Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G 5G vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm | Moto G 5G is larger and bulkier, Note 12S is more pocketable and comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 212g | 176g | Note 12S is significantly lighter, making it easier for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.43" | Moto G 5G offers a slightly larger viewing area, suitable for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer similar sharpness. |
| PPI | 393 | 409 | Both have comparable pixel density, resulting in crisp images and text. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Note 12S has superior blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors. Also, AMOLED offers superior power efficiency when using dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Note 12S provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Note 12S is significantly brighter, offering much better outdoor visibility. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Note 12S offers a more durable screen against scratches and minor impacts |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 750G is generally more efficient and offers better sustained performance than the Helio G96. |
| AnTuTu Score | 390,000 | 412,400 | Note 12S has slightly higher benchmark score, implying better general performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Both handle modern mobile games but the Snapdragon's Adreno 619 often provides better optimization with popular games. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.7 | 108MP, f/1.8 | Note 12S has higher resolution for more detailed photos; Moto G 5G has slightly wider aperture, potentially better in low light |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.4 | Moto G 5G has slightly wider aperture, potentially better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Comparable wide-angle capabilities. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Comparable macro capabilities. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps (EIS), 1080p@60fps (EIS) | 1080p@30fps | Moto G 5G can record higher resolution videos and offers a 60fps option |
| Slow-motion | Yes, 60 fps | Yes, 120 fps | Note 12S can capture smoother slow-motion footage with a higher frame rate. |
| Camera Features | PDAF, LAF, Continuous Shooting, Panorama, RAW | Digital image stabilization, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, Night Mode | Moto G 5G offers additional autofocus and shooting options, including the ability to save RAW images. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Note 12S charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Note 12S offers reverse charging, which can act as a power bank for other devices |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 13 | Note 12S provides a newer Android version, usually meaning better feature and security support |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac, Wi-Fi MiMO | Both have standard WiFi support; Note 12S includes Wi-Fi MiMO for better connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2, HID | Note 12S has a slightly newer version with more features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Note 12S has more satellite support, offering potentially better location accuracy, Moto G5G supports SUPL |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support Dual SIM setups. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 64/128/256 GB | Note 12S has more storage options, including 256GB. |
| RAM | 4/6 GB | 6/8 GB | Note 12S has more RAM which is better for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 microphones | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Note 12S delivers enhanced audio output with dual speakers and Hi-Res Audio support. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | Note 12S has a more modern and convenient side-mounted sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor | Both offer a complete array of sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:
- 4K Video Recording: Superior video resolution for higher quality recordings.
- Wider Aperture on Main Camera: Potentially better low-light performance for the primary camera, although the Xiaomi has a significantly higher resolution sensor
- Wider Aperture on the Selfie Camera: Potentially better low-light selfies compared to Xiaomi's
- More Camera Features: Includes PDAF, LAF, continuous shooting, panorama mode and the ability to capture RAW images, making it better for enthusiasts who want more control of the image capture process.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with higher brightness, vibrant colors, better blacks, contrast and power efficiency when using dark themes.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations.
- Significantly Lighter: More comfortable for prolonged use.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging for quicker battery replenishment.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 108MP main camera for potentially more detailed photos.
- Stereo Speakers with Hi-Res Audio: Enhanced audio experience for media consumption and gaming.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 13 out of the box, offering potential security and feature advantages
- Reverse Charging: Ability to charge other devices.
- More Storage options: Available with a 256GB storage option in addition to the 128GB option
- More RAM Options: Available with 8GB of RAM in addition to the 6GB option
Trade-offs:
- The Moto G 5G sacrifices screen quality for better video resolution and more advanced camera features.
- The Redmi Note 12S sacrifices video recording quality for better screen technology, a lighter design and a faster charging battery.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G 5G Ideal User:
- Video Content Creators: Users who prioritize video recording quality and want 4K capabilities and EIS.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want more advanced camera features like PDAF, LAF, RAW capture, and more control over their pictures.
- Users with Larger Hands: The bigger phone may be more comfortable for users with larger hands, especially when recording videos.
- Budget-Conscious: If available at a cheaper price.
Specific Use Cases:
- Recording 4K video blogs or vlogs.
- Taking high-resolution pictures with RAW format, allowing for maximum post-processing flexibility
- Users who need additional camera features
- A user that prefer larger phones
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S Ideal User:
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize vibrant display for watching videos and browsing content.
- Multitaskers: Users that will benefit from having more RAM (8GB) and a more fluid multitasking experience.
- Gamers: Users that will benefit from smoother visuals (90Hz), better audio quality, a lighter design and faster charging capabilities.
- Everyday Users: Users who value a lightweight device with a quality display, good battery life, and fast charging capabilities.
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching movies and shows on a vivid AMOLED display.
- Playing mobile games with smoother visuals.
- Users that prefer a lighter and easier-to-handle phone
- Quick charging during commutes or short breaks.
- Using reverse charging to top up other devices
- Users who prefer a more modern design and user experience
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Screen Quality vs. Camera Features: Do you prioritize a vibrant AMOLED display with a high refresh rate (Note 12S) or 4K video recording and additional camera control (Moto G 5G)?
- Comfort vs. Battery Charging: Do you prefer a lighter, more comfortable phone with faster charging (Note 12S), or a bigger phone with more advanced camera features?
- Budget & Value: Which phone offers a better price-to-value ratio based on your specific needs, considering the storage and RAM options available?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Content Creator: If your primary use case involves video creation, the Motorola Moto G 5G is the better option due to its 4K video recording capabilities, advanced camera features, wider aperture, and RAW image support.
- Scenario 2: Daily Media Consumption and Gaming: If you mostly consume media, play games, and do basic multitasking, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is the better choice due to its superior AMOLED display, smoother 90Hz refresh rate, faster charging and stereo speakers.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: For those seeking a good balance, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is still the better option due to its significantly better display technology, lighter weight, faster charging, higher ram and more storage options, making it a better overall package for most users.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S. While the Motorola Moto G 5G offers compelling features for specific users, particularly video creators, the Redmi Note 12S provides a superior overall experience for the vast majority of users. The AMOLED screen is a significant upgrade, offering far better visuals than the Moto G 5G's LCD screen. Combined with the smoother 90Hz refresh rate, the Redmi Note 12S delivers a more fluid and enjoyable user experience, essential for daily tasks and media consumption. The lighter design is also a crucial factor, making it more comfortable to hold and use for extended periods. Finally, the faster charging and more RAM options are practical advantages. Although I would miss 4K video recording capabilities and the advanced camera features from the Moto G 5G, the Redmi Note 12S is the better-rounded device for my needs.
