1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Xiaomi Redmi 12C | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 75.9 x 9.5 mm | 168.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm | Redmi 12C is slightly taller and thinner, Moto G Power is wider and thicker. Overall, both feel similar in hand. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 192g | Redmi 12C is lighter, making it a bit more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.71" | Redmi 12C offers a slightly larger viewing area, beneficial for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 720 x 1650 | Both are HD+; pixel density is very similar so sharpness is practically the same. |
| PPI | 266 | 268 | Indistinguishable sharpness for daily usage on both phones. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Similar viewing experience in terms of color accuracy and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Standard 60Hz experience; no significant difference in smoothness. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have the same peak brightness, which is not specified so it's hard to tell which one has better visibility in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Helio G85 (12 nm) | Redmi 12C has a faster processor, leading to quicker app loads and snappier performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 225,154 | Redmi 12C will feel noticeably faster in everyday tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Redmi 12C has a better GPU for gaming, meaning better performance in graphic-intensive games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Redmi 12C has slightly higher megapixel count, but G Power has a wider aperture (better low light performance). |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 5MP | Moto G Power will likely produce better and sharper selfie photos. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Moto G Power offers a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode photos with more accurate blur effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both phones offer similar macro photography performance. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@60fps, EIS, Slow-mo | 1080p@30fps, no slow-mo | Moto G Power has better video recording capabilities and has EIS for better video. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should provide similar all-day battery life, depending on usage. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | Moto G Power will charge its battery faster, saving waiting time. |
| Charger in box | 10W charger | Not specified | Moto G Power includes the charger in the box, while Xiaomi doesn't specify. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 | Redmi 12C ships with a newer version of Android, offering more recent features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac, dual band, Wi-Fi Direct | Redmi 12C offers more WiFi features, providing more flexible connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE, EDR | 5.1 LE | Redmi 12C offers a slightly newer and efficient Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Redmi 12C supports more satellite systems, which can lead to more accurate positioning. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Redmi 12C supports dual SIM functionality, suitable for users managing multiple numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64 GB | 32/64/128 GB | Redmi 12C has a 128 GB storage option, ideal for users who need to store lots of media and apps. |
| RAM | 3/4 GB | 3/4/6 GB | Redmi 12C has a 6GB option, which is beneficial for multitasking and running demanding apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both phones do not offer expandable storage. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted | Rear-mounted | Moto G Power has a side mounted fingerprint, which some users find more convenient |
| Other | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Moto G Power has more sensors, which can provide a better experience with some applications and games. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Better Video Recording: 1080p@60fps and EIS, offers better quality video recording and stabilization.
- Better Front Camera: 8MP selfie camera provides sharper and more detailed self-portraits.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Dedicated 2MP depth sensor for better portrait mode photos with enhanced background blur.
- Gyroscope, Compass and additional proximity sensor: These sensors provide a richer sensor experience.
- Faster Charging: 15W charging is faster than 10W, allowing for quicker top-ups.
- 10W Charger in box Includes the charger in the box which is missing from the Xiaomi.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: The side-mounted sensor is considered more convenient by some users.
Xiaomi Redmi 12C Advantages:
- Faster Performance: Helio G85 chipset offers significantly better performance in benchmarks and real-world use cases (26% higher score), resulting in snappier app loading and overall smoothness.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 12, ensuring access to the latest features and security updates.
- Higher Main Camera Resolution: 50MP main camera offers more detailed shots (although the real world difference might not be too noticeable).
- Better Positioning: Has Beidou support in addition to GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS and Galileo.
- More RAM options: Available with 6GB of RAM, providing better multi-tasking capability.
- More Storage options: Available with 128GB of storage, which is ideal for users with more data to store.
- Dual SIM support: Supports using two SIM cards simultaneously.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Supports a more recent and efficient version of bluetooth.
- Additional WiFi features: Has dual-band and Wi-Fi Direct support for more flexible connections.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Motorola G Power (2021) trades processing power for slightly better video capabilities and a better selfie camera.
- Xiaomi Redmi 12C sacrifices the convenience of a side fingerprint sensor, depth sensor, and a higher resolution front camera for performance, a more modern OS and Dual-SIM support.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Motorola Moto G Power (2021):
- Users who prioritize photography and video: Better video recording capabilities, a decent selfie camera, and a dedicated depth sensor make this phone good for content creation.
- Users who need a quick charging: The faster 15W charging allows for quick top-ups and the charger is included in the box.
- Users who prefer a side mounted fingerprint sensor: This is a matter of personal preference but for some it might feel more convenient.
Use Cases for Motorola Moto G Power (2021):
- Social media content creation, especially short-form videos.
- Casual photographers who need good-quality selfies and portrait photos.
- Everyday users who value a phone that can be charged quickly, and has a decent main camera and a nice front camera.
Ideal User for Xiaomi Redmi 12C:
- Users who prioritize performance: The faster chipset is suitable for users who play games, use many apps, or do multitasking.
- Users who need a large storage: The 128 GB storage is great for saving a lot of media.
- Users who prefer a more modern OS: Android 12 offers the latest features and security.
- Users who need dual-SIM support: Can be used for work and personal contacts, which can be very useful for some.
Use Cases for Xiaomi Redmi 12C:
- Mobile gamers or those who use resource-intensive apps and multitasking.
- Users who need the latest software features and security.
- Users who need a dual SIM, larger storage phone, and a better performance.
- Users that prioritize faster overall performance over photography
Price-to-Value: The Redmi 12C has a better value proposition due to the significantly faster chipset, more modern OS, better connectivity features, and a more recent release date. The extra storage and RAM options are also a plus, provided the cost is reasonable. The Moto G Power (2021) can be a good option if it can be found at a lower price than the Redmi 12C due to its inclusion of the charger, better video, selfie and depth camera.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is performance to you? If you often play games or use many apps, the Redmi 12C's performance advantage will be more noticeable.
- How much do you value camera quality and features? The Moto G Power excels at video recording and provides better selfies, while Redmi 12C provides a slightly better main camera.
- Do you need a dual SIM or are you after the latest Android version? If the answer is yes, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Heavy User): If you use your phone for gaming, multitasking, and running demanding apps, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C is the better choice due to its faster chipset and higher RAM options.
- Scenario 2 (Content Creator): If you prioritize camera quality, especially for video and selfies, and a side fingerprint sensor the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) would be more suitable.
- Scenario 3 (Budget Conscious): If both phones are at a similar price point, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C is a better value due to its newer OS, faster performance, bigger storage and dual SIM. If the Moto G Power is significantly cheaper, and the user values the advantages it provides over the Redmi, it could be an acceptable trade-off.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi 12C. Here is why:
- Performance: The Redmi 12C offers a much better chipset for a snappier and better user experience, which is important for daily usage and for things like browsing the web, using social media, and playing games.
- Newer OS: The inclusion of Android 12 and newer OS versions would ensure a longer support life and more features compared to the older Android 10 version on the Motorola.
- Dual SIM and more storage/RAM: The dual SIM capability is a valuable feature for managing different numbers. The higher RAM and storage options are an advantage, specially 6GB/128GB, that'll ensure the phone feels fast and smooth for longer.
- GPS and WiFi: Having better positioning and improved WiFi connectivity are beneficial for a better user experience.
While I value the better video quality and selfie camera of the Moto G Power, for my personal needs, overall performance, a more modern OS and Dual Sim support, and bigger storage/RAM are more important. The Redmi 12C provides these benefits making it the better choice for me.
