iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Motorola Moto G53

iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$436.00

Versus A$1,249.00 new

See options
Motorola Moto G53
Motorola Moto G53
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$203.77

Versus A$975.00 new

See options

The iPhone 12 Pro Max, released in November 2020, and the Motorola Moto G53, launched in December 2022, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While the iPhone offers a premium build and an advanced camera system, the Moto G53 provides a high refresh rate display and a more recent Android experience. These devices operate on different ecosystems, with the iPhone running iOS and the Moto G53 utilizing Android.

Scores

Durability

When considering longevity, both devices offer different strengths.

  • Release Timeline and Software Support: The iPhone 12 Pro Max, launched in late 2020, typically receives software updates for an extended period, often five to six years from its release, ensuring continued access to new features and security patches. The Moto G53, being a more recent device from late 2022, will also receive several years of Android updates, though typically a shorter duration than Apple's support cycle.
  • Build Materials and Water Resistance: The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a robust construction with a Ceramic Shield front cover and a stainless steel frame, contributing to its overall durability and offering IP68 water and dust resistance, allowing submersion in water up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. The Moto G53 has a splash-resistant design with a plastic frame and back, providing protection against minor splashes but not full water immersion.
  • Expected Practical Lifespan: The premium materials and longer software commitment for the iPhone 12 Pro Max suggest a potentially longer practical lifespan for users who prioritize device resilience and extended feature support.

Release year

2020

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Operating system

iOS

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance capabilities of these two smartphones cater to different user demands.

  • Processing Power and Responsiveness: The iPhone 12 Pro Max is equipped with a powerful processor that handles demanding applications, complex games, and extensive multitasking with notable speed and efficiency. This results in fast app loading and a consistently smooth user experience. The Moto G53, while capable, is designed for everyday tasks such as web browsing, social media, and light gaming, providing responsive performance for general use.
  • Multitasking and Storage: With 6GB of RAM, the iPhone 12 Pro Max facilitates seamless multitasking, allowing users to switch between numerous applications without slowdowns. It also offers higher maximum internal storage options, up to 512GB, catering to users with extensive media and app libraries. The Moto G53 typically comes with 4GB or 6GB of RAM and up to 128GB of internal storage, which is suitable for moderate usage.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 12 Pro Max generally offers good battery life, often lasting a full day of normal use. The Moto G53, with its efficient processor and larger 5000 mAh battery, also provides strong battery endurance, often extending beyond a full day with moderate use.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on these devices differs significantly based on their display technologies.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, which delivers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and high contrast. Its high resolution of 2778 x 1284 pixels results in sharp and detailed visuals. In contrast, the Moto G53 is equipped with a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels, offering good color reproduction but less sharpness compared to the iPhone.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers excellent peak brightness, reaching up to 1200 nits for HDR content, making it highly visible in various lighting conditions, including bright sunlight. It operates at a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The Moto G53, while having a lower typical brightness, compensates with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing noticeably smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall fluidity of the user interface.
  • Viewing Experience: The larger OLED screen of the iPhone 12 Pro Max provides an immersive viewing experience for media consumption and detailed work. The Moto G53's high refresh rate makes everyday interactions feel more fluid, which can be a significant factor for users prioritizing responsiveness.

Resolution

1284 x 2778

720x1600

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

IPS LCD

Audiovisual

The camera and audio systems present distinct capabilities on each device.

  • Camera System Capabilities: The iPhone 12 Pro Max boasts a versatile triple 12MP camera system, including Wide, Ultra Wide, and Telephoto lenses, complemented by a LiDAR Scanner. This setup allows for a 2.5x optical zoom in and 2x optical zoom out, providing a 5x optical zoom range. The Moto G53 features a dual camera system with a 50MP main sensor and a 2MP macro lens, suitable for capturing everyday moments.
  • Photography and Video Performance: The iPhone 12 Pro Max excels in various lighting conditions, particularly in low light, thanks to its larger main sensor and sensor-shift optical image stabilization. It also offers advanced video recording, including 4K Dolby Vision HDR at up to 60 frames per second. The Moto G53 performs well in good lighting, producing detailed photos, and records video at 1080p. Its macro lens allows for close-up shots.
  • Audio Experience: The iPhone 12 Pro Max provides stereo speakers for a rich audio experience. The Moto G53 also features dual speakers with Dolby Atmos technology, enhancing media consumption with spatial audio.

Main camera

12 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

8 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate these smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity for faster mobile data speeds. The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses Apple's proprietary Lightning port for charging and data transfer, and supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. The Moto G53 features a more universal USB-C port, includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, and supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1.
  • Authentication and Build: For security, the iPhone 12 Pro Max relies on Face ID, an advanced facial recognition system. Its build consists of a stainless steel frame and glass back, contributing to a substantial feel and weight of 228 grams. The Moto G53 incorporates a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for authentication and has a plastic construction, resulting in a lighter device at 183 grams.
  • Additional Features: The iPhone 12 Pro Max includes MagSafe for magnetic attachment of accessories and wireless charging. The Moto G53 offers expandable storage via a microSD card slot, a feature not present on the iPhone.

Weight

226 oz

183 oz

Screen size (in)

6,7

6.5

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the iPhone 12 Pro Max frequently highlights its exceptional camera capabilities, vibrant OLED display, and powerful performance, making it a strong choice for photography enthusiasts and users who demand high-end processing power. Some users note its weight and the continued use of the Lightning port as aspects to consider. The Motorola Moto G53 is often praised for its smooth 120Hz display, reliable battery life, and the convenience of a 3.5mm headphone jack. Common observations include its lower screen resolution and camera performance in challenging low-light conditions.

Users prioritizing a robust camera system for detailed photos and advanced video, a vibrant OLED display, and top-tier performance for demanding applications will find the iPhone 12 Pro Max well-suited to their needs. Conversely, individuals who value a smooth high refresh rate screen, a more recent Android operating system, the versatility of a headphone jack, and a lighter device for everyday tasks and media consumption may lean towards the Motorola Moto G53. Both devices offer distinct advantages, and choosing between them depends on individual priorities. For those considering either model, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can be an eco-friendly alternative to extend the life cycle of these devices.

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