Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G30 vs. Apple iPhone SE (2022)
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Apple iPhone SE (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.2 × 75.7 × 9.1 mm | 138.4 × 67.3 × 7.3 mm | Moto G30 is significantly larger and bulkier, less pocketable, while the iPhone SE is much more compact and portable. |
| Weight | 200g | 144g | iPhone SE is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both phones have standard, non-foldable designs. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 4.7" | Moto G30 has a much larger display, better for media consumption and multitasking. The iPhone SE is better for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 750x1334 | Slightly more pixels on Moto G30, but the difference is not very noticeable. |
| Pixel Density | 269 ppi | 326 ppi | iPhone SE has a sharper display with higher pixel density, resulting in crisper text and images. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both offer similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | Moto G30 has smoother scrolling and animations. iPhone SE may feel less fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Note: Brightness values are missing in the dataset and are not a reliable measure for real world usage |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 | Apple A15 Bionic | iPhone SE has a vastly more powerful chipset, providing a faster, more fluid experience for all tasks, and is more future proof. |
| Antutu Score | 170,968 | 1,225,939 | iPhone SE offers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, better gaming performance, and more future-proof. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Apple GPU (4-core) | iPhone SE's GPU enables significantly better graphics performance for demanding applications and games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 2018mAh | Moto G30 has a much larger battery, likely to provide significantly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | iPhone SE charges slightly faster. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64.4MP, f/1.7 | 12.2MP, f/1.8 | Moto G30 has higher megapixel count, but the iPhone SE's image processing from A15 is likely to yield better overall images. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 7MP, f/2.2 | Moto G30 has a higher-resolution front camera. |
| Additional Lenses | Wide Angle, Macro, Depth | None | Moto G30 offers more flexibility with additional lenses; iPhone SE has no ultrawide or macro lenses. |
| Video | Up to 1080p@60fps | Up to 4K@60fps | iPhone SE offers much higher video recording quality (4K) with better stabilization, better for creating high quality videos. |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | Main Score: 100, Photo: 126, Video: 106 | iPhone SE's camera performance has been independently tested, indicating strong overall image and video quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 12) | iOS 15.4 (up to 18) | Different operating systems with distinct user interfaces and ecosystems. iPhone SE gets long term updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | iPhone SE supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi 6. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Both offer similar Bluetooth capabilities |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Wi-Fi, Cell ID | Moto G30 offers more precise GPS with more satellite systems, while the iPhone SE uses Wi-Fi and Cell ID for location in addition to GPS satellites. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Both phones support dual SIMs, but the iPhone SE uses eSIM which can be more convenient for some users. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128 GB | 64/128/256 GB | iPhone SE offers more storage options, while the Moto G30 may have a lower price point for equivalent storage. |
| RAM | 4/6 GB | 4 GB | Moto G30 has slightly more RAM on higher end configuration, allowing it to handle moderate multitasking, but the iPhone SE is much more efficient. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | No expandable storage on either phone. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic Audio Features | Basic Audio Features | Both phones have basic audio setups. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Rear Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones offer basic fingerprint security for device access. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | iPhone SE has more sensors for advanced features like compass and barometer for better usability. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- Larger Display: Better for media consumption, browsing, and multitasking.
- Larger Battery: Significantly longer battery life, ideal for users who need all-day power without frequent charging.
- Multiple Cameras: More versatile with wide-angle, macro, and depth sensors.
- Potentially Lower Price: Usually cheaper, offering a more budget-friendly option.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 90Hz offers smoother scrolling experience.
- More RAM on the Higher-end configuration: 6GB of RAM provides slightly better multitasking capabilities.
- Dual SIM Slots: Supports two physical SIM cards simultaneously
Apple iPhone SE (2022) Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The A15 Bionic chip is significantly faster and more efficient.
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density for clearer text and images.
- Better Video Recording: Supports 4K video with HDR, OIS, and stereo sound.
- Higher Video Quality: Higher quality slow-motion.
- Compact and Lightweight: More pocketable and easier to handle one-handed.
- Stronger Single Camera: High-quality images and videos with strong image processing capabilities
- eSIM Support: Offers eSIM option, convenient for digital switching.
- Long-Term Software Support: Guaranteed long-term updates for iOS, ensuring future compatibility.
- Higher Storage option: Provides up to 256 GB of storage for those who require more storage space.
- Better Wi-Fi: Supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster speeds and improved connectivity.
- More Advanced Sensors: Includes Compass and Barometer for better usability in certain apps
Significant Trade-offs:
- Moto G30: Sacrifices performance and display sharpness for a larger screen, longer battery life and a lower price.
- iPhone SE: Sacrifices screen size, battery life, and camera versatility for high performance, a compact form factor, and a smoother user experience.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G30 is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users: Those looking for an affordable phone with a large screen and decent battery.
- Media consumers: Users who frequently watch videos or browse the web on their phone.
- Users needing all-day battery life: Those who prioritize long battery endurance over high performance.
- Those who need multiple cameras: Users who want different lenses for different photography needs.
- Users who want a large screen: Those who prefer larger screens over compact designs
Use Cases:
- Watching movies and videos for extended periods on the go.
- Daily browsing and social media usage.
- General photography in various situations.
- Users needing a secondary phone with a large screen.
- Those who want a large screen phone without paying top dollar.
Apple iPhone SE (2022) is ideal for:
- Performance-focused users: Those who need a fast and responsive smartphone, especially for gaming.
- Compact phone lovers: Users who prefer a small, easily pocketable device.
- iOS ecosystem enthusiasts: Those who prefer the Apple ecosystem and its software experience.
- Users who need good video and camera performance: Those who want high quality videos and images in a compact phone.
- Users seeking long term software support: Those who intend to use the phone for many years.
Use Cases:
- Gaming and running resource-intensive apps.
- High-quality photography and videography.
- Users seeking a powerful secondary phone.
- Those who need to use their phone with one hand.
- Those who prefer smaller, more pocketable phones.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Moto G30: Offers good value for budget-conscious users who prioritize screen size and battery life.
- iPhone SE: Justifies its higher price with significantly superior performance, better display, and long-term software support. The value proposition depends on priorities of the end user
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize performance or battery life? (Moto G30 for battery, iPhone SE for performance)
- Do you prefer a large screen or a compact phone? (Moto G30 for large screen, iPhone SE for compact design)
- Are you locked into a particular ecosystem (Android or iOS)? (Moto G30 for Android, iPhone SE for iOS)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget Shopper): If budget is a major constraint and you need a large display and long battery life, the Moto G30 is a reasonable choice.
- Scenario 2 (Performance Seeker): If you want top-tier performance and don't mind a smaller screen and less battery life, the iPhone SE is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3 (Video Creator): If you prioritize high quality video, then the iPhone SE is a much better choice.
- Scenario 4 (One-Handed User): If you want a small, pocketable, and manageable phone, then the iPhone SE is recommended.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Apple iPhone SE (2022). While I appreciate the larger display and longer battery life of the Motorola Moto G30, my priorities are for a device that offers top-tier performance, high-quality camera capabilities, and long-term software support. The A15 Bionic chip in the iPhone SE ensures that the device will remain fast and responsive for years to come, which is important for my productivity and overall experience. The compact design, while a trade-off, is also preferable for my day-to-day use. Although the battery life is inferior to the Moto G30, I would prefer to compromise on that for the benefits of using iOS and the performance of the A15 chip. Finally, while the single-camera on the iPhone might be limiting for some, the image processing capabilities of the A15 chip mean that it is more than sufficient for my needs. I am an iOS user, so I value being in that ecosystem, and it provides value for me.
