1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 75.7 x 9.1 mm | 165.7 x 76 x 7.9 mm | Redmi Note 12 4G is thinner and slightly more compact; G30 is thicker but negligibly different in other dimensions. |
| Weight | 200g | 183.5g | Redmi Note 12 4G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable to hold and use for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 12 4G offers a slightly larger viewing area for media and games. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Redmi Note 12 4G has significantly sharper visuals, making text and images look clearer. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 269 | 395 | Redmi Note 12 4G displays much finer details and clearer images due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Redmi Note 12 4G has better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, offering a superior viewing experience, particularly for multimedia content. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Redmi Note 12 4G provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Redmi Note 12 4G is significantly brighter outdoors and in sunny conditions, making it much more usable in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 (6nm) | Redmi Note 12 4G's newer and more efficient chipset offers faster performance and improved battery efficiency, especially for demanding tasks like gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 170,968 | 338,900 | Redmi Note 12 4G demonstrates significantly better overall performance, making it faster and smoother in everyday use and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 | Both phones have the same GPU, but combined with a more powerful CPU in the Redmi Note 12 4G, leads to better overall graphics performance on that device. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64.4MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor | G30 has higher resolution but the Redmi Note 12 4G has a larger sensor. Both should perform well in daylight, though the G30 may offer more detail but potentially less dynamic range, depending on processing. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.45 | G30 has a slightly wider aperture for potentially better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" sensor | Both are similar in terms of wide-angle capabilities. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | G30 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. The Redmi Note 12 4G relies on software. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both are comparable for macro photography. |
| Video | 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps | G30 can record 1080p at 60 fps, providing smoother video than Redmi Note 12 4G, which is limited to 30 fps. |
| Slow Motion | Yes, 60fps | No, 30fps | G30 offers slightly better slow-motion recording. |
| DXOMARK (Mobile Camera) | Overall: 63 (Photo: 54, Video: 66) | Redmi Note 12 4G has a tested rating that is useful to gauge camera performance. The G30 has no rating to compare to. | |
| Camera Features | PDAF, LAF, Continuous shooting, RAW, Quad Camera | Digital image stabilization, Triple Camera | G30 has additional camera features (PDAF, LAF, RAW). The Note 12 4G has digital image stabilization. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have identical battery capacity, indicating similar battery life. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Redmi Note 12 4G charges much faster than the G30, greatly reducing waiting time. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Redmi Note 12 4G can be used to charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Redmi Note 12 4G offers a newer Android version with more features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both offer similar WiFi standards. Redmi Note 12 4G offers additional Wi-Fi Display support. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Both are similar. Redmi Note 12 4G also includes EDR and HID. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Redmi Note 12 4G supports Beidou and has broader location tracking capabilities. The G30 has SUPL support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both have Dual SIM capability. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | Redmi Note 12 4G offers a larger 256GB option. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Redmi Note 12 4G offers 8GB RAM, which is better for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The side-mounted fingerprint sensor on the Redmi Note 12 4G is more modern, possibly quicker, and more convenient. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Redmi Note 12 4G offers better scratch and impact resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Redmi Note 12 4G has more sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- Potentially more detailed standard camera: The 64MP main camera might capture more detail, but overall image quality is not guaranteed.
- Dedicated depth sensor: Provides hardware-based portrait mode, which could be better than software solutions.
- 60fps video recording: Offers smoother video recording at 1080p.
- Camera features: Offers additional camera features such as PDAF, LAF, and RAW photo support.
- Slightly wider aperture on selfie cam: might provide slightly better low-light selfies
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED display with higher resolution, pixel density, brightness, and refresh rate offers a vastly better viewing experience.
- Faster Performance: The newer Snapdragon 685 chipset provides significantly better performance, making the phone faster and more responsive.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging allows much quicker charging times.
- More RAM options: Offers an 8GB option for better multitasking.
- More internal storage options: Offers 256GB for users that require it.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides better durability against scratches and minor drops.
- More modern and feature rich OS: Android 13 (upgradable to 14) offers the most recent features.
- Additional Sensors: The inclusion of a compass expands functionality.
- Reverse Charging: allows for charging other devices
Trade-offs:
- The Moto G30's potentially more detailed photos and hardware portrait mode is traded for overall better image quality and superior performance, better screen and faster charging in the Redmi Note 12 4G.
- The Moto G30's slightly wider aperture selfie camera and 60fps video recording is traded for the Redmi Note 12 4G's significantly brighter screen, faster processor, and faster charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G30 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users who prioritize camera features like RAW and specific autofocus (PDAF, LAF) over overall performance and display quality.
- Users less concerned with display quality or performance, and more focused on basic functionality with a good enough camera.
- Users who value a 60fps 1080p video recording for smoother video capture, and that have no need for better performance or screen quality.
Use Cases:
- Basic photography needs where specific autofocus features are valued.
- Casual social media use and basic daily tasks.
- Users that record video frequently and value 60fps recording.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G Ideal User:
- Users that value screen quality: The AMOLED screen with higher resolution and refresh rate is excellent for multimedia.
- Users that value performance: The Snapdragon 685 offers a noticeably better daily experience.
- Users who prioritize faster charging: 33W charging is much faster.
- Users that like to multitask: The 8GB RAM option is best for heavy multitasking.
- Users that require reverse charging.
- Users that value screen protection.
- Users that require more storage.
Use Cases:
- Multimedia consumption (videos, streaming, games) and content creation.
- Mobile gaming with demanding graphics.
- Heavy daily usage with multitasking.
- Users that like to have the most modern features.
- Users that like to capture photos and videos and have an excellent screen to review them.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The Redmi Note 12 4G offers a significantly better value for the price due to the superior display, performance, faster charging, and overall more modern features. The Moto G30 caters to a very specific set of needs but falls behind in most areas.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Quality: How important is a high-quality screen for you? If you value vibrant colors, deep blacks, high resolution, and brightness, the Redmi Note 12 4G is the clear winner.
- Performance Needs: Do you need a fast and responsive phone for gaming, multitasking, and resource-intensive apps? The Redmi Note 12 4G is significantly faster.
- Charging Speed: How much do you value faster charging? The Redmi Note 12 4G charges much faster at 33W.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious Casual User: If the budget is the primary concern and you only need basic functions, the Moto G30 is acceptable, but the Redmi Note 12 4G is worth the slight stretch for a much better experience.
- Scenario 2: Multimedia Enthusiast/Mobile Gamer: The Redmi Note 12 4G is far superior for multimedia consumption and gaming with its AMOLED screen and significantly faster processor.
- Scenario 3: Everyday User Prioritizing Responsiveness: The Redmi Note 12 4G's superior processor and RAM options make it a better daily driver, particularly for multitasking and quick app loading.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G. The superior display (AMOLED, higher resolution, brightness, refresh rate), significantly better performance, much faster charging, and more modern OS make it the far better choice. The Moto G30 offers a couple of specific camera advantages, but these do not outweigh the numerous benefits that the Redmi Note 12 4G provides for overall user experience. The Redmi Note 12 4G provides a much more comprehensive user experience that would be more enjoyable in the long run. The differences are so vast that it is hard to justify the Moto G30 for anything other than very specific budget constraints.
