Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G Power (2021) vs. Xiaomi 12
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed breakdown of the specifications, focusing on their real-world impact:
Design
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Xiaomi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 75.9 x 9.5 mm | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm | Moto G Power is significantly larger and thicker, making it less pocketable and harder to handle one-handed. Xiaomi 12 is more compact and comfortable to hold. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 179g | Xiaomi 12 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. Moto G Power feels heavier. |
| Build Quality | Unknown Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Xiaomi 12 has superior screen protection from scratches and drops. Protection of the Motorola G is unknown. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Xiaomi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.6" | 6.28" | Moto G Power has a larger screen, which is better for media consumption and multitasking. Xiaomi 12 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Xiaomi 12 has a significantly sharper display with much more detail and clarity. Moto G Power will appear less sharp. |
| PPI | 266 | 419 | Xiaomi 12 offers a much sharper and clearer image quality due to higher pixel density, resulting in less pixelation and better text rendering. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Xiaomi 12's AMOLED display offers deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colours and better power efficiency when using dark mode, while Moto G Power's IPS LCD has more washed out colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Xiaomi 12 provides noticeably smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experiences due to its higher refresh rate. Moto G Power is limited to the standard 60Hz. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | Xiaomi 12 offers much better visibility in bright outdoor conditions due to significantly higher brightness. Motorola has no usable value. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Xiaomi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Xiaomi 12 has a significantly more powerful processor, providing a smoother, more responsive experience and better performance in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. Moto G Power will struggle with these tasks and is more limited to basic applications and use cases. |
| Antutu Score | 178,220 | 1,150,831 | Xiaomi 12 achieves much higher performance in benchmarks, leading to significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and more seamless gaming. Moto G Power will appear slow and lag. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 730 | Xiaomi 12’s powerful GPU enables much better graphics performance for gaming and other graphically demanding applications. |
Battery
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Xiaomi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4500 mAh | Moto G Power has a larger battery capacity, potentially providing longer battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging, 50W Wireless, 10W Reverse Charging | Xiaomi 12 charges much faster, reducing downtime, and can wirelessly charge. Moto G Power charging will be significantly slower with no wireless charging. |
| Features | 10W charger in-box, Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable, 50W Fast wireless charging, 10W Reverse charging | Xiaomi 12 has much more advanced battery features, allowing it to charge other devices wirelessly. Moto G power has a charger in the box. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Xiaomi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.80 µm pixel size | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" sensor, 1.00 µm pixel size (Sony IMX766) | Xiaomi 12's larger sensor and pixel size should capture more detail and perform better in low light conditions, along with a modern sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12 µm pixel size | 32MP, 1/3.14" sensor, 0.70 µm pixel size (Samsung JD1) | Xiaomi 12 will capture more detailed and higher resolution selfie photos. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 13MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi 12’s wide-angle lens allows for capturing expansive landscape and group shots. Motorola has no wide angle. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixel size | None | Moto G Power has a dedicated depth sensor that can aid in portrait photos with a blurred background. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixel size | 5MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi 12’s macro lens captures higher resolution, more detailed close-up photos. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, 1080p@60fps, EIS | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240/960fps with EIS and HDR | Xiaomi 12 captures significantly higher-quality, more detailed videos, with greater stability, with additional features, and can capture more slow motion data. Moto G power is limited to 1080p. |
| DXOMark Score | Not Tested | 113 (Mobile), 118 (Photo), 121 (Video) | Xiaomi 12 performs very well in both photos and video, offering superior camera quality. Moto G power does not have a DXOMark score. |
| 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, 8K 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 | Xiaomi 12 has much more advanced camera features, such as optical image stabilization (OIS), manual focus and RAW capture for more advanced users. |
Software | Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Xiaomi 12 | Practical Impact | |---|---|---|---| | Operating System | Android 10 | Android 12 | Xiaomi 12 offers a more recent version of android, with the latest features and support. Motorola's device is outdated. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Xiaomi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6) | Xiaomi 12 supports the latest Wi-Fi 6, offering faster wireless speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Xiaomi 12 has newer Bluetooth with more audio codecs, providing better wireless audio quality and performance. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Xiaomi 12 has more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Single SIM (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Xiaomi 12 supports two SIM cards, allowing users to have two phone numbers active at once. |
Storage
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Xiaomi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 32GB or 64GB | 128GB or 256GB | Xiaomi 12 has more storage space, allowing users to store significantly more files, photos, videos and applications. |
| RAM | 3GB or 4GB | 8GB or 12GB | Xiaomi 12 offers much more RAM, providing better multitasking and a smoother user experience overall, particularly for more demanding games and applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, limiting storage capabilities to built-in memory. |
Audio
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Xiaomi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Xiaomi 12 offers a much better audio experience with immersive spatial audio, higher fidelity, better stereo output and improved sound capture with two microphones. |
Security
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Xiaomi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Moto G Power’s side-mounted fingerprint sensor can be easier to use than a traditional sensor. |
Sensors
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Xiaomi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, RGB, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Xiaomi 12 has additional advanced sensors, which can be used for more features like more precise light/color readings and a more precise proximity sensor.. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Larger Battery: A 5000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life for basic usage, reducing the need for frequent charging.
- Potentially Lower Price: Typically available at a lower price point, making it accessible for budget-conscious buyers.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: A potentially easier to access and more ergonomic fingerprint reader
- Laser Auto-Focus: Quicker focus in some situations
- Headphone Jack: Has a 3.5mm headphone jack, making it compatible with wired headphones.
Xiaomi 12 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness delivers a significantly better viewing experience.
- Much Higher Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor offers exceptional speed and performance for all tasks, especially gaming and multitasking.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher resolution sensors, more versatile lens options, and advanced features like OIS and 8K video recording deliver vastly superior photo and video quality.
- Faster Charging: 67W wired and 50W wireless charging significantly reduce charging time.
- Modern Features: Includes Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, reverse charging, and stereo speakers for a more modern experience.
- Superior Build: Offers better screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio, and stereo speakers enhance the audio experience.
- Dual SIM Support: Can use two SIM cards simultaneously
Trade-offs:
- Motorola Moto G Power (2021): Lacks performance, display quality, camera quality and other advanced features. Battery life may be the only advantage.
- Xiaomi 12: Smaller battery size and likely a higher price point than the Moto G Power.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users: Those who prioritize affordability and don't need the highest level of performance.
- Users with basic needs: Those who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, browsing and light media consumption.
- Users wanting long battery life: Those who need a phone that can last through a full day or longer without needing to recharge.
Users who prefer a headphone jack: For legacy devices.
- Use Cases:
- Basic smartphone tasks (calls, texts, social media).
- Longer battery life for travel or daily use.
- Users not concerned about high gaming performance or high-resolution display.
- Use Cases:
Xiaomi 12 is ideal for:
- Power users: Those who want the highest performance for gaming, video editing, and other demanding tasks.
- Media enthusiasts: Those who want the best viewing experience for streaming videos and playing games.
- Photography enthusiasts: Those who want high-quality photos and videos with advanced features.
- Users who value modern features: Those who want the latest connectivity, charging capabilities, and build quality.
Users who need a versatile all-around device: Those who need a phone that excels in all categories.
- Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming.
- Professional photo and video capture.
- Demanding applications and multitasking.
- Users who want to charge wirelessly.
- Use Cases:
Price-to-Value:
- The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) offers good value for basic smartphone users.
- The Xiaomi 12 has a higher price, but offers significant performance, screen, and camera upgrades for a premium experience.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to consider before making a decision:
- What is your budget? The Moto G Power is more affordable than the Xiaomi 12.
- What do you value most in a smartphone? If performance, display, and camera quality are priorities, the Xiaomi 12 is the clear choice. If battery life and basic use are enough, the Moto G Power may be sufficient.
- What are your specific use cases? If you're a gamer, photographer, or video creator, the Xiaomi 12 is better equipped. If you're using your phone primarily for social media and calls, the Moto G Power will suffice.
Scenario-based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic User, Tight Budget
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G Power (2021)
- This phone provides a basic, functional experience with great battery life at a budget-friendly price.
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G Power (2021)
- Scenario 2: Power User, Performance Focus
- Recommendation: Xiaomi 12
- The Xiaomi 12 provides a significant performance advantage, an excellent camera, a superior display, and faster charging capabilities.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi 12
- Scenario 3: Media Consumption, Casual Gaming
- Recommendation: Xiaomi 12
- The Xiaomi 12 offers a superior visual experience for consuming media, with a better screen and better audio. It is also significantly more capable in demanding tasks.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi 12
- Scenario 4: Long Battery Life, Basic Features
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G Power (2021)
- The Motorola Moto G Power (2021)'s larger battery can allow for longer life. Its downsides are performance, and its limited features.
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G Power (2021)
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would unequivocally choose the Xiaomi 12. My reasoning is as follows:
Future-Proofing: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Xiaomi 12 is a significantly more powerful and modern chip than the Snapdragon 662 in the Motorola. This means the Xiaomi 12 will perform smoothly for years to come, handling future updates and apps with ease. The Motorola will quickly become obsolete.
Display Experience: The AMOLED display on the Xiaomi 12, with its vibrant colours, high refresh rate, and much sharper resolution, offers a far superior viewing experience for all tasks, not just watching videos.
Camera Versatility: The Xiaomi 12 offers a much better and more versatile camera system with advanced features and recording capabilities, it enables significantly better photo and video quality. This is important for capturing memorable moments with clarity and precision.
Overall User Experience: The combination of a powerful processor, excellent display, modern connectivity, fast charging, and superior build quality make the Xiaomi 12 a more enjoyable phone to use every day.
While the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) has a larger battery and a lower price, the Xiaomi 12 provides such a substantial upgrade in almost every other critical area. The Moto G power feels like a last-gen device in every way, while the Xiaomi is high performance and features. I would rather sacrifice some battery for a much better user experience on all other fronts. The slightly smaller battery on the Xiaomi 12 would be offset by significantly faster charging and the ability to top it up wirelessly. The Xiaomi 12 would provide a better user experience every day, and be a worthwhile device for years to come, while the Motorola is going to feel slow and outdated even after a short period of ownership.
