iPhone SE (2022) • Locked AT&T vs Motorola Moto G (2022) • Unlocked

The iPhone SE 2022 and the Motorola Moto G 2022 are smartphones released in the spring of 2022, offering distinct approaches to mobile technology. While the iPhone SE 2022 operates on Apple's iOS ecosystem and emphasizes a compact design with powerful internal components, the Motorola Moto G 2022 runs on Android and focuses on a larger display and extended battery life. These differences cater to varying user preferences, from those prioritizing a streamlined, high-performance experience in a smaller form factor to users seeking expansive screen real estate and prolonged usage between charges.

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, several factors come into play, including software support, physical resilience, and repairability.

• Software Longevity: The iPhone SE 2022, released in March 2022, benefits from Apple's reputation for extended iOS support, with expectations of receiving updates for approximately 5-6 years from its launch. For instance, it was eligible for iOS 16 updates starting in September 2022 and is expected to support iOS 26 as of September 2025. The Motorola Moto G 2022, launched in April/May 2022, typically receives fewer major Android version updates compared to its Apple counterpart, though it shipped with Android 12 and was planned for an upgrade to Android 13.
• Physical Durability: The iPhone SE 2022 features an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for about 30 minutes. It also incorporates ion-strengthened glass on its display for added resilience. The Motorola Moto G 2022 has a water-repellent design with an IP52 rating, offering protection against splashes and light rain.
• Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary, the iPhone SE 2022 maintains a design that shares similarities with older iPhone models, which have historically had moderate repairability. The Motorola Moto G 2022's construction is generally considered to be in line with other devices in its category.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, app responsiveness, and multitasking capabilities. These two devices offer different performance profiles.

• Processing Power: The iPhone SE 2022 is equipped with an advanced processor, the same generation found in Apple's flagship iPhone 13 series. This allows it to handle demanding applications, graphic-intensive games, and complex multitasking with considerable speed and efficiency. Users report it feels very responsive and will continue to be so for years. The Motorola Moto G 2022 utilizes a current-generation processor that provides adequate performance for everyday use, such as web browsing, social media, and light gaming. Some users, however, have noted occasional lag and stuttering, particularly when running multiple applications concurrently.
• Storage and Multitasking: The iPhone SE 2022 is available with storage options up to 256GB and features sufficient RAM to ensure smooth app switching and background process management. The Motorola Moto G 2022 offers up to 256GB of internal storage, which is expandable via a microSD card, providing flexibility for users who need more space for media and applications. It typically comes with 4GB or 6GB of RAM, which supports general multitasking.
• Overall Responsiveness: Users of the iPhone SE 2022 generally experience a highly fluid and immediate response across the operating system and within applications, benefiting from optimized software and powerful hardware. The Motorola Moto G 2022 provides a generally smooth experience for typical smartphone activities, though some users have reported that the processor can feel like a downgrade compared to older models, leading to slower app launches and occasional unresponsiveness.

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and these two models present different viewing experiences.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone SE 2022 features a 4.7-inch Retina HD IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1334x750 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 326 PPI. It offers good contrast for an LCD and excellent color accuracy. The Motorola Moto G 2022 comes with a larger 6.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1600x720 pixels (HD+), providing a pixel density of 270 PPI.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPhone SE 2022's display can reach a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions. It operates at a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The Motorola Moto G 2022 features a 90Hz refresh rate, which contributes to smoother scrolling and a more fluid visual experience compared to a 60Hz display.
• Viewing Experience: The iPhone SE 2022 offers a compact viewing area, which some users prefer for one-handed use and portability. The Motorola Moto G 2022 provides a more expansive screen, which can be beneficial for media consumption and productivity tasks, though its lower resolution on a larger screen means individual pixels may be more discernible.

The camera systems on both devices are designed to capture everyday moments, but they differ in their capabilities and features.

• Rear Camera System: The iPhone SE 2022 is equipped with a single 12MP wide-angle rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization (OIS). It benefits from advanced image processing powered by its internal chip, leading to good image quality in well-lit conditions with accurate colors and detail. However, it lacks a dedicated Night Mode. The Motorola Moto G 2022 features a triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 50MP main sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. The 50MP main camera performs adequately in good lighting, but the additional macro and depth sensors are often considered less useful by users.
• Front Camera and Video: The iPhone SE 2022 has a 7MP front-facing camera with an f/2.2 aperture, capable of capturing decent selfies. It excels in video recording, supporting up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, with sharp and smooth footage. The Motorola Moto G 2022 includes a 13MP front-facing camera. Both devices are capable of 1080p video recording, but the Moto G 2022 is limited to 30 frames per second for video, while the iPhone SE 2022 offers higher frame rates and resolution.
• Low-Light Performance: The iPhone SE 2022 produces acceptable images in dull indoor settings, but its lack of a Night Mode means low-light photos can appear dark and grainy compared to devices with this feature. The Motorola Moto G 2022's low-light performance is generally considered average, with more noise present in images compared to higher-end phones.