Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G 5G vs. vivo iQOO 12
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | vivo iQOO 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 163.2 × 75.9 × 8.1 mm | iQOO 12 is slightly smaller, thinner and lighter, making it more pocketable and comfortable to hold for extended periods. |
| Weight | 212g | 198.5g | iQOO 12 is noticeably lighter which enhances ease of handling and reduces fatigue during long usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.78" | Negligible size difference; both offer a large screen for media consumption and comfortable viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1260x2800 | iQOO 12 offers a significantly sharper display with more detail, resulting in crisper text and images. |
| Pixel Density | 393 PPI | 453 PPI | iQOO 12 displays much finer detail, which improves text clarity and sharpness, and makes images appear more vivid. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | iQOO 12 boasts superior blacks, higher contrast, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency for dark mode usage, enhancing visual experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | iQOO 12 provides much smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experiences. Visibly reduces motion blur. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 3000 nits | iQOO 12 provides exceptional outdoor visibility under bright sunlight. The Motorola is not suitable for direct sunlight use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | iQOO 12 offers vastly superior performance across all tasks, including demanding games, and faster app loading, and is more future proof. |
| AnTuTu Score | 390,000 | 2,020,000 | iQOO 12 shows significantly faster performance in all use cases. iQOO 12 will handle intensive tasks and multitasking better than Motorola. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 750 | iQOO 12 has a vastly more powerful GPU which delivers enhanced graphical processing, crucial for smooth gaming and graphic intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.80µm pixel size | 50MP, f/1.69, 1.20µm pixel size, 1/1.3" sensor | iQOO 12 should capture better low-light photos with larger pixels and sensor, although the Motorola has similar aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.00µm pixel size | 16MP, f/2.45, 1.00µm pixel size, 1/3.1" sensor | Motorola captures slightly brighter selfies in lower light. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/2.6, 0.70µm pixel size, 1/2" sensor | iQOO 12 can take optical zoom shots, which are much clearer than digital zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel size | None | Motorola provides a wide field of view for group shots and landscapes. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm pixel size | None | Motorola allows you to take close-up photos of small objects |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 50MP, f/2.0, 0.64µm pixel size, 1/2.76" sensor | iQOO 12 offers a wide field of view while maintaining detail with macro capability. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps with EIS | iQOO 12 has much better video quality, supports up to 8K and offers more frame rate options at 1080p, including higher frame rate for slow motion. |
| Camera Features | LAF | Tracking AF, OIS, 8K Video, Optical zoom | iQOO 12 provides significantly more advanced features, including better stabilization, zoom capabilities, and autofocus features. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should offer similar battery life depending on usage. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | iQOO 12 charges much faster. Users will get significantly less down time compared to the Motorola. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | iQOO 12 has a much newer version of Android, offering new features, security updates, and better app compatibility. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 7 | iQOO 12 has the latest Wi-Fi standard, providing faster speeds, more reliable connection and low latency, particularly for online gaming. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.4 | iQOO 12 has a slightly newer Bluetooth, offering improved speed and range. iQOO 12 supports high quality audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5) | iQOO 12 supports more satellite systems, resulting in more accurate location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128GB | 256/512/1024GB | iQOO 12 offers much more storage space for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 4/6GB | 12/16GB | iQOO 12 offers significantly more RAM allowing smooth multitasking between multiple apps, and supports intensive gaming performance. |
| Expandable Storage | None | None | Neither device supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | iQOO 12 has stereo speakers and enhanced audio for a better audio experience, while the Motorola has a basic microphone setup. |
| Security | |||
| Security | rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer similar biometric security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Neither phones have a specified screen protection technology |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint, Gravity | The iQOO 12 has more sensors for better orientation, and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:
- Wider Aperture Selfie Camera: Slightly better selfies in low-light conditions.
Macro and Wide-Angle Lenses: Offers versatility with dedicated macro and wide-angle lens capabilities for creative shots.
- Practical Implication: Useful for users who enjoy capturing a variety of photo types, although image quality may not be as high as the main camera.
- Slightly cheaper: Older device, and therefore more affordable.
vivo iQOO 12 Advantages:
Superior Display: AMOLED screen with higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and brightness for a much better visual experience.
- Practical Implication: More vibrant, sharper images and smoother animations, essential for media consumption and gaming.
Much Faster Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset with significantly higher AnTuTu score for fluid multitasking, faster app loading, and smooth gaming experiences.
- Practical Implication: Handles demanding applications and games easily, providing a smoother overall user experience.
Advanced Camera System: Improved sensor, telephoto lens for optical zoom, and advanced features like OIS and 8K video.
- Practical Implication: Capture clearer photos, especially in low-light conditions, and have access to optical zoom for better photos from distance.
- Significantly Faster Charging: 120W fast charging.
- Practical Implication: Charges battery much quicker and is extremely convenient for users who are always on the go.
Newer Software: Android 14 out of the box with future updates.
- Practical Implication: Access to the latest Android features and better security.
More Storage and RAM: Available with much larger internal storage and more RAM.
- Practical Implication: Stores more files and performs much better during intensive usage scenarios like multitasking and gaming.
- Superior Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards for faster speeds and better connections.
- Practical Implication: Faster download speeds and improved connectivity in crowded environments.
Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos for immersive sound.
- Practical Implication: Better for enjoying movies and music without headphones.
Trade-offs:
- The iQOO 12 lacks dedicated macro and ultrawide lens, but makes up for that with a combined ultrawide+macro sensor.
- The Motorola is much older and slower, although more affordable.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G 5G Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals looking for a basic smartphone with 5G connectivity at a lower price point.
- Users with Basic Needs: Those who primarily use their phone for calls, messaging, social media, and light web browsing.
Users who want dedicated macro and wide angle: Those who want to explore different photography styles with separate lenses.
- Specific Use Cases: Casual photography, social media browsing, basic productivity, everyday communication, and a first 5G phone.
vivo iQOO 12 Ideal Users:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Gamers, power users, and anyone who requires a phone that can handle demanding applications.
- Media Consumers: Users who enjoy watching high-resolution videos, movies, and shows, and want a great display.
Photography Lovers: Users who want high-quality photos, versatile zoom capabilities, and advanced video recording options.
- Specific Use Cases: High-end mobile gaming, professional photography and videography, heavy multitasking, media streaming, and advanced smartphone usage.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Motorola Moto G 5G is a budget option, offering 5G at a low price. However, it significantly lacks power, especially when compared to the vivo iQOO 12.
- The vivo iQOO 12 offers a premium experience with a top-tier chipset, high-quality display, and excellent camera system, justifying its higher price for users who prioritize these features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? If budget is a primary concern, the Motorola might be more suitable. However, do consider the price to performance ratio, as the vivo iQOO 12 offers much more for its higher price tag.
- What are your primary use cases? Are you a heavy gamer, content creator, or do you mainly browse the internet and use social media? iQOO 12 is much better suited for heavy use, while the Motorola is suitable for more basic tasks.
- How important is the display and camera quality? If you value vibrant visuals and flexible camera capabilities, the vivo iQOO 12 is the clear winner. The Motorola does however have a wide angle lens and a dedicated macro lens.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-conscious, Basic User: If cost is the biggest factor, and you mainly use a phone for basic tasks, the Motorola Moto G 5G is acceptable.
- Budget-conscious, Advanced User: If cost is a big factor, but you want more performance, the vivo is not an option, and you would have to consider a budget phone that is not either of these.
- Power User, Gamer, Content Creator: The vivo iQOO 12 is ideal for demanding users needing top performance, excellent display, and camera capabilities, regardless of the higher price tag.
- Everyday User, Photography Focus: The vivo iQOO 12 is suitable for users wanting an all-round great experience, especially with advanced photography, who are willing to pay the extra cost.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the vivo iQOO 12. The difference in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities is so vast that it justifies the higher price. The user experience is also miles ahead on the vivo device, with features like the much faster charging, better audio, and the latest software.
While the Motorola does offer a slightly wider aperture on the selfie camera, and has a wide angle and macro lens, these are not enough to make it a better phone in general. If I needed a phone for daily use, the vivo iQOO 12 offers a much better overall experience, with more future-proofing, compared to the Motorola. The Motorola is significantly slower and older and would not be a good long term purchase.
