1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola One 5G Ace | Apple iPhone SE (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 138.4 × 67.3 × 7.3 mm | Motorola is significantly larger and bulkier, less pocketable; iPhone is more compact, easier for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 212g | 144g | Motorola is noticeably heavier, leading to fatigue during extended use; iPhone is lighter, more comfortable to carry. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 4.7" | Motorola provides a much larger screen for immersive viewing, media consumption; iPhone is smaller, more pocketable, suitable for single-handed operation, but lacks in media and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 750x1334 | Motorola offers sharper visuals, more detail, better for viewing media, reading; iPhone has lower resolution, may appear less sharp. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 393 | 326 | Motorola provides crisper text and images; iPhone is less sharp |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both offer similar color accuracy and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have a standard refresh rate, resulting in similar fluidity. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is unknown, which makes comparison difficult. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) | iPhone offers significantly faster performance, smoother multitasking, better gaming, more future-proof due to the superior processing power of A15. |
| AnTuTu Score | 330,000 | 1,225,939 | iPhone is substantially more powerful, leading to better overall experience and app performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | iPhone has a significantly more powerful GPU, ideal for graphically intensive tasks and games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 2018mAh | Motorola is likely to offer much better battery life, suitable for power users; iPhone's battery life is much shorter. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 18W fast charging | iPhone charges slightly faster; Motorola has slower charging. |
| Features | 10W rapid charger in-box | Not official mAh value | Motorola includes a charger, and iPhone doesn't specify its capacity. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 12.2MP | Motorola captures more detailed images, although higher resolution doesn't always equate to better quality; iPhone has less resolution. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.8 | Motorola's wider aperture allows more light, performs slightly better in low-light situations. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.22 µm | iPhone captures more light with each pixel, thus performs better in low-light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 7MP | Motorola captures more detailed selfies; iPhone has less resolution on the front camera. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.2 | Both have similar aperture, similar low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | None | Motorola provides wider field of view; iPhone lacks ultrawide lens. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Motorola offers macro photography capability for close-up shots. iPhone doesn't support macro photography. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps with EIS | 4K@60fps with HDR, OIS, Stereo Sound | iPhone offers superior video quality with HDR, OIS and stereo audio; Motorola lacks OIS and HDR for video recording. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | OIS | iPhone offers optical image stabilization resulting in superior video stabilization. |
| Slow-Motion | 60 fps | 240 fps | iPhone has a higher slow-motion frame rate, better for capturing slow-motion video. |
| DxOMark Score | Not tested | Main Score: 100, Photo: 126, Video: 106 | iPhone has been tested and scored well; Motorola's camera is not rated, making comparison difficult. |
| Camera Features | PDAF, LAF, Night Mode | OIS, 4K video | Motorola has more autofocus technologies, iPhone has optical image stabilization and 4k video. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 10 | iOS 15.4 (upgradeable to 18) | Different ecosystems; Android is more customizable, iOS is more streamlined and user-friendly. iPhone gets long-term software updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | iPhone supports the latest WiFi standard, faster speeds; Motorola has older WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | Motorola has a slightly more recent Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Wi-Fi, Cell ID | Motorola has slightly more precise location due to supporting more satellite systems, whereas iPhone uses Cell ID to improve location accuracy in specific conditions. |
| SIM | Single Nano SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | iPhone supports two SIMs for dual carrier use; Motorola supports a single nano sim card. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 64 GB or 128 GB or 256 GB | iPhone has a higher maximum storage option and additional 256GB option. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 4 GB | Motorola's 6 GB variant has an advantage in multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both lack expandable storage, so users are limited to internal options. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | 2 microphones | Basic audio features | Motorola has a slight advantage in voice capture and audio quality due to the additional microphone; iPhone's audio features are considered basic. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both have similar fingerprint sensor technology for security, but neither has facial recognition. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Screen protection is not known for either phone, making comparison difficult. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | iPhone has an additional barometer sensor for measuring air pressure; Useful for altitude tracking, weather prediction and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola One 5G Ace Advantages:
- Larger Display: 6.7" screen is significantly larger for immersive media consumption, web browsing, and gaming.
- Bigger Battery: 5000mAh battery provides significantly longer battery life for extended usage.
- More versatile Camera system: Includes wide-angle and macro lenses, providing more flexibility in capturing different types of photos.
- More RAM (6 GB option): Potentially better for moderate multitasking and less background app reloading.
- Newer Bluetooth: Supports Bluetooth 5.1.
- Additional Audio Capture: Has dual microphone setup for enhanced audio recording.
- More Location Accuracy: Provides more precise location tracking due to supporting more satellite systems.
Practical Implications: Better for users who prioritize a large screen, long battery life, versatile camera options, and slightly more audio capture capabilities.
Apple iPhone SE (2022) Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: A15 Bionic chip is much faster, providing smoother performance, better gaming, and more future-proofing.
- Compact and Lightweight Design: Much smaller and lighter, making it easier to carry and use one-handed.
- Superior Video Quality: Supports 4K recording with HDR, OIS, and stereo sound.
- Better Video Stabilization: Optical image stabilization (OIS) results in smoother videos.
- Higher Slow-Motion Frame Rate: 240 fps slow-motion recording capability.
- Latest WiFi Standard (WiFi 6): Faster wireless internet speeds.
- Dual SIM Support (eSIM): Ability to use two phone numbers on one device.
- Long-Term Software Support: Guaranteed to receive several years of OS updates.
- Barometer Sensor: Offers additional environmental data and for enhanced gaming features.
- DxOMark Score: Has been tested and scored well for mobile camera performance, while the Motorola's camera is not rated, making comparison difficult.
Practical Implications: Better for users who prioritize performance, portability, superior video quality, and long-term software support within the Apple ecosystem.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Motorola: Sacrifices performance and portability for a larger screen and battery life. Camera quality in low light and recording capabilities are inferior.
- iPhone SE: Sacrifices screen size and battery life for superior performance, better camera and video capabilities, and portability.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola One 5G Ace Ideal User:
- Media Consumers: Those who watch a lot of videos or stream content and desire a larger screen.
- Power Users: Individuals who need a long-lasting battery for all-day use.
- Casual Photographers: Those who want a versatile camera system with multiple lenses.
- Price-conscious buyers: Users who prioritize value, but aren't too concerned with top-tier performance.
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching movies and TV shows on a large screen while commuting.
- Using the phone for navigation and long-distance travel without worrying about battery life.
- Taking everyday photos and occasional wide-angle or macro shots.
- Casual gaming without pushing the limits of the hardware.
Apple iPhone SE (2022) Ideal User:
- Performance Seekers: Users who prioritize speed and responsiveness, particularly for gaming.
- Compact Phone Lovers: Those who prefer a small, light, and easily manageable device.
- Video Enthusiasts: Users who often record videos and want the best quality and stabilization.
- Apple Ecosystem Users: Individuals already invested in the Apple ecosystem and prefer iOS.
- Users who need longevity: Those who need the peace of mind of long term OS updates.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games.
- Recording high-quality videos for social media or personal projects.
- Using the phone for daily tasks while on the go, using one-handed operation.
- Enjoying a smooth, optimized user experience within the iOS ecosystem.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
What is my priority: Screen size & Battery or Performance & Portability?
- If a large screen and long battery life are crucial, choose the Motorola.
- If performance and a compact design are preferred, choose the iPhone SE.
Which is more important: Camera Versatility or Video Quality?
- If you want multiple lenses and flexibility in photography, choose the Motorola.
- If you prioritize high-quality video recording and stabilization, choose the iPhone SE.
Am I tied into an ecosystem (Android/iOS) and/or planning on using the phone for the long term?
- If you already use Apple products and want guaranteed long-term software support, choose the iPhone SE.
- If you prefer Android's customizability and lower-cost options, choose the Motorola.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy media consumption and travel: Choose the Motorola One 5G Ace for its large display and long battery life.
- Scenario 2: High-performance gaming and video recording: Choose the iPhone SE (2022) for its superior processing power and video capabilities.
- Scenario 3: Budget-conscious user who values a big screen and long battery: Choose the Motorola One 5G Ace.
- Scenario 4: Compactness and seamless iOS experience is top priority: Choose the iPhone SE (2022).
What I would choose and why!
Based on my analysis, I would personally choose the Apple iPhone SE (2022). While the Motorola One 5G Ace offers a compelling combination of a large screen and long battery life, my priorities lean towards the following:
- Performance: The A15 Bionic chip in the iPhone SE is a massive leap in performance over the Snapdragon 750G. This ensures a fluid, snappy experience that will remain relevant for years to come. It makes a tangible difference in app loading times, multitasking, and gaming.
- Video Quality: I value video recording capabilities, and the iPhone's OIS, HDR, and stereo sound for videos are important features. These significantly enhance video recordings.
- Portability: I appreciate the compact form factor of the iPhone SE. I prefer a smaller, more pocketable phone that's easy to manage one-handed.
- Software and Ecosystem: As someone familiar with and invested in the Apple ecosystem, I appreciate the long-term software updates, streamlined user experience, and consistent integration with other Apple devices.
- Longevity: The iPhone SE benefits from Apple's track record of long-term software updates and support. This means the phone will remain functional, secure, and compatible with new software features for a longer time.
- Reliable Camera: Although it lacks the versatility of extra lenses, the primary camera of the iPhone SE has been rated well on DXOMark with superior performance in challenging lighting conditions.
Although the Motorola is more affordable, offers a bigger screen and better battery life, for my use case the benefits of the A15 chip performance, a quality camera and video recording setup and the compact size of the iPhone SE are the more important advantages. The iPhone SE offers far more longevity and the A15 chip ensures smoother everyday usage, along with top quality camera and video. The smaller screen and lower battery capacity are a trade off that I'm willing to make.
