Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Moto G (2022) and the Realme 12 Pro. I've got my engineering hat on, but I'll be explaining things in a way that even your tech-curious grandma could understand. It's all about how these specs translate to real-world use, not just raw numbers.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, along with what it actually means for you:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G (2022) | Realme 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.4 × 75.8 × 9.4 mm | 161.5 × 74 × 8.8 mm | Realme 12 Pro is more compact and potentially more comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 204g | 190g | Realme 12 Pro is noticeably lighter, which you'll feel on long calls or extended scrolling sessions. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | Realme 12 Pro provides a slightly more immersive viewing experience, good for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2412 | Realme 12 Pro has a far sharper display; text will be clearer and images much crisper. |
| PPI | 270 | 394 | The higher PPI on the Realme 12 Pro means the screen is significantly more detailed. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED on the Realme 12 Pro provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and better energy efficiency for dark modes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12 Pro has smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | Realme 12 Pro is dramatically better in bright sunlight, the Moto G is unlikely to be usable in bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Realme 12 Pro's chipset is newer and more efficient, leading to better overall performance and power usage. |
| AnTuTu Score | 389,300 | 574,000 | Realme 12 Pro scores significantly higher, meaning faster app loading, smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 710 | Realme 12 Pro offers better graphics performance, beneficial for gaming and other graphically intensive tasks. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery size, expect comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 10W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Realme 12 Pro charges significantly faster, reducing downtime substantially. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2", 0.7µm | Realme 12 Pro has a larger sensor, resulting in better low-light performance and image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 16MP, f/2.4, pixel size | Realme 12 Pro has slightly higher resolution. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.74", 0.8µm | Realme 12 Pro offers dedicated zoom capabilities. |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | N/A | Moto G has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | N/A | Moto G has a macro camera for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.12µm | Realme 12 Pro adds an ultra-wide angle camera to the mix. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | Realme 12 Pro records higher quality videos, with EIS across a range of resolutions and frame rates. |
| Stabilisation | No | Yes | Realme 12 Pro features EIS, making videos smoother and more stable. |
| Slow-motion | No | Yes, 240fps | The Realme 12 Pro can record slow-motion footage, unlike the Moto G. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro ships with the latest version of Android, providing new features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | Realme 12 Pro offers the latest Wi-Fi standard (WiFi 6) for faster, more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.2 LE | Realme 12 Pro offers slightly faster and more efficient wireless communication. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Realme 12 Pro offers more satellite systems for more accurate location tracking, particularly in urban canyons |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Realme 12 Pro supports two SIMs at the same time. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB | 256 GB or 512 GB | Realme 12 Pro offers far more storage. |
| RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Realme 12 Pro has more RAM, this would improve performance particularly for gamers and heavy users. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Realme 12 Pro has a superior audio system with high fidelity and a much more immersive experience. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Motorola G has a more ergonomic side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones have similar level of protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Motorola G includes a compass and barometer. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G (2022) Strengths:
- Price: Likely to be the more affordable option between the two.
- Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Includes a barometer and compass.
- Ergonomic Fingerprint Sensor: Features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Realme 12 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness.
- Significantly Better Performance: More powerful chipset and higher AnTuTu score.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging is a huge leap over 10W.
- Advanced Camera System: Telephoto lens and better main sensor.
- Latest Software: Ships with Android 14.
- More Storage and RAM: Offers configurations with up to 512GB of storage and 12GB of RAM.
- Enhanced Audio: Supports Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers and noise cancellation.
- Better Connectivity: WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.
Trade-offs:
- Motorola Moto G (2022): The major trade-offs are the lower-quality display, slower charging, and weaker performance, all for a likely lower price tag.
- Realme 12 Pro: The trade-offs are mainly the increased price and slightly bulkier design than the Moto G (2022)
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G (2022) is Best For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who need a basic smartphone and aren't bothered by less impressive display and performance.
- First-Time Smartphone Buyers: A very capable device, easy to use and understand.
Use Cases: Basic social media, browsing, calling, texting, and basic photography.
Realme 12 Pro is Best For:
- Media Lovers: Those who value a great display, for videos, gaming and browsing.
- Power Users: Those who need a phone that can keep up with gaming, multitasking, and intensive apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want versatile camera capabilities, good zoom and the ability to record 4k videos.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who always want the latest in tech, from OS to connectivity features.
Use Cases: High-quality content consumption, gaming, professional photography, work requiring multiple apps, video recording.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions that can help you decide:
- How important is a quality display? If it's crucial, the Realme 12 Pro's AMOLED screen is a clear winner. If you're okay with a basic screen, the Moto G could be an option.
- Do you need fast charging and powerful performance? If you are always in a hurry and value responsiveness, the Realme 12 Pro has faster charging and significantly more performance power.
- What is your budget? If budget is your primary concern the Motorola G is likely the more affordable option, but the Realme 12 Pro offers significantly more value for the price difference.
Scenario Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User: For everyday use, a budget-conscious individual who uses their phone primarily for calls, messages, social media and browsing, the Motorola Moto G (2022) may suffice.
- Scenario 2: Content Consumer: For someone who loves to watch videos, play mobile games, and use their phone for media consumption, the Realme 12 Pro will provide a much better experience with a significantly better display.
- Scenario 3: Power User: For people who need a fast and reliable phone for work, gaming and general multitasking, the Realme 12 Pro is the clear choice, thanks to its powerful chipset, fast charging, and high-quality display.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two, I'd go with the Realme 12 Pro without hesitation.
Here's why: I value a great display. The AMOLED screen with its high refresh rate, resolution, and peak brightness is a game-changer. I also appreciate the significantly faster charging, given my very busy life. I also enjoy taking photos and the Realme 12 Pro's camera system is simply far superior.
Even if the Motorola Moto G (2022) might be a bit cheaper, the overall experience of the Realme 12 Pro is worth the difference in price. It's a clear upgrade in display, performance, charging speed, and camera quality. I'd always go for the better device and the more powerful device so that it could last longer through software and firmware updates.
Ultimately, your choice will depend on your specific needs and budget. Hopefully, this thorough analysis helps you decide which phone is the right fit for you. Happy tech hunting!
