Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison between the Motorola Edge (2022) and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S. I'm going to break it down, not just by specs, but by what these numbers mean for your daily life. Let's get started!
Smartphone Showdown: Motorola Edge (2022) vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Edge (2022) | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.9 x 74.2 x 8 mm, 170g | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm, 176g | The Edge is slightly taller and wider, but weighs less (6g difference). You might feel the difference in weight during extended use. |
| Build Material | Unspecified | Unspecified | We don't have info on the materials used, so we'll assume both are standard for their price point. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.43" | The Edge offers a slightly larger viewing area, which can make a difference for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both have a sharp, detailed display for everyday use. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 399 | 409 | Very similar pixel densities; both will have good clarity on screen. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both use vibrant, high-contrast display technologies, but the real-world difference is marginal. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 90Hz | The Edge's 144Hz display provides significantly smoother scrolling and animations, which can be especially noticeable in games. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | The Redmi Note 12S will have much better outdoor visibility due to a brighter screen. This is a significant advantage in sunny conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6nm) | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | The Edge's Dimensity 1050 is more powerful and more efficient than the Helio G96, leading to better performance overall. |
| AnTuTu Score | 522,375 | 412,400 | The Edge scores substantially higher, indicating smoother multitasking and better gaming potential. This is reflected in real world performance. |
| GPU | ARM Mali-G610 MC3 | ARM Mali-G57 MC2 | The Edge's GPU is significantly more powerful, which translates to better graphics in games and smoother app experiences. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" sensor | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.52" sensor | The Redmi has a higher resolution sensor, but the Edge's larger sensor pixels (1.00µm vs 0.70µm) can result in better low light performance in theory. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.45 | 16MP, f/2.4 | The Edge has a much higher resolution front-facing camera, which is good for detailed selfies. The Redmi has slightly wider aperture (f/2.4 vs f/2.45) |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 13MP, f/1.5 | 8MP, f/2.2 | The Edge has higher resolution and wider aperture, suggesting better wide-angle photos overall. |
| Macro Lens | 20MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Edge's macro camera is far more capable, offering greater detail for close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps, EIS | 1080p@30fps | The Edge can record in higher resolution 4K and offers smoother video with 1080p@120fps, as well as has electronic image stabilization. This is a notable advantage for videographers. |
| Features | OIS, PDAF, Panorama | Night Mode | The Edge includes OIS for better low-light shots and smoother videos, and PDAF for quicker focusing. The Redmi includes night mode for better low light shots. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both have similar capacities, but real-world endurance will vary with usage. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | The Redmi Note 12S charges slightly faster, but the difference isn't likely to be dramatic. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging, 5W reverse charging | None | The Edge offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, a premium feature not found in the Redmi Note 12S. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 13 | The Redmi ships with a newer Android version out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | The Edge supports the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard for faster and more reliable Wi-Fi connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.2 LE, EDR, HID | The Redmi has more Bluetooth features such as EDR and HID |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | The Edge can use an eSIM for digital carrier switching, in addition to a physical SIM, which provides more flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 64 GB or 128 GB or 256GB | Both offer various options with same maximum storage. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 6GB or 8GB | Both are sufficient for good multi-tasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both phones lack microSD card support. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 3 mics | Hi-Res Audio | The Edge provides an immersive audio experience, Dolby Atmos and great voice capture. The Redmi provides higher fidelity audio. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | In-Display sensor | Side-mounted sensor | The Redmi's side-mounted fingerprint sensor offers convenient, faster unlock and is slightly preferred over the basic in display sensor in the Edge. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Both have similar screen protection technologies. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Magnetometer | Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual | The Edge has extra sensors for advanced environmental readings, and a traditional proximity sensor. The Redmi uses a virtual proximity sensor which may not be as reliable. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge (2022) Strengths
- Performance: The Dimensity 1050 chipset provides a substantial performance edge, resulting in smoother multitasking and better gaming experiences.
- Display: The 144Hz refresh rate makes the UI feel much more fluid.
- Camera: The combination of OIS, PDAF and higher quality lenses offer better image quality, especially for video. The macro lens is also a big improvement.
- Features: Includes wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, as well as eSIM functionality, which are premium features not found on the Redmi.
- Audio: Offers an immersive experience using Dolby Atmos, noise cancellation and better voice recording quality.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S Strengths
- Display: Its bright 1000 nits display will be much better for outdoor visibility, a critical aspect for many users.
- Battery Charging: Marginally faster charging.
- Software: Comes with a newer Android version out of the box.
- Connectivity: Includes more Bluetooth features.
- Price: Typically priced lower, offering a better budget-friendly option.
- Fingerprint: The side-mounted fingerprint scanner is fast and reliable.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Motorola Edge (2022): Lacks a bright display for outdoors, a slightly older Android version, and the basic fingerprint scanner is not as fast as the side mounted.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S: Lags in performance, camera quality and video, and features like wireless charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge (2022) is best for:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Gamers and users who demand smooth performance and snappy app loading.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who value a smooth, fluid display, advanced video recording capabilities and immersive audio experience.
- Tech Savvy Users: Those who appreciate the convenience of wireless charging, eSIM functionality, and advanced camera features.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for an affordable phone with a good display and decent everyday performance.
- Outdoor Users: Those who need a display with high brightness for comfortable viewing in sunny conditions.
- Casual Users: People who want a reliable smartphone for basic tasks with good battery life and fast fingerprint scanner.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you choose:
- How important is performance for you? If you are a gamer or a heavy user of apps, the Motorola Edge is a significantly better choice. If you mostly use your phone for basic tasks, the Redmi is acceptable.
- Where do you use your phone the most? If you spend a lot of time outdoors, the Redmi's brighter display is a clear advantage. If you spend most of the time indoors, the Edge's smoother refresh rate may be more appealing.
- What are you willing to spend? The Redmi will typically be the more affordable option. The Edge justifies its price with premium features, performance and camera.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1 (Gaming): If you play intensive mobile games, the Motorola Edge (2022) is the better choice. The significantly more powerful processor and the 144Hz display make a real difference.
- Scenario 2 (Outdoor use): If you need a phone for frequent outdoor use, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is the better option due to its significantly brighter display.
- Scenario 3 (Budget-Conscious User): If you're on a tight budget and want a reliable phone for basic tasks, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is the better option.
- Scenario 4 (Photography and videography): If you want higher quality videos and the better photos, then the Motorola Edge (2022) is the better choice with its advanced cameras.
What I Would Choose
If it was my money on the line, I would choose the Motorola Edge (2022). The biggest deciding factor for me is performance. The Dimensity 1050 chipset, coupled with the 144Hz display, ensures that everything feels fast and responsive. I also value the versatility offered by features such as wireless charging and reverse charging, and OIS is a must have feature on a phone camera for me. While the Redmi Note 12S is a great budget phone, the performance, camera, and features of the Edge align more closely with my needs, making it worth the extra investment. For me, the trade-off in display brightness for overall performance and advanced features is a worthy sacrifice.
