Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Edge 20 and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+. I'll break down the specs, give you the real-world implications, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table to get us started:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 20 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 × 76 × 7 mm, 163g | 162.9 × 76 × 8.9 mm, 208.4g | The Edge 20 is noticeably thinner and lighter, making it more comfortable to hold and carry. The Note 12 Pro+ is bulkier but might feel more substantial. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 5 on the Xiaomi offers better protection against scratches and drops. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" OLED | 6.67" OLED | Virtually identical screen size; differences are negligible in daily use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer a sharp, clear image. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | The Edge 20 has a slightly smoother scrolling experience, though most users won't notice a huge difference. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is better for bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | Both chipsets provide similar performance, suitable for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 589,200 | 573,100 | Very similar performance levels, indicating comparable speed and responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G68 MC4 | Gaming performance should be comparable, though some games might be optimized for one GPU over the other. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB | The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ gives smoother multitasking |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" | 200MP, f/1.65, 1/1.4" | The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ captures more detailed photos, especially in low light. The wider aperture lets in more light. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP | None | The Edge 20 has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed-in shots. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 16MP | 8MP | Motorola Edge 20 has a higher resolution Ultrawide lens |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ lets you take close-up photos |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.3 | 16MP, f/2.45 | The Edge 20 captures more detailed selfies and has a slightly better low-light performance. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Both record 4K video, but the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ optical image stabilization (OIS) is important for steadier footage. |
| Features | Optical zoom | OIS, Ultra stable video, RAW, Night Mode | The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has OIS for better low-light photos and video stabilization, plus RAW support for more editing flexibility. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4020mAh | 5000mAh | The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ will likely last significantly longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 30W | 120W | The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ charges much faster, a huge convenience for users who need to quickly top up their battery. |
| Reverse Charging | Yes | No | The Edge 20 can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 12) | Android 12 (upgradeable to 14) | The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ will likely get more extended software support. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers a much richer audio experience with stereo speakers and support for high-resolution audio formats. |
| Other | |||
| Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both phones offer ample storage for most users, but neither has expandable storage, so choose wisely. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 20 Strengths:
- Lighter and Thinner Design: More pocketable and comfortable for extended use.
- Higher Refresh Rate: Offers smoother scrolling and animations, though the difference isn't huge.
- Telephoto Lens: Provides optical zoom capabilities.
- Reverse Charging: Lets you charge other devices wirelessly.
- Better Ultrawide Lens Offers a higher resolution.
- Better Selfie Camera
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Strengths:
- Larger Battery: Significantly better battery life.
- Faster Charging: Charges from 0 to 100% incredibly quickly.
- Better Main Camera: Improved image quality, especially in low light.
- Stereo Speakers and Dolby Atmos: Enhanced audio experience.
- Better Screen Protection: Uses a newer Gorilla Glass Version.
- More RAM: Better Multitasking.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- The Edge 20 sacrifices battery life for a slimmer design.
- Neither phone has expandable storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 20:
- Ideal for: Users who prioritize a lightweight design, want a telephoto lens, and value reverse charging.
- Use Cases: Perfect for travellers who want a pocketable phone with good cameras and appreciate the ability to top up other devices wirelessly.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+:
- Ideal for: Users who need all-day battery life, enjoy multimedia consumption, and want a better camera for low-light conditions.
- Use Cases: Great for students, content creators, and anyone who spends a lot of time on their phone. The fast charging is a huge plus for busy individuals.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is battery life to you? If you need a phone that can easily last a full day or more, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the clear winner.
- Do you prioritize a slim, lightweight design? If so, the Motorola Edge 20 is the better choice.
- Do you value multimedia and audio quality? The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+'s stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support provide a superior audio experience.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Frequent Traveller: Motorola Edge 20 (lighter, telephoto lens, reverse charging).
- For the Content Creator: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (better main camera, OIS, larger battery).
- For the Budget-Conscious User: Check current pricing. Often, older models like the Edge 20 can be found at a lower price, offering good value.
My Choice:
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+. While I appreciate the slim design of the Motorola Edge 20, the superior battery life and significantly faster charging of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ are huge advantages in my daily life. I also prioritize a better camera and enjoy a richer audio experience. For me, the added bulk is a worthwhile trade-off for these benefits. The inclusion of OIS and better low-light camera performance is also a big selling point!
