1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 75.9 x 9.5 mm | 163 x 76 x 8 mm | The Xiaomi is slightly shorter and thinner, making it a bit more pocketable and comfortable to hold, while the Motorola is a bit bulkier. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 187g | The Xiaomi is noticeably lighter, which makes it more comfortable to use for extended periods, especially one-handed. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.6" | 6.67" | Negligible difference in size. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2400 | The Xiaomi has significantly sharper and clearer images and text due to the higher resolution. |
| Pixel Density | 266 PPI | 395 PPI | The Xiaomi will have a much crisper and detailed display compared to the Motorola. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The Xiaomi's AMOLED screen will offer deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors, and potentially better power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Xiaomi offers smoother scrolling, animations, and better responsiveness. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | The Xiaomi screen is much more visible in bright sunlight conditions due to its higher brightness. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | The Xiaomi's chipset is significantly more powerful, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 573,200 | The Xiaomi offers a drastically better user experience, particularly for intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G68 MC4 | The Xiaomi’s GPU is much more capable, resulting in better graphics performance for gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear Standard | 48MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766, 1.00 µm | The Xiaomi's main camera will likely capture higher quality images, especially in low light, due to its larger sensor and pixel size, plus the advantage of OIS. |
| Selfie | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12 µm | 16MP | The Xiaomi offers a significantly sharper selfie camera with double the resolution. |
| Wide Angle | None | 8MP, f/1.9 | The Xiaomi's wide-angle lens allows for more versatile shots. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm | None | The Motorola has a dedicated depth sensor, though its practical value is limited by low resolution. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", GalaxyCore GC02M1, 1.75 µm | Similar macro camera, though the Xiaomi's sensor is better quality. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps | The Xiaomi offers much higher quality video recording with 4K, 120fps at 1080p and better slow motion options. |
| DxOMark | Not tested | Main: 102, Photo: 108, Video: 98 | Xiaomi shows much higher marks for photo and video quality, though not tested for the motorola |
| Features | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital stabilization, Autofocus, PDAF, LAF | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital & Optical stabilization, Autofocus, PDAF, continuous autofocus | Xiaomi offers Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) which is superior to the digital stabilization of the Motorola, better autofocus, night mode, and RAW capture. |
Battery
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 67W fast charging | The Xiaomi charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable, 10W charger in-box | Non-removable | The Motorola comes with an included charger in the box, though much slower |
Other
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 10 | Android 12 | The Xiaomi offers a more modern OS with newer features and security updates. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax(Wi-Fi 6) | The Xiaomi offers faster and more efficient WiFi connections with the inclusion of WiFi 6. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Xiaomi has a slightly newer version of bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The Xiaomi offers better location accuracy using more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM | The Xiaomi provides more flexibility, allowing users to use two SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Internal Storage | 32/64 GB | 128/256 GB | The Xiaomi offers much more internal storage for apps and media. |
| RAM | 3/4 GB | 6/8/12 GB | The Xiaomi provides much more ram which is essential for multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | The Xiaomi offers enhanced audio with better clarity and immersion, making it better for media consumption. |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both have similar security implementation |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The Xiaomi's screen is much more durable against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both include a comprehensive sensor suite suitable for advanced features and gaming |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Included Charger: Comes with a basic 10W charger in the box.
- Depth Sensor: Offers a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, though its impact is limited due to low resolution.
- Laser Autofocus: Includes Laser Autofocus (LAF).
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly better AMOLED display with higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and brightness, which makes for a much better viewing experience.
- Much Better Performance: Significantly faster and more efficient processor and GPU, leading to smoother performance and better gaming.
- Much Better Camera System: Higher quality main sensor with OIS, a wider field-of-view (wide angle lens) and a higher quality selfie camera.
- Faster Charging: Drastically faster 67W charging.
- Better Audio: Enhanced audio experience with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos.
- Modern Software: Newer version of Android.
- Better Connectivity: Newer Bluetooth version and WiFi 6 support.
- More Storage and RAM: Comes with much more RAM and storage.
- Dual Sim: Option to use two SIM cards simultaneously.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for better screen durability.
Trade-offs:
- The main trade off for the Xiaomi is the lack of included charger and depth sensor.
- The main trade off for the Motorola is significantly lower display quality, performance, camera, and connectivity features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals who prioritize affordability and a long battery life above other features.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Users with basic smartphone needs such as web browsing and social media.
- Users Needing Basic Camera: Those who don't heavily rely on high-quality camera capabilities, but need basic photography functions.
Use Cases:
- Long Battery Life: Extended use for basic tasks and occasional multimedia consumption without frequently needing to charge.
- Basic Task Use: Simple communication, social media browsing, and occasional light app use.
- Secondary phone: Good as a backup or secondary phone for basic use.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Ideal User:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who enjoy consuming content on their smartphones, benefiting from the superior display and audio.
- Mobile Gamers: Users who need a phone capable of handling demanding games smoothly with great graphics.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who appreciate a high-quality camera system for various types of shots and videos.
- Power Users: Individuals who heavily rely on their smartphones for multitasking, productivity, and performance.
Use Cases:
- High-Quality Content Consumption: Watching videos, streaming movies, and playing games with a vibrant and smooth display.
- Demanding Gaming: Playing graphically intensive games smoothly without lag.
- High-Quality Photography & Videography: Capturing high-resolution photos and 4K videos with advanced features.
- Multitasking: Seamlessly switching between multiple apps.
- Travel: Using two SIM cards when traveling, using its GPS capabilities for location and navigation.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Motorola is likely more affordable than the Xiaomi.
- What are your display and performance needs? If you prioritize a high quality display and performance, the Xiaomi is significantly better.
- How important is camera quality and features? The Xiaomi has a superior camera system with better resolution, features, and video quality.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight budget, basic use: If your budget is very limited and you only need a phone for basic tasks, the Motorola might be sufficient.
- Scenario 2: Good display & performance for daily use: If you value a high-quality display and smooth performance, the Xiaomi is worth the extra cost.
- Scenario 3: High quality camera: If you need a great camera with many features, the Xiaomi is the way to go.
- Scenario 4: Long battery life (prioritized): While both phones have a 5000mAh battery, the Xiaomi’s faster charging greatly reduces charging downtime.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. While the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) might appeal to users on a very strict budget, the Xiaomi offers a substantially better overall experience in almost every aspect that matters for a modern smartphone user. The display is drastically better, the performance is significantly faster, the camera system is much more versatile, and the faster charging speeds is very convenient. The additional storage, RAM, modern OS, and better connectivity also provide additional value. While it may cost more, the benefits the Xiaomi provides justify the price difference and the sacrifice of the included charger. The difference in performance and user experience between these two devices is substantial, which makes the Xiaomi the clear winner.
