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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerApple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) vs Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Key specs: Display: 4.7" vs 6.5" and Refresh: 60 Hz vs 90 Hz. Key specs: Display: 4.7" vs 6.5" and Refresh: 60 Hz vs 90 Hz.
📱 Display: 4.7" vs 6.5"⚡ Refresh: 60 Hz vs 90 Hz🔋 Battery: 2018 mAh vs 5000 mAh
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Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
★4.5
(225)•Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
Processor:Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Graphics:Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
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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.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
4.7"
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
6.5"Winner
Refresh Rate
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
60Hz
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
90Hz (Auto/60Hz/90Hz)Winner
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm)
RAMKey
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
4GB
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost)
Storage
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
64GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Camera1 specs
Main CameraKey
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Quad Pixel TechnologyWinner
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
2,018mAh (Approximate)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
5,000mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
No (Not supported)
Design2 specs
Weight
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5.09 oz (144 g)Winner
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
6.53 oz (185 g)
Dimensions
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 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 SE (3rd Gen)
iOS
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Android
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
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 SE (3rd Gen) vs Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
★4.5(225)Best Buy
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
★4.5(848)Best Buy
| 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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As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Rating:★4.5(225)Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
Processor:Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Graphics:Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
RAM:4GB
Storage:64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe
Display Size:4.7"
Screen Type:Retina HD LCD (IPS)
Resolution:1334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi)
Refresh Rate:60Hz
Peak Brightness:625 nits (Typical)
Main Camera:12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x
Ultra-Wide Camera:No (Not supported)
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 5x
Video Recording:4K @ 60fps; 1080p @ 60fps; Slo-mo 1080p @ 240fps
Front Camera:7MP FaceTime HD, f/2.2, 1080p @ 30fps
Battery:2,018mAh (Approximate)
Wired Charging:20W Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning
Wireless Charging:7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
USB:Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds)
Durability:IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Ion-strengthened glass
Dimensions:5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm)
Weight:5.09 oz (144 g)
Biometrics:Touch ID (Fingerprint sensor in Home button)
Extras:Stereo speakers, Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM), Dual eSIM support
✓ Pros:
- • Most affordable entry point into the new iPhone ecosystem
- • Compact and lightweight design is easy to use with one hand
- • A15 Bionic chip provides flagship-level performance for the price
- • Retains the classic Touch ID Home button (preferred by some users)
- • IP67 water resistance rating is rare in the budget category
✗ Cons:
- • Dated design with thick top and bottom bezels
- • Small 4.7-inch LCD screen lacks the vibrancy of OLED competitors
- • Base storage starts at a low 64GB
- • No Night Mode for the camera (struggles in low light)
- • Lacks 5G mmWave support (Sub-6 GHz only) unlike main iPhone models
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.
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Which one is better?
Grab the iPhone SE if you want a more powerful processor and 5G connectivity - it's the entry point to the Apple ecosystem.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) if: you want 5G connectivity, prefer a compact design, or need top-notch performance from the A15 chip.
Choose the Motorola Moto G Play (2024) if: you watch videos for hours, want a larger display for gaming, or need a budget-friendly phone with great battery life. (6.5" display, 90 Hz refresh)
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 SE (3rd Gen) excels if you value most affordable entry point into the new iphone ecosystem. 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
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