iPhone SE (2022) • Unlocked vs Motorola Moto G (2022) • Unlocked

iPhone SE (2022) • Unlocked
iPhone SE (2022) • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$120.64

Versus $429.00 new

See options
Motorola Moto G (2022) • Unlocked
Motorola Moto G (2022) • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$92.00

Versus $180.99 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone SE 2022 and the Motorola Moto G 2022 are smartphones released in the same year, offering distinct experiences based on their respective operating systems and design philosophies. While the iPhone SE 2022, running iOS, focuses on a compact form factor and powerful internal components, the Android-based Motorola Moto G 2022 prioritizes a larger display and extended battery life. These core differences cater to varying user preferences in the smartphone market.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability. Both devices were released in 2022, but their expected software lifespans differ significantly.

  • Software Support: The iPhone SE 2022, launched in March 2022, is anticipated to receive major iOS updates for approximately 5 to 7 years, potentially extending its functional life until 2028-2030. [23, 29, 31, 32, 34] In contrast, the Motorola Moto G 2022, released in April/May 2022, typically receives one major Android OS update and around 2 to 3 years of security patches, offering a shorter software support window. [14, 15, 35, 36, 37, 38]
  • Physical Durability: The iPhone SE 2022 features a durable glass front and back with an aluminum frame and boasts an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. [17, 25] The Motorola Moto G 2022 has a water-repellent design, but it does not carry an official IP rating, and its plastic build may exhibit some flex. [6, 30]
  • Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing long-term software updates and a higher degree of water resistance may find the iPhone SE 2022 more appealing for extended use. Those who are comfortable with a shorter update cycle and a less robust water protection standard might find the Moto G 2022 sufficient.

Release Year

2022

2022

Last OS Compatibility

Yes

No

OS

iOS

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key differentiator, impacting how smoothly applications run and how responsive the overall user experience feels. The internal components of these two devices lead to distinct real-world usage scenarios.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone SE 2022 is equipped with a powerful current-generation processor, enabling it to handle demanding applications, complex games, and multitasking with notable speed and responsiveness. [17] This allows for a fluid user experience even with intensive tasks. The Motorola Moto G 2022 features a processor that provides adequate performance for everyday tasks, but users may experience slower app loading times and less fluid multitasking, particularly with more resource-intensive applications. [26, 33]
  • System Responsiveness: The iPhone SE 2022 offers consistently smooth animations and quick transitions between apps, contributing to a highly responsive feel. [17] The Moto G 2022, while functional, can sometimes exhibit a degree of sluggishness, especially when navigating the interface or switching between multiple open applications. [26, 33]
  • Storage and RAM: Both devices offer various storage configurations, with the iPhone SE 2022 available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options. [8, 10, 12, 24] The Motorola Moto G 2022 also comes with multiple storage choices, including 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, with the added benefit of expandable storage via a microSD card, which is not available on the iPhone SE 2022. [5, 6, 7, 14, 16, 26, 33]

Memory (GB)

4 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The display is the primary interface for user interaction, and both devices offer different visual experiences tailored to their respective designs.

  • Display Technology and Size: The iPhone SE 2022 features a 4.7-inch Retina HD IPS LCD display, known for its color accuracy and clarity in a compact size. [3, 9, 10, 12, 17, 24] The Motorola Moto G 2022 offers a larger 6.5-inch IPS LCD screen, providing more screen real estate for media consumption and browsing. [2, 5, 6, 7, 14, 16, 19, 26]
  • Resolution and Brightness: The iPhone SE 2022 has a resolution of 1334x750 pixels with a pixel density of 326 PPI, offering sharp visuals for its size, and a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits for good outdoor visibility. [3, 9, 10, 12, 17, 24] The Moto G 2022 has a lower HD+ resolution of 1600x720 pixels and a pixel density of 270 PPI, which may result in less sharp text and images compared to the iPhone SE 2022. [2, 6, 19]
  • Refresh Rate: The Motorola Moto G 2022 includes a 90Hz refresh rate, which can make scrolling and animations appear smoother than the standard 60Hz refresh rate found on the iPhone SE 2022. [6, 14, 16, 19, 26]

Resolution

750 x 1334

720 x 1600

Screen type

Retina IPS LCD

IPS LCD

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are often a significant factor for users, and these two smartphones approach photography with different hardware and software strengths.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone SE 2022 is equipped with a single 12-megapixel wide camera that includes optical image stabilization (OIS) and benefits from advanced computational photography features like Smart HDR 4 and Deep Fusion, producing detailed photos in good lighting. [1, 9, 10, 12, 17, 24] However, it lacks a dedicated Night Mode and can struggle in low-light conditions. [24, 25] The Motorola Moto G 2022 features a triple-camera setup with a 50-megapixel main sensor, accompanied by 2-megapixel macro and depth sensors. While the main sensor can capture decent images in well-lit environments, its low-light performance often shows more noise, and the auxiliary lenses are generally considered less impactful. [20, 26, 30]
  • Video Recording: The iPhone SE 2022 offers robust video recording capabilities, supporting up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, providing clear and stable footage. [1, 9, 17, 28] The Motorola Moto G 2022 is limited to 1080p video recording at 30 frames per second, which may not offer the same level of detail or smoothness. [7, 14, 20]
  • Front Camera and Audio: For selfies and video calls, the iPhone SE 2022 has a 7-megapixel front camera. [9, 12] The Moto G 2022 features a 13-megapixel front camera. [6, 14, 16] Both devices offer stereo speakers for media consumption, with the iPhone SE 2022 providing clear audio output. [9, 12]

Main camera

12 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

7 megapixels

13 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and daily convenience of a smartphone.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, offering faster mobile data speeds. [9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 24] The iPhone SE 2022 uses a Lightning port for charging and data transfer and supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. [9, 10, 12] The Motorola Moto G 2022 features a USB-C 2.0 port, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.1, and notably includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is absent on the iPhone SE 2022. [5, 7, 14]
  • Biometric Security and Design: The iPhone SE 2022 utilizes Touch ID, an integrated fingerprint sensor within its physical home button, for secure unlocking and authentication. [17, 21, 24] The Moto G 2022 incorporates a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. [6, 14, 33] The iPhone SE 2022 maintains a compact and lightweight design, making it easy for one-handed use, weighing 144g. [8, 12, 17, 24] The Moto G 2022 is larger and heavier at 204g, offering a more expansive screen but requiring a two-handed grip for many users. [7]
  • Additional Features: The iPhone SE 2022 supports wireless charging. [24] The Motorola Moto G 2022 offers expandable storage via a microSD card, allowing users to increase storage capacity beyond the internal options. [5, 6, 7, 14, 16, 26, 33]

Weight

3 oz

7 oz

Screen size (inches)

4.7

6.5

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

USB-C

User feedback for the iPhone SE 2022 frequently highlights its exceptional performance, attributed to its powerful processor, and its comfortable, compact size, which many users appreciate for one-handed operation. [17, 24, 28] The long-term software support from Apple is also a consistent point of praise, ensuring the device remains current with updates for many years. [23, 29, 31, 32, 34] However, common criticisms revolve around its dated design with prominent bezels, the absence of a Night Mode for its camera, and a battery life that, while improved over its predecessor, often requires daily charging for active users. [17, 24, 25, 28]

For the Motorola Moto G 2022, users consistently commend its impressive multi-day battery life and the inclusion of expandable storage, offering practical benefits for those who need ample space and extended usage without frequent recharging. [22, 26, 30, 33] The larger screen size is also a positive for media consumption. [22] Conversely, frequent concerns include its sluggish performance, particularly when multitasking or running demanding applications, and a camera system that, despite its high megapixel count, often delivers underwhelming results, especially in challenging lighting conditions. [20, 26, 30, 33] The shorter software update commitment is also a point of consideration for some users. [36, 37, 38]

Users prioritizing a highly responsive operating system, long-term software support, and a compact, premium build with robust water resistance may find the iPhone SE 2022 well-suited to their needs. Conversely, individuals who value a large display, exceptional battery life, expandable storage, and a traditional headphone jack, and are less concerned with cutting-edge performance or extensive software updates, may lean towards the Motorola Moto G 2022. Both devices offer compelling features for different user profiles, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option can be an eco-friendly alternative for either model.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons