Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G Power (2021) vs. Realme 12 Pro+
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 161.5 × 74 × 8.8 mm | Realme 12 Pro+ is more compact and slightly thinner, may be easier to handle. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 196g | Realme 12 Pro+ is lighter, which may feel more comfortable during long usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.7" | Realme 12 Pro+ has a slightly larger screen for more immersive media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2412 | Realme 12 Pro+ offers significantly sharper images and text. |
| PPI | 266 | 394 | Realme 12 Pro+ display will look much clearer and more detailed. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Realme 12 Pro+ has richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency, especially with dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12 Pro+ offers much smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have unknown brightness, unable to assess outdoor visibility or HDR performance. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) | Realme 12 Pro+ is significantly faster and more efficient, handling demanding tasks and games much better. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 603,400 | Realme 12 Pro+ offers a drastically superior performance, suitable for demanding users. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 710 | Realme 12 Pro+ has a better GPU for enhanced gaming and graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP f/1.7 | 50MP f/1.8, 1/1.56" | Realme 12 Pro+ has a larger sensor with better light capturing capability. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0, 1.12 µm | 32MP f/2.4, 1/2.74" | Realme 12 Pro+ has much higher resolution, and the larger sensor may mean better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 64MP f/2.6, 1/2" | Realme 12 Pro+ offers optical zoom capabilities for better distant shots, a feature the Moto G lacks. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP f/2.4 | N/A | Moto G Power offers dedicated depth sensor for bokeh effect, which the Realme lacks. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | N/A | Moto G Power offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography, which the Realme lacks. |
| Wide Angle+Macro | N/A | 8MP f/2.2, 1/4" | Realme 12 Pro+ offers versatile wide-angle and macro in one camera, absent on the Moto G. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps | Realme 12 Pro+ records videos at higher resolution and frame rate. |
| Stabilization | EIS | EIS + OIS | Realme 12 Pro+ provides better stabilization for sharper videos and photos. |
| Camera Features | LAF, Digital Zoom | OIS, Optical zoom, RAW | Realme 12 Pro+ provides more camera features for creative photography. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 15W | 67W | Realme 12 Pro+ charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Charger in-box | 10W | No Charger included | Moto G Power offers 10W charger in box |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro+ offers a much newer version of Android with updated features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi ac | Wi-Fi 6 | Realme 12 Pro+ has newer Wi-Fi, offering faster speeds and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | Realme 12 Pro+ has slightly better Bluetooth with more audio codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Realme 12 Pro+ offers greater accuracy due to the broader satellite system support. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Realme 12 Pro+ allows using two phone numbers simultaneously, which the Moto G doesn't. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Realme 12 Pro+ has significantly more storage for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 3/4 GB | 8/12 GB | Realme 12 Pro+ provides substantially more RAM, facilitating better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Realme 12 Pro+ offers a superior audio experience for media consumption and calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side Fingerprint | Fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer a fingerprint reader, but the specific type on Realme 12 is not given. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic | Moto G power has the Compass Sensor and the Realme has the Geomagnetic Sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Lower initial cost: As an older device, it's likely available at a lower price point.
- Included Charger: Comes with a 10W charger in the box.
- Dedicated Depth & Macro Sensors: Offers dedicated cameras for depth effect and macro photography.
Realme 12 Pro+ Advantages:
- Superior Display: Sharper AMOLED panel with a higher refresh rate for a much better viewing experience.
- Significantly Higher Performance: More powerful chipset and GPU for faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Better main camera sensor, a high-resolution telephoto lens, and improved selfie camera.
- 4K Video Recording: Offers 4K recording for higher-quality videos.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging allows for much faster battery replenishment.
- More Storage & RAM: Offers significantly more storage and RAM options for better long-term use.
- Modern Software: Runs on a newer Android version with the latest features and security updates.
- Better Connectivity: Supports newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards and more GPS options for a better connected experience.
- Enhanced Audio: Superior audio with Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, and Stereo speakers.
Trade-offs:
- Realme 12 Pro+: Higher cost, lacks a dedicated macro and depth sensor
- Moto G Power (2021): Much weaker performance, lower quality display, outdated software.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021):
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who need a basic smartphone for everyday tasks. Suitable for users with minimal app usage and those who don't require advanced features.
- Use Cases: Web browsing, social media, basic messaging, and casual photography. It is a phone that does the basics, and focuses on cost.
- Price-to-Value: Good for users where the budget is the primary concern.
Realme 12 Pro+:
- Ideal User: Users who need a high-performing smartphone with a good camera, display, and fast charging. Suits heavy multitaskers, gamers, and media consumers.
- Use Cases: Demanding apps, gaming, high-quality photography/videography, video streaming, and users who need dual sim capabilities.
- Price-to-Value: Higher price, but offers a much better experience and is suitable for those who value performance and features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The Moto G Power is significantly cheaper but with significant compromises.
- How important is performance? The Realme 12 Pro+ is much faster, making it much better for heavy app usage and gaming.
- How important is display and camera quality? The Realme 12 Pro+ offers superior display and camera capabilities.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If the budget is extremely tight and basic functionality is sufficient, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) may suffice, though the performance will feel outdated.
- Scenario 2: If you prioritize a smooth experience, good camera, and superior display, and are not on an extremely tight budget the Realme 12 Pro+ is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3: If you prioritize gaming or heavy app usage, the Realme 12 Pro+ is the clear recommendation due to its drastically better performance, RAM, and storage.
My Choice:
If I were choosing, I would pick the Realme 12 Pro+. While the Moto G Power (2021) has a lower cost, the differences in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and software are significant. The Realme 12 Pro+ offers a much smoother, richer, and more future-proof experience that aligns with most modern smartphone needs. The significantly faster charging and much larger storage options are added benefits that are worth the extra cost for a user that utilizes a smartphone heavily.
