← Back to Smartphones
2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerApple iPhone 13 vs Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
The Apple iPhone 13 is the premium option here, but the Motorola Moto G Play (2024) offers some compelling features for budget-conscious buyers. What matters most here is how you plan to use these phones. The iPhone 13, with its A15 Bionic chip, excels in performance and build quality, while the Moto G Play’s 720p display and 90Hz refresh rate make it a decent contender for casual use. If you’re gaming or shooting video, the iPhone’s 12MP camera and 4K recording are hard to beat,.
📱 Display: 6.1" vs 6.5"⚡ Refresh: 60 Hz vs 90 Hz🔋 Battery: 3240 mAh vs 5000 mAh
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Apple iPhone 13
★4.8
(818)•Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2021)
Processor:Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Graphics:Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
Check Amazon Price→
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
★4.5
(848)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates (until Jan 2027)
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm)
Graphics:Adreno 610
Check Amazon Price→
Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Apple iPhone 13
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple iPhone 13
6.1"
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
6.5"Winner
Refresh Rate
Apple iPhone 13
60Hz
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
90Hz (Auto/60Hz/90Hz)Winner
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Apple iPhone 13
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm)
RAMKey
Apple iPhone 13
4GB LPDDR4X
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost)
Storage
Apple iPhone 13
128GB / 256GB / 512GB NVMeWinner
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
64GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Apple iPhone 13
12MP Wide, f/1.6, 26mm, 1.7µm, Sensor-shift OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Quad Pixel TechnologyWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Apple iPhone 13
12MP Ultrawide, f/2.4, 13mm, 120-degree FOV
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
No (Not supported)
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple iPhone 13
3,240mAh (approximate)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
5,000mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Apple iPhone 13
15W MagSafe Wireless / 7.5W Qi Wireless
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
No (Not supported)
Design2 specs
Weight
Apple iPhone 13
6.14 oz (174 g)Winner
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
6.53 oz (185 g)
Dimensions
Apple iPhone 13
5.78 x 2.82 x 0.30 in (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
6.45 x 2.95 x 0.33 in (163.8 x 75.0 x 8.3 mm)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Apple iPhone 13
iOS
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Android
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Apple iPhone 13
5G (Sub-6 GHz & mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, UWB
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
4G LTE (No 5G), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.1, GPS
+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
★4.8(818)Best Buy
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
★4.5(848)Best Buy
| 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
Rating:★4.8(818)Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2021)
Processor:Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Graphics:Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
RAM:4GB LPDDR4X
Storage:128GB / 256GB / 512GB NVMe
Display Size:6.1"
Screen Type:Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision
Resolution:2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi)
Refresh Rate:60Hz
Peak Brightness:800 nits (Typical) / 1,200 nits (HDR Peak)
Main Camera:12MP Wide, f/1.6, 26mm, 1.7µm, Sensor-shift OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP Ultrawide, f/2.4, 13mm, 120-degree FOV
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom:2x Optical Zoom Out (0.5x to 1x)
Digital Zoom:Up to 5x
Video Recording:4K @ 60fps (Dolby Vision HDR supported); Cinematic mode (1080p @ 30fps)
Front Camera:12MP TrueDepth, f/2.2, 23mm, SL 3D (Biometrics)
Battery:3,240mAh (approximate)
Wired Charging:20W+ Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning
Wireless Charging:15W MagSafe Wireless / 7.5W Qi Wireless
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6 GHz & mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, UWB
USB:Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds)
Durability:IP68 (Maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front
Dimensions:5.78 x 2.82 x 0.30 in (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm)
Weight:6.14 oz (174 g)
Biometrics:Face ID
Extras:MagSafe ecosystem support, Stereo speakers, Dual eSIM support
✓ Pros:
- • Excellent build quality with Ceramic Shield and IP68 rating
- • Strong battery life for its size (beat many Android competitors at launch)
- • A15 Bionic chip remains highly capable for everyday tasks and gaming
- • High-quality video recording with Dolby Vision HDR
- • Compact and lightweight 6.1-inch form factor
✗ Cons:
- • Stuck on 60Hz refresh rate (Competitors offer 120Hz)
- • Uses proprietary Lightning port instead of universal USB-C
- • Charging speed is relatively slow (Max ~20-23W)
- • No telephoto lens for optical zoom
- • Cinematic Mode video is limited to 1080p (Pro models support 4K)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Rating:★4.5(848)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates (until Jan 2027)
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm)
Graphics:Adreno 610
RAM:4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost)
Storage:64GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Display Size:6.5"
Screen Type:IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (Peak)
Resolution:1600 x 720 (HD+)
Refresh Rate:90Hz (Auto/60Hz/90Hz)
Peak Brightness:500 nits (High Brightness Mode)
Main Camera:50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Quad Pixel Technology
Ultra-Wide Camera:No (Not supported)
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x
Video Recording:1080p @ 30fps
Front Camera:8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm
Battery:5,000mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:15W TurboPower (Charger NOT included in box)
Wireless Charging:No (Not supported)
Connectivity:4G LTE (No 5G), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.1, GPS
USB:USB Type-C 2.0
Durability:IP52 (Water-repellent design); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front)
Dimensions:6.45 x 2.95 x 0.33 in (163.8 x 75.0 x 8.3 mm)
Weight:6.53 oz (185 g)
Biometrics:Side-mounted fingerprint reader, Face Unlock
Extras:Stereo speakers (Dolby Atmos), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot
✓ Pros:
- • Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos are excellent for this price tier
- • Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 provides reliable basic performance (better than Helio G37)
- • Clean, bloat-free My UX software experience
- • Gorilla Glass 3 protection on the front display
- • Excellent battery life with 5,000mAh capacity
✗ Cons:
- • Resolution is limited to 720p (HD+) while competitors offer 1080p
- • No 5G connectivity (4G LTE only)
- • No NFC for mobile payments (Google Pay)
- • Charging is slow (15W max) and no charger is included in the box
- • Single usable rear camera (no ultrawide or macro lens)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
The Apple iPhone 13 is the better buy for most people - its A15 Bionic chip crushes the Snapdragon 680 in performance.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 13 if: you want superior performance for gaming, need high-quality video recording, or prefer a premium build quality. (6.1" display, 60 Hz refresh)
Choose the Motorola Moto G Play (2024) if: you want a larger display for media consumption, need 2+ days of battery life, or are looking for a budget-friendly option with expandable storage.
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Apple iPhone 13 excels if you value excellent build quality with ceramic shield and ip68 rating. Motorola Moto G Play (2024) is better if you prioritize stereo speakers with dolby atmos are excellent for this price tier. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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.