Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G30 vs. Realme 12x
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Realme 12x | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 75.7 x 9.1 mm | 165.6 x 76.1 x 7.9 mm | Realme 12x is slightly thinner and may feel more comfortable in hand. Motorola G30 is a little more bulky overall. |
| Weight | 200g | 190g | Realme 12x is 10g lighter, potentially more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Realme 12x offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 720 x 1604 | Both are HD+, slight difference is negligible in practice. |
| Pixel Density | 269 PPI | 264 PPI | Both have similar sharpness; difference is imperceptible to the naked eye. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Similar display tech, expect similar color and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12x has a smoother scrolling and animation experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have unknown brightness capabilities making it hard to determine the viewing experience outdoors |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | Realme 12x has a newer, more efficient chip, offering noticeably faster performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 170,968 | 442,599 | Realme 12x has significantly higher benchmark score, translating to better performance in apps and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Realme 12x's GPU offers better graphics performance in gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP (f/1.7) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Motorola Moto G30 has higher resolution, might capture more detail in good light. Realme 12x has a slightly smaller sensor, but should do well in standard conditions. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 13MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.1) | Motorola Moto G30 has higher resolution, potentially sharper selfies. Realme 12x has a slightly wider aperture, might be better in low light |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP (f/2.2) | Not Available | Motorola Moto G30 offers a wider field of view in photos, the Realme 12x does not have a wide angle lens. |
| Portrait Mode Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Similar capabilities for depth sensing in portrait shots, quality would be similar. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | Not Available | Motorola Moto G30 allows for close-up photography, while the Realme 12x has no macro lens. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps | Realme 12x has better slow motion capabilities (120fps), while Moto G30 can record at 60fps |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life, expected to last a full day for most users. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | 15W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | Both have slow 15W fast charging, expect similar charging times. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 | Realme 12x has a newer OS, may have access to newer features and security patches. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 256/512GB | Realme 12x has significantly more storage for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 4/6GB | 12GB | Realme 12x offers far superior multitasking capabilities due to much larger RAM |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic Audio Features | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Realme 12x offers a better audio experience due to higher quality audio playback and stereo sound. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | Realme 12x has a more convenient side mounted sensor. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both support similar WiFi standards, Realme 12x supports Wifi Display. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | Realme 12x has a more recent bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Realme 12x offers a more comprehensive set of GPS constellations, the Motorola G30 has SUPL. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both offer Dual SIM capabilities. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Realme 12x offers a more complete sensor package. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- More Camera Lenses: Includes a dedicated wide-angle and macro lens for more versatile photography.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 64MP main camera potentially provides slightly more detail than the 50MP on the Realme 12x.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: 13MP selfie camera for slightly better detailed selfies.
- Laser Autofocus: The G30 has laser autofocus on the main camera, for potentially faster focus.
- PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus): The G30 has PDAF on the main camera, for potentially faster focus.
Realme 12x Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Dimensity 6100+ chipset offers a massive performance leap over the Snapdragon 662.
- Superior Multitasking: 12GB RAM ensures smooth multitasking and app switching, better for heavy users.
- Larger Internal Storage: Offers 256GB/512GB options, giving more space for files, apps and multimedia.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a more fluid user experience when scrolling through feeds and menus.
- Stereo Speakers: Better audio experience and immersion for multimedia consumption.
- Newer Android Version: Android 14 offers access to the latest features and security updates.
- Better Bluetooth and GPS: More recent bluetooth version and better GPS.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More modern and practical implementation of the fingerprint sensor.
- More Sensors: It includes a compass and magnetometer.
Trade-offs:
- Realme 12x lacks a wide angle and macro lens while the Moto G30 has them, making the G30 more versatile for different types of photography.
- Motorola Moto G30 has a much older chipset which makes the phone noticeably slower and less responsive than the Realme 12x.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G30 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: If cost is the primary concern, and a functional phone that covers basic needs is sufficient, this is the choice.
- Users who value camera versatility: If a wide angle and macro lens are important, this phone has these.
- Users who need a functional, basic smartphone: For those who don't need top-end performance or multimedia capabilities, this phone would do the job.
- Users who don't mind slower phone speed: Users who don't need a fast experience with their phones.
Realme 12x Ideal User:
- Users Seeking Performance and Speed: For those who want a fluid user experience, this is the better option.
- Multitaskers: The generous 12GB of RAM allows for seamless switching between apps.
- Multimedia Consumers: The stereo speakers and high res audio create a much better experience than the basic audio on the G30.
- Gamers: The performance leap from the chipset is a major advantage for gamers.
- Users who want more storage: The 256 or 512GB of storage will allow more apps and media on the phone.
Specific Use Cases:
Motorola Moto G30:
- Casual photography with basic needs for wide angle shots.
- Daily use for calls, messaging, and browsing.
- Secondary device for basic functions.
Realme 12x:
- Mobile gaming.
- Consuming videos and music.
- Multitasking between multiple apps.
- Photography where speed is more important than different lens types.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How much do I value performance? (Realme 12x is significantly faster)
- How much do I value camera versatility over speed? (Moto G30 offers more lenses, while the Realme has better speed and might be better in low light)
- Is having more onboard storage or RAM important? (Realme 12x offers considerably more storage and RAM)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is the biggest constraint. If cost is the top priority and you are willing to sacrifice speed, the Moto G30 might be suitable.
- Scenario 2: Performance is a must. If you need a fast, fluid user experience and have some extra budget, the Realme 12x is superior.
- Scenario 3: Versatile camera options are crucial. If having a wide-angle and macro lens is essential for your photography style, the Moto G30 is the better choice.
- Scenario 4: Heavy multitasking and multimedia usage are priorities. If you need a phone that can handle many apps and provide an excellent multimedia experience, the Realme 12x is the better option.
My Choice
I would choose the Realme 12x. The primary reason is the substantial performance difference. The significantly higher AnTuTu score, newer chipset, and 12 GB of RAM mean the Realme 12x will provide a much smoother and responsive experience in daily use, especially if multitasking and mobile gaming are considered. Although I value having multiple camera lenses (like in the G30), the improvements in performance, software, and storage are more beneficial for a daily driver. The stereo speakers and larger internal storage also enhance the multimedia experience which would be a better all around user experience.
