1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-12-07 | 2023-08-04 | Redmi 12 5G is significantly newer, likely with updated software and features. |
| Dimensions (mm) | 166.1 x 76.1 x 9.9 | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 | Redmi 12 5G is slightly taller and thinner, may feel more modern and less bulky. Motorola is thicker. |
| Weight | 212g | 199g | Redmi 12 5G is lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended holding. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.79" | Negligible difference in screen size; both offer a large viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Very minor resolution difference, both offer sharp image clarity. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 393 | 396 | Practically identical sharpness of the display. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Same display tech - expect similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Redmi 12 5G offers a smoother visual experience in scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Unable to compare brightness, data missing; check other reviews for real world values. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm) | Redmi 12 5G uses a newer, more efficient chipset. Expect better battery and potentially performance on the newer chip. |
| AnTuTu Score | 390,000 | 456,552 | Redmi 12 5G demonstrates better performance based on benchmark scores. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 613 | Newer chipset in Redmi 12 5G can still offer marginally better graphic performance in gaming and general usage. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar all-day battery life under moderate usage. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | 18W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | Motorola Moto G 5G offers slightly faster charging; Li-Polymer batteries tend to be more durable over time. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Redmi 12 5G has slightly higher resolution. Motorola has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Front Camera | 16MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Moto G 5G has a significantly higher resolution front camera for sharper selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | Not present | Motorola Moto G 5G can capture wider shots, better for landscape and group photos. |
| Portrait (Depth) Lens | Not Present | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi 12 5G can create portrait mode effects with background blur. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not Present | Moto G 5G can take detailed close-up shots of small objects. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps (EIS) | 1080p@30fps | Moto G 5G offers higher video recording quality and more versatile slow-motion capabilities. |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, Laser autofocus (LAF), Continuous shooting, RAW, Night Mode | Dual Camera, OIS | Motorola Moto G 5G provides more shooting modes and features, while Redmi 12 5G benefits from Optical Image Stabilization |
| DXOMark Score | Not Available | Mobile: 63 (Photo: 57, Video: 76) | Redmi 12 5G is rated by DxOMark, offering a relative assessment of its camera quality. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 10 | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Redmi 12 5G has a significantly newer Android version and gets future updates, with better software features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Both offer similar WiFi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | Motorola Moto G 5G has a slightly newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Both offer accurate GPS with different secondary satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Redmi 12 5G offers more base storage options, better for media and apps |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Redmi 12 5G can have higher RAM, improving multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports memory expansion via SD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | 2 microphones | Basic audio features | Motorola Moto G 5G should have slightly better audio recording due to the dual microphones |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | Side-mounted sensors are generally faster and more convenient to unlock the phone. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Redmi 12 5G screen provides enhanced scratch and impact resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic Proximity | Similar overall set of sensors with the gyro only in Moto G and an ultrasonic sensor in Xiaomi |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:
- Better Front Camera: Significantly higher resolution front camera (16MP vs. 5MP) for sharper selfies and video calls.
- Advanced Video Recording: 4K video recording and 1080p at 60fps, which is better for content creation, and high quality videos
- More Rear Camera Lenses: Includes a dedicated wide-angle and macro lens, offering versatility in shooting scenarios.
- Slightly Faster Charging: 20W charging vs. 18W
- Gyroscope Sensor: Can be helpful for gaming
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G Advantages:
- Newer Chipset & Performance: Newer Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chip, resulting in a higher Antutu score, suggesting better performance, efficiency.
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: 90Hz refresh rate offers a smoother visual experience than 60Hz.
- More Storage Options: Offers larger 256GB storage option, which is great for people who store a lot of media or apps on their phone.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 13 with an update to 14, providing access to the latest features and security updates.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 offers enhanced screen protection.
- OIS Support: Optical image stabilization to reduce motion blur when capturing photos or videos
- Side Mounted Fingerprint: Faster and more convenient fingerprint sensor to unlock.
Trade-offs:
- Motorola Moto G 5G: Has an older OS, which may limit future updates and feature availability. Lacks the faster refresh rate display.
- Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G: Loses the versatile camera setup with wide-angle and macro lenses and lower front camera resolution. Also has a slower charging rate.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Motorola Moto G 5G:
- Selfie Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.
- Casual Content Creators: People who want a versatile camera system with wide angle, macro, and 4K video recording capabilities, suitable for varied shooting conditions.
- Value-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for a budget-friendly option that still provides a solid set of features, not demanding the latest and greatest OS.
Ideal Use Cases for Motorola Moto G 5G:
- Daily use for social media, taking pictures, and sharing them with friends.
- Recording high-resolution videos for casual vlogs or personal memories
- Occasional close-up and landscape photography
Ideal User for Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G:
- Gamers and Media Consumers: Users who want a smoother display and reliable performance for gaming and watching videos.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who value having the latest software version and access to new features.
- Users who need lots of storage: People who keep a lot of apps or media on their device
- Users who want reliable performance: People who want a device with long-lasting, responsive performance.
Ideal Use Cases for Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G:
- Daily use including web browsing, social media, and light gaming.
- Watching movies and videos, benefitting from smoother visuals.
- Using for applications that benefit from a more recent android OS.
Price-to-Value Considerations:
- The newer Redmi 12 5G likely has a higher price but offers better tech.
- The Motorola Moto G 5G is older, and can likely be purchased for less, making it a good budget option
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What type of photos and videos do I take most often? (Front camera emphasis vs. versatile rear camera)
- How important are software updates and smooth visual experience? (Newer Android version and higher refresh rate vs older software)
- What is my budget, and how much am I willing to spend? (Consider the value offered by each at different price points)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget Photographer): If you primarily take selfies, use a wide variety of lenses, and want 4K video, the Motorola Moto G 5G is better.
- Scenario 2 (Smooth Visuals, Recent OS): If you prioritize smooth visuals, overall device speed, and the latest Android features, the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G is better.
- Scenario 3 (Price-Conscious Media Consumer): If you have a strict budget but still want good performance, the Redmi 12 5G is still a better buy than the Motorola, due to its newer features.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would pick the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G.
Reasoning:
While the Motorola Moto G 5G has some compelling camera features, the Redmi 12 5G's overall package is more appealing for long-term use. The newer chipset, higher refresh rate display, more storage, newer operating system, better screen protection, and side mounted fingerprint sensor all contribute to a more modern and smooth user experience.
The advancements in performance and software updates will have a big impact on daily usability. While the camera on the Moto G 5G is good, the overall value offered by the Redmi 12 5G is better for most users looking for a reliable daily driver.
Although the Moto G 5G is more well-rounded in terms of camera functionality, the main usage I would expect from my smartphone would be general use with some occasional gaming and video consumption, which makes the newer device a much better fit for me. Additionally, the 90Hz refresh rate and side-mounted fingerprint sensor on the Redmi 12 5G make it a better daily-use device.
