Okay, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Moto G (2022) and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S. As a tech journalist with a bit of an engineering background, I'm always keen to get into the nitty-gritty and translate what these specs mean for real-world use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table that breaks down the key specifications of each phone and highlights their practical implications:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G (2022) | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.4 × 75.8 × 9.4 mm, 204g | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm, 176g | The Redmi Note 12S is more compact and lighter, making it easier to handle and pocket. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.43" | Minimal size difference; not significantly noticeable. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Redmi Note 12S offers a significantly sharper and clearer picture. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 409 PPI | The Redmi Note 12S has noticeably better clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Redmi Note 12S has better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Redmi Note 12S will be much easier to see outdoors in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | Different chipsets; the Dimensity 700 has more modern architecture. |
| AnTuTu Score | 389,300 | 412,400 | Redmi Note 12S has a slight edge in benchmark performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Both use the same GPU, meaning similar graphics processing power. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.52" | Redmi Note 12S has higher resolution and larger sensor, meaning more detail and better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.4 | The Redmi Note 12S has a higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | Redmi Note 12S can capture wider shots. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Moto G (2022) can capture depth information for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have basic macro capabilities. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both offer standard video recording at 1080p. |
| Slow Motion | No | Yes, 120 fps | Redmi Note 12S captures slow-motion video. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should provide all-day battery life. |
| Charging | 10W | 33W | Redmi Note 12S charges much faster. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | The Redmi Note 12S can be used to charge other devices. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | Redmi Note 12S comes with a newer version of Android. |
| WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Both support standard WiFi technologies. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Redmi Note 12S has a slightly newer version for better connectivity and power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Redmi Note 12S offers better location accuracy by supporting additional satellite systems. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM | Redmi Note 12S offers more flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB | 64/128/256 GB | Redmi Note 12S offers significantly more storage in higher variants. |
| RAM | 6 GB | 6/8 GB | Redmi Note 12S offers more RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Redmi Note 12S gives you higher audio fidelity and sound. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer biometric authentication. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The Redmi Note 12S has protection against scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | The Moto G (2022) packs more environmental sensors for advanced use cases. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G (2022) Strengths:
- Environmental Sensors: Includes a barometer, which can be useful for certain use cases such as hiking and weather monitoring.
- Bluetooth Audio Codecs: Supports a broader range of audio codecs including aptX for better audio quality, though this is most useful for very specific use cases.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen offers higher resolution, better color accuracy, deeper blacks, and better outdoor visibility.
- Enhanced Camera System: Higher resolution main sensor, a wide-angle lens and better selfie resolution for versatile photography.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging is a significant advantage for quicker battery top-ups.
- Stereo Speakers & Hi-Res Audio: Enjoy immersive high quality audio.
- More Storage & RAM Options: More options for storage and RAM to help with multitasking.
- Reverse Charging: The ability to charge other devices with your phone is a handy feature.
- Better Connectivity: Newer Bluetooth version with better location accuracy from more satellite support.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 to protect against scratches.
- Newer Software: Android 13 out of the box means it will likely be supported for longer.
Trade-offs:
- The Moto G (2022)'s has slightly more sensors but a weaker display, camera, and charging speeds.
- The Redmi Note 12S is slightly more expensive but delivers significantly better specs.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G (2022): This phone might appeal to a user who values environmental sensors, and a slightly lower price point. Good for users with more basic needs and don't require fast charging or high-end camera performance.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S: Ideal for users who want a better all-around experience with an excellent display, versatile camera, fast charging, great audio features, and better connectivity and are happy to pay the extra cost. This phone is great for those who love media consumption, photography, and multitasking.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide between these two phones:
- How important is display quality to you? If you prioritize a high-resolution, vibrant display with deep blacks, the Redmi Note 12S is the clear winner.
- Do you need fast charging or better battery features? The Redmi Note 12S's 33W fast charging and reverse charging capability are significant advantages.
- What is your budget? If you are on a tight budget, the Motorola Moto G (2022) may be slightly cheaper, but you sacrifice significant features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the casual user: If you just want a reliable phone for calls, browsing, and social media, and you don't mind sacrificing display and camera quality the Moto G (2022) is fine.
- For the multimedia enthusiast: If you watch a lot of videos, play games, or take pictures, the Redmi Note 12S is a much better choice.
- For the power user: If you multitask heavily and need fast charging, the Redmi Note 12S with higher RAM options and 33W charging wins out.
My Choice
If it were me, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S without any hesitation. The jump in display quality alone is significant, turning everyday use into a more enjoyable experience. Additionally, the enhanced camera, faster charging, better audio features, and newer version of Android make it a much more appealing device for daily use. While the Moto G (2022) has its own appeal (mostly from the barometer), the Redmi Note 12S provides a superior user experience that's worth the price difference. It’s a clear case of getting what you pay for, and the Redmi Note 12S offers more value and functionality for the average user.
