Apple iPhone 12 vs Motorola Moto G Power (2023)
The Verdict
iPhone 12 and Moto G Power represent fundamentally different value propositions. Apple's flagship delivers superior display quality with its 1200-nit Super Retina XDR OLED panel and 60Hz refresh rate that feels buttery smooth for daily tasks, while the Moto G Power compensates with a larger 6.5-inch IPS LCD screen and 120Hz refresh rate that appeals to budget users despite lower contrast and brightness (500 nits). Performance heavily favors iPhone 12, whose A14 Bionic processor crushes MediaTek's Dimensity 930, translating to smoother gaming, faster app launches, and superior longevity. Camera differences are notable: iPhone 12's 12MP sensor with OIS and Dolby Vision video recording outperforms the Moto G Power's 50MP sensor in real-world quality, though megapixel count alone won't impress. Battery tells an interesting story, with Moto G Power's 5000 mAh capacity easily outlasting iPhone 12's 2815 mAh unit, though Apple's efficiency helps narrow the gap. At $799 versus $299, iPhone 12 commands a 167% premium justified by processing power, camera expertise, and longevity through iOS updates. Moto G Power suits budget-conscious buyers prioritizing battery life and screen real estate over performance and camera quality. iPhone 12 wins for anyone wanting a capable daily driver that holds value.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone 12 if…
- →First iPhone with 5G connectivity
- →Ceramic Shield front cover is four times more drop-resistant
- →Flat-edge design is comfortable and stylish
Buy the Motorola Moto G Power (2023) if…
- →120Hz display is smooth for a budget phone
- →5G connectivity at an affordable price
- →5000 mAh battery provides reliable two-day endurance
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone 12
Pros
- First iPhone with 5G connectivity
- Ceramic Shield front cover is four times more drop-resistant
- Flat-edge design is comfortable and stylish
- A14 Bionic delivers excellent performance and efficiency
- Dolby Vision HDR video recording is a first for any smartphone
Cons
- 60Hz display when competitors offered 90Hz or 120Hz
- Small 2815 mAh battery offers mediocre battery life
- 64 GB base storage is inadequate in 2020
- Lightning port instead of USB-C
- No telephoto lens — only dual camera
Motorola Moto G Power (2023)
Pros
- 120Hz display is smooth for a budget phone
- 5G connectivity at an affordable price
- 5000 mAh battery provides reliable two-day endurance
- Near-stock Android 13 is clean and fast
- IP52 splash resistance for basic protection
Cons
- Only 18W charging is very slow
- 4 GB RAM is restrictive for multitasking
- 2 MP macro and depth cameras add no value
- IPS LCD lacks AMOLED vibrancy
- Only one OS update promised by Motorola
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone 12 | Motorola Moto G Power (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 14 | Android 13 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 164 g | 184 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Ceramic Shield front | Plastic frame and back |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP52 |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | 162.7 x 74.7 x 8.35 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP, f/1.6, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.8, PDAF |
| Front camera | 12 MP TrueDepth, f/2.2 | 16 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 4K@60fps, Dolby Vision HDR | 1080p@30fps |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP, f/2.4 | — |
| Depth | — | 2 MP, f/2.4 |
| Macro | — | 2 MP, f/2.4 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Storage options | 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB | 64 GB, 128 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 2815 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 18W wired (TurboPower) |
| Wireless charging | 15W MagSafe | No |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.5 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1200 | 500 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core (2x3.1 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz + 6x2.0 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | IMG BXM-8-256 |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | MediaTek Dimensity 930 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | Lightning | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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