iPhone SE (2022) • Locked AT&T vs Motorola Moto G Power 5G • Unlocked

iPhone SE (2022) • Locked AT&T
iPhone SE (2022) • Locked AT&T
Starting at

Refurbished price:$102.00

Versus $429.00 new

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Motorola Moto G Power 5G • Unlocked
Motorola Moto G Power 5G • Unlocked
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Ratings

The iPhone SE (2022) and the Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2023) are two distinct smartphones, each catering to different user preferences. Released in March 2022, the iPhone SE (2022) offers Apple's iOS ecosystem in a compact form factor, while the Motorola Moto G Power 5G, launched in April 2023, runs on Android and emphasizes a larger display and extended battery life. The primary differences lie in their operating systems, design philosophies, and core hardware capabilities.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Release Timeline & OS Support: The iPhone SE (2022) was released in March 2022 and typically receives iOS updates for an extended period, often 5 to 7 years, potentially extending its software longevity until 2028-2030 or even 2033. [28, 32, 33] The Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2023), released in April 2023, runs on Android 13 and generally receives fewer major OS updates, with some reports suggesting only one major OS upgrade. [2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 16]
  • Practical Lifespan & Repairability: Both devices are designed for practical daily use. The iPhone SE (2022) has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, offering protection against splashes and submersion. [14, 15] Its repairability score is considered average, with screens and batteries being relatively accessible for replacement, though some repairs may affect features like True Tone. [12, 29, 30, 34, 36] The Moto G Power 5G (2023) features an IP52 rating, indicating resistance to dust and light splashes. [6, 37] Its repairability is also rated as moderate, with components like the screen and battery being replaceable. [18, 37]

Release Year

2022

2023

OS

iOS

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is largely determined by its internal components and how they handle daily tasks and demanding applications.

  • Processor Capabilities: The iPhone SE (2022) is equipped with a powerful current-generation processor, enabling it to handle demanding applications, multitasking, and graphics-intensive games with smooth responsiveness. [14, 15, 24] This processor also contributes to efficient image processing. The Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2023) features a processor that capably handles everyday tasks like social media browsing and video streaming. While it offers solid performance for general use, it may exhibit occasional stutters with more intensive applications or gaming. [2, 3]
  • Storage and Multitasking: The iPhone SE (2022) is available with 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB of internal storage and includes 4GB of RAM, which supports smooth app switching and background processes. [8, 9, 13, 14] The Moto G Power 5G (2023) offers more flexible storage options, with 128GB or 256GB variants, and supports expandable storage via a microSD card. It comes with either 4GB or 6GB of RAM, which aids in multitasking, though overall system responsiveness can vary. [2, 4, 5, 6, 7]
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone SE (2022) has a smaller battery capacity, typically providing about a day of moderate use or around 9 hours of web browsing over 5G. [11, 14, 15, 20, 25] The Moto G Power 5G (2023) is known for its large 5000 mAh battery, often delivering two days of usage on a single charge for many users, making it suitable for those who prioritize extended battery life. [1, 2, 3, 16, 19]

Memory (GB)

4 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on a smartphone is heavily influenced by its display technology, resolution, and overall clarity.

  • Display Technology and Size: The iPhone SE (2022) features a compact 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display. [8, 14, 15] This screen size is well-suited for users who prefer a smaller device for one-handed use. The Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2023) offers a larger 6.5-inch IPS LCD display, providing a more expansive viewing area for media consumption and productivity. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7]
  • Resolution and Clarity: The iPhone SE (2022) has a resolution of 1334x750 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 326 pixels per inch (ppi). [8, 14] The Moto G Power 5G (2023) boasts a Full HD+ resolution of 2400x1080 pixels, with a pixel density of 405 ppi, offering a sharper and more detailed visual experience, particularly noticeable on its larger screen. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7]
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPhone SE (2022) provides a maximum brightness of 625 nits, which is adequate for most indoor and outdoor conditions. It has a standard 60Hz refresh rate. [15] The Moto G Power 5G (2023) features a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and a more fluid user interface experience, which is a notable upgrade for its category. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7]

Resolution

750 x 1334

1080 x 2400

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer camera systems designed for capturing everyday moments, though with different approaches and capabilities.

  • 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 (OIS). [8, 13, 14, 15] Its powerful processor enhances image processing, leading to good photos in well-lit conditions with accurate colors and detail. [14, 24] However, it lacks a dedicated Night mode, which can result in darker and grainier images in low-light environments. [14, 15] The Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2023) features a triple-camera setup, including a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 2-megapixel macro lens, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. [1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7] Its main camera performs adequately in good lighting, but like many phones in its segment, it struggles with image quality in less-than-ideal lighting conditions and lacks OIS. [1, 2, 3, 16]
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The iPhone SE (2022) can record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, offering sharp and smooth video quality. [13, 22, 24] Its front-facing camera is 7-megapixels. [8, 14, 15] The Moto G Power 5G (2023) records video at 1080p at 30 frames per second. [1, 6] It has a 16-megapixel front camera, which captures decent selfies in good lighting. [1, 5, 7]
  • Audio Experience: The iPhone SE (2022) provides stereo sound output. The Moto G Power 5G (2023) features speakers with Dolby Atmos certification, aiming to deliver an enhanced audio experience for media consumption. [3]

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, enabling faster mobile data speeds. [9, 14, 23] The iPhone SE (2022) uses a Lightning port for charging and data transfer and supports Wi-Fi 6. [14, 15] The Moto G Power 5G (2023) features a USB-C port, a widely adopted standard, and includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is absent on the iPhone SE. [3, 5, 7, 19] The Motorola device, however, lacks NFC for contactless payments. [1, 3, 19]
  • Biometrics and Design: The iPhone SE (2022) retains the classic Home button with Touch ID for secure fingerprint authentication. [9, 14] It has a compact design with glass on the front and back and an aluminum frame, weighing 144g. [8, 9, 14] The Moto G Power 5G (2023) incorporates a side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button, along with face unlock. [3, 16] It features a plastic back and frame, weighing 185g, offering a larger but slightly heavier build. [2, 4, 5]
  • Build Materials and Durability Features: The iPhone SE (2022) uses stronger glass, similar to the back of the iPhone 13 series, and has an IP67 water and dust resistance rating. [9, 14, 15] The Moto G Power 5G (2023) has a plastic construction with an IP52 rating, providing basic splash resistance. [1, 3, 6, 37]

Weight

3 oz

7 oz

Screen size (inches)

4.7

6.5

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

AT&T

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

USB-C

The iPhone SE (2022) and the Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2023) offer distinct propositions for smartphone users. Users often praise the iPhone SE (2022) for its powerful processor, compact size, and long-term software support, making it a reliable choice for those integrated into the Apple ecosystem. [14, 23, 28, 32, 33] Criticisms frequently point to its dated design, smaller display, and less impressive battery life compared to many modern smartphones. [14, 15, 25]

Conversely, the Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2023) is widely recognized for its exceptional battery life and larger, high-refresh-rate display, appealing to users who prioritize extended usage and a more expansive viewing experience. [1, 2, 3, 16, 19] Common concerns include its camera performance in challenging lighting and the expectation of fewer major software updates. [1, 2, 3, 16]

Users prioritizing a compact device with robust performance, long-term software updates, and access to the iOS ecosystem may find the iPhone SE (2022) well-suited to their needs. Those who value a large display, multi-day battery life, expandable storage, and the flexibility of Android, and are less concerned with cutting-edge camera performance or prolonged software support, might lean towards the Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2023). Both devices are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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