Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G30 vs. Apple iPhone 15 Plus
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Apple iPhone 15 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 75.7 x 9.1 mm | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm | Moto G30 is taller and thicker, while the iPhone 15 Plus is wider and thinner. Moto G30 has a larger overall volume. |
| Weight | 200g | 201g | Negligible difference. Both phones feel similarly weighty in hand. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, not foldable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | iPhone 15 Plus provides slightly more screen real estate for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1290x2796 | iPhone 15 Plus has significantly sharper and clearer images due to higher pixel density. |
| Pixel Density | 269 PPI | 460 PPI | iPhone 15 Plus offers a much sharper display, resulting in better text readability and image clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | iPhone 15 Plus has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to the IPS LCD of the Moto G30. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | Moto G30 offers slightly smoother animations, while the iPhone prioritizes color accuracy and brightness. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | iPhone 15 Plus screen is much brighter in sunlight, providing better outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Apple A16 Bionic (4nm) | iPhone 15 Plus offers dramatically faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 170,968 | 1,470,000 | iPhone 15 Plus delivers significantly superior overall performance; Moto G30 is better for basic tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Apple GPU (5-core) | iPhone 15 Plus handles graphically intensive tasks much more efficiently. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4383mAh | Moto G30 has a larger battery, potentially providing longer battery life. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 20W fast charging | iPhone 15 Plus charges faster despite having a smaller battery. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, 15W MagSafe Wireless Charging, 7.5W Qi Wireless Charging, Battery capacity rumored | iPhone 15 Plus offers wireless charging capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Standard | 64MP, f/1.7, 0.7µm pixel | 48MP, f/1.6, 1.0µm pixel, 1/1.5" sensor | iPhone 15 Plus has a larger sensor and wider aperture for better low-light performance despite lower megapixel count. |
| Front Selfie | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel | 12MP, f/1.9, 1.12µm pixel | iPhone 15 Plus has a wider aperture allowing for better low-light selfies. |
| Rear Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel | None | Moto G30 has a dedicated wide angle camera for more versatile shots. |
| Rear Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm pixel | None | Moto G30 includes a depth sensor for portrait mode, enhancing bokeh effects. |
| Rear Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm pixel | None | Moto G30 allows for close-up macro shots. |
| Rear Wide Angle + Macro | None | 12MP f/2.4 | iPhone 15 Plus offers a combined wide-angle and macro lens for versatile shooting. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps with HDR | iPhone 15 Plus captures much higher-quality videos with stabilization, HDR, and higher frame rate options. |
| DXOMark Score | Not tested | 145 (Mobile), Photo(147), Video(153) | iPhone 15 Plus camera excels in photo and video quality according to DXOMark tests. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, LAF, PDAF, RAW | Cinematic Mode, OIS, Pro Video Mode, Night Mode, Dual PDAF | iPhone 15 Plus offers more advanced features for content creators and low-light photography. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | iOS 17, upgradable to 18 | iPhone 15 Plus provides a more refined and secure mobile experience with timely updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band, Direct | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Dual-band, MIMO | iPhone 15 Plus offers the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard for better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE, A2DP | 5.3 LE, A2DP, AAC | iPhone 15 Plus has a newer and more efficient Bluetooth version and supports AAC codec. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo | iPhone 15 Plus supports more satellite systems for better accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | iPhone 15 Plus offers eSIM support for more flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | iPhone 15 Plus offers more storage options. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 6GB | Both phones offer a sufficient amount of RAM for moderate multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Noise cancellation, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | iPhone 15 Plus provides better audio experience with stereo speakers, noise cancellation and better voice capture capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint | Basic security features | Moto G30 offers fingerprint sensor for biometric security, while the iPhone does not offer this. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones use similar screen protection technology. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | iPhone 15 Plus has more advanced environmental sensors, while Moto G30 includes a fingerprint sensor. |
| ## 2. Key Differences Analysis |
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery potentially offers longer battery life.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 90Hz display provides a slightly smoother visual experience.
- More Versatile Rear Cameras: Dedicated wide-angle, macro, and depth sensors for more creative photography options.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Offers a convenient biometric unlock method.
- Price: Significantly more affordable, offering a budget-friendly option.
- Dual SIM: Supports two physical SIM cards.
Apple iPhone 15 Plus Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The A16 Bionic chip offers dramatically faster performance.
- Higher Quality Display: OLED display provides vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast.
- Sharper Resolution and Pixel Density: Offers a much more detailed and crisp display.
- Significantly Brighter Display: Much better visibility in bright sunlight.
- Better Camera System: Larger sensor, wider aperture, and more advanced features result in superior photo and video quality.
- Advanced Video Recording: 4K recording with HDR and advanced video stabilization.
- Wireless Charging: Supports MagSafe and Qi wireless charging.
- Newer Operating System: Runs the latest iOS, providing a smooth and secure experience with timely updates.
- Better Audio: Noise cancellation, Stereo Speakers and three microphones.
- More Storage Options: Available with up to 512GB of internal storage.
Trade-offs:
- Moto G30: Offers more basic performance and a less vibrant display but comes at a much lower price and provides more versatile camera options.
- iPhone 15 Plus: Higher price point, lacks a fingerprint sensor, lower refresh rate display, but offers significantly superior performance, display, and camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G30 - Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Prioritize affordability over high-end performance.
- Casual users: Need a reliable phone for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and basic photography.
- Users who prioritize battery life: The large battery is ideal for all-day use.
- Users who like a fingerprint sensor: Prefer this biometric unlock method.
- Users who want more versatile photo options: The multiple lenses including a dedicated wide angle and macro camera can offer a lot more flexibility.
- Users who need to use two SIM cards: The dual physical sim card slot is helpful for people who want to manage multiple numbers.
Use Cases:
- Daily phone calls and messaging
- Basic social media browsing
- Casual mobile gaming
- Long battery life during travel or work
- Basic photography with various lens options
Apple iPhone 15 Plus - Ideal User:
- Performance-driven users: Require fast processing for demanding tasks, such as gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
- Photography and videography enthusiasts: Need high-quality cameras and video recording capabilities.
- Users who value display quality: Want vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high resolution.
- Users who prefer a refined software experience: Benefit from the streamlined and secure iOS ecosystem.
- Users who want higher storage: The higher storage options are suitable for power users.
- Users who want a brighter screen: Outdoor visibility is much better on the iPhone 15 Plus
Use Cases:
- Demanding mobile gaming
- High-quality content creation
- Professional photography and videography
- Seamless multitasking
- Excellent display for video consumption
- Better low light photos
- Better audio quality for calls and media.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The price difference between these phones is substantial.
- What is your primary use case? Is performance, camera, or battery life more important?
- Which features do you value most? Is display quality, camera versatility, or software experience more crucial?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget: If budget is the primary concern and you only need a phone for basic use, the Motorola Moto G30 is a practical choice.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Camera Priority: If you need top-tier performance, a superior camera, and a high-quality display, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus is the better investment.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: If you need a decent performing phone for everyday use, a focus on battery life and more versatile cameras, the Motorola Moto G30 should suffice and will save you a lot of money.
Conclusion
The Motorola Moto G30 is a budget-friendly option that provides a larger battery, versatile cameras and a fingerprint sensor. The Apple iPhone 15 Plus offers a vastly superior experience with its powerful processor, brilliant display, and advanced camera system, but at a much higher price. The ideal choice depends on individual priorities and budget.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would pick the Apple iPhone 15 Plus. While the price difference is substantial, the benefits of the vastly superior processing power, the much higher quality display, and the significantly better camera are well worth the investment for me. The iPhone's camera excels in both photo and video quality, plus has features like optical image stabilization, which are highly important to me. In the end the refined and secure ecosystem, along with the promise of many more years of software updates, makes it the ideal choice.
While the Moto G30 offers a bigger battery and more camera lenses, these are not as important as a quality camera and consistent performance.
