iPhone SE (2022) • Locked AT&T vs Motorola Moto G Play (2023) • Unlocked

The iPhone SE 2022, released in March 2022, and the Motorola Moto G Play 2023, launched in December 2022, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While the iPhone SE 2022 offers a compact form factor with a focus on powerful internal components and the iOS ecosystem, the Moto G Play 2023 provides a larger display and extended battery life within the Android operating system. These devices cater to different user preferences, with key differentiators lying in their operating systems, screen sizes, and performance capabilities.

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including software support, physical durability, and ease of repair.

• Software Support: The iPhone SE 2022, running iOS 15 at launch, is expected to receive software updates for an extended period, potentially until iOS 26 around 2033, offering a long lifespan for software features and security. In contrast, the Motorola Moto G Play 2023, which launched with Android 12, is typically expected to receive one major Android OS update (to Android 13) and approximately three years of security updates.
• Physical Durability: The iPhone SE 2022 features a glass front and back with an aluminum frame and is rated IP67 for water and dust resistance, meaning it can withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The Moto G Play 2023 includes a water-repellent coating, offering some protection against splashes, and has an IPX2 rating.
• Repairability: Both devices generally receive average repairability scores. The iPhone SE 2022 has a repairability score of around 5.5 to 6 out of 10, with components like the battery and screen being relatively accessible for replacement, though adhesives are used. However, replacing the screen on the iPhone SE 2022 may affect features like True Tone and Auto Brightness. The Moto G Play 2023 also has a repairability score of 5.5 out of 10, indicating a similar level of repair complexity.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from navigating apps to handling demanding games.

• Processing Power: The iPhone SE 2022 is equipped with a powerful current-generation processor, enabling smooth performance for demanding applications, quick app loading, and efficient multitasking. This allows for a highly responsive user experience across various tasks. The Motorola Moto G Play 2023 utilizes a processor designed for everyday use, providing a usable experience for browsing, social media, and light gaming.
• Multitasking and Storage: The iPhone SE 2022 comes with 4GB of RAM, contributing to its ability to manage multiple applications simultaneously without significant slowdowns. It offers storage options of 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. The Moto G Play 2023 features 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, which can be expanded up to 512GB via a microSD card, offering flexibility for users who need more space for media and files.
• Battery Life: The iPhone SE 2022 has a 2018 mAh battery, which typically provides about a full day of use for moderate users. The Motorola Moto G Play 2023 is known for its substantial 5000 mAh battery, often lasting two to three days on a single charge with typical usage, making it a strong contender for users prioritizing extended battery endurance.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, influencing everything from content consumption to daily navigation.

• Display Technology and Size: The iPhone SE 2022 features a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display, offering a compact viewing experience. The Motorola Moto G Play 2023 comes with a larger 6.5-inch IPS LCD screen, providing more screen real estate for media consumption and browsing.
• Resolution and Clarity: The iPhone SE 2022 has a resolution of 1334x750 pixels at 326 pixels per inch (ppi), delivering clear text and images on its smaller screen. The Moto G Play 2023 offers a resolution of 1600x720 pixels at approximately 269-270 ppi, which is suitable for its larger display.
• Refresh Rate and Brightness: The iPhone SE 2022 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate and a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits, ensuring a consistent visual experience. The Moto G Play 2023 features a 90Hz refresh rate, which can result in smoother scrolling and a more fluid feel during interactions, and its brightness levels are adequate for indoor and typical outdoor use.

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, impacting the quality of photos and videos captured.

• Rear Camera System: The iPhone SE 2022 is equipped with a single 12-megapixel rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization, benefiting from advanced computational photography features for improved image processing, especially in good lighting conditions. The Motorola Moto G Play 2023 features a triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 16-megapixel main sensor, a 2-megapixel macro lens, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor, offering versatility for different types of shots.
• Low-Light and Video Performance: While the iPhone SE 2022's single camera performs well in daylight and benefits from Smart HDR and Deep Fusion, it lacks a dedicated Night Mode, which can impact low-light photography. It supports 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second. The Moto G Play 2023's camera system is designed for everyday photography, and while it can capture decent images in well-lit environments, its low-light performance is generally considered average. It records video at 1080p resolution.
• Front Camera and Audio: The iPhone SE 2022 has a 7-megapixel front camera with an f/2.2 aperture, capable of recording 1080p video. The Moto G Play 2023 features a 5-megapixel front camera. For audio, the iPhone SE 2022 offers stereo speakers, while the Moto G Play 2023 includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack, which is absent on the iPhone.