1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G 5G and Xiaomi Redmi 12, focusing on practical implications:
Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12 | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Launch Date | 2020-12-07 | 2023-06-15 | Redmi 12 is a newer device with potential for longer software support and updated features. |
Dimensions | 166.1 x 76.1 x 9.9 mm | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm | Redmi 12 is taller and thinner, potentially feeling more modern. Moto G 5G has a larger volume and will feel bulkier. |
Weight | 212g | 198.5g | Redmi 12 is slightly lighter, which can be more comfortable for prolonged use. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.7" | 6.79" | Negligible difference; both offer large screens for media consumption. |
Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Both offer similar sharpness for everyday use. |
PPI | 393 | 396 | Practically identical pixel density; both screens appear sharp. |
Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Similar color reproduction and viewing angles; neither has the deep blacks of OLED. |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Redmi 12 offers smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing user experience. |
Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have the same peak brightness; outdoor visibility might be similar, but the exact real-world brightness is not specified. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 750G offers significantly better performance (56% higher AnTuTu score), resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app loading and better gaming experiences. |
AnTuTu Score | 390,000 | 249,400 | Moto G 5G is considerably faster in benchmarks, indicating superior overall performance. |
GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 619 is generally more powerful for gaming, providing better graphics. |
Camera | |||
Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.64µm | Redmi 12 has slightly higher resolution; Moto G 5G's wider aperture allows better low-light performance. |
Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.0µm | 8MP, f/2.1 | Moto G 5G captures more detailed selfies; Redmi 12’s wider aperture may be slightly better in low light. |
Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.14µm | Similar performance; both capture adequate wide-angle shots. |
Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer basic macro capabilities; not a major differentiator. |
Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps (EIS) | 1080p@30fps | Moto G 5G records in higher 4k resolution and 60fps for smoother video. |
Camera Features | PDAF, LAF, Panorama, Night Mode | 4K Video | Moto G 5G has Laser autofocus and additional features, while the Redmi 12 offers 4K recording. |
Battery | |||
Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity, likely providing all-day battery life for average users. |
Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Moto G 5G charges slightly faster, saving some time when topping up. |
Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Redmi 12 can be used as a power bank for other devices. |
Software | |||
OS | Android 10 | Android 13 | Redmi 12 runs a newer version of Android with likely longer support and newer features. |
Connectivity | |||
Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both support similar Wi-Fi standards and features. |
Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 LE | Redmi 12 has a newer Bluetooth version with potentially improved range and power efficiency. |
GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Redmi 12 supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy, while the Moto G 5G has SUPL. |
SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM cards. |
Storage | |||
Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Redmi 12 offers more internal storage options. |
RAM | 4/6 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Redmi 12 has higher RAM option, supporting better performance and multitasking. |
Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
Audio | |||
Quality | 2 Microphones | Basic Audio Features | Moto G 5G provides better voice capture with dual microphones. |
Security | |||
Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted sensor on Redmi 12 offers convenient unlocking. |
Build Quality | |||
Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones have unspecified screen protection. |
Sensors | |||
Features | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Both phones include a comprehensive set of sensors with minor variations. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 750G chipset provides significantly better performance compared to the Helio G88, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming experience.
- Enhanced Camera Features: Offers Laser Autofocus (LAF), Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF), panorama, and night mode for improved photo quality and versatility.
- Better Video Recording: Capable of recording videos up to 4K resolution at 30fps, providing higher quality.
- Dual Microphones: Enhanced audio capture for better voice recording during calls and videos.
- Wider Aperture Main Lens: The f/1.7 aperture on the main camera lens captures more light and results in better low-light photos.
- Better Front Camera: A 16 MP selfie camera captures more detailed selfies with 1.0µm pixel size.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 Advantages:
- Newer Device: Launched more recently, meaning it has better software support and possibly a more modern design and features.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate offers a noticeably smoother experience compared to 60Hz.
- Larger Storage Options: Offers up to 256GB of internal storage and 8GB RAM.
- Reverse Charging: Can act as a power bank, charging other devices.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3 improves wireless connectivity.
- More Location Satellites: Supports Beidou for better location accuracy.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: More modern placement of the fingerprint sensor.
Trade-offs:
- Motorola Moto G 5G: Older device with an outdated OS. Bulkier design and heavier.
- Xiaomi Redmi 12: Significantly less powerful chipset with lower benchmark performance and worse video capabilities than the Motorola Moto G 5G.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Motorola Moto G 5G:
- Performance-Focused Users: Individuals who prioritize a fast and responsive device for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Camera Enthusiasts: Users who want versatile camera features, such as low-light photography and high-resolution video recording.
- Audio Recorders: Those who value clearer audio capture for calls or videos.
Specific Use Cases for Motorola Moto G 5G:
- Mobile gaming with demanding 3D graphics.
- Capturing high-quality 4K videos.
- Night-time photography and video recording.
- Frequent users of audio recording applications.
Ideal Users for Xiaomi Redmi 12:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals looking for a newer device with more storage, at an affordable price.
- Casual Users: People who prioritize a smooth user experience and a large display for media consumption over raw processing power.
- Users who value Modern Features: Those who want a more recent Android version, a smoother display, and a more modern design.
- Users who may need reverse charging: Those who need to use their phone as a power bank for other devices.
Specific Use Cases for Xiaomi Redmi 12:
- Daily media consumption and social media.
- Web browsing and casual mobile gaming.
- Users who want a smoother 90hz refresh rate experience.
- Occasional use of the reverse charging feature.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Motorola Moto G 5G offers better performance and camera features for its price but is an older device.
- The Xiaomi Redmi 12 provides better value for budget-conscious consumers seeking a newer device with a large screen, smoother refresh rate, and a larger storage option.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions for buyers:
How important is raw performance?
- High Priority: Choose Moto G 5G for its stronger chipset and gaming capabilities.
- Low Priority: Choose Redmi 12 for smooth everyday use, bigger storage, newer device.
Do you need high-resolution video recording and low-light camera features?
- Yes: Choose Moto G 5G for 4K video capabilities, PDAF, LAF and Night mode.
- No: Choose Redmi 12 which will still provide decent photos for everyday use.
Are you looking for a newer device with a smoother display and more storage?
- Yes: Choose Redmi 12, with its newer Android version, 90hz refresh rate, and larger storage options.
- No: Choose Moto G 5G which delivers much higher performance at the cost of a more outdated design and OS.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Mobile Gaming and Content Creation: The Motorola Moto G 5G is better suited due to its powerful processor and superior camera features.
- Scenario 2: Casual Usage and Media Consumption: The Xiaomi Redmi 12 is more suitable due to its larger storage, newer Android version and smoother display.
- Scenario 3: Value-Conscious Shopper: The Xiaomi Redmi 12 offers a better price-to-value ratio for users not prioritizing top-tier performance and camera quality.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Motorola Moto G 5G, despite it being an older device. My reasons are:
- Performance Priority: I prioritize a smooth and responsive experience, even when using demanding apps, and the Snapdragon 750G offers a significantly better performance advantage.
- Camera Quality: I value better low-light photography and higher video resolution, and the Moto G 5G offers those over the Redmi 12. The Laser autofocus feature would allow me to take sharper photos and its 4k video recording would enable better quality videos.
- Audio Capture: The dual microphones are a bonus for better audio quality, which I consider to be important.
While the Redmi 12 is a newer device with its advantages such as smoother display, newer OS, and reverse charging, the better performance, camera features, and audio quality of the Motorola Moto G 5G are more essential for my personal usage patterns.