Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G vs. Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G: A Practical Comparison
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 169.5 × 77.5 × 9.4 mm | 168.6 × 76.3 × 8.2 mm | The Redmi 12 is slightly slimmer and lighter (199g vs. 217.5g), making it more comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The Redmi 12 has better drop and scratch resistance. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted (power button) | The side-mounted sensor on the Redmi is more intuitive for quick unlocking. |
Key Takeaway: The Redmi 12 is lighter and more durable, while the Moto G Stylus is bulkier, likely due to its stylus integration.
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size & Resolution | 6.8" FHD+ (1080x2400) IPS LCD | 6.79" FHD+ (1080x2460) IPS LCD | Nearly identical screens, but the Redmi has a slightly taller aspect ratio. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The Redmi provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | Not specified | Not specified | Neither phone lists peak brightness, but IPS LCD panels are decent in sunlight. |
Key Takeaway: The Redmi’s 90Hz refresh rate makes everyday interactions feel more fluid.
Performance & Storage
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480 (8nm) | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm) | The Redmi’s newer chipset is more efficient and powerful. |
| Benchmark (AnTuTu) | 171,000 | 456,552 | The Redmi is 167% faster, better for gaming and multitasking. |
| RAM & Storage | 4GB + 128GB (non-expandable) | Up to 8GB + 256GB (non-expandable) | The Redmi offers future-proof RAM/storage options. |
Key Takeaway: The Redmi dominates in performance, making it better for gaming and heavy multitasking.
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.7) + 16MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro + ToF | 50MP (f/1.8) + 2MP depth | The Moto G has more lenses (ultra-wide, macro), but the Redmi has better stabilization (OIS). |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP (f/2.0) | 5MP (f/2.2) | The Moto G’s selfie cam is far superior—better for social media. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@60fps (no stabilization) | 1080p@30fps (with stabilization) | The Moto G records smoother video, but the Redmi has stabilization. |
Key Takeaway: The Moto G has better versatility (ultra-wide + macro), but the Redmi offers better stabilization (OIS).
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | The Redmi lasts longer (25% bigger battery). |
| Charging Speed | 10W (slow) | 18W (faster) | The Redmi charges quicker (0-50% in ~40 mins). |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Li-Polymer (Redmi) is slightly more durable. |
Key Takeaway: The Redmi wins in battery life and charging speed.
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Strengths:
✅ Stylus support – Great for note-taking and doodling.
✅ Better selfie camera (20MP vs. 5MP) – Ideal for social media users.
✅ More versatile cameras (ultra-wide + macro).
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G Strengths:
✅ Faster performance (Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, AnTuTu 456K vs. 171K) – Better for gaming and heavy apps.
✅ 90Hz display – Smoother scrolling.
✅ Bigger battery (5000mAh vs. 4000mAh) + faster charging (18W vs. 10W) – All-day use.
✅ Lighter + Gorilla Glass 3 – More durable and comfortable.
Trade-Offs:
❗ The Moto G has worse performance but better cameras.
❗ The Redmi has a worse selfie cam but better battery and speed.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Choose the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G if you:
✔ Need a stylus for notes/drawing.
✔ Take a lot of selfies or use social media heavily.
✔ Want ultra-wide and macro photography.
Choose the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G if you:
✔ Want far better performance (gaming, multitasking).
✔ Prefer longer battery life and faster charging.
✔ Like a smoother display (90Hz).
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself:
- Do I need a stylus? → Yes? Moto G Stylus.
- Do I care more about performance or cameras? → Performance? Redmi 12. → Cameras? Moto G.
- Do I need all-day battery? → Yes? Redmi 12.
My Choice: Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G
Why?
While the Moto G Stylus has a better camera setup (especially for selfies), the Redmi 12 5G is a much better all-rounder:
✔ Faster processor (Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 > Snapdragon 480) – Better future-proofing.
✔ 90Hz display – Smoother scrolling and animations.
✔ Bigger battery (5000mAh vs. 4000mAh) + faster charging (18W vs. 10W) – Less downtime.
✔ More RAM options (up to 8GB vs. 4GB) – Better multitasking.
The only downside is the weaker selfie camera, but for most users, performance and battery life are more important than having an ultra-wide lens.
Final Verdict:
👉 For most users, the Redmi 12 5G is the better phone.
👉 Only pick the Moto G Stylus if you really need a stylus or better selfies.
