iPhone 12 Pro vs Motorola Moto G14

iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$409.00

Versus A$1,119.00 new

See options
Motorola Moto G14
Motorola Moto G14
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$182.00

Versus A$271.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 12 Pro, released in October 2020, and the Motorola Moto G14, launched in August 2023, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While the iPhone 12 Pro operates on Apple's iOS ecosystem and emphasizes advanced imaging and performance, the Moto G14 runs on Android and focuses on a large display and extended battery life. These differences cater to varying user priorities, from seamless integration and powerful processing to multimedia consumption and practical endurance.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical resilience. These two devices offer different expectations in these areas.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone 12 Pro was introduced in October 2020, making it an older device compared to the Motorola Moto G14, which launched in August 2023. This age difference impacts how long each device can expect to receive official software updates and security patches.
  • Software Support: The iPhone 12 Pro, running iOS, typically receives major operating system updates for approximately five to six years from its release, extending its functional lifespan. The Moto G14, on the other hand, launched with Android 13 and is expected to receive one major OS upgrade to Android 14, along with three years of security updates.
  • Physical Durability: The iPhone 12 Pro features a stainless steel frame and a Ceramic Shield front cover, contributing to its robust build and IP68 water and dust resistance, allowing submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. The Moto G14 has a plastic construction with a water-repellent design, offering IP52 splash resistance, which protects against light splashes but not full submersion.

Release year

2020

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Operating system

iOS

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key differentiator, with each device offering capabilities suited to different usage patterns, from demanding applications to everyday tasks.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 12 Pro is equipped with a powerful processor that handles demanding applications, complex games, and intensive multitasking with smooth responsiveness. Users will experience quick app loading and fluid navigation. The Moto G14 features a processor designed for everyday tasks and general use, providing a smooth experience for browsing, social media, and lighter applications. It may show limitations with graphically intensive games or heavy multitasking.
  • Storage and Multitasking: The iPhone 12 Pro offers multiple internal storage options, starting from 128GB and going up to 512GB, providing ample space for applications, media, and files. Its system memory configuration supports efficient multitasking, allowing users to switch between numerous open applications without significant slowdowns. The Moto G14 comes with 128GB of internal storage and includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage up to 1TB, offering flexibility for users who need more space for photos and videos. Its system memory is suitable for typical daily use and moderate multitasking.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 12 Pro's battery capacity is designed to provide a full day of use for most moderate users, though intensive activities like prolonged gaming or 5G usage can lead to more frequent charging. The Moto G14 is known for its substantial battery capacity, which often allows for extended usage, potentially lasting up to two days for lighter users. It supports faster charging to quickly replenish its power.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on a smartphone is largely defined by its display, and these two models present different technologies and characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone 12 Pro features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, known for its deep blacks, vibrant colors, and high contrast ratio. Its resolution provides sharp and detailed visuals, making text and images appear very clear. The Moto G14 has a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display, which offers good color reproduction and wide viewing angles. Its Full HD+ resolution delivers crisp visuals suitable for multimedia consumption.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPhone 12 Pro's display can reach high brightness levels, especially when viewing HDR content, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. It operates at a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The Moto G14 also features a 60Hz refresh rate, which is standard for smooth scrolling and video playback. Its brightness levels are adequate for indoor and typical outdoor use.
  • Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The iPhone 12 Pro offers a compact 6.1-inch screen, providing a comfortable one-handed grip while still delivering an immersive viewing experience for its size. The Moto G14 provides a larger 6.5-inch screen, which is beneficial for users who prioritize a more expansive viewing area for videos, games, and browsing.

Resolution

1170 x 2532

1080 x 2400

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

IPS LCD

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, and both devices offer distinct photographic and videographic strengths.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 12 Pro features a versatile triple 12-megapixel camera system, including wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses. It excels in capturing detailed photos with good dynamic range, and its LiDAR Scanner enhances low-light autofocus and portrait mode. The Motorola Moto G14 is equipped with a dual-camera setup, featuring a 50-megapixel main sensor and a 2-megapixel macro lens. The main camera is capable of capturing detailed images in good lighting conditions, and it includes features like Night Vision and Portrait mode.
  • Low-Light and Video Performance: The iPhone 12 Pro offers strong low-light performance across its lenses, with Night mode and Deep Fusion contributing to clearer images in challenging conditions. It supports Dolby Vision HDR video recording up to 4K at 60 frames per second, providing high-quality video capture with extended dynamic range and cinematic stabilization. The Moto G14 provides Full HD video recording at 30 frames per second. Its low-light photography is supported by features like Night Vision, aiming to improve clarity in darker environments.
  • Front Camera and Audio: Both devices feature capable front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls. The iPhone 12 Pro has a 12-megapixel TrueDepth camera with advanced portrait features. The Moto G14 includes an 8-megapixel front camera. For audio, the Moto G14 stands out with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support, enhancing the media consumption experience.

Main camera

12 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

8 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience, from connectivity to physical design.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The iPhone 12 Pro supports 5G connectivity, offering faster download and upload speeds where available, along with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. It uses Apple's proprietary Lightning port for charging and data transfer. The Motorola Moto G14 supports 4G LTE networks, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.0. It features a USB-C port for charging and data, and notably includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is absent on the iPhone.
  • Biometric Security and Sensors: The iPhone 12 Pro utilizes Face ID for secure facial recognition, enabling quick unlocking and authentication. It also includes a LiDAR Scanner for enhanced augmented reality experiences and improved depth sensing. The Moto G14 incorporates a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for biometric security, offering a convenient unlocking method. It also includes standard sensors like an accelerometer, ambient light sensor, and proximity sensor.
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone 12 Pro features a premium design with a flat-edged stainless steel frame and a textured matte glass back, weighing 189 grams. Its dimensions contribute to a balanced feel in hand. The Moto G14 has a lighter plastic build, weighing 177 grams, with a design that prioritizes a comfortable grip and a larger screen-to-body ratio.

Weight

187 oz

177 oz

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.5

Network

5G

4G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

Choosing between the iPhone 12 Pro and the Motorola Moto G14 involves weighing different strengths and user priorities. Users often praise the iPhone 12 Pro for its powerful performance, exceptional camera system, and vibrant OLED display, noting its ability to handle demanding tasks and deliver high-quality media. Some common considerations for the iPhone 12 Pro include its battery life, which, while sufficient for many, can be a point of discussion for heavy users, especially with 5G connectivity.

The Motorola Moto G14 is frequently commended for its impressive battery life, large display suitable for multimedia, and the inclusion of stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, providing an engaging audio experience. Users appreciate its practical features like expandable storage and the traditional headphone jack. Criticisms sometimes point to its performance for intensive applications and the absence of 5G connectivity.

Users prioritizing a robust and premium build, a highly capable camera system for both photos and videos, and a powerful processor for demanding applications and long-term software support may find the iPhone 12 Pro well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who value extended battery life, a larger screen for media consumption, expandable storage, and a more budget-friendly approach to smartphone ownership will likely lean towards the Motorola Moto G14. Both devices offer compelling features for their respective target audiences, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative to extend their lifecycle.

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