Motorola Moto G 5G vs Apple iPhone 16 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date December 7, 2020 September 20, 2024
Release Year 2020 2024

Physical

Volume 125.14 cm³ 82.43 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.16 "/g 3.59 "/g
Weight 212 g 170 g
Height 166.1 mm 147.6 mm
Width 76.1 mm 71.6 mm
Thickness 9.9 mm 7.8 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Frosted Silver
  • Volcanic Gray
  • Black
  • White
  • Pink
  • Teal
  • Ultramarine

Display

Screen Size 6.7 " 6.1 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1179 x 2556
Aspect Ratio 20:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 85.7 % 86.4 %
Pixel Density 393 PPI 460 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A N/A
Typical Brightness N/A 1000 nits
HBM Brightness N/A 2000 nits
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 111.38 mAh/in² 95.70 mAh/in²
Battery Density 39.96 mAh/cm³ 43.2 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 3561 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) Apple A18 (3 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz)
GPU Adreno 619 Apple GPU (5-core graphics)

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support
DisplayPort 1
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0 USB Type-C 2.0, DisplayPort

Software

Operating System Android iOS
Initial OS Version 10 18
Maximum OS Version

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureMotorola Moto G 5GApple iPhone 16Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm147.6 × 71.6 × 7.8 mmThe iPhone 16 is significantly smaller and thinner, making it more pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use. The Moto G 5G is larger and bulkier.
Weight212g170gThe iPhone 16 is much lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for long periods and less tiring to carry.
Display
Size6.7"6.1"The Moto G 5G offers a larger screen for more immersive media consumption and easier multitasking, while the iPhone 16 provides a more compact display.
Resolution1080x24001179x2556The iPhone 16 has a moderately sharper display with more pixels, resulting in finer details and clearer text.
Pixel Density (PPI)393460The iPhone 16 has a much sharper display with higher pixel density, meaning images and text will appear crisper.
TechnologyIPS LCDOLEDThe iPhone 16's OLED display offers superior contrast, richer blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to the Moto G 5G's LCD, providing a more visually appealing experience.
Refresh Rate60Hz60HzBoth phones have the same refresh rate, resulting in similar smoothness in everyday usage.
Brightness0 nits2000 nitsThe iPhone 16's screen is significantly brighter, making it much easier to see in direct sunlight. The Moto G 5G's display brightness is unknown, which is a significant limitation.
Performance
ChipsetQualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm)Apple A18 (3 nm)The Apple A18 chip in the iPhone 16 is significantly more powerful, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
AnTuTu Score390,0001,753,018The iPhone 16 offers vastly superior performance, evident in benchmark scores; this means faster operation across all tasks and future-proofing.
GPUAdreno 619Apple GPU (5-core graphics)The Apple GPU provides significantly better graphics performance for gaming and graphically intensive applications.
Battery
Capacity5000mAh3561mAhThe Moto G 5G has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life, though actual endurance depends on software optimization and usage patterns. The iPhone 16, despite having a smaller capacity, may have optimized power efficiency due to its A18 chip.
Charging20W fast charging25W fast chargingThe iPhone 16 charges slightly faster than the Moto G 5G.
FeaturesNon-removableNon-removable, 25W Wireless ChargingThe iPhone 16 offers convenient wireless charging, which the Moto G 5G lacks.
Camera
Main Camera48MP, f/1.7, 0.80 µm pixel size48MP, f/1.6, 1.00 µm pixel size, 1/1.3" Sony IMX904 sensorThe iPhone 16 has a wider aperture which allows more light, better low-light performance, a larger sensor for better image quality and better pixel size.
Selfie Camera16MP, f/2.2, 1.00 µm pixel size12MP, f/1.9, Sony IMX714 sensorThe iPhone 16 has a wider aperture for better low-light selfies and advanced sensor. While the Moto G has more MP, the Apple likely has better image quality
Wide Angle Lens8MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixel sizeN/AThe Moto G 5G has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more of a scene, the iPhone 16 does not have this standalone lens.
Macro Lens2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixel sizeN/AThe Moto G 5G has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots; The iPhone 16 doesn't have a standalone macro lens.
Wide Angle + MacroN/A12MP, f/2.2, 1.40 µm pixel size, 1/2.55" Sony IMX633 sensorThe iPhone 16 combines its wide-angle and macro functionalities into one lens system with better specs than the Moto G's macro lens.
VideoUp to 4K@30fps with EISUp to 4K@60fps with HDR, OISThe iPhone 16 offers more video recording modes and capabilities, including HDR, slow-motion and OIS for better stabilization than the Moto G 5G.
FeaturesDigital zoom, Triple camera, etc.Cinematic Mode, OIS, Dual camera, etc.The iPhone 16 has more advanced video recording and image processing features, like Cinematic Mode and Optical Image Stabilization. Motorola has a dedicated Laser Auto Focus.
Software
OSAndroid 10iOS 18The iPhone 16 uses iOS, known for its smoothness, security, and frequent updates, while the Moto G 5G runs Android, which is more customizable.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi802.11acWi-Fi 6EThe iPhone 16 supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi 6E, while the Moto G 5G uses the older 802.11ac standard.
Bluetooth5.15.3The iPhone 16 has a newer Bluetooth version for improved efficiency and connectivity.
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, GalileoGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1), NavIC SystemThe iPhone 16 supports more satellite systems, potentially resulting in more accurate and reliable location tracking.
SIMDual SIM (Nano)Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM)The iPhone 16 provides the flexibility of using an eSIM in addition to a physical SIM card, while the Moto G 5G uses two physical Nano SIMs.
Storage
Internal64 GB or 128 GB128 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GBThe iPhone 16 offers more storage options, providing more space for apps, media, and files. The Moto G5G has less storage.
RAM4 GB or 6 GB8 GBThe iPhone 16 has more RAM, which improves multitasking and app performance.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither phone supports external storage expansion.
Audio
Quality2 microphonesDolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphonesThe iPhone 16 provides better audio output with Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers and noise cancellation microphone, while Moto G 5G only have 2 microphones.
Security
FeaturesRear-mounted fingerprint sensorBasic security featuresThe Moto G 5G features a convenient physical fingerprint sensor for biometric security. The iPhone 16 uses basic security features (face unlock is likely, but not specified).
Sensors
SensorsFingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, GyroscopeProximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, BarometerThe iPhone 16 has a barometer sensor, which can be used for altitude measurements. The Moto G5G has a fingerprint sensor, making it more convinient for some users.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:

  • Larger Display: The 6.7-inch screen offers a more immersive experience for media consumption and multitasking, good for users who value a bigger screen for better visibility and ease of use.
  • Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery could translate into longer battery life, especially for those who use their phone heavily throughout the day.
  • Fingerprint Sensor: The rear mounted fingerprint sensor offers a convenient way to unlock the phone quickly.
  • Dedicated Lenses: Includes dedicated Wide Angle and Macro lens.

Apple iPhone 16 Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: The A18 chip offers dramatically faster performance for all tasks, including gaming, and better future-proofing.
  • Significantly Better Display: The OLED display offers much better image quality (contrast, colors) and brightness, which is essential for outdoor visibility.
  • Better Cameras: The iPhone 16 has better sensors, wider aperture for low light, and more advanced video features, including OIS.
  • Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: Offers slightly faster wired charging and convenient wireless charging.
  • Newer Connectivity Standards: Supports newer Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, leading to faster speeds and better efficiency.
  • More RAM: 8GB RAM provides better multitasking capabilities.
  • Better Audio: Offers superior audio with Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, and a Noise cancellation microphone
  • eSIM: Offers an eSIM option for greater flexibility with network carriers.

Trade-offs:

  • The Moto G 5G's larger battery may not translate to longer real-world usage time compared to the iPhone 16 due to differences in processor efficiency and software optimization.
  • The Moto G 5G has a larger screen, but its IPS LCD is inferior to the iPhone 16's OLED, especially in outdoor visibility.
  • The iPhone 16, while smaller, comes with a premium price tag.
  • The Moto G 5G has dedicated Wide Angle and Macro lenses but lower specs than the main camera of the iPhone 16.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Motorola Moto G 5G Ideal Users:

  • Budget-conscious consumers: Users who prioritize affordability and do not need the highest performance.
  • Users who prefer a large screen: Individuals who enjoy consuming media, playing games, or find large screens easier to use.
  • Users who prefer a physical fingerprint sensor: Individuals who prefer the convenience of a fingerprint sensor.
  • Users who want a dedicated Wide Angle and Macro Lens: Individuals who prefer the flexibility of dedicated camera lenses.

Use Cases:

  • Everyday browsing and social media.
  • Casual gaming.
  • Basic photography.
  • Longer battery life for less demanding tasks.
  • Users who need dual physical SIMs.

Apple iPhone 16 Ideal Users:

  • Users who want the best possible performance and a premium experience: Ideal for gamers, power users, and those who want a fast and fluid experience.
  • Users who need an excellent camera: Users who need high-quality photography and video for both personal and professional use.
  • Users who value display quality: Ideal for those who appreciate vivid colors, sharp text, and excellent outdoor visibility.
  • Users within the Apple ecosystem: Individuals who prefer the smooth and secure iOS interface and benefit from integration with other Apple devices.
  • Users who want the latest connectivity standards: Individuals who want faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Use Cases:

  • High-performance gaming.
  • Professional-quality photography and videography.
  • Content creation.
  • Demanding multitasking.
  • Users who benefit from the Apple ecosystem.
  • Users who need an eSIM.

Price-to-Value Ratio:

  • The Motorola Moto G 5G offers a good price-to-value ratio for basic smartphone needs.
  • The Apple iPhone 16 is more expensive but offers significantly better performance, display quality, camera, and overall user experience.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The Moto G 5G is significantly cheaper, while the iPhone 16 is a premium device.
  2. How important is performance? If you need top performance for gaming, demanding apps, or future-proofing, the iPhone 16 is the clear choice.
  3. Which features are crucial for you? A larger screen, battery, fingerprint sensor, or the Apple ecosystem and an advanced camera and display?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User
    • Recommendation: Motorola Moto G 5G. If the budget is a significant constraint and high-end performance is not a priority, the Moto G 5G offers a satisfactory experience.
  • Scenario 2: Performance Enthusiast
    • Recommendation: Apple iPhone 16. If top-tier performance and the best possible user experience are crucial, the iPhone 16 is the better choice.
  • Scenario 3: Photography & Videography Focus
    • Recommendation: Apple iPhone 16. The superior camera system, along with advanced video features, makes it a much better choice for content creation.
  • Scenario 4: Multimedia Consumption
    • Recommendation: Both could be suitable. The Moto G 5G offers a larger screen but the iPhone 16 has a better display, the choice will depend on screen size vs display quality preference.

My Choice

If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Apple iPhone 16. While the Motorola Moto G 5G offers a larger battery and a bigger screen, the advantages of the iPhone 16 are much more compelling for my usage patterns and preferences.

Here's why:

  1. Performance: The significantly faster processor of the iPhone 16 ensures smooth performance across all tasks, from daily use to gaming, and also provides better future-proofing for a longer lifespan of the device.
  2. Display Quality: The OLED display of the iPhone 16 offers superior color accuracy, contrast, and brightness. I value the enhanced visual experience, especially in outdoor visibility.
  3. Camera: The camera of the iPhone 16 is much more advanced with features like OIS and better low-light performance, making it the better choice for photography and videography.
  4. Ecosystem and Software: As I am integrated into the Apple ecosystem, I prefer the smooth, secure, and frequently updated iOS interface.
  5. Connectivity: The latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards of the iPhone 16 are an advantage for faster and more efficient connectivity.

While the Motorola Moto G 5G might be a suitable choice for budget-conscious users or those who prioritize a large screen, the iPhone 16 offers a superior overall experience, even though it comes at a higher cost. For me, the improved performance, display, camera, and software outweigh the Moto G 5G's advantages.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

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  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.