Specification Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Real-World Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | 169.5 x 77.5 x 9.4 mm, 217.5g | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm, 176g | Motorola is larger and heavier, making it less pocket-friendly. Xiaomi is more compact and lighter, better for one-handed use. |
| Display | 6.8" IPS LCD, 60Hz, 387 PPI | 6.43" AMOLED, 90Hz, 409 PPI | Xiaomi has a better display (AMOLED, higher refresh rate, higher PPI) for smoother visuals and deeper blacks. Motorola has a larger screen but lower quality. |
| Performance | Snapdragon 480 5G, 4GB RAM | Helio G96, 6/8GB RAM | Xiaomi has a faster chipset and more RAM, making it better for multitasking and gaming. Motorola’s Snapdragon 480 is weaker. |
| Camera (Main) | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.8µm pixels | 108MP, f/1.8, 0.7µm pixels | Xiaomi has higher resolution but smaller pixels (lower light sensitivity). Motorola has a wider aperture (better low-light performance). |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.4 | Motorola has a higher-resolution selfie camera with a wider aperture (better for low-light selfies). |
| Battery | 4000mAh, 10W charging | 5000mAh, 33W charging | Xiaomi has a much larger battery and faster charging, making it better for heavy users. |
| Software | Android 11 (up to 12) | Android 13 | Xiaomi has a newer OS and likely longer update support. |
| Storage | 128GB (non-expandable) | 64/128/256GB (non-expandable) | Xiaomi offers more storage options. |
| Audio | Basic stereo | Hi-Res Audio, stereo speakers | Xiaomi has better audio quality. |
| Security | Rear-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Xiaomi’s side-mounted sensor is more convenient. |
| Additional Features | Stylus support, ToF sensor | Night mode, better display | Motorola has a stylus (useful for notes/drawing). Xiaomi has a better display and night mode. |
Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S Wins in Performance & Battery
- Faster processor, more RAM, and a larger battery with 33W charging make it better for power users and gamers.
- Motorola’s Snapdragon 480 is weaker, and its 10W charging is outdated.
Motorola’s Stylus is a Niche Advantage
- The stylus is useful for note-taking and drawing, but the rest of the phone is weaker in specs.
Xiaomi Has a Better Display & Audio
- AMOLED panel with 90Hz refresh rate vs. Motorola’s 60Hz LCD.
- Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers make media consumption better.
Camera Trade-Offs
- Xiaomi has a higher-resolution sensor, but Motorola’s wider aperture may help in low light.
- Motorola has a better selfie camera.
Software & Updates
- Xiaomi runs Android 13, while Motorola is stuck on Android 11 (up to 12).
User Recommendations
Choose Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S if:
- You want better performance (gaming, multitasking).
- You prefer a better display (AMOLED, 90Hz).
- You need a long-lasting battery with fast charging.
Choose Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G if:
- You need a stylus for productivity.
- You prioritize selfie quality.
- You don’t mind slower performance and charging.
Buying Decision Framework
- Do you care about performance and battery life? → Xiaomi
- Do you need a stylus for notes/drawing? → Motorola
- Do you prefer a better display and faster software updates? → Xiaomi
Final Verdict
Winner: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
- It offers better performance, a superior display, faster charging, and a newer OS. The only reason to pick the Motorola is if you specifically need the stylus. For most users, the Xiaomi is the better overall phone.
Why?
- The Xiaomi is newer, faster, and more future-proof. The Motorola’s stylus is a niche feature that doesn’t justify its weaker hardware. Unless you’re a stylus user, the Xiaomi is the clear choice.
