Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) vs Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
The Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) is the premium option here with a powerful A15 Bionic chip. On the flip side, the iPhone SE's compact 4.7" display is easy to handle one-handed. Key specs: Display: 4.7" vs 6.5" and Refresh: 60 Hz vs 90 Hz.
Why compare these? Both the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) 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.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Apple iPhone | Motorola Moto |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.5★ (225 reviews) | 4.5★ (848 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Most affordable entry point into the new iPhone ecosystem | Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos are excellent for this price tier |
| Main Drawback | Dated design with thick top and bottom bezels | Resolution is limited to 720p (HD+) while competitors offer 1080p |
| Market Position | Budget | Budget |
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
iOS
Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
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.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) vs Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
| Criterion | Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) | Motorola Moto G Play (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(225)Best Buy | ★4.5(848)Best Buy |
Operating System | iOS | Android |
Software Support | Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022) | 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 | 4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost) |
Storage | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe | 64GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB) |
Display Size | 4.7" | 6.5" |
Screen Type | Retina HD LCD (IPS) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (Peak) |
Resolution | 1334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi) | 1600 x 720 (HD+) |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz (Auto/60Hz/90Hz) |
Peak Brightness | 625 nits (Typical) | 500 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x | 50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Quad Pixel Technology |
Ultra-Wide Camera | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) |
Telephoto Camera | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 5x | Up to 8x |
Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps; 1080p @ 60fps; Slo-mo 1080p @ 240fps | 1080p @ 30fps |
Front Camera | 7MP FaceTime HD, f/2.2, 1080p @ 30fps | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm |
Battery | 2,018mAh (Approximate) | 5,000mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | 20W Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning | 15W TurboPower (Charger NOT included in box) |
Wireless Charging | 7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment) | No (Not supported) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC | 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 | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Ion-strengthened glass | IP52 (Water-repellent design); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front) |
Dimensions | 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm) | 6.45 x 2.95 x 0.33 in (163.8 x 75.0 x 8.3 mm) |
Weight | 5.09 oz (144 g) | 6.53 oz (185 g) |
Biometrics | Touch ID (Fingerprint sensor in Home button) | Side-mounted fingerprint reader, Face Unlock |
Extras | Stereo speakers, Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM), Dual eSIM support | Stereo speakers (Dolby Atmos), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot |
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Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
iOS
Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
4GB
64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe
Pros
- Most affordable entry point into the new iPhone ecosystem
- Compact and lightweight design is easy to use with one hand
Cons
- Dated design with thick top and bottom bezels
- Small 4.7-inch LCD screen lacks the vibrancy of OLED competitors
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 SE if you want a compact device with access to the iOS ecosystem - it's lighter.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) if: you prefer iOS, want a compact design for one-handed use, or value a reliable performance with 5G connectivity.
Choose the Motorola Moto G Play (2024) if: you need a bigger display for media consumption, want excellent battery life for up to 34 hours, or enjoy stereo speakers for a better audio experience.
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 848 reviews vs 225
→ Choose Motorola Moto
Most affordable entry Priority
Most affordable entry point into the new iPhone ecosystem
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Stereo speakers with Priority
Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos are excellent for this price tier
→ Choose Motorola Moto
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Bottom line: Both products share a 4.5★ rating, making this comparison particularly close. Your decision should come down to which specific features matter most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) or Motorola Moto G Play (2024)?
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) is the better choice if you prioritize most affordable entry point into the new iphone ecosystem. Motorola Moto G Play (2024) wins if you value stereo speakers with dolby atmos are excellent for this price tier. Both are rated highly (4.5★ vs 4.5★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) and Motorola Moto G Play (2024)?
Key differences: Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) offers most affordable entry point into the new iphone ecosystem, while Motorola Moto G Play (2024) stands out with stereo speakers with dolby atmos are excellent for this price tier. Consider that Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) dated design with thick top and bottom bezels. 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.
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