1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 163.6 × 74.6 × 8.2 mm | Moto G Power is slightly larger and thicker, making it feel less sleek in hand. Xiaomi 12 Pro is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 204g | Both have similar weight; minor difference is not noticeable. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are typical smartphone designs; no differences. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.73" | Slightly larger screen on the Xiaomi 12 Pro offers a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1440x3200 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a dramatically sharper display; text and images appear much clearer. |
| PPI | 266 | 521 | Xiaomi 12 Pro provides significantly higher pixel density, noticeable in everyday usage. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Xiaomi 12 Pro provides much better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers smoother scrolling and animations, making the device feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | Xiaomi 12 Pro is significantly better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight; Moto G Power brightness is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Xiaomi 12 Pro has much faster performance, better app loading, and smoother multitasking; ideal for demanding tasks and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 1,177,498 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a significantly higher benchmark score, indicative of superior real-world performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 730 | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers superior graphical performance, resulting in smoother gaming experiences. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4600mAh | Moto G Power has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering a bit more usage between charges. |
| Charging | 15W | 120W | Xiaomi 12 Pro charges much faster, minimizing downtime. Moto G Power slower charging times are expected. |
| Charging Features | 10W in-box charger | 120W Wired, 50W Wireless, 10W Reverse | Xiaomi 12 Pro has significantly more advanced charging options including fast wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, making it much more flexible. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.9, 1.22µm, 1/1.28", IMX707 | Xiaomi 12 Pro sensor size is much larger than Moto G, giving better low-light performance and overall photo quality, despite aperture difference. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | 32MP, 1/3.14", 0.70µm, Samsung JD1 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has much higher resolution selfie camera; likely to offer much better selfie quality. |
| Wide Angle | None | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", 0.64µm, S5KJN1 | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers a versatile wide-angle option; Moto G Power lacks wide-angle capabilities. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/2.76", 0.64µm, S5KJN1 | Xiaomi 12 Pro provides much better portrait photos, especially in low light and better bokeh effect. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | None | Moto G Power has a dedicated Macro lens; Xiaomi 12 Pro lacks macro capabilities. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, EIS | 8K@24, 4K@60, 1080p@240/960fps, EIS | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers superior video recording capabilities, including 8K, 4K HDR, and high slow-motion frame rates. |
| DxOMark | - | Mobile: 129 (Photo: 136, Video: 125) | Xiaomi 12 Pro camera is ranked by DxOmark, indicating higher level of performance compared to Moto G Power that is not rated. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a newer OS, offering better features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a faster and more reliable WiFi connection, especially in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Xiaomi 12 Pro provides a slightly faster and more energy-efficient Bluetooth connection with support for more audio codecs. |
| 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 Pro supports more satellite systems, leading to better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Single Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Xiaomi 12 Pro provides flexibility for users with multiple phone numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32GB or 64GB | 128GB or 256GB | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers significantly more internal storage; important for storing photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 3GB or 4GB | 8GB or 12GB | Xiaomi 12 Pro provides much better multitasking capabilities for smooth user experience. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers superior audio quality, better surround sound, and richer listening experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Moto G Power fingerprint sensor is side-mounted, while Xiaomi 12 Pro is basic; both offer biometric security features. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Xiaomi 12 Pro has much better screen protection, reduces the risk of scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Xiaomi 12 Pro includes additional sensors such as Barometer, RGB and Ultrasonic Proximity sensor providing better overall sensor package. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Slightly larger battery: The 5000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life compared to the Xiaomi 12 Pro's 4600mAh.
- Macro lens: Has a dedicated macro lens, which can be useful for close-up photography.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Generally faster and more convenient than in-display sensors.
- Lower price: Typically much more affordable than the Xiaomi 12 Pro, making it budget-friendly.
Xiaomi 12 Pro Advantages:
- Superior display: AMOLED panel with higher resolution, higher refresh rate, and higher brightness for a significantly better viewing experience.
- Much faster performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip offers dramatically better app loading, gaming, and multitasking.
- Advanced camera system: Includes a higher-resolution main camera with larger sensor, wide-angle lens, and superior portrait capabilities.
- Faster charging: 120W fast charging significantly reduces charging time, and it includes fast wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 12, providing better features, security, and future-proofing.
- Better connectivity: Supports WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for faster and more efficient wireless connections.
- Premium Audio: Supports Dolby Atmos and has stereo speakers
- Enhanced screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers superior scratch and damage resistance.
- More storage and RAM: Offers significantly more storage and RAM for better multitasking and space for user data.
- More accurate location tracking: More satellite systems for better location accuracy.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Motorola Moto G Power (2021): Sacrifices display quality, performance, camera capabilities, and charging speeds for lower cost.
- Xiaomi 12 Pro: Lacks a dedicated macro lens and has smaller battery, but makes up for that with much better overall specs and premium features and higher cost.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021):
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, students, or those who need a reliable phone for basic tasks.
- Use Cases:
- Long battery life for everyday use and social media browsing.
- Basic photography and video recording.
- Reliable performance for light apps and tasks.
- Users who prioritize budget over cutting-edge features.
- Price-to-Value: Offers great value for those on a tight budget looking for a large battery and usable performance.
Xiaomi 12 Pro:
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts, power users, and those who prioritize a premium experience.
- Use Cases:
- Demanding gaming and resource-intensive applications.
- High-quality photography and videography.
- Smooth multitasking and fast app loading.
- Excellent media consumption with great audio and visual fidelity.
- Users who want the latest technology and premium features.
- Price-to-Value: Offers top-tier specs and features, justifying its higher cost for users who want a premium smartphone experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The price difference is significant; are you willing to pay a premium for advanced features?
- What are your primary use cases? Do you need a phone for basic tasks or intensive performance and multimedia consumption?
- What is more important to you: long battery or fast charging? The Motorola has better battery, but slower charging, while the Xiaomi has significantly faster charging.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight budget, basic needs: Choose the Motorola Moto G Power (2021). It will provide a basic reliable experience with longer battery life.
- Scenario 2: Media consumption & content creation: Choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro. Its superior screen, audio, camera and video recording capabilities make it ideal.
- Scenario 3: High-performance gaming and multitasking: Choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro. Its powerful processor and ample RAM make it ideal.
- Scenario 4: Long battery life is paramount: Choose the Motorola Moto G Power (2021). The larger battery is key here, even with slower charging.
What I would choose and why!
Personally, I would choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro. While the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) has a lower price and slightly larger battery, the Xiaomi 12 Pro provides a much more complete and enjoyable user experience. I would prioritize a higher quality display, significantly faster performance, and a much better camera system, especially since I use my phone for content consumption, photo taking, and gaming. The 120W fast charging and premium build quality are also important to me. Despite the higher price, I think the Xiaomi 12 Pro offers better value for my particular use case. The differences are not just about numbers but in practical user experience - The Xiaomi 12 Pro would provide an overall faster, smoother, more visually pleasing, and capable smartphone experience for me.
