Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G Power (2021) vs. Realme 12 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 161.5 × 74 × 8.8 mm | Realme 12 Pro is more compact and potentially easier to handle, especially with one hand. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 190g | Realme 12 Pro is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable to hold and carry for extended periods. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.6" | 6.7" | Negligible difference; both offer ample screen real estate for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2412 | Realme 12 Pro's higher resolution results in a much sharper and clearer display with more detail. |
| Pixel Density | 266 PPI | 394 PPI | The higher PPI of the Realme 12 Pro means text and images will appear crisper, reducing pixelation. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Realme 12 Pro's AMOLED offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors, leading to a richer viewing experience, and potentially better battery life with dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12 Pro's 120Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall fluidity of the user interface. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | Realme 12 Pro is vastly superior for outdoor use, as its screen remains visible even under bright sunlight. Motorola Moto G Power (2021) brightness is not specified. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Realme 12 Pro's modern 4nm chipset leads to significantly faster performance, smoother multitasking, and better power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 574,000 | Realme 12 Pro provides a much faster experience, loading apps quickly, handling complex tasks, and providing smoother graphics for gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 710 | Realme 12 Pro has better graphical processing capabilities, leading to improved gaming performance and smoother graphics. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.8, Sony IMX882 | Both have capable main cameras; Realme 12 Pro likely has better low-light performance due to its sensor. Motorola Moto G Power (2021) has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.4 | Realme 12 Pro's selfie camera captures more detailed and sharper images, although it has a slightly narrower aperture, potentially affecting low light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP, f/2.0, Sony IMX709 | Realme 12 Pro provides optical zoom capabilities for getting closer to subjects without losing detail, which is missing in Moto G Power. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) provides a depth sensor for portrait mode, though the practical use of a 2MP sensor may be limited. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) has a dedicated macro lens for capturing close-up shots. However, quality from 2MP may be limited |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 8MP, f/2.2, Sony IMX355 | Realme 12 Pro has a wide-angle lens for capturing more of a scene in photos, lacking on Motorola. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps with EIS | 4K@30fps/1080p@30/60/120fps with EIS | Realme 12 Pro offers higher resolution video recording (4K), allowing for more detailed videos, and better slow-motion capabilities. |
| 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 | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Realme 12 Pro offers optical image stabilization (OIS) and optical zoom for sharper and more stable photos and videos. |
Battery
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have large batteries providing similar battery life depending on usage. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Realme 12 Pro charges much faster, allowing users to spend less time plugged in. |
| Features | 10W charger in-box | None | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) ships with a charger in the box, which is convenient; Realme 12 Pro may require a separate purchase for the faster charger, if not included in the box. |
Software
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro uses a newer Android version, offering the latest features, security updates, and potentially better performance. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Realme 12 Pro supports Wi-Fi 6, offering faster and more stable Wi-Fi connections for compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Realme 12 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version with possibly improved efficiency and pairing experience. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Realme 12 Pro offers more satellite systems resulting in more accurate location tracking and navigation. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Realme 12 Pro allows the use of two SIM cards simultaneously, which can be helpful for travel or work. |
Storage
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal | 32GB/64GB | 256GB/512GB | Realme 12 Pro provides significantly more storage space for apps, photos, and videos, and is much better for users with high media consumption. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB | 8GB/12GB | Realme 12 Pro offers more RAM, which results in smoother multitasking, better app loading times and better performance, especially with heavy applications. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both phones do not support storage expansion via microSD card. |
Audio
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Realme 12 Pro has vastly superior audio, with stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and better noise cancellation for calls and media consumption. |
Security
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | basic fingerprint sensor | Motorola's side mounted fingerprint sensor is more ergonomic and can often be more convenient to use; Realme 12 Pro does not specify the type of fingerprint sensor. |
Build Quality & Sensors
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | The lack of details makes it impossible to compare durability. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) includes a compass sensor for more accurate direction, which can be useful for navigation and augmented reality applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Laser Autofocus (LAF): The inclusion of LAF in its camera system can offer slightly faster focusing in certain conditions than traditional PDAF.
- Compass: The phone features a compass, which can be useful in navigation, and is missing from the Realme 12 Pro.
- In-box charger: The phone includes a 10W charger, offering immediate use, if not included with the Realme 12 Pro.
- Macro and Depth Sensors: Although the sensors have low resolution, the inclusion of a dedicated macro lens and depth sensor for portrait modes is an added feature not included with Realme 12 Pro.
Practical Implications: The Motorola G Power may be preferred by users on a tighter budget or who prioritize specific camera features and compass.
Realme 12 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate, higher resolution and brightness for a much richer and smoother viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Significantly Faster Performance: Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset provides faster and more efficient processing, improving app loading and gaming performance.
- Superior Camera System: Optical zoom, higher resolution selfie camera and 4K video recording for better photos and videos.
- Much Faster Charging: 67W fast charging, significantly reducing charging time.
- More Storage and RAM: 256GB/512GB of storage and 8GB/12GB of RAM for better multitasking and future-proofing.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers for a significantly better audio experience.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 14 for the latest features and security updates.
- Dual Sim: Offers support for two SIM cards simultaneously.
- Wi-Fi 6 Provides faster Wi-Fi speeds.
- More GPS Systems: Provides more accurate and faster location information with more GPS systems.
Practical Implications: The Realme 12 Pro is significantly more capable for media consumption, gaming, and demanding applications, and better suited for heavy users who need the latest features.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Motorola G Power offers a 10W charger in the box, while the Realme 12 Pro may not include a fast charger.
- The Motorola G Power includes a compass, which the Realme 12 Pro does not have.
- The Motorola G Power has additional camera features such as a depth sensor and macro sensor, which the Realme 12 Pro is missing.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Users who want a phone with a large battery and are looking for a device at the lowest price point.
- Users with basic smartphone needs: Primarily use the phone for calls, texts, and basic social media browsing, without the need for a lot of demanding applications.
- Users preferring basic camera features: Primarily need a camera for casual photos and a dedicated macro or depth sensor.
Specific Use Cases:
- Long battery life for infrequent charging.
- Basic smartphone tasks with minimal performance requirements.
- Occasional photography with basic photo and video needs.
Realme 12 Pro Ideal User:
- Power users: Need high performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Media enthusiasts: Enjoy high-quality video streaming, social media content, and require good audio quality.
- Photography enthusiasts: Want a versatile camera system with zoom, good low-light performance, and high-quality video recording.
- Users requiring the latest features: Prefer newer software versions with the latest Android features.
- Users with large media libraries: Require large internal storage capacity for photos and videos.
- Users requiring dual SIM capability: Need to use two SIM cards simultaneously
Specific Use Cases:
- Demanding gaming sessions and content creation.
- Frequent photo and video recording with diverse needs.
- Heavy daily smartphone usage with lots of apps and multitasking.
- Enjoying media content with high-quality audio and display.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) offers a lower entry price but with significant compromises. The Realme 12 Pro is pricier, but its hardware is considerably better and more future-proof with better performance. The Realme 12 Pro has a superior price-to-value ratio for users who need high performance, a great screen, and a better camera.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use for the smartphone? (Basic tasks vs. demanding applications, content consumption vs. content creation)
- How important are display quality and camera features to you? (Vibrant colors, high resolution, optical zoom, etc)
- What is your budget, and how does price fit into the overall value? (Lowest price possible vs. value for money with higher performance).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget-Conscious User): If you have a very limited budget and only need basic smartphone functions, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is the more affordable option.
- Scenario 2 (Performance & Features Prioritized): If you want a better camera, superior screen, better audio, and faster performance, the Realme 12 Pro is the clear choice, and is worth the extra cost.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced Use): If you want a well-rounded device that offers a better experience, with high performance, a great screen, and a better camera, the Realme 12 Pro has the better value for money.
My Choice and Explanation
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would absolutely choose the Realme 12 Pro. The jump in technology from the Motorola G Power to the Realme 12 Pro is astronomical. The Realme 12 Pro offers significant improvements in almost every area that matters to me. The better display with AMOLED technology and a 120Hz refresh rate alone is enough to sway me, providing a vastly more enjoyable visual experience. The faster processor, the much better camera system with telephoto and wide-angle lenses, the substantially higher storage and RAM, vastly faster charging, enhanced audio, and a newer version of Android are all features that dramatically enhance the user experience. While the Moto G Power (2021) offers a lower initial cost and some added features like a compass, it is simply not comparable to the Realme 12 Pro which provides much better value for the user who wants a more well rounded experience. The higher initial cost of the Realme 12 Pro would be a worthwhile investment for the features, performance, and longer usability period that it offers. Therefore, in the long run, the Realme 12 Pro offers far superior value for my specific needs and what I want out of a phone.
