iPhone 15 Pro vs Motorola Moto G53

iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$873.00

Versus A$1,849.00 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 15 Pro, released in September 2023, and the Motorola Moto G53, launched in December 2022, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While both devices offer 5G connectivity, they cater to different user expectations through their operating systems and hardware capabilities. The iPhone 15 Pro operates on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem and consistent user experience, whereas the Moto G53 runs on Android, offering more customization options. A primary distinction lies in their processing power and camera systems, with the iPhone 15 Pro featuring advanced internal components and a versatile camera array, while the Moto G53 focuses on essential smartphone features.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support are key factors.

  • Release Timeline and OS Support: The iPhone 15 Pro, being a more recent release from late 2023, is expected to receive iOS updates for a longer duration compared to the Moto G53, which launched in late 2022 with Android 13. Apple typically provides 5-6 years of major iOS updates, potentially extending the iPhone 15 Pro's software longevity further into the future. Motorola's update policy for the Moto G series generally offers fewer major Android version updates and security patches, which could mean a shorter period of official software support for the Moto G53.
  • Durability and Practical Lifespan: The iPhone 15 Pro features a titanium frame and a Ceramic Shield front cover, contributing to its robust build and IP68 water and dust resistance. While some early user reports indicated potential fragility of the back glass in specific drop scenarios, many users find it durable, especially with a protective case. The Moto G53 utilizes a plastic back and frame, which can be resilient to minor impacts but may show wear over time. Both devices are designed for daily use, but the iPhone 15 Pro's premium materials and extended software support suggest a longer practical lifespan for users who prioritize sustained performance and security updates.
  • Battery Longevity: Apple has stated that the iPhone 15 Pro's battery is designed to retain 80% of its original capacity after 1000 charging cycles, indicating improved long-term battery health. The Moto G53, with its larger 5000 mAh battery, often delivers excellent daily endurance, which can contribute to a perception of longer usability before battery degradation becomes a significant concern.

Release year

2023

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Operating system

iOS

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance capabilities of the iPhone 15 Pro and the Motorola Moto G53 differ significantly, impacting how smoothly they handle various tasks.

  • Processing Power and Responsiveness: The iPhone 15 Pro is equipped with a current-generation processor designed for demanding applications and intensive multitasking. This allows for exceptionally smooth navigation, rapid app loading, and fluid performance in graphically intensive games. In contrast, the Moto G53 features a processor that capably handles everyday tasks like web browsing, social media, and light gaming. However, users engaging in more complex operations or running multiple applications simultaneously may notice a difference in speed and overall responsiveness compared to the iPhone 15 Pro.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The iPhone 15 Pro comes with 8GB of RAM, facilitating seamless transitions between numerous open applications and efficient background processing. It offers various internal storage options, ranging from 128GB up to 1TB. The Moto G53 typically includes 4GB of RAM, which is sufficient for general use but can be a limiting factor for heavy multitasking. It offers 128GB of internal storage and includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage, a feature not present on the iPhone 15 Pro.
  • Battery Performance in Use: The iPhone 15 Pro's battery generally provides a full day of use for most users, though heavy usage, particularly with demanding applications, might necessitate a midday charge or a power bank. The Moto G53, with its larger battery capacity, is frequently praised for its extended battery life, often lasting more than a full day, and sometimes up to two days with moderate use.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience offered by these two smartphones varies considerably due to their display technologies and specifications.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone 15 Pro features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a high resolution of 2556x1179 pixels, resulting in a sharp 460 pixels per inch (ppi). This OLED technology delivers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast, providing a rich viewing experience. The Moto G53 has a larger 6.5-inch IPS LCD screen, but with a lower HD+ resolution of 1600x720 pixels and 269 ppi. While the larger size offers more screen real estate, the lower resolution means less sharpness and detail compared to the iPhone 15 Pro's display.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPhone 15 Pro's display can reach high brightness levels, with typical brightness of 1000 nits and peak brightness up to 2000 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. It also boasts a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, which dynamically adjusts for incredibly smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. The Moto G53 also offers a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother visuals during scrolling and gaming. However, its overall brightness is lower than the iPhone 15 Pro, which might affect outdoor visibility.
  • Viewing Experience: The iPhone 15 Pro's combination of OLED technology, high resolution, and adaptive refresh rate provides a premium and immersive viewing experience, well-suited for high-definition content consumption and detailed work. The Moto G53's larger LCD screen, while offering a smooth refresh rate, provides a more basic visual experience, which is adequate for general browsing and casual media consumption but lacks the clarity and vibrancy of the iPhone 15 Pro's display.

Resolution

1179 x 2556

720x1600

Screen type

LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED

IPS LCD

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the iPhone 15 Pro and the Motorola Moto G53 are designed for different levels of photographic capability and versatility.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The iPhone 15 Pro features a sophisticated triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 48-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 12-megapixel telephoto lens offering up to 3x optical zoom. This system excels in capturing detailed images with accurate colors, and its advanced processing allows for 24-megapixel default photos. The Moto G53 comes with a dual-camera system, comprising a 50-megapixel main sensor and a 2-megapixel macro lens. While the 50-megapixel count sounds high, real-world performance indicates that the main camera is decent in good lighting, but the 2-megapixel macro lens offers limited utility.
  • Photography Performance: The iPhone 15 Pro delivers exceptional low-light performance, improved portrait mode capabilities that can be applied after shooting, and advanced features like ProRes video recording, making it a strong tool for both casual and more serious photographers and videographers. The Moto G53's camera performs adequately in well-lit conditions, but its low-light capabilities are not a strong point, and overall image quality is generally considered average for its class.
  • Front Camera and Audio: For selfies and video calls, the iPhone 15 Pro has a 12-megapixel front camera. The Moto G53 features an 8-megapixel front camera. In terms of audio, the iPhone 15 Pro offers high-quality microphone performance for calls and recordings, and its speakers provide clear audio. The Moto G53 includes stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support, enhancing the media consumption experience.

Main camera

48 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

8 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate the iPhone 15 Pro and the Motorola Moto G53 in daily use.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, ensuring access to faster mobile networks. The iPhone 15 Pro features Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, offering advanced wireless performance. It also adopts a USB-C port, which supports USB 3 speeds for faster data transfer. The Moto G53 supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth 5.1. It also uses a USB-C port for charging and data, and notably retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is absent on the iPhone 15 Pro.
  • Biometrics and User Interface: The iPhone 15 Pro relies on Face ID for secure facial recognition. It also introduces a customizable Action Button, allowing users to quickly access a chosen function. The Moto G53 features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication. Its Android interface, often described as clean, provides a user-friendly experience with options for personalization.
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone 15 Pro is constructed with a titanium body, making it lightweight yet durable, and measures 146.60 x 70.60 x 8.25mm, weighing 187 grams. The Moto G53 has a plastic build with dimensions of 162.70 x 74.66 x 8.19mm and weighs 183 grams. While the Moto G53 is slightly larger and lighter, the iPhone 15 Pro's compact size and premium materials contribute to a different in-hand feel.

Weight

187 oz

183 oz

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.5

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The iPhone 15 Pro and Motorola Moto G53 cater to distinct user needs and preferences, each with its own set of strengths and considerations. User feedback for the iPhone 15 Pro often highlights its exceptional camera quality, particularly for photos and videos, its powerful performance for demanding tasks, and the smooth, integrated experience of the iOS ecosystem. Common criticisms sometimes revolve around battery life for very heavy users, who might find themselves needing to charge more frequently than with some larger Android devices.

For the Motorola Moto G53, users frequently praise its impressive battery life, often lasting well over a day, and its generally clean Android software experience. However, common concerns include its lower-resolution display, which can be a drawback for media consumption, and a camera system that, while featuring a high megapixel count, may not consistently deliver high-quality images, especially in challenging lighting conditions. Performance for intensive applications can also be a limiting factor.

Users prioritizing a premium build, a highly advanced camera system, and top-tier performance for demanding applications, along with a long period of software support, may find the iPhone 15 Pro well-suited to their needs. Its compact size and robust ecosystem integration are also significant advantages. Conversely, users who prioritize extended battery life, a larger screen for general browsing, and expandable storage, and who primarily engage in everyday tasks without heavy gaming or professional photography, may lean toward the Motorola Moto G53. Both devices offer reliable connectivity, and for those seeking an eco-friendly alternative, quality-assured refurbished options for both models are available, providing a sustainable choice.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons