Okay, let's dive deep into a comparison of the Motorola Moto G71 5G and the Apple iPhone SE (2022). I'll break down the specs, offer key insights, and help you figure out which one might be right for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the specifications, focusing on what they mean for real-world use:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Apple iPhone SE (2022) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.2 x 73.9 x 8.5 mm | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm | The Moto G71 is noticeably larger and thicker, potentially less comfortable for single-handed use; the SE is much more compact. |
| Weight | 179g | 144g | The SE is significantly lighter, making it more pocketable and easier to use for extended periods. |
| Foldable Type | Standard | Standard | Both are standard, non-folding smartphones. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 4.7" | The Moto G71 provides much more screen real estate, great for media consumption and multitasking; the SE has a smaller, more compact display. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 750x1334 | The Moto G71 has a much sharper display, offering clearer text and more detailed visuals. |
| PPI | 411 | 326 | The Moto G71 will display images and text with more clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The Moto G71's AMOLED screen will offer richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, especially beneficial in dark environments. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both offer a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which may feel less smooth than higher refresh-rate displays. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness isn't specified, which is a big limitation for outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G | Apple A15 Bionic | The A15 Bionic in the SE is significantly more powerful, providing smoother performance, faster app loading, and superior gaming capabilities. |
| Antutu Score | 396,564 | 1,225,939 | The A15 Bionic absolutely dominates the Moto G71's Snapdragon in raw performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Apple GPU (4-core) | Apple's GPU is considerably more capable for graphics intensive tasks such as gaming or video editing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 50MP | 12.2MP | The Moto G71 has a higher megapixel count, but the iPhone SE's image processing and sensor tech likely provide better overall image quality. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.8 | Similar aperture means similar light-gathering capabilities. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.76" | N/A | The sensor size on Moto G71 is notably smaller than other flagship sensors; The iPhone SE does not publish a sensor size. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.64µm | 1.22 µm | The larger pixel size on the iPhone SE indicates better light sensitivity and potentially better low-light performance despite a lower resolution. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 16MP | 7MP | The Moto G71 has a higher megapixel count for selfies, but the iPhone's processing might still offer more detailed images. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | N/A | The Motorola offers a dedicated ultrawide camera for more versatile shooting capabilities. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | N/A | The Motorola includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@60fps | 4K@60fps | The iPhone SE records video at a much higher resolution and frame rate, offering more detailed and smoother videos, alongside OIS. |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | Mobile: 100; Photo: 126; Video: 106 | The iPhone SE has received positive reviews in the DxOMark testing suite. |
| Camera Features | Various | Various, including 4k recording and OIS | Both have many of the modern camera features you would expect; The iPhone has Optical Image Stabilisation. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 2018mAh | The Moto G71 has a significantly larger battery, suggesting much longer battery life, though software optimization matters a lot. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 18W fast charging | The Moto G71 charges faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both devices have non-removable batteries. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | iOS 15.4 (Upgradable to 18) | The devices operate on distinct operating systems; the Apple's operating system is typically more long-term supported, and is more focused on stability and speed. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | The iPhone SE supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster and more efficient wireless connections. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Both have similar Bluetooth connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Wi-Fi, Cell ID | Motorola has more options for GPS positioning. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | The Motorola uses dual nano sims, while the Apple offers dual sim via Nano sim and eSim. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB | 64, 128, 256GB | The iPhone SE has higher capacity models, while the Motorola is limited to a single internal storage capacity of 128GB. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 4 GB | The Moto G71 has more RAM, which might be beneficial for multitasking, but software optimization plays a significant role. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither of the devices support expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | Basic audio | The Motorola has additional audio features with Dolby Atmos sound. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Front-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Both devices use basic fingerprint security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensor List | Biometric: Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall | Biometric: Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | The iPhone includes additional sensors, for environmental and navigation. |
2. Key Insights
- Motorola Moto G71 5G Strengths:
- Larger, Sharper AMOLED Display: Great for media consumption, gaming, and productivity.
- Significantly Larger Battery: Likely provides much longer battery life.
- More Versatile Camera System: Offers wide-angle and macro lenses for diverse shooting.
- Faster Charging: Minimizes downtime.
- Dual Sim with Dual Standby Use two physical sim cards at once.
- Apple iPhone SE (2022) Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The A15 Bionic chip provides a massive performance leap for responsiveness, gaming, and general use.
- High-Quality Video Recording: Shoots stunning 4K videos with OIS.
- Compact and Lightweight Design: Comfortable for single-handed use and easily pocketable.
- Better software support: Apple devices tend to get much longer support.
- eSim support: Gives you flexibility to switch carriers digitally.
- Trade-offs:
- The Moto G71 sacrifices processing power and high-end video recording capabilities for a larger screen, larger battery, and more versatile camera setup.
- The iPhone SE prioritizes performance and video quality but has a smaller screen, shorter battery life, and a less versatile camera system.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Moto G71 5G is best for:
- Media Consumers: Those who watch a lot of videos, browse social media, and play games.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who want a large screen and long battery life without breaking the bank.
- Photography Enthusiasts Those who want a versatile camera system with multiple lenses.
- Travelers: Those who need long battery life and dual-sim capabilities
- Apple iPhone SE (2022) is best for:
- Performance Seekers: Those who prioritize a fast, responsive smartphone experience.
- Video Creators: Those who want the best possible video quality in a compact phone.
- Apple Ecosystem Users: Those who are already invested in the Apple ecosystem.
- Users who prefer Smaller Phones: Those who are comfortable with smaller display sizes and prefer single-handed use.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- What do I prioritize more: Display and battery, or performance and video? If a large display and long battery life are key, the Moto G71 is your choice. If top performance and video quality matter more, the iPhone SE is the way to go.
- How important is camera versatility? If you want the flexibility of different lenses, the Moto G71 is a better option. If you primarily take standard photos or videos, the iPhone SE is more than capable.
- What size phone am I comfortable with? The Moto G71 is a larger phone, which may not be suitable for people with small hands.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Frequent traveler needs long battery and dual sim: The Moto G71 is the better choice due to a larger battery and a Dual SIM setup with two Nano SIMs.
- Scenario 2: A casual user who values speed and performance over media: Go for the iPhone SE with its powerful A15 Bionic chip, which has more performance than most of the phones on the market.
- Scenario 3: A student who needs a phone for study, social media, and some gaming: The Moto G71 offers a large display for browsing and media consumption, as well as a very long-lasting battery.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two devices, I would lean towards the Apple iPhone SE (2022). My rationale is that while the Motorola offers a more well-rounded set of features, the performance gap is just too significant. The A15 Bionic is an absolute beast and will provide a more fluid and enjoyable user experience, even with a less powerful battery and camera setup than the Motorola. I do a lot of video recording, so the 4k video recording and OIS on the iPhone is essential, but the biggest benefit is the extra support and speed I'll get.
While the bigger screen and better battery of the Motorola are enticing, the overall speed of the iPhone gives it a better, more responsive experience. I also appreciate the software optimisation that comes with an Apple product. The iPhone SE is a compact powerhouse that will consistently deliver a smooth and responsive smartphone experience.
