Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Moto G71 5G and the Apple iPhone 15. These two phones sit at very different ends of the market, and understanding their strengths and weaknesses is key to choosing the right device for your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at their specs, including the real-world implications of each difference:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Apple iPhone 15 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Dimensions | 161.2 x 73.9 x 8.5 mm | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm | Moto G71 5G is noticeably larger, which may impact handling and pocketability; iPhone 15 is more compact and easier to hold. |
| Weight | 179g | 171g | iPhone 15 is slightly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.1" | Moto G71 5G has a larger screen, better for media consumption; iPhone 15 is more manageable one-handed. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1179x2556 | iPhone 15 has a sharper display due to higher resolution, leading to clearer text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 411 | 461 | iPhone 15 provides finer details due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both provide excellent contrast and deep blacks; generally comparable for visual quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both offer standard 60Hz refresh rate, which might not feel as smooth as 90Hz or 120Hz displays during scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | iPhone 15 has superior outdoor visibility in bright sunlight; Moto G71 5G will likely struggle in direct light. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) | iPhone 15 offers significantly better performance due to its more advanced chip, faster app loading and smoother gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 396,564 | 1,470,000 | iPhone 15's performance is in another league, showing a huge performance difference in benchmarks and real-world usage. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Apple GPU (5-core) | iPhone 15 handles graphics-intensive tasks like gaming with much greater ease. |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 3877 mAh | Moto G71 5G has a larger battery capacity, potentially leading to longer battery life despite its less efficient chip. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging | Moto G71 5G charges faster, meaning less time plugged in. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi Wireless Charging | iPhone 15 supports wireless charging options in addition to wired, offering flexibility in charging options. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 48MP, f/1.6, 1/1.5", 1.0µm | iPhone 15 has a larger sensor and wider aperture, performing better in low-light and producing higher-quality images. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.0µm | 12MP, f/1.9, 1.12µm | iPhone 15 captures better quality selfies, especially in low light, with its wider aperture and larger pixel size. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | N/A | Moto G71 5G offers a dedicated wide-angle camera, absent in iPhone 15. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Moto G71 5G includes a dedicated macro lens for closeup photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 12MP, f/2.4 | iPhone 15 includes a wide-angle + macro camera lens for more versatile photos. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, HDR | iPhone 15 records higher-resolution video and offers HDR, resulting in superior video capture. iPhone 15 also uses stablization for the video. |
| DXOMark Score | N/A | Overall 145 (Photo: 147, Video: 153) | iPhone 15 has a professionally rated camera, showcasing its high-quality photo and video capabilities. |
| Features | Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | Cinematic Mode, Noise reduction, Face unlock, Pro Video Mode, 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Dual camera, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Dual PDAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Apple iPhone 15 has more feature for videography like Cinematic mode and Pro video mode. Both phones include all the basic features. The Motorola includes laser autofocus. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | iOS 17 (upgradable to 18) | iPhone 15 provides a more polished, secure, and often more up-to-date ecosystem; Motorola Moto G71 5G is on older Android. |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspot, Direct, Display | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (WiFi 6), dual-band, hotspot, MiMO | iPhone 15 has newer WiFi 6 support offering faster speeds; Motorola provides more niche features such as Direct and Display |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE, AAC | iPhone 15 uses the latest Bluetooth version, resulting in a more reliable connection. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo | iPhone 15 has greater accuracy for satellite positioning with QZSS while Motorola has extra support with Beidou and SUPL. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | iPhone 15 supports an eSIM, offering more flexibility in carrier switching; Motorola supports two physical SIM cards. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB | 128/256/512 GB | iPhone 15 offers greater storage options; Motorola only offers 128 GB. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 6 GB | Motorola Moto G71 5G may be more suitable for multitasking with its optional 8GB of RAM |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, requiring careful selection of storage variants. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation, 3 microphones | iPhone 15 offers a better audio experience for listening with stereo speakers, and for voice capture due to noise cancellation. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Features | rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic security features | Moto G71 5G offers biometrics using fingerprint sensor. |
| SENSORS | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | iPhone 15 has a barometer which can measure air pressure. Motorola has a Fingerprint sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G71 5G:
- Strengths: This is a solid mid-range phone focused on giving a good user experience on a budget. It boasts a large AMOLED screen, a large battery, a dedicated wide-angle camera, and a fingerprint sensor.
- Competitive Advantages: The Moto G71 5G has a much lower price point than the iPhone 15, with a larger display and more RAM in the higher end model. The 33W fast charging and a larger battery give it an edge for those who need the phone to last and charge faster.
- Trade-offs and Limitations: The Snapdragon 695 chipset is much slower than the A16 Bionic, meaning less smoothness in daily tasks, and the camera performance is much lower than the iPhone. The screen brightness is also significantly lower than the iPhone, making outdoor usage challenging. The software is also an older version of android.
Apple iPhone 15:
- Strengths: The iPhone 15 offers a premium experience with superior performance, a higher-quality display, and a much better camera system, with professional-grade video. It boasts a more refined ecosystem with better software support.
- Competitive Advantages: The A16 Bionic chip provides unparalleled speed and responsiveness. The camera system is far better, especially in low-light conditions. The wireless charging and stereo speakers are a plus. The more modern design and build quality also lend a more premium feel.
- Trade-offs and Limitations: The iPhone 15 has a smaller screen and a significantly smaller battery, with a higher price tag. There is no fingerprint sensor for security, and the charging speed is slower, and it is missing a dedicated macro and wide angle lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G71 5G:
- Best Suited For: Price-conscious consumers who value battery life and a large display for media consumption. Ideal for users who prioritize affordability and don’t need cutting-edge performance.
- Use Cases: Long commutes, everyday browsing, social media, and media consumption. Those who need long-lasting battery. Good for those who prefer physical security features like fingerprint scanners.
- Value Proposition: An excellent choice for those looking for a budget-friendly phone with solid core features.
Apple iPhone 15:
- Best Suited For: Users who want premium performance, high-quality photos and videos, a refined user experience, and a modern design.
- Use Cases: Serious photographers and videographers, heavy gamers, users who require seamless performance, those who need a robust ecosystem. Great for content creators and social media users.
- Value Proposition: A premium phone with a price to match, justified for those who value best-in-class performance and a seamless ecosystem.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What is my primary use case? If it’s general use, media, or battery life, the Moto G71 5G may suit. If you need performance and photography, the iPhone 15 is better.
- What is my budget? If cost is a major constraint, the Moto G71 5G is far more affordable. If you're willing to pay extra for a premium experience, the iPhone 15 is an option.
- What features are most important to me? If you prioritize battery life and a larger display, then the Motorola is better. If you value performance, camera quality, and a smooth software experience, the iPhone 15 is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: Go for the Moto G71 5G for reliable daily use without breaking the bank.
- Photography Enthusiast: Choose the iPhone 15 for its superior camera system and video capabilities.
- Power User: Opt for the iPhone 15 for its unparalleled performance and ecosystem.
- Media Lover: The Moto G71 5G may be suitable due to its bigger display and battery.
- The Average User: If you want to get the most for your money and your budget is tight, go for the Moto G71 5G. If you are willing to pay more to get a much better phone, choose the iPhone 15.
My Choice
For me, the Apple iPhone 15 is the clear winner. As a tech journalist and analyst, I value performance and camera quality above all else. The A16 Bionic chip is a powerhouse, making everyday tasks fluid and gaming incredibly enjoyable. The camera's low-light performance and video recording capabilities are simply unmatched by the Motorola.
While the Moto G71 5G is a solid budget phone, I can not ignore the huge difference in performance and camera quality when compared to the iPhone. The lack of an expandable storage for the Motorola does not help it's cause either.
I also prefer the compact form factor, modern build quality, and a more up-to-date software experience. Although the smaller battery is a compromise, the overall performance and camera quality of the iPhone 15 outweigh the benefits of the Motorola for my use cases. If budget isn't an issue, then the iPhone is a much better phone!
