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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, Manufacturer

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Motorola Moto G Play (2024)

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is the flagship option here, delivering top-tier features like a stunning 6.9-inch display and a powerful 48MP camera. In real-world use, its performance is seriously impressive, especially for photography enthusiasts who crave detail and clarity. Its 720p resolution falls short against the iPhone's crisp 2868 x 1320 pixels, making it less ideal for media consumption.

📱 Display: 6.9" vs 6.5"⚡ Refresh: 120 Hz vs 90 Hz🔋 Battery: 4685 mAh vs 5000 mAh

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Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

4.7
(348)Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Processor:Apple A18 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics:Apple 6-core GPU (A18 Pro)
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Motorola Moto G Play (2024)

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
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Key spec differences

Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.

Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
6.9" (6.86" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less)Winner
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
6.5"
Refresh Rate
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz); Always-On displayWinner
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
90Hz (Auto/60Hz/90Hz)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Apple A18 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm)
RAMKey
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
8 GB (LPDDR5X)Winner
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost)
Storage
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe)Winner
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
64GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
48MP Fusion (24 mm, f/1.78), second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Quad Pixel TechnologyWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
48MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), Hybrid Focus Pixels, 48MP macro photography
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
No (Not supported)
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
4685 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 33 hours video playback (29 hours streamed)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
5,000mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 25W (via iOS update); Qi up to 7.5W
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
No (Not supported)
Design2 specs
Weight
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
7.99 oz (227 g)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
6.53 oz (185 g)Winner
Dimensions
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
6.42" x 3.06" x 0.32" (163.0 x 77.6 x 8.25 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 16 Pro Max
iOS
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Android
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode
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.

Comparison: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Motorola Moto G Play (2024)

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

4.7(348)Best Buy
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)

Motorola Moto G Play (2024)

4.5(848)Best Buy
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Rating:4.7(348)Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Processor:Apple A18 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics:Apple 6-core GPU (A18 Pro)
RAM:8 GB (LPDDR5X)
Storage:256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe)
Display Size:6.9" (6.86" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution:2868 x 1320 pixels (460 ppi)
Refresh Rate:Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz); Always-On display
Peak Brightness:1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor); 1 nit minimum
Main Camera:48MP Fusion (24 mm, f/1.78), second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP)
Ultra-Wide Camera:48MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), Hybrid Focus Pixels, 48MP macro photography
Telephoto Camera:12MP 5x Telephoto (120 mm, f/2.8), tetraprism design, 3D sensor-shift OIS, autofocus, 100% Focus Pixels
Optical Zoom:5x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out; 10x optical zoom range
Digital Zoom:Up to 25x
Video Recording:4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60/100/120 fps (Fusion); Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps; ProRes up to 4K 120 fps with external recording
Front Camera:12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps
Battery:4685 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 33 hours video playback (29 hours streamed)
Wired Charging:USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher; USB 3 speeds supported
Wireless Charging:MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 25W (via iOS update); Qi up to 7.5W
Connectivity:5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode
USB:USB-C connector with USB 3 speeds (up to 10 Gb/s); Native DisplayPort output
Durability:IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield (latest generation) front; Titanium design (Grade 5); Textured matte glass back
Dimensions:6.42" x 3.06" x 0.32" (163.0 x 77.6 x 8.25 mm)
Weight:7.99 oz (227 g)
Biometrics:Face ID
Extras:Apple Intelligence support; Camera Control button; Action button; Dynamic Island; LiDAR Scanner; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite

✓ Pros:

  • Largest iPhone display ever at 6.9 inches with ultra-thin borders
  • 48MP Ultra Wide camera improves macro and wide-angle detail significantly
  • Excellent battery life (4685 mAh), among the best in class
  • Dedicated Camera Control button mimics a DSLR shutter
  • Support for 4K 120fps Dolby Vision recording for professional slow-motion

✗ Cons:

  • Large physical dimensions can be unwieldy for some users
  • Fastest charging speeds (MagSafe 25W) require purchasing a new puck and adapter
  • US models lack a physical SIM tray (eSIM only)
  • Base storage starts at 256GB, raising the entry price
  • USB-C cable included in the box is limited to USB 2 speeds (pro transfer speeds require separate cable)

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Motorola Moto G Play (2024)

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)

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Which one is better?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is the better buy for most people - its 6.9-inch display crushes the Motorola Moto G Play (2024)'s smaller screen.

Who should buy each?

Choose the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max if: you want the largest display at 6.9 inches, you shoot high-quality video with 4K recording, or you need the fastest performance with the A18 Pro chip.
Choose the Motorola Moto G Play (2024) if: you need a phone with excellent battery life for 34 hours of video, you're looking to save money while still getting a decent camera, or you prefer a lighter device at 6.53 oz.

Conclusion

We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

+Which has better value?

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max excels if you value largest iphone display ever at 6.9 inches with ultra-thin borders. 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.

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