Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G 5G vs. Realme 12x
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Realme 12x | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 165.6 × 76.1 × 7.9 mm | Realme 12x is thinner and more pocketable, while the Motorola is noticeably thicker. Both have similar height and width. |
| Weight | 212g | 190g | Realme 12x is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Both are large displays suitable for media consumption, with a negligible size difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1604 | Motorola Moto G 5G provides a sharper and clearer image, noticeable especially when viewing text and detailed images. |
| PPI | 393 | 264 | Motorola Moto G 5G's higher pixel density results in a crisper, more defined display. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use the same display technology, with similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12x offers noticeably smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the visual experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness at 0 nits. It is best to consult in-depth reviews as peak brightness is essential for visibility in sunny conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Dimensity 6100+ (6nm) | Realme 12x has a slightly more efficient chipset, potentially offering better battery life and performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 390,000 | 442,599 | Realme 12x is expected to perform slightly better in benchmarks, indicating smoother performance during daily tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Different GPUs, but both are capable of handling modern apps and games, with the Realme 12x slightly edging out due to its slightly more performant chipset. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear (Main) | 48MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Realme 12x's higher megapixel count may result in slightly more detailed photos in ideal conditions. Motorola has wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie | 16MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.1 | Motorola Moto G 5G has higher resolution selfie camera, resulting in potentially sharper selfies. Realme 12x has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2 | N/A | Motorola Moto G 5G offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing expansive scenes. |
| Portrait (Depth) | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Realme 12x has a dedicated depth sensor for enhanced bokeh effect in portrait shots. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Motorola Moto G 5G has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps w/ EIS | 1080p@30fps | Motorola Moto G 5G offers higher resolution 4K video recording, and 1080@60, providing better video clarity and a smoother video experience. |
| Slow-Motion | 60fps | 120fps | Realme 12x offers higher slow motion capabilities |
| Features | Triple, PDAF, LAF, RAW, Night Mode | Dual Camera | Motorola Moto G 5G has a more versatile camera setup with advanced focusing and image processing capabilities. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | Motorola Moto G 5G charges slightly faster, reducing the time spent tethered to a charger. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | Realme 12x offers a more modern and up-to-date Android experience, while Motorola has a much older OS. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac, Dual Band | 802.11ac, Dual Band | Both offer comparable Wi-Fi speeds and capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, A2DP, EDR | 5.2 LE, A2DP | Realme 12x has a slightly newer Bluetooth version, potentially offering slightly better power efficiency. Motorola has EDR for faster data transfers. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Realme 12x supports more satellite systems for potentially more accurate location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 256GB/512GB | Realme 12x offers significantly more storage, suitable for users with lots of media or apps. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 12GB | Realme 12x offers significantly more RAM, ideal for heavy multitasking and demanding games. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 Microphones | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Realme 12x is better for media consumption offering higher quality audio with a better separation. Motorola has 2 Microphones for better call quality |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor on Realme 12x is typically faster and more convenient. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Proximity | Realme 12x features a Magnetometer sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:
- Higher Display Resolution and Pixel Density: Provides a sharper viewing experience.
- More Versatile Camera System: Offers a dedicated wide-angle lens, macro lens, and superior 4K video recording and multiple autofocus options.
- Faster Charging: 20W charging is quicker than Realme's 15W.
- Wider Aperture in Main Camera: Superior low-light performance in main camera.
- Higher resolution Selfie Camera: Better selfie camera quality
Realme 12x Advantages:
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 14, offering access to the latest features and security updates.
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: 120Hz refresh rate offers a smoother visual experience.
- Higher Performance Chipset: Slightly better benchmark performance with a more efficient CPU.
- Significantly More RAM: 12GB of RAM offers smoother multitasking and better gaming performance.
- Significantly More Storage: 256GB/512GB internal storage, more suitable for users with lots of media and apps.
- Stereo Speakers: Provides an immersive sound experience.
- More Advanced Fingerprint Sensor: Provides a faster fingerprint unlock experience.
- More Satellite Navigation Systems: Better location accuracy.
Trade-offs:
- Motorola: Older Android Version, lower refresh rate, less RAM, less storage, bulkier.
- Realme: Lower display resolution, no macro or wide-angle cameras and slower charging speed.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Motorola Moto G 5G:
- Budget-conscious users: Prioritizes a high-resolution display and a more versatile camera system for everyday photography.
- Casual users: Doesn't need the latest Android features or cutting-edge performance.
- Users who appreciate good low-light photography The wider aperture on the main camera lens and the multiple autofocus options provides an advantage for low-light photos.
- Users who prioritize video quality: The 4K video capability is an advantage for users who like to create high-quality vlogs or videos.
Ideal User for Realme 12x:
- Multitasking Power Users: Needs the extra RAM for running multiple apps and demanding games smoothly.
- Media Consumers: Wants a smooth and responsive display with stereo speakers for a better visual and audio experience.
- Gamers: The 120Hz refresh rate and more powerful chipset result in better game performance.
- Storage intensive users: Needs a lot of storage to install multiple apps and keep a large collection of media.
- Users who prefer convenience: The side-mounted fingerprint scanner provides a faster and more convenient unlock experience.
- Users who like to keep their software up-to-date: The latest Android software is an advantage.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions for buyers to consider:
- What is my priority: display quality or smoothness? If the crispness of a high-resolution display is more important than smoothness, the Motorola is a better option. If smoothness is paramount, the Realme is the better choice.
- How important is storage and multitasking performance? If you install a lot of apps, take lots of pictures and videos, or do heavy multitasking, the Realme will offer you much more storage and processing power.
- Do I need the latest software and features? The Realme will offer a more modern, up-to-date Android experience, which might be more important if you like to keep your software up-to-date.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious Photographer: Choose the Motorola Moto G 5G. It offers a higher resolution display with a more versatile camera system that offers a wide-angle and macro lenses.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer and Heavy Media Consumer: Choose the Realme 12x. Its higher refresh rate, better performance, and stereo speakers provide an enhanced experience.
- Scenario 3: Everyday User on a Budget: Choose the Realme 12x. It provides a good overall user experience with modern software, and plenty of storage, with sufficient performance for day-to-day tasks. The slightly higher cost is worthwhile for the more modern features.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Realme 12x. While the Motorola Moto G 5G has a superior main camera system on paper, the Realme 12x offers a more modern and well-rounded experience for an everyday user. The significantly higher RAM and storage are a major plus for multitasking and content storage, and the smoother 120Hz display makes everyday interactions much more enjoyable. The modern Android version and stereo speakers also enhance the user experience. Although I might miss the 4K video recording, the practical advantages of the Realme 12x for everyday use outweigh the benefits of a slightly more versatile camera system.
