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Apple iPhone 12 vs Motorola Moto G Power (2023)

Updated Apr 2026phones
Apple iPhone 12
Apple
Apple iPhone 12
$799
8.4/10
Winner
VS

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.

ValuePower (2023)
CameraiPhone 12
BatteryPower (2023)
DisplayiPhone 12
PerformanceiPhone 12

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

Apple iPhone 12
Motorola Moto G Power (2023)
Value
7.8
8.4
Camera
8.7
6.9
Battery
7.2
8.6
Display
9.2
6.5
Performance
9.1
6.2

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

SpecApple iPhone 12Motorola Moto G Power (2023)
SoftwareiOS 14Android 13
Body
Weight164 g184 g
MaterialAluminum frame, Ceramic Shield frontPlastic frame and back
IP ratingIP68IP52
Dimensions146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm162.7 x 74.7 x 8.35 mm
Camera
Main camera12 MP, f/1.6, OIS50 MP, f/1.8, PDAF
Front camera12 MP TrueDepth, f/2.216 MP, f/2.4
Video4K@60fps, Dolby Vision HDR1080p@30fps
Ultrawide12 MP, f/2.4
Depth2 MP, f/2.4
Macro2 MP, f/2.4
Memory
RAM4 GB4 GB
Storage options64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB64 GB, 128 GB
Battery
Capacity2815 mAh5000 mAh
Charging20W wired18W wired (TurboPower)
Wireless charging15W MagSafeNo
Display
Size6.1 inches6.5 inches
TypeSuper Retina XDR OLEDIPS LCD
Resolution2532 x 11702400 x 1080
Refresh rate60Hz120Hz
Brightness (nits)1200500
Processor
CPUHexa-core (2x3.1 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz + 6x2.0 GHz)
GPUApple GPU (4-core)IMG BXM-8-256
ChipsetApple A14 BionicMediaTek Dimensity 930
Connectivity
5G
NFC
USBLightningUSB-C 2.0
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 5
Bluetooth5.05.1

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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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