Motorola Moto G 5G vs Xiaomi Redmi 12 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date December 7, 2020 June 15, 2023
Release Year 2020 2023

Physical

Volume 125.14 cm³ 105.49 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.16 "/g 3.42 "/g
Weight 212 g 198.5 g
Height 166.1 mm 168.6 mm
Width 76.1 mm 76.3 mm
Thickness 9.9 mm 8.2 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Frosted Silver
  • Volcanic Gray
  • Midnight Black
  • Polar Silver
  • Sky Blue
  • Moonstone Silver

Display

Screen Size 6.7 " 6.79 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1080 x 2460
Aspect Ratio 20:9 21:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 85.7 % 85.1 %
Pixel Density 393 PPI 396 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A 550 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 111.38 mAh/in² 108.45 mAh/in²
Battery Density 39.96 mAh/cm³ 47.4 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 619 Mali-G52 MC2

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 N/A
OTG Support
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0 USB Type-C

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 10 13
Maximum OS Version 14

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

Here's a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G 5G and Xiaomi Redmi 12, focusing on practical implications:

FeatureMotorola Moto G 5GXiaomi Redmi 12Practical Impact
Design
Launch Date2020-12-072023-06-15Redmi 12 is a newer device with potential for longer software support and updated features.
Dimensions166.1 x 76.1 x 9.9 mm168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mmRedmi 12 is taller and thinner, potentially feeling more modern. Moto G 5G has a larger volume and will feel bulkier.
Weight212g198.5gRedmi 12 is slightly lighter, which can be more comfortable for prolonged use.
Display
Size6.7"6.79"Negligible difference; both offer large screens for media consumption.
Resolution1080x24001080x2460Both offer similar sharpness for everyday use.
PPI393396Practically identical pixel density; both screens appear sharp.
TechnologyIPS LCDIPS LCDSimilar color reproduction and viewing angles; neither has the deep blacks of OLED.
Refresh Rate60Hz90HzRedmi 12 offers smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing user experience.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsBoth have the same peak brightness; outdoor visibility might be similar, but the exact real-world brightness is not specified.
Performance
ChipsetQualcomm 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 Score390,000249,400Moto G 5G is considerably faster in benchmarks, indicating superior overall performance.
GPUAdreno 619Mali-G52 MC2Adreno 619 is generally more powerful for gaming, providing better graphics.
Camera
Standard Camera48MP, f/1.7, 0.8µm50MP, f/1.8, 0.64µmRedmi 12 has slightly higher resolution; Moto G 5G's wider aperture allows better low-light performance.
Selfie Camera16MP, f/2.2, 1.0µm8MP, f/2.1Moto G 5G captures more detailed selfies; Redmi 12’s wider aperture may be slightly better in low light.
Wide Angle Lens8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm8MP, f/2.2, 1.14µmSimilar performance; both capture adequate wide-angle shots.
Macro Lens2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm2MP, f/2.4Both offer basic macro capabilities; not a major differentiator.
Video Recording4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps (EIS)1080p@30fpsMoto G 5G records in higher 4k resolution and 60fps for smoother video.
Camera FeaturesPDAF, LAF, Panorama, Night Mode4K VideoMoto G 5G has Laser autofocus and additional features, while the Redmi 12 offers 4K recording.
Battery
Capacity5000mAh5000mAhBoth offer similar battery capacity, likely providing all-day battery life for average users.
Charging20W Fast Charging18W Fast ChargingMoto G 5G charges slightly faster, saving some time when topping up.
FeaturesNon-removableReverse charging, Non-removableRedmi 12 can be used as a power bank for other devices.
Software
OSAndroid 10Android 13Redmi 12 runs a newer version of Android with likely longer support and newer features.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi802.11ac802.11acBoth support similar Wi-Fi standards and features.
Bluetooth5.1 LE5.3 LERedmi 12 has a newer Bluetooth version with potentially improved range and power efficiency.
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, GalileoGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GalileoRedmi 12 supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy, while the Moto G 5G has SUPL.
SIMDual SIMDual SIMBoth support dual SIM cards.
Storage
Internal64/128 GB128/256 GBRedmi 12 offers more internal storage options.
RAM4/6 GB4/6/8 GBRedmi 12 has higher RAM option, supporting better performance and multitasking.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone supports expandable storage.
Audio
Quality2 MicrophonesBasic Audio FeaturesMoto G 5G provides better voice capture with dual microphones.
Security
FeaturesRear-mounted fingerprint sensorSide-mounted fingerprint sensorSide-mounted sensor on Redmi 12 offers convenient unlocking.
Build Quality
ProtectionUnknownUnknownBoth phones have unspecified screen protection.
Sensors
FeaturesFingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, GyroscopeFingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic ProximityBoth 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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:

  1. Performance Priority: I prioritize a smooth and responsive experience, even when using demanding apps, and the Snapdragon 750G offers a significantly better performance advantage.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.