Alright, let's break down the Motorola Moto G (2022) and the Realme 12+ to see how they stack up. As a tech journalist with a passion for the practical, I'm going to focus on how these specifications translate to your everyday life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key specs, with an emphasis on what they mean for you:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G (2022) | Realme 12+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.4 x 75.8 x 9.4 mm, 204g | 163 x 75.5 x 7.9 mm, 190g | The Realme 12+ is slightly smaller and thinner making it more comfortable to hold. The weight difference is also noticeable during prolonged use. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are traditional smartphones. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Realme has a slightly larger screen. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2400 | Realme has much sharper visuals thanks to higher resolution. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 395 | Realme's screen will look significantly clearer with finer details. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Realme offers superior blacks, contrast, vibrant colors, and better power efficiency when using dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Realme provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | Realme's display is much more visible in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6nm) | Realme has a newer, more efficient chipset which is expected to provide better overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 389,300 | 601,000 | Realme handles apps and games significantly faster. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Realme has a more powerful GPU, enhancing gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/2", 0.61µm | Realme has a slightly better sensor size, leading to potentially better dynamic range and low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 16MP, f/2.45, | Realme offers higher resolution but a slightly narrower aperture which will have minor effects. |
| Wide Angle | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2 | Realme has an additional wide angle camera. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | N/A | Motorola has an additional dedicated depth sensor. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have a basic macro camera with similar specifications. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps with EIS | Realme can record higher resolution videos with stabilization. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacities. |
| Charging | 10W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Realme charges dramatically faster. |
| Software & Other | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 (up to 16) | Realme has a newer OS version and is expected to receive future updates. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | WiFi 6 | Realme offers a faster and more reliable wireless connection. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Minor Bluetooth improvements on the Realme. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Realme is expected to be slightly more accurate with more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM | Realme allows the use of two SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Storage | 64 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Realme offers significantly more storage for your apps and files. |
| RAM | 6 GB | 8/12 GB | Realme can handle more multitasking and heavy-duty apps. |
| Audio | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Realme provides a richer audio experience. |
| Security | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | The Motorola features a side mounted finger print reader. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Motorola comes with an additional barometer. |
2. Key Insights
- Motorola Moto G (2022) Strengths: The Moto G (2022) is an affordable phone that comes with a few useful sensors, such as a barometer and an additional depth sensor for portrait mode. The side-mounted fingerprint reader is also very practical.
Realme 12+ Strengths: The Realme 12+ is a clear winner here. It features an upgraded display, superior chipset performance, much faster charging, and significantly more storage and RAM. The addition of a wide-angle camera and enhanced video features like 4k, higher fps, and image stabilization makes it a better option for content creators. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers delivers a much better audio experience.
Real-World Experience: The differences between the two devices are massive. The Realme 12+ will provide a much smoother experience overall. From daily usage to mobile gaming, everything will run noticeably faster. The higher resolution display will be much clearer and easier to use outside. The 67W charging capabilities will also ensure that you can quickly charge up your phone.
Trade-Offs: The Motorola Moto G (2022) is a much older device which means that it's most likely going to be significantly cheaper than the Realme 12+.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Moto G (2022): This phone is suitable for budget-conscious users who primarily need a basic phone for calls, browsing, and simple apps. Ideal for those who are not heavy users and don't require much processing power. The unique depth and barometer sensors might be interesting for certain niches.
- Realme 12+: This phone is perfect for users who need a device with better performance, display, camera, and audio. It is great for those who enjoy streaming videos, playing games, or taking high-quality photos and videos. Also suitable for those who need to multitask efficiently and want a device that charges quickly.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What's Your Budget? If cost is a major factor, the Motorola is a cheap option. However, be aware that the quality of your experience will also be significantly lower. The Realme 12+ will be a more premium option.
- How Do You Use Your Phone? If you mainly make calls and use basic apps, the Motorola might be sufficient. But if you're looking for an all-around upgrade in speed, display quality, camera, and overall performance, the Realme is a clear choice.
- How Important are Camera and Multimedia Features? If you often take photos and videos, especially in low-light, or consume a lot of media, the Realme’s better camera and display will be a much better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Budget User: If you need a cheap phone that gets the basics done the Motorola is a solid choice.
- The Casual User: If you want something that performs well in every category go for the Realme 12+.
- The Enthusiast: The Realme 12+ will be the ideal option with better performance, battery, camera, and display technologies.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would absolutely go with the Realme 12+. The jump in performance, display quality, and overall user experience is well worth it. While the Motorola is cheaper, the daily experience with the Realme will be much better for anyone who values smooth operation, quality visuals, fast charging, and better cameras. The older OS and slower processor are not a great experience, and the Realme 12+ is a much better option for most users. The inclusion of a wide-angle camera also gives an added level of versatility.
