Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G71 5G and the Apple iPhone 16 Plus. This is a classic matchup between Android and iOS, and the specifications reveal some very distinct choices. I'll break it down like we're chatting over coffee, focusing on what each phone brings to the table for real people.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table breaking down the key technical specifications, and crucially, what they mean in the real world:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Apple iPhone 16 Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.2 × 73.9 × 8.5 mm | 160.9 × 77.8 × 7.8 mm | iPhone 16 Plus is wider, Moto G71 slightly thicker, impacting hand feel and pocketability |
| Weight | 179g | 199g | Moto G71 is noticeably lighter, comfortable for longer use |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | iPhone 16 Plus offers a more immersive, slightly bigger view |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1290x2796 | iPhone 16 Plus has a sharper, more detailed display |
| PPI | 411 | 460 | iPhone 16 Plus offers a crisper viewing experience, less pixel visibility |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer great contrast and vibrant colors |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Standard refresh rate, smooth for everyday use but not as fluid as higher rates |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | iPhone 16 Plus display is significantly brighter for outdoor visibility, especially in direct sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Apple A18 (3 nm) | iPhone 16 Plus boasts a much more powerful chip, faster performance and better efficiency |
| AnTuTu Score | 396,564 | 1,753,018 | iPhone 16 Plus will run apps and games much faster, also more future-proof |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Apple GPU (5-core/6-core) | iPhone 16 Plus offers vastly superior graphics performance |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4674mAh | Moto G71 has slightly larger battery capacity, but may not translate to longer use |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Moto G71 charges slightly faster, especially from a depleted battery |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, 25W Wireless Charging | iPhone 16 Plus adds wireless charging convenience |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76") | 48MP (f/1.6, 1/1.3") | iPhone 16 Plus has a larger sensor and wider aperture, better low light photos and video quality |
| Selfie | 16MP (f/2.2) | 12MP (f/1.9) | iPhone 16 Plus has a wider aperture for brighter selfies |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP (f/2.2) | None | Moto G71 offers a dedicated wide angle lens |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | Moto G71 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 12MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55") | iPhone 16 Plus combines macro and wide in one for increased versatility |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps; No stabilization | 4K@24/25/30/60fps with HDR, OIS | iPhone 16 Plus excels with 4K video capabilities and advanced stabilization, also has a wide range of FPS options |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, Laser AF, Digital Stabilization | Dual camera, OIS, Cinematic Mode, 4K Video, Night Mode | iPhone 16 Plus has advanced features for videography and night photography, while the Moto offers triple camera setup for different perspectives |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, up to 12 | iOS 18 | Different OS experiences, Android offers customization, iOS is more streamlined, and secure |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Direct, Display | Wi-Fi 6/6E, MIMO | iPhone 16 Plus provides faster and more reliable WiFi with newer standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE, AptX | iPhone 16 Plus supports newer Bluetooth with AptX for improved audio quality |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, NavIC | iPhone 16 Plus is better for precise location tracking with additional support |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | iPhone 16 Plus offers eSIM convenience; Moto G71 has two SIM Slots |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 128/256/512GB | iPhone 16 Plus provides more internal storage options |
| RAM | 6GB or 8 GB | 8 GB | Good for multitasking and gaming, similar configurations |
| Expandable | No | No | No ability to add more storage via SD Card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 mics | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 mics, Noise Cancellation | iPhone 16 Plus provides better overall audio with stereo sound and advanced noise cancellation |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear Fingerprint | Basic Security features | Moto G71 has a fingerprint sensor for easy biometric unlocking, whereas the iPhone is limited to FaceID or passcode |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | iPhone 16 Plus has additional environmental sensors for more data access. |
2. Key Insights
- Motorola Moto G71 5G: The Reliable All-Rounder
- Strengths: The Moto G71 5G provides excellent battery capacity and fast charging, a good AMOLED screen for vibrant colors, a versatile triple-camera setup including macro and wide angle lens, and is significantly lighter.
- Competitive Advantages: This phone prioritizes a more budget-friendly approach with long battery life and a variety of camera modes. It also boasts a physical fingerprint sensor, a feature some users prefer. It uses the latest USB-C, as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature that is not found in iPhone devices.
- Trade-offs: Lacks the high-end processing power, low light camera performance, and advanced video capture that the iPhone 16 Plus offers. It also lacks expandable storage and wireless charging.
- Apple iPhone 16 Plus: The Powerhouse with Premium Features
- Strengths: The iPhone 16 Plus offers a larger, higher-resolution display with amazing brightness, a much more powerful chipset, superior low light camera performance, enhanced video capabilities and great audio experience with stereo speakers.
- Competitive Advantages: The A18 chip results in significant performance gains for gaming, apps, and overall system speed. The build quality is likely to be very high, with a more premium design.
- Trade-offs: The price is significantly higher. It does not include a macro camera, fingerprint scanner, and comes with a smaller battery. It also charges slower than the Moto, and also lacks a headphone jack. It also doesn't support expandable storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Moto G71 5G:
- Best For: Budget-conscious users, those who prioritize battery life and a variety of camera modes (macro, wide angle), those that love using a physical fingerprint sensor, and users who value having a 3.5mm jack for wired headphones. Ideal for day-to-day use, casual photography, and media consumption.
- Use Cases: Perfect for students, casual gamers, or those who need a reliable phone for basic tasks, photography, and navigation. It's also a good choice for those who prefer to use wired headphones and value having two SIM slots.
- Apple iPhone 16 Plus:
- Best For: Performance-focused users, photographers and videographers, and users embedded in the Apple ecosystem. Ideal for mobile gaming, professional work, and users who want the latest features and best screen possible.
- Use Cases: Best suited for content creators, social media mavens, power users, and those who need a high-performance, high-quality camera phone. It's also ideal for individuals already heavily invested in Apple’s ecosystem of products and services, seeking its seamless user experience and advanced video capturing features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What is your budget? If you're on a tight budget, the Motorola Moto G71 5G is the clear choice. If you have a more flexible budget, the iPhone 16 Plus offers higher quality, but at a cost.
- What is your priority: performance or battery life? The iPhone 16 Plus wins hands-down on performance, while the Moto G71 5G emphasizes longer battery and charging speed.
- Which ecosystem do you prefer? Android users will naturally lean toward the Moto G71 5G, while those heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem will appreciate the seamless integration of the iPhone 16 Plus.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Budget-Conscious Photographer: Choose the Moto G71 5G for its more affordable price, decent cameras with wide-angle and macro lens capabilities, and long battery life. It's great for casual everyday photography and lasts all day.
- The Mobile Gamer: Choose the iPhone 16 Plus. Its superior processing power, great display, and smoother experience will provide much better gaming experience. It has a larger screen, better refresh rates and better color vibrancy.
- The Social Media Maven: The iPhone 16 Plus is the winner, with its high-quality camera, and much faster processing. It also supports the latest Bluetooth, as well as faster WiFi.
- The Power User on a Budget: Consider the Motorola Moto G71 5G for its balanced features, battery life, fingerprint reader and lower cost.
- The Apple Fanatic: The iPhone 16 Plus is the clear choice if you are already embedded in the Apple Ecosystem.
My Choice and Why
Personally, I would choose the Apple iPhone 16 Plus. Here's why:
As someone who deeply values performance and the latest advancements, the A18 chip and high-quality display on the iPhone 16 Plus would provide an incredibly smooth and enjoyable experience. My main use case as a tech journalist involves heavy multitasking, running benchmarks, capturing videos, and doing research, and this is where the iPhone would shine. While the battery isn't as large as the Moto, the power efficiency of the A18 chip, combined with the wireless charging support, would suit my needs more effectively. Plus, as someone already heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, the seamless integration is a huge factor for my workflows. Although the Motorola's fingerprint sensor is a nice touch, I find Apple's face recognition system very easy to use, and I prioritize performance and quality over battery life. Ultimately, it's a matter of trading some battery life for a huge performance boost and an overall premium experience. The camera and video recording capabilities on the iPhone are significantly better, which makes it my preferred pick.
