Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) vs Motorola Moto G Power (2023)
The Verdict
Apple's iPhone SE 3 delivers flagship performance through its A15 Bionic chip, which significantly outpaces the Moto G Power's Dimensity 930 in real-world speed and gaming. The compact 4.7-inch display feels dated compared to the Moto's expansive 6.5-inch screen with 120Hz refresh rate, offering noticeably smoother scrolling. Motorola compensates with a massive 5000 mAh battery lasting two days versus the iPhone's 2018 mAh capacity requiring daily charging. Camera capabilities differ fundamentally: the iPhone captures superior detail with its 12 MP sensor and 4K 60fps video, while the Moto impresses with its 50 MP primary shooter and versatile macro lens, though it maxes out at 1080p video. The iPhone's IP67 rating provides better water resistance than the Moto's IP52 standard. Build quality favors Apple with aluminum construction and wireless charging, while Motorola uses plastic but includes USB-C. At $429 versus $299, the iPhone SE 3 targets users prioritizing raw performance and ecosystem integration, whereas the Moto G Power suits those valuing screen size, battery endurance, and budget considerations.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) if…
- →Most affordable iPhone with 5G
- →Powerful A15 Bionic chip
- →Compact and lightweight design
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 SE (3rd generation)
Pros
- Most affordable iPhone with 5G
- Powerful A15 Bionic chip
- Compact and lightweight design
- Touch ID home button
- Long iOS software support
Cons
- Dated design with thick bezels
- Single rear camera
- Small 4.7-inch LCD display
- Lightning port instead of USB-C
- Modest battery life
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 SE (3rd generation) | Motorola Moto G Power (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 15 | Android 13 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 144 g | 184 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Plastic frame and back |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP52 |
| Dimensions | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm | 162.7 x 74.7 x 8.35 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP | 50 MP, f/1.8, PDAF |
| Front camera | 7 MP | 16 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| 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 | 2018 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 18W wired (TurboPower) |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W Qi | No |
| Display | ||
| Size | 4.7 inches | 6.5 inches |
| Type | Retina IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 1334 x 750 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 625 | 500 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz + 6x2.0 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | IMG BXM-8-256 |
| Chipset | Apple A15 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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