Apple iPhone 13 vs Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Looking for a budget smartphone? The Apple iPhone 13 is the premium option here, but the Motorola Moto G Play (2024) offers some tempting features that might catch your eye. In real-world use, the Moto G Play's 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling smoother compared to the iPhone 13's 60Hz. So, if you enjoy gaming or social media, that buttery smoothness is a game-changer. But if you want a more robust build and camera capabilities, the iPhone 13's Ceramic Shield and 4K video recording will impress you more than the Moto's 720p resolution. Key specs: Display: 6.1" vs 6.5" and Refresh: 60 Hz vs 90 Hz.
Why compare these? Both the Apple iPhone 13 and Motorola Moto G Play (2024) are budget-friendly smartphones competing in the same market segment. This makes them direct rivals for buyers looking for budget-friendly features and performance in 2026. Understanding their differences helps you choose the right one for your specific needs.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Apple iPhone | Motorola Moto |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.8★ (818 reviews) | 4.5★ (848 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Excellent build quality with Ceramic Shield and IP68 rating | Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos are excellent for this price tier |
| Main Drawback | Stuck on 60Hz refresh rate (Competitors offer 120Hz) | Resolution is limited to 720p (HD+) while competitors offer 1080p |
| Market Position | Budget | Budget |
Apple iPhone 13
iOS
Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2021)
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Android
1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates (until Jan 2027)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm)
Adreno 610
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple iPhone 13 vs Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Apple iPhone 13
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 13 | Motorola Moto G Play (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(818)Best Buy | ★4.5(848)Best Buy |
Operating System | iOS | Android |
Software Support | Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2021) | 1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates (until Jan 2027) |
Processor | Apple A15 Bionic (5nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) |
Graphics | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 610 |
RAM | 4GB LPDDR4X | 4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost) |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB NVMe | 64GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB) |
Display Size | 6.1" | 6.5" |
Screen Type | Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (Peak) |
Resolution | 2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi) | 1600 x 720 (HD+) |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz (Auto/60Hz/90Hz) |
Peak Brightness | 800 nits (Typical) / 1,200 nits (HDR Peak) | 500 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 12MP Wide, f/1.6, 26mm, 1.7µm, Sensor-shift OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF | 50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Quad Pixel Technology |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultrawide, f/2.4, 13mm, 120-degree FOV | No (Not supported) |
Telephoto Camera | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 2x Optical Zoom Out (0.5x to 1x) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 5x | Up to 8x |
Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps (Dolby Vision HDR supported); Cinematic mode (1080p @ 30fps) | 1080p @ 30fps |
Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth, f/2.2, 23mm, SL 3D (Biometrics) | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm |
Battery | 3,240mAh (approximate) | 5,000mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | 20W+ Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning | 15W TurboPower (Charger NOT included in box) |
Wireless Charging | 15W MagSafe Wireless / 7.5W Qi Wireless | No (Not supported) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6 GHz & mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, UWB | 4G LTE (No 5G), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.1, GPS |
USB | Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds) | USB Type-C 2.0 |
Durability | IP68 (Maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front | IP52 (Water-repellent design); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front) |
Dimensions | 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.30 in (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm) | 6.45 x 2.95 x 0.33 in (163.8 x 75.0 x 8.3 mm) |
Weight | 6.14 oz (174 g) | 6.53 oz (185 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Side-mounted fingerprint reader, Face Unlock |
Extras | MagSafe ecosystem support, Stereo speakers, Dual eSIM support | Stereo speakers (Dolby Atmos), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Apple iPhone 13
iOS
Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2021)
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
4GB LPDDR4X
128GB / 256GB / 512GB NVMe
Pros
- Excellent build quality with Ceramic Shield and IP68 rating
- Strong battery life for its size (beat many Android competitors at launch)
Cons
- Stuck on 60Hz refresh rate (Competitors offer 120Hz)
- Uses proprietary Lightning port instead of universal USB-C
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Android
1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates (until Jan 2027)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm)
Adreno 610
4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost)
64GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Pros
- Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos are excellent for this price tier
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 provides reliable basic performance (better than Helio G37)
Cons
- Resolution is limited to 720p (HD+) while competitors offer 1080p
- No 5G connectivity (4G LTE only)
Which one is better?
Grab the Apple iPhone 13 if you value superior build quality and a more powerful camera - it’s worth the extra cash.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 13 if: you want a robust build with Ceramic Shield, need high-quality video recording at 4K, or prefer a more compact size.
Choose the Motorola Moto G Play (2024) if: you need an all-day battery that lasts over 30 hours, enjoy smoother scrolling with a 90Hz display, or want to save money.
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.8★ vs 4.5★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Excellent build quality Priority
Excellent build quality with Ceramic Shield and IP68 rating
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Stereo speakers with Priority
Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos are excellent for this price tier
→ Choose Motorola Moto
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Bottom line: The Apple iPhone 13 edges ahead with a 4.8★ rating compared to 4.5★. However, Motorola Moto G Play (2024) remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Apple iPhone 13 or Motorola Moto G Play (2024)?
Apple iPhone 13 is the better choice if you prioritize excellent build quality with ceramic shield and ip68 rating. Motorola Moto G Play (2024) wins if you value stereo speakers with dolby atmos are excellent for this price tier. Both are rated highly (4.8★ vs 4.5★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Apple iPhone 13 and Motorola Moto G Play (2024)?
Key differences: Apple iPhone 13 offers excellent build quality with ceramic shield and ip68 rating, while Motorola Moto G Play (2024) stands out with stereo speakers with dolby atmos are excellent for this price tier. Consider that Apple iPhone 13 stuck on 60hz refresh rate (competitors offer 120hz). Meanwhile, Motorola Moto G Play (2024) resolution is limited to 720p (hd+) while competitors offer 1080p. Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 27, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.