1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions (mm) | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 | 165.7 × 76 × 7.9 | The Redmi Note 12 4G is thinner, making it slightly more comfortable to hold and pocket. The Moto G Power is noticeably thicker which could feel bulkier. |
| Weight (g) | 206.5 | 183.5 | The Redmi Note 12 4G is significantly lighter, resulting in a more comfortable experience during extended use and reducing wrist strain. |
| Display | |||
| Size (inches) | 6.6 | 6.67 | The difference in size is negligible. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | The Redmi Note 12 4G has a much sharper display, resulting in clearer text, images, and videos. The Moto G Power may look pixelated in comparison. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 266 | 395 | The Redmi Note 12 4G offers much sharper images and videos. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The Redmi Note 12 4G’s AMOLED display offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency with dark themes. The Moto G Power's LCD is less vivid and has poorer contrast. |
| Refresh Rate (Hz) | 60 | 120 | The Redmi Note 12 4G has smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming. The Moto G Power may feel less responsive in comparison. |
| Brightness (nits) | 0 (data missing) | 1200 | The Redmi Note 12 4G's display is much brighter, and is significantly better for use in bright sunlight. The Moto G Power's screen may be difficult to see outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) | The Redmi Note 12 4G has a more efficient and powerful chipset. This means better performance in apps, games, and multitasking. The Moto G Power will likely feel slower. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 338,900 | The Redmi Note 12 4G offers significantly better overall performance. It will load apps faster and handle demanding tasks/games much better. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 | Both have the same GPU, though configured differently resulting in performance differences based on the CPU |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.8 | The Redmi Note 12 4G's main camera is slightly higher resolution, but the Moto G Power has a slightly wider aperture. Real world results will depend on image processing, and both perform fairly well in good lighting. |
| Front Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 13MP, f/2.45 | The Redmi Note 12 4G's front camera offers more detail. The Moto G Power will perform better in low light due to the wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 8MP, f/2.2 | The Redmi Note 12 4G allows you to capture more in a single shot. The Moto G Power lacks this versatility. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | No | The Moto G Power can create a more realistic bokeh effect, but many software algorithms achieve similar results. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both allow you to take extreme close-up photos. Their quality is fairly similar, and both are often considered secondary. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps EIS | 1080p@30fps | Both record at 1080p, but the Motorola has 60 fps option and EIS. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity (mAh) | 5000 | 5000 | Both offer similar battery life. Expect a full day of moderate use. |
| Charging | 15W | 33W | The Redmi Note 12 4G charges much faster. The Moto G Power will take a significantly longer time to fully charge. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 10 | Android 13 | The Redmi Note 12 4G runs a newer version of Android, offering better features, performance, and security. The Moto G Power is running an older OS. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both offer similar WiFi capabilities. The Redmi Note 12 4G has additional features. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Both support Bluetooth 5.0 LE. The Redmi Note 12 4G has additional profile support. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM | The Redmi Note 12 4G can use two SIM cards simultaneously, a beneficial feature for those needing separate personal and work numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64GB | 64/128/256GB | The Redmi Note 12 4G offers much more storage, which is important for storing more photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 3/4GB | 4/6/8GB | The Redmi Note 12 4G has more RAM options, allowing for better multitasking and smoother performance, especially when running demanding apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both have fingerprint sensors for convenient and secure unlocking. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Redmi Note 12 4G offers better protection against scratches. |
| Sensors | Full suite | Full suite | Both include a full suite of sensors for different use cases such as gaming and navigation. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Wider Aperture on Main Camera: f/1.7 aperture could allow for better low-light performance, though this is often offset by image processing algorithms in the other phone.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: This can theoretically improve portrait mode photos with a more accurate background blur.
- Phase Detection & Laser Autofocus: This might result in slightly faster and more accurate autofocus.
- 10W Charger In-box A charger is provided with the device.
- SUPL Support for GPS: Supplementary User Plane Location, assists in improving initial GPS lock-on time by utilizing cellular network information.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED, higher resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and much higher brightness provides a significantly better visual experience.
- Better Performance: The Snapdragon 685 chipset offers much better overall performance for apps, games, and multitasking.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging drastically reduces charging times.
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: The 13MP selfie camera captures more detail than the 8MP on the Moto G Power.
- Wide Angle Lens: More versatile shots.
- More RAM and Storage Options: Provides better multitasking and more space for files.
- Newer Android OS: Offers more features, performance, and security.
- Dual SIM Support: Allows the simultaneous use of two SIM cards.
- Corning Gorilla Glass 3 Protection Better protection against scratches.
- Reverse charging ability to charge other devices.
- Beidou Support for GPS: Beidou is the Chinese satellite navigation system, potentially enhancing location precision.
- HID Support for Bluetooth: The Human Interface Device profile, used for connecting devices such as keyboards and mice, is supported.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Moto G Power prioritizes a longer battery life focus by using a lower refresh rate, lower screen resolution, and older chipset.
- The Redmi Note 12 4G gives up some low light performance for a better all-round experience and a much smoother, crisper display.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users looking for long battery life above all else.
- Users who primarily use their phone for basic tasks (calls, texts, light browsing).
- Users who appreciate basic camera features and may occasionally use the portrait mode.
Specific Use Cases:
- Extended trips without access to charging.
- Users who value affordability above all else.
- Older users looking for simplicity and less demanding device.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a high-quality display.
- Users who need fast charging and good overall performance.
- Users who frequently use their phone for social media, media consumption, and light gaming.
- Users who want a future-proof device with newer software.
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching videos, gaming, and browsing in various lighting conditions.
- Capturing photos and videos frequently.
- Running multiple apps simultaneously without lag.
- Using two SIM cards for personal and work use.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Motorola Moto G Power (2021), if available at a lower price point, represents good value for those needing basic smartphone functionality and very long battery life.
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G offers a significantly better feature set for a modern smartphone experience, so the price-to-value is much better if the budget is not constrained.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? If your budget is tight, the Moto G Power may be your only choice. If not, then go for the Redmi Note 12 4G, as the price difference may be small but the feature difference is significant.
- How important is display quality? If you value a smooth, sharp display with vibrant colors, the Redmi Note 12 4G is a much better choice.
- What are your primary use cases? If you need a phone with long battery for just the basics, go for the Moto G Power. Otherwise, choose the Redmi Note 12 4G.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy media consumption, gaming, and multitasking: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G is the clear winner due to its superior display, performance, and RAM options.
- Scenario 2: Long battery life is the top priority: The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is a more logical choice, but the lack of modern features should be considered.
- Scenario 3: Tight budget and basic smartphone use: The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) might be a sufficient choice, but you will lose out on a more modern smartphone experience.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G. While the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) has its strengths, the Redmi Note 12 4G offers a significantly better overall user experience.
Reasons:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate and higher resolution is a huge upgrade, making daily use much more enjoyable for browsing, videos, and gaming.
- Better Performance: The newer Snapdragon chipset translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a better experience with demanding apps and games.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging significantly reduces downtime and is much more convenient.
- More Modern Features: The Redmi Note 12 4G has a better camera system with a wide-angle lens, a newer version of Android, better build quality and more RAM and storage options.
- Future Proofing: The Redmi Note 12 4G is likely to receive more software updates, which provides longer-term usability.
While the Moto G Power might appeal to those on a very tight budget or those who value battery life above all else, I believe the improvements offered by the Redmi Note 12 4G are worth the price difference. The Redmi Note 12 4G provides a far more complete and satisfying smartphone experience.
