Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G: In-Depth Comparison
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 169.5 × 77.5 × 9.4 mm | 165.7 × 76 × 7.9 mm | Redmi Note 12 is slimmer and more pocket-friendly, while the Moto G is bulkier due to stylus integration. |
| Weight | 217.5g | 183.5g | Redmi Note 12 is 34g lighter, making it more comfortable for long-term use. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 3 | Redmi Note 12 provides better scratch resistance. |
🔹 Key Insight: The Redmi Note 12 is the sleeker, more refined choice, while the Moto G Stylus trades compactness for its stylus functionality.
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and lower power consumption. |
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | Moto G has a slightly bigger screen, but Redmi Note 12’s AMOLED makes it more vibrant. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Redmi Note 12 provides smoother scrolling and animations—great for gaming and UI fluidity. |
| Brightness | Unknown (likely ~450nits) | 1200 nits (peak) | Redmi Note 12 is far more visible in sunlight. |
🔹 Key Insight: Unless you need the stylus, the Redmi Note 12’s display is superior in almost every way—color richness, smoothness, and outdoor visibility.
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm) | Snapdragon 685 (6nm) | Redmi Note 12 has a newer, more efficient chip (6nm vs. 8nm). |
| Antutu Score | 171,000 | 338,900 | Redmi Note 12 is nearly twice as fast—better for multitasking and gaming. |
| RAM Options | 4GB | 4/6/8GB | Redmi Note 12 offers up to 8GB RAM, improving app retention and gaming. |
🔹 Key Insight: The Redmi Note 12 blows the Moto G Stylus 5G out of the water in raw performance, making it better for gaming and demanding apps.
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.7) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Similar main sensors, but Moto G’s wider aperture helps in low light. |
| Ultrawide | 16MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Moto G’s ultrawide has double the resolution, better for group shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP (f/2.0) | 13MP (f/2.45) | Moto G’s selfie cam is sharper and brighter. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps | Moto G allows smoother 60fps video, better for action shots. |
🔹 Key Insight: The Moto G has a better camera system overall, especially for selfies and wide-angle shots. However, the Redmi Note 12 is no slouch for casual photography.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi Note 12’s larger battery should last longer. |
| Charging Speed | 10W | 33W | Redmi Note 12 charges 3x faster—a huge advantage. |
| Reverse Charging | No | Yes | Redmi Note 12 can act as a power bank for other devices. |
🔹 Key Insight: The Redmi Note 12 is the clear winner in battery life and charging speed, making it ideal for heavy users.
2. Key Insights & Trade-Offs
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Strengths
✅ Built-in Stylus – Great for note-taking, sketching, and precise control.
✅ Better Cameras – Higher-resolution ultrawide and selfie cameras.
✅ 60fps Video Recording – Smoother video capture.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G Strengths
🔥 Superior Display – AMOLED, 120Hz, and much brighter (1200 nits).
🚀 Faster Performance – Snapdragon 685 crushes the Moto G’s SD 480.
⚡ Faster Charging (33W) – Less downtime.
📱 More RAM Options (Up to 8GB) – Smoother multitasking.
Trade-Offs:
- Moto G Stylus 5G sacrifices performance, battery life, and display quality for the stylus.
- Redmi Note 12 4G has a weaker ultrawide camera but compensates with better speed and efficiency.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G?
- Students & Note-Takers – The stylus is great for annotations and sketching.
- Selfie & Wide-Angle Photo Lovers – Better front and ultrawide cameras.
- 5G Users (if available in your market) – Supports next-gen connectivity.
Who Should Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G?
- Gamers & Power Users – 120Hz AMOLED + Snapdragon 685 = smooth experience.
- Battery Life Enthusiasts – 5000mAh + 33W charging means less charging hassle.
- Media Consumers – AMOLED screen is better for Netflix, YouTube, and reading.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Three Key Questions to Help Decide:
- Do you need a stylus? → Moto G Stylus 5G.
- Do you prioritize performance & display? → Redmi Note 12 4G.
- Is battery life a major concern? → Redmi Note 12 4G.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
✔ Best for Productivity & Creativity: Moto G Stylus 5G.
✔ Best for Gaming & Media: Redmi Note 12 4G.
✔ Best Budget All-Rounder: Redmi Note 12 4G (better value).
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G. Here’s why:
- The AMOLED 120Hz display is a game-changer—brighter, smoother, and more vibrant.
- The Snapdragon 685 is significantly faster, making everyday use and gaming much better.
- 33W fast charging + 5000mAh battery means I’m not tethered to an outlet.
- The only real downside is the weaker ultrawide camera, but the main sensor is solid, and I can live with that trade-off.
The Moto G Stylus 5G is still good if you really need the stylus, but for most users, the Redmi Note 12 4G offers the best overall experience.
Winner: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G. 🚀
