Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Edge 30 and the Xiaomi Redmi 12. As a tech journalist, I'm all about dissecting specs and figuring out what they actually mean for you, the user. So, buckle up, let's get into it.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Edge 30 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.4 x 74.2 x 6.8 mm | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm | Edge 30 is noticeably smaller, thinner, and lighter, making it more pocketable and comfortable for single-handed use. Redmi 12 is larger and bulkier. |
| Weight | 155g | 198.5g | Edge 30 is significantly lighter, which feels better for extended usage. The Redmi 12’s extra weight is noticeable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.79" | Redmi 12 has a slightly larger screen, which might be better for media consumption, but the difference isn’t huge. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Both are Full HD+, providing sharp visuals. The difference is negligible. |
| PPI | 405 | 396 | Very similar pixel density; both look sharp to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Edge 30's AMOLED offers superior blacks, contrast, and more vibrant colors compared to Redmi 12’s LCD, crucial for media consumption and contrast-rich visuals. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 90Hz | Edge 30 provides significantly smoother scrolling, animations, and a more responsive feel, which benefits daily usage and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits (This seems to be a data error as all phones have a positive peak brightness) |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ (6nm) | Helio G88 (12nm) | Edge 30’s Snapdragon chipset is significantly more powerful than the Helio G88 in the Redmi 12, offering better overall performance and a smoother experience. |
| Antutu Score | 609,900 | 249,400 | The Edge 30 is nearly 2.5x more powerful on benchmarks, translating to noticeably faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and more responsive gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G52 MC2 | Edge 30's GPU will handle demanding games and graphics much better than the Redmi 12. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Sensor | 50MP (1/1.55") | 50MP (1/2.76") | Edge 30's larger sensor captures more light and details than Redmi 12's, resulting in superior image quality, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor | 32MP | 8MP | Edge 30 has a vastly superior selfie camera with a higher-resolution sensor, capturing sharper images. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | No | 8MP | Redmi 12 has a dedicated wide-angle lens, offering more versatility than the Edge 30 in certain situations. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP Depth sensor | No | Motorola Edge 30 has a dedicated depth camera for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | No | 2MP | Redmi 12 has a dedicated macro camera for close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 50MP | No | Motorola Edge 30 has a dedicated 50MP wide-angle lens. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Edge 30 can record much higher-resolution videos, whereas the Redmi 12 maxes out at 1080p. Edge 30 also offers HDR. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | Motorola Edge 30 offers image stabilization. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4020mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi 12 has a larger battery, which should translate to longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Edge 30 has significantly faster charging, minimizing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable, 9W reverse wired charging | Redmi 12 can reverse charge other devices, and features a 9W reverse wired charging. Edge 30 does not. |
| Other Features | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 | Android 13 | Redmi 12 ships with a more recent version of Android out of the box. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Edge 30 has more modern Wi-Fi, which will get you faster speeds and better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Redmi 12 has the most current Bluetooth technology. |
| Storage | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both have equivalent storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 4/6/8GB | Both have similar RAM options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, which is a limitation. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic | Edge 30 offers a better audio experience with immersive sound, stereo speakers, and clear voice capture. |
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Redmi 12 has a better fingerprint sensor. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Edge 30 has superior screen protection. |
2. Key Insights
- Motorola Edge 30 Strengths: The Edge 30 is the clear winner in display quality, performance, and camera capabilities. Its AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate is fantastic for media consumption and gaming. The Snapdragon 778G+ chipset delivers a smooth and responsive experience, outperforming the Helio G88 by a significant margin. The larger camera sensor and higher-resolution selfie camera also offer better image quality, especially in low light. The fast charging at 33W is a very convenient feature.
- Xiaomi Redmi 12 Strengths: The Redmi 12’s primary advantage is its larger 5000mAh battery, offering more extended battery life. The presence of a wide-angle lens and macro lens provides additional camera versatility that the Edge 30 lacks. The newer Android version and the reverse charging feature could be attractive to some users.
- Trade-offs: The biggest trade-off is between performance and battery life. The Edge 30 excels in performance but has a smaller battery. On the other hand, the Redmi 12 is not as performant but does provide a larger battery, and a lower price. The Edge 30 doesn't come with a dedicated macro or ultrawide lens while the Redmi 12 does not offer the video recording or stabilization performance of the Edge 30.
- Design & Build Quality: The Edge 30 is significantly lighter and thinner which gives it a more premium feel in the hand, it also has superior screen protection.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 30 User:
- Gamers: The higher refresh rate, more powerful chipset, and superior GPU make this device the better choice for a great gaming experience.
- Media Consumers: The superior AMOLED display and stereo speakers make it an excellent option for watching videos and consuming other media.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The larger camera sensor and higher-resolution selfie camera offer significantly better image quality.
- Users focused on Speed and Responsiveness: The Edge 30's high-end chipset provides fast, smooth performance in daily use.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: The Redmi 12 is the budget friendly option of the two, this may make it more appealing to some users.
- Users Needing Long Battery Life: The larger 5000mAh battery makes it a better choice for people who need their phone to last all day.
- Users Wanting Extra Camera Versatility: The dedicated macro and ultrawide lens will appeal to those who enjoy playing with different photography styles.
- Users focused on the newest Software: The newer version of Android gives the Redmi 12 an edge for some.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you choose:
What is my main use case?
- Gaming & Media: Edge 30 wins with its superior display and performance.
- Photography: Edge 30 is generally better, with the exception of the ultrawide and macro lens on the Redmi 12.
- Battery Life: Redmi 12 offers more extended battery life.
- Budget: The Redmi 12 is a more budget-friendly option.
How important is a smooth and fast user experience?
- The Motorola Edge 30’s Snapdragon 778G+ provides a superior experience in terms of speed and responsiveness.
What features are must-haves?
- High refresh rate, AMOLED screen, and good camera: Choose the Edge 30.
- Long battery life, wide angle & macro lenses, reverse charging: Choose the Redmi 12.
Conclusion
Both phones have compelling qualities for different use cases. If you’re all about performance, and a great display for media consumption, the Motorola Edge 30 is the clear winner. If you're on a tight budget and prioritize battery life and camera versatility, the Xiaomi Redmi 12 is a solid choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones for myself, I would pick the Motorola Edge 30. While the Xiaomi Redmi 12 has some strong points, like a bigger battery and a macro camera, the Edge 30's superior overall performance, fantastic AMOLED display with 144Hz, faster charging, and better main camera, as well as the premium build quality make it worth the extra investment. As someone who uses my phone for everything from work to gaming and media consumption, the Edge 30 would offer the most enjoyable and smooth overall experience, and that would be my primary concern when choosing a phone.
