Motorola Moto G30 vs Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date March 17, 2021 August 4, 2023
Release Year 2021 2023

Physical

Volume 113.8 cm³ 105.49 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.25 "/g 3.41 "/g
Weight 200 g 199 g
Height 165.2 mm 168.6 mm
Width 75.7 mm 76.3 mm
Thickness 9.1 mm 8.2 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Phantom Black (Dark Pearl)
  • Pastel Sky
  • Moonstone Silver
  • Jade Black
  • Pastel Blue

Display

Screen Size 6.5 " 6.79 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 1080 x 2460
Aspect Ratio 20:9 21:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.6 % 85.1 %
Pixel Density 269 PPI 396 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A 550 nits
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 118.34 mAh/in² 108.45 mAh/in²
Battery Density 43.94 mAh/cm³ 47.4 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes No
Chipset Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 610 Adreno 613

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 N/A
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 13
Maximum OS Version 12 14

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureMotorola Moto G30Xiaomi Redmi 12 5GPractical Impact
Design
Launch Date2021-03-172023-08-04Redmi 12 5G is significantly newer, likely with more modern features & software
Dimensions165.2 x 75.7 x 9.1 mm168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mmRedmi 12 5G is slightly taller, slightly wider, and thinner, potentially more pocketable. Moto G30 is thicker and has a larger volume, which might be felt as bulkier
Weight200g199gVirtually identical weight, both feel similar in hand
Display
Size6.5"6.79"Redmi 12 5G has a larger display, better for media consumption and multitasking
Resolution720x16001080x2460Redmi 12 5G offers much sharper visuals, better for reading, viewing photos and videos
Pixel Density (PPI)269396Redmi 12 5G has a noticeably sharper and clearer display
TechnologyIPS LCDIPS LCDBoth have similar color and viewing angles
Refresh Rate90Hz90HzBoth offer smoother scrolling and animations
Brightness0 nits0 nitsWe lack data for brightness. Hard to compare
Performance
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm)Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm)Redmi 12 5G has a much newer and more powerful chip, resulting in better performance, efficiency, and future-proofing
AnTuTu Score170,968456,552Redmi 12 5G performs significantly better, allowing for smoother multitasking and gaming
GPUAdreno 610Adreno 613Redmi 12 5G has a better GPU, offering improved graphical performance for gaming
Camera
Main Camera Resolution64MP (f/1.7)50MP (f/1.8)Moto G30 has a higher MP count, but the difference in aperture is minimal. Real-world performance depends on the image processing and sensor quality
Selfie Camera Resolution13MP (f/2.2)5MP (f/2.2)Moto G30 offers far more detailed selfies, especially in good lighting conditions
Wide Angle LensYes (8MP)NoMoto G30 can capture wider shots, which can be useful for landscapes and group photos
Depth Sensor2MP (f/2.4)2MP (f/2.4)Both offer similar portrait mode capabilities
Macro LensYes (2MP)NoMoto G30 allows close-up shots, great for detailed photography
Video Recording1080p@30/60fps1080p@30fpsMoto G30 offers 60fps video, resulting in smoother motion. Redmi 12 5G has image stabilization
Slow-motion60fps120fpsRedmi 12 5G can record more detailed slow-motion videos
DXOMark (Mobile)Not TestedOverall: 63, Photo: 57, Video: 76Redmi 12 5G has been tested, and it is good for video compared to photo. No data for Moto G30
Camera FeaturesQuad, LAF, Continuous, RAWDual, OIS, Digital Image StabilizationMoto G30 has more physical camera options and RAW capability, while Redmi 12 5G focuses on better image stabilization
Battery
Capacity5000mAh5000mAhBoth offer similar battery life
Charging15W18WRedmi 12 5G charges slightly faster
Battery TypeLi-IonLi-PolymerLi-Polymer is often more durable and has better longevity than Li-Ion
Software
Operating SystemAndroid 11 (upgradable to 12)Android 13 (upgradable to 14)Redmi 12 5G has a newer OS, better security and more features. It will receive more upgrades, making it more future-proof
Connectivity
Wi-Fi802.11 a/b/g/n/ac802.11 a/b/g/n/acSimilar standards, Redmi 12 5G has Wi-Fi Display support
Bluetooth5.0 LE5.0 LE, EDR, HIDRedmi 12 5G supports more Bluetooth protocols, improving compatibility with devices
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, GalileoGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BeidouSimilar location services; Moto G30 has SUPL and Galileo, Redmi 12 5G has Beidou
SIMDual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM)Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM)Both support dual SIM functionality
Storage & Memory
Internal Storage64/128 GB128/256 GBRedmi 12 5G offers a larger 256GB option for storing more files
RAM4/6 GB4/6/8 GBRedmi 12 5G offers a greater 8GB option for smoother multitasking
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither phone allows for external storage expansion
Audio
QualityBasicBasicBoth offer similar audio quality
Security
FeaturesRear-mounted Fingerprint SensorSide-mounted Fingerprint SensorSide-mounted sensors are generally easier to access and more ergonomic
Build Quality
Screen ProtectionUnknownCorning Gorilla Glass 3Redmi 12 5G offers better scratch resistance and screen protection
Sensors
SensorsFingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, GyroscopeFingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtualBoth have common sensors, but Moto G30 has Gyroscope, and Redmi 12 5G has compass and virtual proximity sensor

2. Key Differences Analysis

Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:

  • More Versatile Camera Setup: Includes a dedicated wide-angle and macro lens, offering more creative shooting options, as well as RAW capture.
  • Better Selfie Camera: Higher resolution front-facing camera provides more detailed and sharper selfies.
  • Gyroscope sensor: Better for using AR and more accurate navigation.
  • Lower Price: Since it's an older model, the Moto G30 is likely more affordable.

Practical Implications:

  • More flexible photography options for users who enjoy experimenting with different perspectives and close-up shots.
  • Better-quality selfies for those who frequently use the front camera.

Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: Significantly faster processor, better GPU, and higher AnTuTu score, translating to a smoother and more responsive user experience.
  • Sharper and Larger Display: Higher resolution and slightly larger display, resulting in better visuals for media consumption and general usage.
  • Future-Proofing: Newer phone with a more up-to-date operating system and likely to receive more software updates.
  • Faster Charging: Slightly faster-charging speed with better battery technology.
  • Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass 3 provides better durability against scratches.
  • More RAM Option: 8GB RAM option for smoother multitasking.
  • Better Video Slow-motion: 120 FPS slow-motion videos.
  • More Storage Option: 256GB option for more storage capacity.

Practical Implications:

  • Snappier performance, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
  • A clearer and more immersive viewing experience.
  • Longer software support and more features over time.
  • Better protection for the screen against accidental damage.

Trade-offs:

  • Moto G30: Loses out on overall performance and screen sharpness for a more diverse camera system.
  • Redmi 12 5G: Lacks wide-angle and macro lenses for photography, less detailed selfies.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Ideal Users for Motorola Moto G30:

  • Budget-Conscious Photographers: Users who want more camera flexibility on a tight budget.
  • Users Prioritizing Camera Versatility: Those who enjoy experimenting with wide-angle, macro, and different photography modes.
  • Users less concerned about performance: People who mainly use social media and don't play heavy games.
  • Basic user: Users that prioritize camera versatility over performance.

Specific Use Cases for Moto G30:

  • Travel photography where wide-angle shots of landscapes are common.
  • Close-up photography for capturing small objects and textures.
  • Users who often use the front-facing camera for video calls or social media.

Ideal Users for Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G:

  • Performance-Oriented Users: Individuals who prioritize smooth multitasking, gaming, and overall responsiveness.
  • Media Consumers: Those who frequently watch videos, browse social media, and read content.
  • Users Seeking Future-Proof Devices: People who want a phone that will remain updated and perform well for years.
  • General users: Users who prioritize better performance and screen resolution for daily usage.

Specific Use Cases for Redmi 12 5G:

  • Mobile gaming enthusiasts who require smooth frame rates and quick response times.
  • Users who rely on their phone for productivity tasks and want a lag-free experience.
  • Individuals who watch a lot of high-resolution content and want a sharp display.
  • Users who want a durable phone screen that can resist scratches.

Price-to-Value:

  • The Moto G30 likely offers good value for budget-conscious users who prioritize camera versatility.
  • The Redmi 12 5G offers a stronger performance and experience for a slightly higher price, making it a solid value choice for those who prioritize those features.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. How important is camera versatility (wide-angle, macro) vs. front-facing camera resolution to you?
  2. Do you prioritize performance and a sharp display over other features?
  3. How important is having the latest software and potential long-term software support?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1 (Budget Photographer): If you are on a tight budget and want more camera options, the Motorola Moto G30 is suitable, keeping in mind the performance trade-offs.
  • Scenario 2 (Performance User): If you need a phone that's fast, responsive, and great for media consumption, the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G is the better choice.
  • Scenario 3 (Long-Term User): If you plan to use the phone for several years, the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G is the stronger pick because of its more modern OS and better future-proofing.

What I Would Choose and Why

Based on my analysis, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G. While the Motorola Moto G30 offers a more diverse camera setup, the Redmi 12 5G's advantages in performance, display quality, future-proofing, and screen protection are more compelling for my needs. The significantly better processor and sharper display will make daily usage a much smoother and enjoyable experience.

While I do appreciate the macro and wide-angle camera capabilities of the Moto G30, the vast improvement in processing power and software capabilities offered by the Redmi 12 5G is a worthwhile trade-off. The Redmi 12 5G's side-mounted fingerprint scanner and additional storage and RAM options are also desirable. The newer operating system ensures it will be supported for longer.

Ultimately, the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G offers a more well-rounded package that better aligns with the demands of a modern smartphone user, making it the more practical choice for me. The slight sacrifice in the diversity of the camera system is a trade-off I am willing to make for overall better performance and future-proofing.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

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  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.