Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G vs. Xiaomi 12T Pro: A Practical Comparison
This comparison breaks down the key differences between these two mid-range and upper-mid-range smartphones, helping you decide which one fits your needs best.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Xiaomi 12T Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 169.5 × 77.5 × 9.4 mm | 163.1 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm | Moto is bulkier, Xiaomi is sleeker and easier to handle one-handed. |
| Weight | 217.5g | 205g | Xiaomi is slightly lighter, making it more comfortable for long use. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 5 | Xiaomi is more resistant to scratches and drops. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Xiaomi 12T Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" IPS LCD | 6.67" AMOLED | Moto has a slightly larger screen, but Xiaomi’s AMOLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better battery efficiency. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (387 PPI) | 1220x2712 (446 PPI) | Xiaomi is significantly sharper—better for reading text and high-res media. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Xiaomi’s 120Hz makes scrolling and gaming smoother. |
| Brightness | Not specified (likely ~450 nits) | 1200 nits | Xiaomi is much better in sunlight—easier to see outdoors. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Xiaomi 12T Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) | Xiaomi is a flagship-tier chip—far better for gaming, multitasking, and future-proofing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 171,000 | 1,311,127 | Xiaomi is 7.6x faster—no contest in raw power. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB / 12GB | Xiaomi is better for heavy apps, gaming, and keeping apps open in the background. |
| Storage | 128GB (no expansion) | 128GB / 256GB (no expansion) | Neither has expandable storage, but Xiaomi offers more internal space. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Xiaomi 12T Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.7) | 200MP (f/1.69, 1/1.22" sensor) | Xiaomi captures much more detail, especially in low light. |
| Ultrawide | 16MP | 8MP | Moto has a higher-res sensor, but Xiaomi may process images better. |
| Macro | 2MP | 2MP | Both are mediocre—these are rarely useful. |
| Selfie | 20MP (f/2.0) | 20MP (f/2.24) | Similar, but Moto’s wider aperture may help in low light. |
| Video | 1080p@60fps (no stabilization) | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps (OIS+HDR) | Xiaomi is vastly superior—better for professional-looking video. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Xiaomi 12T Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Xiaomi lasts longer, especially with its efficient AMOLED screen. |
| Charging Speed | 10W (slow) | 120W (ultra-fast) | Xiaomi charges 12x faster—full in ~20 mins vs. ~2+ hrs for Moto. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Strengths
✅ Stylus support – Great for note-taking and sketching.
✅ Larger display – Slightly bigger screen for media.
✅ Decent camera versatility – Extra sensors (ToF, 16MP ultrawide) add flexibility.
Xiaomi 12T Pro Strengths
🚀 Flagship-level performance – Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 obliterates the Moto’s budget chip.
📷 Pro-grade camera system – 200MP main sensor, 8K video, and superior low-light performance.
⚡ Blazing-fast charging – 120W charging is a game-changer.
🎮 120Hz AMOLED – Smoother scrolling, better contrast, and battery savings in dark mode.
Trade-Offs
- Moto’s stylus is unique but comes at the cost of weaker performance and charging.
- Xiaomi lacks expandable storage, while Moto has a microSD slot (not listed, but G Stylus typically does).
- Moto is bulkier, Xiaomi is sleeker but lacks stylus functionality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Best for Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G:
✔ Casual users who prioritize stylus functionality (notes, drawing).
✔ Budget-conscious buyers (assuming this is cheaper, though exact pricing not provided).
✔ Those who prefer stock Android (Motorola’s UI is cleaner than Xiaomi’s MIUI).
Best for Xiaomi 12T Pro:
✔ Gamers & power users – Flagship performance with 120Hz AMOLED.
✔ Photography enthusiasts – 200MP camera and 8K video.
✔ Fast-charging fans – 120W charging is a major convenience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself:
- Do you need a stylus? → Moto G Stylus 5G
- Do you care about performance, gaming, and camera quality? → Xiaomi 12T Pro
- Is fast charging a priority? → Xiaomi 12T Pro
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Student taking notes? → Moto G Stylus 5G
- Mobile gamer/content creator? → Xiaomi 12T Pro
- Need all-day battery with fast top-ups? → Xiaomi 12T Pro
Final Verdict: Which One Would I Choose?
I’d go with the Xiaomi 12T Pro.
Why?
✅ Performance is in a different league – The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 makes the Moto’s chip look outdated.
✅ 120Hz AMOLED > 60Hz LCD – Smoother, more vibrant, better battery efficiency.
✅ 200MP camera & 8K video – Far superior for photography and videography.
✅ 120W charging – A massive quality-of-life upgrade.
The only reason to pick the Moto G Stylus 5G is if you absolutely need the stylus—otherwise, the Xiaomi 12T Pro is the clear winner in almost every other category.
Final Thought:
If the Xiaomi is within your budget, it’s the better long-term investment. If you need a stylus and don’t mind slower performance, the Moto G Stylus 5G is a decent alternative—but expect compromises.
