1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 166.1 x 76.1 x 9.9 mm | 163.1 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm | Xiaomi 12T is slightly smaller and thinner, potentially more comfortable for one-handed use and pocketable. Motorola is taller and thicker. |
| Weight | 212g | 202g | Xiaomi 12T is 10g lighter, which can be noticeable during extended use, enhancing portability. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both phones are standard smartphones, no foldable design. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Xiaomi 12T offers better screen protection against scratches and minor drops, enhancing durability. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Negligible size difference, both provide large screens for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1220 x 2712 | Xiaomi 12T has a significantly sharper display, making text and images clearer. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 393 | 446 | Xiaomi 12T offers a noticeably sharper display with higher pixel density, improving clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Xiaomi 12T offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors, making it superior for viewing media. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Xiaomi 12T provides smoother scrolling and animations, beneficial for gaming and overall responsiveness. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness, but both values are 0 which is incorrect and needs further investigation. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8100 Ultra (5 nm) | Xiaomi 12T's chipset is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, better multitasking, and smoother gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 390,000 | 835,913 | Xiaomi 12T demonstrates much higher performance, making it better suited for demanding applications and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G610 MC6 | Xiaomi 12T's GPU provides superior graphics performance, beneficial for gaming and graphically intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 108MP | Xiaomi 12T captures more detailed photos, allowing for better cropping and larger prints. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | Unknown | 1/1.67" | Larger sensor on Xiaomi 12T generally captures more light and detail. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 0.64 µm | Motorola Moto G 5G has a slightly larger pixel size on the main camera. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 20MP | Xiaomi 12T captures slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor | Unknown | 1/2" | Xiaomi 12T likely has better light sensitivity and lower noise in selfie photos due to larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera Pixel Size | 1.00 µm | 0.80 µm | Motorola Moto G 5G has a slightly larger pixel size on the selfie camera. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@30/60fps with EIS | 4K@30fps with HDR, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps with HDR | Xiaomi 12T provides more video recording options, including HDR and high frame rates for better slow-motion. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | HDR, OIS, Ultra stable video | Xiaomi 12T provides much more advanced video stabilization leading to smoother footage. |
| DXOMark Score | Not Tested | Mobile: 115 (Photo: 120, Video: 127) | Xiaomi 12T has a tested score showing a good performance for its camera. |
| Camera Features | PDAF, LAF | OIS, Manual Focus, 4K Video | Xiaomi 12T offers more advanced features, such as Optical Image Stabilization, providing better image quality and video stability. |
| Wide Angle lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixel size | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixel size | Both phones have comparable wide angle lens. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixel size | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixel size | Both phones have comparable macro lens. |
Battery
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both offer similar battery life, typically lasting a full day for most users. |
| Charging | 20W fast charging | 120W fast charging | Xiaomi 12T charges much faster, reducing downtime and keeping you on the go. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Both offer similar battery life, typically lasting a full day for most users. |
Software
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Xiaomi 12T has a newer OS with more features and longer software support. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Xiaomi 12T supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster wireless speeds and better performance in congested networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | Xiaomi 12T has a newer version of Bluetooth which has better power efficiency and speed. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Xiaomi 12T provides more accurate location services due to its greater support of satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both offer dual SIM support. |
Storage
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB or 256GB | Xiaomi 12T offers more internal storage options, accommodating more apps and media. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 8GB | Xiaomi 12T has more RAM for smoother multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
Audio
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi 12T offers enhanced audio experience with stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio. |
Security
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Basic | Both offer similar biometric security. |
Sensors
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, RGB | Xiaomi 12T has an additional RGB sensor, which is useful for determining color balance in photos. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Pixel Size on Main and Selfie Camera: Potentially better low-light performance on the main and selfie camera sensors due to larger pixel size, which may result in brighter images and reduced noise.
- Phase Detection and Laser Autofocus: These features may offer slightly faster autofocus in some conditions for the rear camera.
Xiaomi 12T Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel, higher resolution and pixel density, and 120Hz refresh rate make the viewing experience significantly better.
- Much Faster Performance: The Mediatek Dimensity 8100 Ultra chipset offers much higher processing and graphics capabilities.
- Significantly Faster Charging: 120W fast charging dramatically reduces charging time.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 108MP main camera captures more detail.
- More Advanced Video Recording and Stabilization: Better HDR options, high frame rate recording, and OIS for smoother videos.
- More Advanced Wireless Standards: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions offer faster and more efficient connectivity.
- More Internal Storage Options: Offers up to 256GB of internal storage, compared to 128GB on the Motorola.
- More RAM: 8GB RAM provides better multitasking and smoother performance, compared to 4GB or 6GB options.
- Superior Audio Quality: Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res Audio provide a better audio experience.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides better protection against scratches and drops.
- More Satellite Systems: Better location accuracy due to support of more satellite systems.
- Additional RGB Sensor: Useful for determining color balance in photos.
Trade-offs:
- The Motorola has a larger pixel size on the main and selfie camera sensors and also has Phase Detection and Laser Autofocus, which are absent from the Xiaomi. However, the Xiaomi's camera system is still better overall due to its high resolution sensor, OIS, and enhanced video features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G 5G is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users: Who need a reliable 5G phone for basic tasks and occasional media consumption.
- Users who prioritize long battery life: If charging speed is not a major concern, its battery is still decent for full day use.
- Users who only need basic camera capabilities The main and selfie cameras pixel size may offer good low light performance.
- Users who prefer a simple software experience: Running an older version of Android.
Specific Use Cases:
- Everyday phone calls, messaging, and web browsing.
- Basic social media browsing and light media consumption.
- Users needing long lasting battery life and only basic camera capabilities.
Xiaomi 12T is ideal for:
- Users who want high-end performance: For gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Users who prioritize display quality: For immersive media consumption and gaming.
- Users who require fast charging: For minimal downtime and convenience.
- Users who want a good camera system: For detailed photos and high-quality videos.
- Users who want a high quality audio experience With stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res audio
- Users who want to future proof their phone With support for newer technology such as Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3.
Specific Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with high frame rates and detailed graphics.
- Professional photography and videography on the go.
- Immersive media consumption with high-resolution videos and stereo speakers.
- Frequent travel with need of accurate location services.
- Users who want to future proof their phones and desire the latest technologies.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Motorola Moto G 5G offers a reasonable price-to-value for basic needs and budget-constrained users. However the value is diminished due to its age.
- The Xiaomi 12T provides excellent price-to-value given its premium features and high performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality? If high resolution and vibrant colors are essential, the Xiaomi 12T's AMOLED display is the clear choice.
- What is the priority for performance? If gaming and multitasking are primary uses, the Xiaomi 12T's chipset is a significant advantage.
- How important is charging speed and a good camera? If quick charging is necessary and high image quality is a must, the Xiaomi 12T is the better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If your budget is extremely tight and you only need basic smartphone functions, the Motorola Moto G 5G can work but has aged quite a bit.
- Power User: If performance and display are top priorities, the Xiaomi 12T is the clear winner due to its superior display and performance.
- Camera Enthusiast: If you take a lot of photos and videos, the Xiaomi 12T offers a more advanced camera system with better video recording features and OIS.
- Media Consumption: If watching movies and videos is the primary use case, the Xiaomi 12T wins with its superior AMOLED display and enhanced audio features.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi 12T.
Reasons:
- The Xiaomi 12T offers a much better user experience due to its superior AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The higher resolution and pixel density will make media consumption much more enjoyable.
- The performance of the Xiaomi 12T is significantly better. The MediaTek Dimensity 8100 Ultra chipset provides faster processing and better graphics performance, which will be noticeable in daily use, especially for gaming and multitasking.
- The camera system on the Xiaomi 12T is much more versatile, offering OIS, 4K video, and HDR support.
- The 120W fast charging is a game-changer, allowing me to quickly charge the phone when needed.
- The Xiaomi 12T has a more modern design, newer OS version, Wi-Fi 6, better Bluetooth, and superior audio features.
While the Motorola Moto G 5G might be an option for very budget-conscious users, the significant advancements in the Xiaomi 12T justify its cost. The better display, performance, camera, charging speed, and overall feature set of the Xiaomi 12T are more important to me and I believe these outweigh the Motorola's slight camera advantages in pixel size and autofocus.
