1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 166.1 x 76.1 x 9.9 mm | 165.7 x 76 x 7.9 mm | The Redmi Note 12 is noticeably thinner and slightly smaller, making it more pocketable and comfortable to hold. |
| Weight | 212g | 183.5g | The Redmi Note 12 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use, especially one-handed. |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Redmi Note 12's screen is more durable and scratch-resistant, enhancing longevity. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | Side-mounted is generally quicker and more ergonomic to unlock, depending on user preference. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Negligible size difference. Both offer a large screen for media and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical clarity and sharpness. |
| PPI | 393 | 395 | Both provide very similar sharpness and detail. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED offers deeper blacks, superior contrast, more vibrant colors and better battery efficiency when using a dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Redmi Note 12 provides much smoother scrolling, animations, and a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | The Redmi Note 12 display is far easier to view in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) | The Moto G 5G offers slightly better overall performance for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 390,000 | 338,900 | Moto G 5G will feel slightly more responsive in day-to-day use and for heavier applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 | The Moto G 5G provides better graphics performance, resulting in smoother gameplay and faster graphics rendering. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.8µm pixels | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.64µm pixels, 1/2.76" sensor | Redmi Note 12 has a higher resolution sensor but a smaller pixel size. Moto G 5G has a wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.00µm pixel | 13MP, f/2.45, 1.12µm pixel | The Moto G 5G has higher resolution, but the Redmi Note 12 has slightly larger pixels for better light capture, however the Moto G 5G has a wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel, 1/4" sensor | Both are identical in resolution and aperture. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm pixel | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both are comparable for basic macro shots |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps | Moto G 5G can record in much higher resolution (4K) for better quality videos, and offers 60fps for smoother motion. |
| Video Slow-motion | Yes, 60 fps | No | Moto G 5G offers better quality slow motion recording. |
| Camera Features | PDAF, LAF, Continuous, Panorama, RAW, Night Mode, EIS | Digital image stabilization, HDR | The Moto G 5G provides more advanced features for creative photography and better low-light capabilities. |
| DXOMark Score | Unlisted | Main score: 63, Photo score: 54, Video score: 66 | The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G has a respectable camera performance as tested by DXOMark. |
| ### Battery |
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones will likely provide similar battery life, depending on usage. |
| Charging | 20W | 33W | The Redmi Note 12 charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | The Redmi Note 12 can act as a power bank for other devices in emergencies. |
Software
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 10 | Android 13 | The Redmi Note 12 has a newer OS version and will likely receive more software updates, providing more features, better security and enhanced performance. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 750G chipset and Adreno 619 GPU offer better overall performance and gaming capabilities.
- Better Camera Features: Offers more camera features like PDAF, LAF, RAW capture, and 4K video recording with EIS, making it a more versatile photography tool.
- Better Video quality: 4K video recording and 1080p @ 60fps
- Higher quality audio: 2 Microphones for enhanced voice capture
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G Advantages:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness offers a much better viewing experience.
- Faster Charging: The 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable to hold and pocket.
- More recent OS: Android 13 provides a newer and more refined user experience, with better support
- Reverse Charging: Allows the device to act as a powerbank
- Superior build: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides enhanced screen protection.
Trade-offs:
- The Motorola Moto G 5G offers better performance and advanced camera features but lacks the superior display and faster charging of the Redmi Note 12.
- The Redmi Note 12 boasts a superior display, faster charging, lighter design and more recent OS, but sacrifices some performance and advanced camera features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G 5G:
- Ideal User: Gamers, photography enthusiasts, users who prioritize performance and advanced camera features.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming
- High-quality video recording
- Demanding apps and multitasking
- Users who want a more powerful and versatile camera
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G:
- Ideal User: Everyday users, media consumers, those who prioritize a superior visual experience and longer battery life.
- Use Cases:
- Streaming videos and movies
- Casual social media usage
- Long-lasting battery for everyday use
- Users who value a brighter, smoother display
- Users who value portability
Price-to-Value Ratio: Both phones offer good value in their respective categories. The Redmi Note 12 offers a better display and faster charging for everyday use and a newer OS, while the Moto G 5G provides better performance and camera capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality for you? If you watch a lot of videos or spend time on social media, an AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate on the Redmi Note 12 is a better choice.
- Do you prioritize performance or camera quality? If you play games or need advanced camera features, the Moto G 5G might be the better option.
- How important is the user experience and software support? The Redmi Note 12 has a more recent Android version.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Daily Commuter/Media Consumer: If you mainly browse social media, watch videos, and prioritize portability, choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G for its brighter and smoother display, lighter build, and faster charging.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer/Hobbyist Photographer: If you are a gamer who needs higher performance, better graphics capabilities, and more advanced camera features, the Motorola Moto G 5G would be the better choice.
- Scenario 3: Casual user wanting future proofing: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G has a newer OS which would be updated more frequently.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G. While the Motorola Moto G 5G offers better performance and camera features, the superior display on the Redmi Note 12 with its AMOLED panel, 120Hz refresh rate, and higher brightness significantly improves the overall user experience for my typical usage, which involves a lot of media consumption and everyday tasks. Additionally, the faster charging and lighter design are key factors that make it a more practical choice for my daily routine. The updated operating system is also a big plus, offering the latest features and software support.
