Smartphone Comparison: Motorola One 5G Ace vs. Apple iPhone 15 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola One 5G Ace | Apple iPhone 15 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-14 | 2023-09-22 | iPhone 15 Pro is significantly newer, with access to newer technologies. |
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 146.6 × 70.6 × 8.3 mm | Motorola is larger and bulkier, less pocketable. iPhone is more compact. |
| Weight | 212g | 187g | iPhone is lighter and more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.1" | Motorola offers a larger screen, better for media consumption; iPhone is more compact for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1179x2556 | iPhone has a sharper display with higher pixel density. |
| PPI | 393 | 461 | iPhone offers visibly sharper text and images. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | iPhone's OLED provides better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | iPhone offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | iPhone has vastly superior outdoor visibility in bright sunlight; Motorola brightness is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) | iPhone’s chip provides drastically better performance for all tasks including gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 330,000 | 1,641,883 | iPhone offers a much faster experience in loading apps, multitasking and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Apple GPU (6-core) | iPhone has a much more powerful GPU for graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 48MP | Both capture high-resolution images, but differences exist in sensor size and pixel size. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.78 | Motorola has slightly wider aperture (potentially better low light performance) |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | Unknown | 1/1.3" | iPhone has a larger sensor which captures more light, offering better low-light images |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm pixel size | 1.22 µm pixel size | iPhone has larger pixel size, which captures more light |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 12MP | Motorola has a higher resolution selfie camera, though this doesn't guarantee better image quality. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/1.9 | iPhone's selfie camera likely performs better in low-light conditions with a wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | 12MP f/2.8 | iPhone offers optical zoom capabilities, useful for detailed shots from a distance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.2 | No | Motorola allows for wider shots in a single frame |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | No | Motorola offers a macro lens for close-up photography |
| Wide Angle + Macro | No | 12MP f/2.2 | iPhone offers a combination of wide and macro functionality |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR | iPhone has more video recording options and HDR, offering superior quality. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | Yes | iPhone offers far better video stabilization |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | Not Tested | 154 | iPhone has high-quality camera performance based on this reputable benchmark. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | Not Tested | 149 | iPhone has high-quality selfie camera performance based on this reputable benchmark. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 3650mAh | Motorola has a significantly larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 15W | 27W | iPhone charges faster. |
| Wireless Charging | No | 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi | iPhone offers wireless charging flexibility |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | iOS 17 | Different OSes with differing ecosystems and user interfaces. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | iPhone offers faster speeds with more modern WiFi standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | iPhone has more advanced Bluetooth features. |
| SIM | Single Nano SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | iPhone offers more SIM options for travelers or dual-line users. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1024 GB | iPhone offers significantly more storage space, particularly for photos and videos. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 8 GB | iPhone has more RAM for smoother multitasking and running demanding apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 Microphones | Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones, Dolby Atmos | iPhone is superior for calls, sound quality, and music. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear Fingerprint Sensor | Basic security features | Motorola has fingerprint reader; iPhone uses face recognition. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both use unknown screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Proximity | iPhone includes an barometer, and motorola includes an fingerprint sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola One 5G Ace Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.7" screen is better for media consumption and those who prefer a bigger view.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery could provide longer battery life for extended use between charges.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for taking close-up shots.
- Lower Cost: The Motorola One 5G Ace is likely to be significantly cheaper given its older chipset and release date.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The A17 Pro chipset offers unmatched processing power.
- Better Display: OLED technology, higher refresh rate, and higher pixel density for a significantly improved visual experience.
- Significantly Better Camera: Offers telephoto lens, wider-angle + macro lens, better image quality, and superior video recording capabilities
- Faster Charging: Supports faster 27W wired charging and wireless charging.
- More Storage and RAM: Up to 1TB storage and 8GB RAM.
- Premium Build Quality: Typically better materials and craftsmanship.
- Software & Ecosystem: Access to Apple's iOS, ecosystem, and services, including long-term updates.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Motorola: Sacrifices significant performance, camera quality, and overall user experience for a lower price point.
- iPhone: Significantly more expensive, and has a smaller screen and possibly shorter battery life than the Motorola.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola One 5G Ace is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users who need a large screen and long battery life for basic tasks.
- Users who prioritize a simple and reliable smartphone with a big screen for media consumption.
- Those who do not need high-performance gaming or professional-grade camera quality.
Use Cases:
* Watching movies or videos on the go.
* Browsing the internet, social media, and emails.
* Basic photography for social media.
* Users that want a large screen and a lower price.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro is ideal for:
- Users who demand the best possible performance, camera quality, and overall premium experience.
- Creative professionals who need advanced photo/video features and editing capabilities.
- Users who value Apple’s ecosystem and long-term software support.
- Gamers who want the best graphics and performance.
Use Cases:
- High-performance mobile gaming.
- Professional photography and videography.
- Demanding apps, heavy multitasking, and video editing.
- Users who are deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Price-to-Value:
- Motorola One 5G Ace offers good value for basic users on a tight budget.
- iPhone 15 Pro has a premium price, but offers top-tier performance and features for users that can afford the best.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
What's your budget?
- The Motorola One 5G Ace is a budget-friendly option.
- The iPhone 15 Pro is significantly more expensive, being a top-tier smartphone.
What are your primary use cases?
- If performance and photography are crucial, the iPhone is better.
- If a large screen and long battery life for media consumption is prioritized, the Motorola is a valid choice.
Which ecosystem do you prefer?
- Motorola offers stock Android with added customizations
- iPhone is locked into Apple’s ecosystem.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User on a Budget
- Recommendation: Motorola One 5G Ace is sufficient for day to day use if you don't have a high budget.
- Scenario 2: Photography Enthusiast
- Recommendation: Apple iPhone 15 Pro has a far superior camera system
- Scenario 3: Mobile Gamer
- Recommendation: Apple iPhone 15 Pro provides top tier gaming performance.
- Scenario 4: Media Consumption
- Recommendation: Motorola One 5G Ace provides a larger display and long battery life; however, the iPhone provides a superior screen quality.
Personal Recommendation
If price was no object, I would choose the Apple iPhone 15 Pro. Despite the smaller screen and possibly shorter battery life, the vastly superior performance, camera system, and overall premium experience are too significant to ignore. The OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate is a game-changer for a smooth and vibrant user experience, while the A17 Pro chip offers the power needed for all tasks, including demanding apps and gaming. The telephoto camera and improved video recording are also a significant advantage for photography enthusiasts. Finally, I am also a strong believer in software support, and Apple provides an unrivaled experience with updates and the overall ecosystem. While the Motorola is an ok smartphone, it is a much less polished experience.
