1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 166.1 x 76.1 x 9.9 mm | 163 x 76 x 8 mm | Redmi Note 12 Pro is more compact and thinner, likely feeling better in hand and pocket. Motorola G 5G is bulkier. |
| Weight | 212g | 187g | Redmi Note 12 Pro is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Negligible difference in screen size, both are large enough for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical resolution, resulting in similar sharpness and clarity. |
| Pixel Density | 393 PPI | 395 PPI | Virtually the same sharpness, no noticeable difference. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Redmi Note 12 Pro's AMOLED offers richer blacks, higher contrast, and better viewing angles, particularly useful for dark themes and HDR content. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Redmi Note 12 Pro’s 120Hz provides smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | Redmi Note 12 Pro’s significantly higher brightness provides better visibility in bright outdoor conditions. Note: Motorola value is likely missing or inaccurate, as 0 nits would mean no display output. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | Redmi Note 12 Pro’s newer 6nm chip provides better performance, efficiency, and likely better thermal management compared to 8nm chip. |
| AnTuTu Score | 390,000 | 573,200 | Redmi Note 12 Pro demonstrates noticeably better performance in benchmarks, suggesting faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Redmi Note 12 Pro's GPU likely provides better gaming performance compared to Adreno 619. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP f/1.7, 0.8µm | 50MP f/1.88, 1.0µm, 1/1.56" sensor, Sony IMX766 | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a larger sensor and larger pixels which results in better low light performance, and produces sharper images in good lighting condition. Motorola has a wider aperture, which could lead to slightly better light gathering, but is likely offset by the smaller pixel size and sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.2, 1.0µm | 16MP, unknown µm | Both have 16MP resolution. Without sensor information for the Redmi, it's hard to say definitively which is better but they're likely comparable for selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP f/2.2, 1.12µm | 8MP f/1.9, unknown µm | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a wider aperture potentially resulting in better low-light performance for wide angle shots. |
| Macro | 2MP f/2.4, 1.75µm | 2MP f/2.4, 1.75µm, 1/5" sensor, GalaxyCore GC02M1 | Both have identical macro camera parameters, performance is expected to be similar. |
| Video | 4K@30fps (EIS), 1080p@60fps (EIS) | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps, 720p@960fps | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers more versatile video recording options (high frame rate 1080p, higher slow-motion options), and utilizes image stabilization. Motorola uses EIS. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | OIS + EIS | Redmi Note 12 Pro's OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) results in significantly smoother videos and better image quality in low-light scenarios compared to Motorola's EIS only. |
| DxOMark | Not tested | Main Score: 102; Photo: 108; Video: 98 | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a tested camera that offers great image and video capture. Motorola has no tested score, making direct comparison difficult but suggests the camera performance may not be a priority. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Redmi Note 12 Pro provides a wider range of features including Optical Image Stabilization, better for capturing clearer images/videos. Motorola's laser autofocus could offer marginally faster focusing in specific scenarios. |
Battery
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity and will likely provide similar battery life. |
| Charging | 20W | 67W | Redmi Note 12 Pro charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime. |
| Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Li-Polymer is usually more durable, safer, and lighter. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:
- Wider main camera aperture: (f/1.7 vs f/1.88) potentially allowing slightly better light gathering if combined with a comparable sensor and pixel size, but this advantage is likely offset by the Redmi's larger sensor.
- Laser autofocus: Could offer faster focusing times in certain scenarios but is not generally as effective as OIS in general image quality.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Advantages:
- Superior AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate: Provides a far more vibrant, smoother and better viewing experience than the IPS LCD, with better dark theme usage.
- Significantly faster processor and GPU: Leading to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance.
- Better main camera sensor: Larger sensor and pixels for better low-light and overall picture quality.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Dramatically improves video quality and low-light photo performance.
- Much faster 67W charging: Significantly reduces charging time, which greatly improves usability.
- Newer Bluetooth version Newer 5.2 is faster and more efficient.
- Stereo Speakers Provide an enhanced multimedia experience.
- Corning Gorilla Glass 5: Provides superior screen protection and greater durability.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Motorola Moto G 5G: Lacks the premium display, processing power, camera, and battery charging speed of the Redmi Note 12 Pro. It prioritizes affordability over features.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro: May be more expensive, but it provides a significantly more premium experience compared to Motorola.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Motorola Moto G 5G:
- Budget-conscious users: Prioritizing affordability over top-tier features.
- Users with basic smartphone needs: Primarily focused on calls, messages, web browsing, and light social media.
- Users who don't prioritize gaming, photography or video: For casual users who aren't concerned about the high end capabilities.
Use Cases for Motorola Moto G 5G:
- A secondary phone for basic communication and navigation.
- A phone for elderly users who require a simple device.
- A budget-friendly option for non-demanding usage.
Ideal User for Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro:
- Users who prioritize display quality: Enjoys consuming media on a smartphone with vivid colors and smooth motion.
- Users who need strong performance: Engages in gaming, demanding apps, and multitasking.
- Enthusiast photographers and videographers: Desire great image quality with stabilization, more video options, and great low-light performance.
- Users who need fast charging: Need to get their device charged quickly in order to keep up with their needs.
Use Cases for Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro:
- Media consumption: Streaming video, playing games, browsing social media
- Photography/videography: Capturing high-quality photos and videos
- Productivity: Multitasking between apps, editing documents, etc.
Price-to-Value:
- The Redmi Note 12 Pro offers superior value for its price due to its advanced display, powerful chipset, better camera, fast charging and many other premium features. It provides a significantly better overall user experience. The Motorola is a better budget option if price is the primary factor, but at the expense of a substantially inferior user experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What's my budget? The Motorola is cheaper, the Redmi is more premium.
- How important is display quality and refresh rate to me? Redmi’s AMOLED 120Hz is a major advantage.
- Do I need a good camera and video quality and do I want stabilization? Redmi is superior in this aspect with OIS and better sensor.
- Do I need fast charging? The Redmi will charge much faster.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If budget is the absolute priority, and you only need basic functionalities, the Motorola Moto G 5G is adequate. But keep in mind you are forgoing an overall better experience.
- Scenario 2: Daily User who wants a great all round device: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is the clear winner. It provides a far better overall experience with its superior display, performance, camera and charging.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Gamer/Photography Enthusiast: The Redmi Note 12 Pro is the only viable option, due to its faster processor, better GPU, smoother display, OIS and better main camera sensor.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. Here's why:
- Superior Overall Experience: While both phones share similar battery capacity, the Redmi Note 12 Pro offers a vastly superior user experience in nearly every other important aspect.
- Display Quality: The AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate is a game-changer for everyday use, making browsing, watching videos, and gaming a lot smoother, more vibrant, and more enjoyable.
- Performance: The Mediatek Dimensity 1080 chip will handle demanding tasks and games much more smoothly than the Snapdragon 750G.
- Camera Advantages: The larger sensor, OIS, and more versatile video recording options of the Redmi Note 12 Pro result in significantly better photos and videos, especially in low light.
- Fast Charging: The 67W fast charging is a significant convenience, allowing me to quickly top up my phone and get back to using it.
- Longer-term Value: While it may cost more initially, the Redmi Note 12 Pro’s superior features make it a better long-term investment, providing a much more satisfying experience over time.
While the Motorola Moto G 5G has some merits in terms of affordability, the Redmi Note 12 Pro's comprehensive set of premium features makes it a far better choice for anyone looking for a high-quality smartphone. I would gladly pay the premium for the noticeably superior user experience that it offers.
