Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G Power (2021) vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 162.9 × 76 × 8.9 mm | Motorola is slightly taller and thicker; Xiaomi is a bit wider. Impact on in-hand feel is minimal, but Xiaomi is slightly more pocketable. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 208.4g | Virtually identical weight; both will feel similar in hand, not particularly light or heavy. |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Xiaomi has better screen protection; more resistance to scratches and minor impacts on the screen |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.6" | 6.67" | Negligible difference in size; both provide an immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Xiaomi provides a noticeably sharper display; text and images will appear clearer. |
| PPI | 266 | 395 | Xiaomi has significantly higher pixel density; finer details are visible on screen, reducing pixelation. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | Xiaomi has superior color contrast, deeper blacks, and better viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Xiaomi provides smoother scrolling and animations, more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | Xiaomi is much more visible outdoors in bright sunlight; easier to use under challenging conditions. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | Xiaomi offers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding applications. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 573,100 | Xiaomi demonstrates much higher performance; smoother gameplay and quicker response times. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Xiaomi's GPU is significantly more powerful; games will run smoother, better graphic settings. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7 | 200MP, f/1.65 | Xiaomi captures significantly more detail and allows for more post-processing options. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Xiaomi provides better selfie quality with more detail. |
| Wide Angle | Not Available | 8MP, f/2.2 | Xiaomi has an extra wide angle lens for more versatile photo captures. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | Motorola has dedicated depth sensor, which improves bokeh effect. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both capture similar macro shots, close-up details. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps | Xiaomi records much higher quality video with better frame rates. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | Yes, OIS, Ultra stable video | Xiaomi provides much better video stabilization. |
| DxOMark Score | Not Available | Mobile: 113 (Photo: 117, Video: 117) | Xiaomi's camera has been rated by DxOMark. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Xiaomi has more advanced features including OIS, RAW, and Night Mode. |
Battery
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should have similar battery life given the same capacity. |
| Charging | 15W | 120W | Xiaomi charges much faster; significantly less time spent plugged in. |
| Features | Non-removable, 10W charger in-box | Non-removable | Motorola includes a slower charger; Xiaomi doesn't include one. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Slightly wider selfie aperture: May capture slightly better low-light selfies.
- Dedicated depth sensor: Potentially better bokeh effect for portraits.
- Laser Autofocus: may offer faster focusing in some scenarios
- SUPL: extra location technology
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Advantages:
- Superior Display: OLED screen with higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness provides a much better viewing experience.
- Much Higher Performance: Significantly faster processor and more RAM for smoother multitasking, gaming, and future-proofing.
- Significantly Better Camera System: Higher resolution main camera, wide-angle lens, and 4K video recording offer more versatility and higher-quality results.
- Much Faster Charging: 120W charging provides a significantly quicker recharge experience.
- Better Connectivity: Faster WiFi and newer Bluetooth version.
- Stereo Speakers, Hi-Res Audio, Dolby Atmos: enhanced audio experience
- More Internal Storage: Significantly more storage and RAM.
- Better software support: Comes with a newer version of Android with future update support.
- Corning Gorilla Glass 5: better screen protection
Trade-offs:
- Motorola: Sacrifices display quality, performance, and camera capabilities for potentially longer battery life (though both have 5000mAh batteries) and slightly better bokeh/selfies.
- Xiaomi: Provides a high end user experience in all categories but comes at the cost of no expandable storage and potential battery drain faster if using all the features to the maximum.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users needing a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and web browsing.
- Users who prioritize battery life over performance and camera capabilities.
- Individuals who primarily use their phones for everyday, low-intensity tasks.
Use Cases:
- Basic communication, social media browsing, and web browsing.
- Long periods away from a charger.
- A backup phone.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Ideal User:
- Users who want a high-quality display for multimedia consumption.
- Mobile gamers and users who require smooth performance and multitasking.
- Photography enthusiasts who want a versatile camera system.
- Users who value fast charging and a more modern experience.
Use Cases:
- Gaming and other demanding applications.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos.
- Watching videos and streaming content.
- Daily use with extensive multi-tasking.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) offers good value for basic usage.
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ provides a premium experience at a competitive price, with more future-proofing.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your primary phone usage? (e.g., gaming, photography, basic communication)
- How important is display quality to you? (e.g., sharpness, color accuracy, brightness)
- What is your budget? (e.g., cost vs. features)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User with Basic Needs: If you primarily need a phone for calls, texts, and occasional browsing, and battery life is your top priority, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is adequate.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Entertainment Enthusiast: If you're a gamer, multimedia consumer, or someone who values speed and a great display, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is a far better choice.
- Scenario 3: Photography and Videography: If your camera is your main reason for using a smartphone, Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has far superior capabilities for high-quality photo and video capture.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+. While both devices have the same battery capacity, the dramatically better display, significantly faster performance, and far superior camera capabilities of the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ outweigh the slight benefits of the Moto G Power. The 120W fast charging, which gets the phone up and running in minutes, and overall more premium experience are more important to my usage.
