Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G Power (2021) vs. Realme 12x
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Realme 12x | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 165.6 × 76.1 × 7.9 mm | Realme 12x is thinner and lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 190g | Realme 12x is noticeably lighter, making it easier to handle. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.67" | Minimal difference in screen size, practically negligible. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1604 | Both have HD+ resolution, expect similar sharpness. |
| Pixel Density | 266 PPI | 264 PPI | Virtually identical sharpness; differences are not visible to the naked eye. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use similar LCD technology; expect similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12x display will feel smoother, especially in scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have an unknown peak brightness, making direct sunlight performance a gamble for both |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | Realme 12x's chipset is significantly more powerful and energy-efficient, resulting in faster performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 442,599 | Realme 12x delivers much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and significantly improved gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Realme 12x has a more capable GPU, contributing to better gaming and graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity suggests similar battery life for typical usage. |
| Charging | 15W | 15W | Charging speeds are identical, both will take a while to fully charge. |
| Charger Included | 10W Charger in-box | None | Only the Moto G Power includes a charger in the box, which is a slight value add. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP f/1.7 | 50MP f/1.8 | Realme 12x has slightly higher resolution, while the Moto G Power has a slightly wider aperture. Performance difference is unlikely to be drastic. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 8MP f/2.1 | Moto G Power has a slightly wider aperture, leading to slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Both have a similar depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Moto G Power includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, which Realme 12x lacks. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | Moto G Power can record at 60fps, and has a bit more detail in its EIS implementation. |
| Slow Motion | 60fps | 120fps | The Realme 12x can take slow motion at a higher frame rate. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | Realme 12x has a much more modern and feature-rich Android version, with better support for apps and future updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both support similar Wi-Fi standards, but the Realme 12x supports more connection features such as Dual-band. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | Realme 12x features a newer Bluetooth standard, offering better efficiency and connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Realme 12x supports more satellite systems, for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Realme 12x allows the use of two SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32GB/64GB | 256GB/512GB | Realme 12x offers significantly more storage space. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB | 12GB | Realme 12x has dramatically more RAM, leading to much smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage via microSD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The Realme 12x has a vastly superior audio experience, especially for media consumption. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for close-up photography, a feature absent in the Realme 12x.
- Slightly Wider Main Camera Aperture: f/1.7 aperture allows more light, potentially better low-light performance on the main camera.
- 10W charger in box: A charger is included in the box.
- Video Recording: 1080p @ 60fps recording capabilities for smoother video.
Realme 12x Advantages:
- Significantly More Powerful Chipset: The Dimensity 6100+ offers drastically improved performance in all aspects compared to the Snapdragon 662.
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: 120Hz refresh rate offers a noticeably smoother user experience.
- Much More RAM: 12GB of RAM enables seamless multitasking and prevents lag.
- Massively More Storage: 256GB/512GB vs 32GB/64GB provides ample space for files, apps, and media.
- Newer Android OS: Android 14 provides the latest features, security updates, and app compatibility.
- Better Connectivity: Supports Dual SIM, Dual Standby, and newer Bluetooth and Wi-Fi standards.
- Improved Audio: Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers offer superior audio output.
- Lighter and Thinner Design: More comfortable to hold for longer periods.
- Better slow motion: 120fps slow motion vs 60fps on the Moto G Power.
Trade-offs:
- Motorola: Better low-light main camera performance, macro lens, but at the expense of processing power, storage, and RAM.
- Realme: Superior performance, better display, storage, and RAM, but lacks a dedicated macro lens and has a narrower main camera aperture.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Motorola Moto G Power (2021):
- Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life and a usable camera over performance.
- Users who occasionally use macro photography and prefer a wider aperture on the main camera.
- Users who do not rely heavily on resource-intensive apps or gaming.
- Users who need a charger in the box.
Use Cases for Motorola Moto G Power (2021):
- Basic daily tasks (calling, texting, browsing).
- Casual photography.
- Long battery life for travel or outdoor use.
Ideal User for Realme 12x:
- Users who prioritize performance, multitasking, and gaming.
- Users who consume a lot of media and need ample storage.
- Users who prefer a smooth display experience with a higher refresh rate.
- Users who need the latest software and connectivity features.
Use Cases for Realme 12x:
- Mobile gaming.
- Heavy multitasking and app switching.
- Streaming videos and music.
- Social media and content creation.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is performance and multitasking to you? If you want a very fast and smooth experience, the Realme 12x is the obvious choice.
- Do you need the latest software and storage? The Realme 12x runs Android 14 and offers significantly more storage than the Moto G Power.
- Do you need a charger in the box, and do you use Macro photography? The Moto G Power has a macro lens and includes a 10W charger in the box, while the Realme does not have either.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget-focused and basic use): If your main priority is to save money and you have low performance requirements, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) might suffice.
- Scenario 2 (Performance and Multimedia focused): If you value performance, want a smooth display, and need ample storage for games and media, the Realme 12x is the better choice.
- Scenario 3 (Budget-focused with a need for macro photography): If you need macro photography and a charger in the box, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) might be a better option despite its older hardware.
My Choice:
I would choose the Realme 12x.
The performance difference between the two phones is vast. The Realme 12x’s Dimensity 6100+ chipset, 12GB of RAM, and 120Hz display offer a much smoother, faster, and more enjoyable experience than the Moto G Power. For day-to-day use, the increased storage and newer OS are also incredibly valuable. While the Moto G Power offers a macro lens, the overall improvement in the core user experience on the Realme 12x is far more important to me. The Realme 12x also has a better audio system, newer connectivity standards, and a lighter design, all of which add up to a more well-rounded device. The inclusion of a charger in the box on the Moto G Power is a minor positive, but not enough to outweigh the sheer advantages of the Realme 12x.
