iPhone 12 Vs Motorola Moto G13

iPhone 12
iPhone 12
Starting at

Refurbished price:£139.00

Versus £649.00 new

See options
Motorola Moto G13
Motorola Moto G13
Starting at

Refurbished price:£99.00

Versus £166.76 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 12 (2020) and the Motorola Moto G13 (2023) represent different eras and philosophies in the smartphone market. While the iPhone 12 was designed as a high-performance flagship with 5G connectivity, the Moto G13 is a more recent entry-level device that prioritises battery longevity and essential functionality. Users choosing between these two will primarily decide between the refined iOS ecosystem and the flexible Android platform, alongside significant differences in display technology and processing efficiency that impact daily interactions.

Scores

Durability

These two devices offer different perspectives on longevity based on their release dates and manufacturer support cycles.

  • Software support: The iPhone 12, despite its 2020 release, continues to receive regular iOS updates and is expected to remain compatible with new software for several more years. In contrast, the Moto G13, released in 2023, follows a shorter update policy typical of entry-level Android devices, which may limit its long-term software relevance.
  • Physical build: The iPhone 12 features a glass and aluminium frame with a specialised front cover for increased drop protection, whereas the Moto G13 utilises a robust plastic construction that handles daily wear and tear effectively.
  • Sustainability: Choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either model is an eco-friendly alternative that helps reduce electronic waste while ensuring the device has been tested for continued reliability.

Year of Release

2020

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

No

OS

iOS

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance levels vary significantly between these models, particularly when handling demanding applications or multitasking.

  • System responsiveness: The iPhone 12 maintains a high level of fluidness, allowing for smooth transitions between apps and high-speed gaming without noticeable lag. The Moto G13 is well-suited for standard tasks like web browsing and social media, though it may show slower loading times when opening larger files or complex applications.
  • Battery and charging: The Moto G13 features a high-capacity battery that comfortably lasts through two days of moderate use, whereas the iPhone 12 has a smaller battery that typically requires daily charging, especially for users who frequently use 5G data.
  • Storage flexibility: While the iPhone 12 comes with fixed internal storage options, the Moto G13 includes a dedicated slot for memory expansion, allowing users to increase their storage space for photos and offline media as needed.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The viewing experience on these smartphones is defined by a trade-off between visual clarity and motion smoothness.

  • Display technology: The iPhone 12 uses an OLED panel that provides deep blacks and high contrast, making it ideal for watching high-definition video content. The Moto G13 employs an LCD screen which offers natural colour reproduction and remains clear for general reading and navigation.
  • Refresh rate: The Moto G13 includes a higher refresh rate of 90Hz, which makes scrolling through lists and menus appear smoother than on the standard 60Hz display of the iPhone 12.
  • Resolution and brightness: The iPhone 12 offers a significantly higher pixel density, resulting in sharper text and finer details, and it reaches higher brightness levels which improve visibility when using the phone in direct sunlight.

Resolution

1170 x 2532

720 x 1600

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

IPS LCD

Audiovisual

Photography and video capabilities on these devices cater to different user needs, from casual snapshots to more advanced content creation.

  • Image processing: The iPhone 12 delivers consistent results across its dual-camera system, with a focus on accurate skin tones and balanced exposure in various lighting conditions. The Moto G13 features a high-resolution main sensor that captures detailed images in bright daylight, though it lacks the secondary ultra-wide lens found on the iPhone.
  • Video quality: For users who record video, the iPhone 12 provides advanced stabilisation and the ability to record in high-dynamic-range formats, ensuring smooth and professional-looking footage. The Moto G13 handles standard video recording well for social sharing but lacks the sophisticated stabilisation of its counterpart.
  • Low-light performance: The iPhone 12 includes a dedicated night mode that helps capture clear images in dark environments, whereas the Moto G13 may produce images with more grain when light levels are low.

Main camera

12 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

8 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Practical features and physical handling characteristics distinguish how these phones feel and function in a user's hand.

  • Connectivity and ports: The iPhone 12 supports 5G networks for faster mobile data and uses a Lightning port for charging, while the Moto G13 is limited to 4G networks but features a universal USB-C port and a traditional headphone jack.
  • Biometrics and security: Security is handled differently on each, with the iPhone 12 using facial recognition technology for unlocking, while the Moto G13 relies on a responsive fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button.
  • Dimensions and weight: The iPhone 12 is notably lighter and thinner, making it easier to use with one hand, whereas the Moto G13 is larger and heavier, providing more screen real estate for users who prefer a bigger device for media consumption.

Weight

164 g

183 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.5

Mobile network

5G

4G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback from various online communities highlights distinct strengths for both the iPhone 12 and the Moto G13. Owners of the iPhone 12 frequently praise its reliable performance and the quality of its display, though some note that the battery life can be limiting for power users. Conversely, Moto G13 users often highlight the exceptional battery endurance and the convenience of the headphone jack, while acknowledging that the device is not intended for high-end gaming or professional-grade photography.

Users who prioritise a high-quality screen, fast 5G connectivity, and a compact design will likely find the iPhone 12 better suited to their requirements. Those who value long-lasting battery life, expandable storage, and a larger physical display for everyday tasks may lean toward the Moto G13. For those looking to make a sustainable choice, opting for a quality-assured refurbished option is an excellent way to obtain a reliable device while reducing environmental impact. Ultimately, the decision rests on whether a user prefers the streamlined, high-performance experience of the iPhone or the practical, long-lasting utility of the Motorola.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons