RAM, which could lead to better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, DTS / DTS X, Noise cancellation, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | iPhone 14 offers enhanced spatial audio and better audio capture compared to G72 with additional noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic | Fingerprint | Moto G72 has a fingerprint sensor for biometric security, a feature missing in iPhone 14. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | iPhone 14 offers barometer sensor; Moto G72 has more sensors suited for enhanced gaming features. |
2. Key Insights
Apple iPhone 14:
- Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The A15 Bionic chip is significantly faster than the Helio G99, ensuring smooth multitasking and intense gaming.
- Premium Display: Higher resolution and brightness provide a much sharper display that is more usable under bright sunlight.
- High-Quality Camera: Despite lower megapixel counts, the iPhone 14 excels in low-light photography and video recording quality.
- Ecosystem Integration: Seamless integration with Apple services and accessories.
- Excellent Video Recording: Supports 4K recording with superior stabilization
- Premium Audio Features: Better sound and microphone capturing
- Competitive Advantages:
- The performance gap is massive, with the iPhone 14 leading by a large margin in terms of speed and graphical capabilities.
- The brighter display makes the iPhone 14 much more suited for outdoor use.
- The camera quality is top-tier, particularly for video recording.
- Trade-offs:
- Smaller screen size compared to the Moto G72.
- Shorter battery life compared to the Moto G72.
- Lacks a fingerprint sensor.
- Significantly higher price point.
Motorola Moto G72:
- Strengths:
- Larger Display: More screen real estate for media and multitasking.
- Longer Battery Life: The larger 5000mAh battery ensures all-day usage without worrying about running out.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging means you spend less time plugged into the wall.
- Higher Refresh Rate: The 120Hz display provides smoother animations.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Offers a convenient biometric security feature.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
- Competitive Advantages:
- Much better battery life and faster charging.
- More affordable for budget-conscious users.
- Larger screen
- Trade-offs:
- Significantly slower performance due to the Helio G99 chipset.
- Lower resolution display with lower brightness making it less ideal under sunlight.
- Camera performance is not as good as the iPhone 14, particularly in low-light conditions.
- No 4K Video and lower quality video stabilization.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Apple iPhone 14:
- Best for: Users who prioritize performance, camera quality, a premium experience and integration with Apple's ecosystem.
- Use Cases: Professional photographers, video creators, hardcore gamers, and users who need a powerful, reliable device for daily productivity.
- Motorola Moto G72:
- Best for: Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life, a large screen, and a smooth scrolling experience, also for casual users.
- Use Cases: Casual users who enjoy watching videos, browsing social media, and need a phone that lasts all day.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide between these phones:
- How important is performance to you? If you need top-tier speed for demanding tasks, the iPhone 14 is the clear choice. If you are happy with decent performance for everyday tasks, the G72 will be more than enough.
- What is your budget? The iPhone 14 is a premium device and comes at a much higher price. If budget is a major concern, the Moto G72 will provide value.
- What do you prioritize the most? (Battery Life, Screen size, Camera quality). If you value long battery and a larger screen, the G72 is a good choice. If you prioritize the camera and performance above anything else the iPhone 14 is the way to go.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Gamer: Go for the iPhone 14. The A15 Bionic chip and its custom GPU will ensure smooth and lag-free gaming.
- For the Photographer/Videographer: The iPhone 14's superior camera and video features make it the better choice.
- For the Average User: If you primarily use your phone for social media, browsing, and watching videos, and budget is important, the Moto G72 provides a better value.
- For the Power User on the Go: If long battery life and a larger screen are critical, the Moto G72 is a solid option.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd personally go for the Apple iPhone 14. The main reason for me is that performance and the camera are critical aspects of my smartphone usage, and the iPhone 14 is a top performer in both of these areas.
The A15 Bionic chipset and its custom GPU will ensure a very smooth user experience, even when running demanding apps or games. The video capabilities are also a huge factor; as a content creator, being able to record high quality 4k videos is extremely useful. Yes, the battery is smaller, and the display isn’t as big as the Moto G72, but I value overall performance and the camera capabilities more, so that’s my pick.
