Motorola Moto G23 vs Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date January 24, 2023 September 20, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 99.66 cm³ 104.99 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.53 "/g 3.04 "/g
Weight 184.3 g 227 g
Height 162.7 mm 163 mm
Width 74.7 mm 77.6 mm
Thickness 8.2 mm 8.3 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Pearl White
  • Steel Blue
  • Matte Charcoal
  • Black Titanium
  • White Titanium
  • Natural Titanium
  • Desert Titanium

Display

Screen Size 6.5 " 6.9 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 1320 x 2868
Aspect Ratio 20:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 83.9 % 92.2 %
Pixel Density 270 PPI 460 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A 1000 nits
HBM Brightness N/A 2000 nits
Peak Brightness 400 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 118.34 mAh/in² 98.40 mAh/in²
Battery Density 50.17 mAh/cm³ 44.63 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 4685 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) Apple A18 Pro (3 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) Hexa-core (2x4.05 GHz + 4x2.42 GHz)
GPU Mali-G52 MC2 Apple GPU (6-core graphics)

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.2
OTG Support
DisplayPort 1
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0 USB Type-C 3.2, Gen 2, DisplayPort

Software

Operating System Android iOS
Initial OS Version 13 18
Maximum OS Version

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureMotorola Moto G23Apple iPhone 16 Pro MaxPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)162.7 x 74.7 x 8.2163 x 77.6 x 8.3iPhone 16 Pro Max is slightly larger and heavier.
Weight (g)184.3227Noticeable weight difference; Moto G23 is more comfortable for extended use.
BuildPlasticGlass and stainless steeliPhone feels more premium and durable but is more susceptible to damage from drops.
Display
Display TypeIPS LCDLTPO Super Retina XDR OLEDiPhone has significantly better contrast, colors, and viewing angles due to OLED technology.
Display Size (inches)6.56.9iPhone offers a larger screen for more immersive content consumption.
Resolution720 x 16001320 x 2868Much sharper and more detailed visuals on the iPhone. Moto G23's display is noticeably less crisp.
Refresh Rate (Hz)90120Smoother animations and scrolling on the iPhone.
Peak Brightness (nits)400 (peak)2000 (HBM)iPhone's display is far brighter and more readable in direct sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetMediatek Helio G85 (12nm)Apple A18 Pro (3nm)A18 Pro offers vastly superior performance in all tasks, including demanding games and applications.
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Hexa-core (2x4.05 GHz + 4x2.42 GHz)Significant performance difference; iPhone will handle multitasking and heavy workloads much better.
GPUMali-G52 MC2Apple GPU (6-core graphics)iPhone provides a significantly better gaming and graphics-intensive application experience.
RAM (GB)4/88More RAM on the iPhone allows for smoother multitasking and app switching.
Camera
Rear Camera50MP Main, 5MP Wide, 2MP Macro48MP Main, 48MP Ultrawide, 12MP TelephotoiPhone offers superior image quality, especially in low light, and more versatile lens options.
Front Camera16MP12MPWhile resolution is higher on the Moto G23, iPhone likely produces better overall selfie quality due to superior processing.
Video Recording1080p@30fpsUp to 4K@120fps with HDRiPhone offers significantly higher resolution and frame rate video recording capabilities with HDR.
Battery
Capacity (mAh)50004685Moto G23 has a slightly larger battery capacity.
Charging30W Fast Charging25W Fast Charging, Wireless ChargingWhile wired charging speeds are comparable, iPhone offers the convenience of wireless charging.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Motorola Moto G23 Advantages:

  • Lower Price: Significantly more affordable.
  • Larger Battery: Potentially longer battery life for basic usage.
  • Lighter Weight: More comfortable for one-handed use and extended holding.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: Significantly faster and more powerful for demanding tasks and gaming.
  • High-Quality Display: Brighter, sharper, and more vibrant OLED display with a higher refresh rate.
  • Advanced Camera System: Better image quality, more versatile lenses, and advanced video recording capabilities.
  • Premium Build: More durable and luxurious design.
  • Software Updates: Longer software support and updates from Apple.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Motorola Moto G23: Budget-conscious users who prioritize basic communication, web browsing, and light media consumption.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max: Users who demand top-tier performance, a premium multimedia experience, the best camera technology, and value long-term software updates.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The Moto G23 is a budget-friendly option, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max is a premium device.
  2. What are your primary use cases? For basic tasks, the Moto G23 is sufficient. For demanding gaming, professional photography/videography, or heavy multitasking, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is necessary.
  3. How important are display quality and camera performance? The iPhone significantly outperforms the Moto G23 in these areas.

My Choice: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

While the Motorola Moto G23 offers excellent value for its price, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the clear winner for me. I prioritize a smooth and responsive user experience, a high-quality display for media consumption, and a top-tier camera for capturing photos and videos. The iPhone's superior performance, stunning OLED screen, and advanced camera system justify the higher price. The longer software support from Apple also ensures that the device will remain relevant and secure for years to come. While the weight is a factor, the overall benefits of the iPhone 16 Pro Max outweigh the slight discomfort.

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.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Digital media communication
  • Technical storytelling
  • User-centric technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.