1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Xiaomi Redmi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 75.9 x 9.5 mm | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm | Xiaomi Redmi 12 is taller and thinner, potentially feeling more modern. Moto G Power is slightly wider and thicker. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 198.5g | Xiaomi Redmi 12 is a bit lighter, which can make a difference during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.79" | Xiaomi Redmi 12 offers a marginally larger display for a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2460 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 has significantly sharper visuals, noticeably clearer text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 266 | 396 | Xiaomi Redmi 12's display will look crisper and less pixelated. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both offer similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi Redmi 12 provides smoother scrolling and animations, leading to a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness data missing; difficult to determine outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) | Xiaomi Redmi 12's chipset is generally faster, leading to quicker app loading and better multitasking capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 249,400 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 demonstrates higher performance, translating to smoother operation for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Xiaomi Redmi 12's GPU offers better graphics performance, advantageous for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 captures slightly higher-resolution photos. Motorola's wider aperture might help slightly in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.1 | Motorola has a slightly wider aperture, which can mean slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle | Not available | 8MP, f/2.2 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 allows for wider shots, great for landscapes and group photos. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP depth sensor | Not Available | Moto G Power has a dedicated depth sensor, potentially better for portrait shots with background blur. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have similar macro capabilities for close-up photos. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps (EIS) | 1080p@30fps | Moto G Power has more video capture flexibility. Xiaomi can record slow-motion at 120fps vs Moto's 60fps. |
| Camera Features | PDAF, LAF, Panorama | 4K Video, RAW | Xiaomi Redmi 12 offers 4K video recording and RAW capabilities for greater editing control, while Moto G Power includes features like PDAF and LAF. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 18W fast charging | Xiaomi Redmi 12 charges slightly faster. |
| Features | 10W charger in-box | 9W Reverse charging | Xiaomi Redmi 12 can act as a power bank for other devices, while the Moto G Power includes a charger in the box. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Xiaomi Redmi 12 offers a more modern Android experience and will receive more software updates. |
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both offer similar WiFi speeds, Xiaomi Redmi 12 includes additional features such as Wi-Fi Direct. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE | Xiaomi Redmi 12 has newer Bluetooth, likely providing more efficient connections and potentially better audio quality, it also features aptX. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Xiaomi Redmi 12 supports Beidou, offering potentially more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM | Xiaomi Redmi 12 lets you use two SIMs simultaneously, useful for travel or separating work and personal lines. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32 GB or 64 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Xiaomi Redmi 12 offers significantly more storage for apps, media, and files. |
| RAM | 3 GB or 4 GB | 4 GB, 6 GB or 8 GB | Xiaomi Redmi 12 offers more RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | Not Available | Not Available | Neither phone allows for expandable storage; user must select a variant with appropriate storage size. |
| Other | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic audio | Basic audio | Both offer similar audio capabilities. |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both provide convenient fingerprint unlocking. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both lack specifics; protection may be limited. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both have similar sensors. Ultrasonic proximity virtual may be more accurate. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Slightly wider main camera aperture: May offer a small advantage in low-light photography in the main camera.
- Dedicated depth sensor: Can provide better portrait mode photos with background blur.
- Laser and Phase detection autofocus (LAF & PDAF): Potentially faster and more accurate focusing.
- 10W charger included in the box: Provides the convenience of a power adapter right away.
Practical Implications: The Moto G Power (2021) is geared towards users who want a decent camera and some additional, albeit older, sensor features with the convenience of an in box charger. The camera's focusing features and depth sensor could offer slightly better photos in certain scenarios.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and smoother 90Hz refresh rate, results in a much better viewing experience.
- More Powerful Processor: Faster performance for smoother daily usage, gaming and app switching.
- Larger Storage & RAM Options: Significantly more internal storage, and more RAM, leading to better multitasking and less likely to run out of space for apps and media.
- Wide-Angle Lens: Greater versatility in photography, allowing for wider shots.
- Modern Software: Ships with a newer version of Android and will receive future updates for a longer duration, enhancing device longevity.
- Faster Charging: Slightly faster charging for quicker battery top-ups.
- Reverse Charging: Ability to charge other devices, a very useful function.
- Dual SIM: Provides more flexibility for personal and work use.
- 4K Video and RAW Support: Appeals to users looking for higher-quality video and more editing flexibility.
- Better Bluetooth: Newer Bluetooth standard with AptX support, offers better audio experiences.
- More accurate GPS: Beidou support provides better global location.
Practical Implications: The Redmi 12 provides a significantly better overall user experience. Its higher-quality display and improved performance make daily use smoother. The newer software, larger storage options and dual SIM functionality make it a much more versatile phone.
Significant Trade-Offs:
- The Moto G Power trades processing power, display quality and software longevity for a slightly better basic camera in some scenarios.
- The Xiaomi Redmi 12 lacks the specific focusing features and portrait depth sensor on the G Power's camera setup.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Ideal User:
- Users with a tight budget who are looking for a reliable device with some basic camera features and an included charger.
- Those not concerned with having the latest software.
- Users who prioritize some specific focusing features, and a depth sensor over the other camera capabilities of the Xiaomi Redmi 12.
- Those who do not need much internal storage.
Use Cases:
- Basic social media and web browsing.
- Casual photography focusing on basic point and shoot.
- Budget-conscious individuals who don't game or do heavy multitasking.
- Users who dislike wireless charging and prefer a charger in the box.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 Ideal User:
- Users who want good value for money and a modern smartphone experience.
- Those who value performance, display quality and modern features.
- Users who like to take a variety of photos, including wide-angle shots.
- Those who want to maximize storage, battery and have a more modern device with a longer update lifecycle.
- Users that would like to record 4k video and also like to edit them.
- Users that like to charge other devices, and also like faster charging times.
Use Cases:
- Daily multitasking, social media, and gaming.
- Taking high-quality photos and videos.
- Users who need a phone with a modern software experience.
- Those who need dual SIM functionality.
- Users who need plenty of storage for apps, media and files.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi Redmi 12 offers a higher value proposition due to its superior performance, display, modern features and software, making it the better choice if the budget is available.
- The Motorola Moto G Power may be suitable for very budget-conscious users who are not concerned with the superior display, performance, or software offered by the Redmi 12.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is my budget? If budget is extremely tight, the Moto G Power might be a basic but more affordable option, even with its compromises.
- What is more important - performance and user experience, or slightly better camera features in some specific use cases? If the former, the Xiaomi Redmi 12 is much more suitable. If the latter, and you don't mind compromises in the areas of performance and display quality, the Moto G Power could be considered.
- How long do I plan to keep this phone? If longevity and software updates are important, the Xiaomi Redmi 12 is the better choice, as it ships with a more modern OS and will be updated for longer.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget User): You need a functional phone, but your budget is extremely limited. Recommendation: The Motorola Moto G Power is the only viable option. Be aware of the performance, storage, and display limitations.
- Scenario 2 (Mid-Range User): You want a good balance of features, performance, and price. Recommendation: The Xiaomi Redmi 12 is the clear choice. Its superior display, performance, storage and software make it a much better all-around device.
- Scenario 3 (Power User): You need a capable device that can handle daily use without feeling slow, with a higher-quality camera, modern software, and extra features. Recommendation: The Xiaomi Redmi 12 remains the better choice. It has significantly better performance, display and modern features.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Xiaomi Redmi 12. While the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) might be slightly better in very specific camera features, the Redmi 12 is a far better all-around device. It has a vastly superior display, performs significantly faster, offers more storage, has a better software experience, more useful features and will likely have a longer lifespan. I am willing to give up the very minor camera advantages of the Motorola for all the other benefits the Xiaomi offers.
The Redmi 12's superior screen alone makes it a more enjoyable device for daily use. The more modern software experience and ability to handle demanding tasks smoothly is also a significant plus. The Redmi 12 also has many additional features that enhance the experience such as its dual sim capabilities, reverse charging and better bluetooth support, which offer the user far more value. Overall, the Redmi 12 provides a much better modern smartphone experience for the price, which outweighs the minor camera advantages offered by the Moto G Power.
