1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.2 × 75.7 × 9.1 mm | 164.2 × 76.1 × 8.1 mm | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is slightly thinner, potentially feeling more sleek in hand. G30 has a larger overall volume. |
| Weight | 200g | 201.8g | Both are virtually the same weight, so no noticeable difference in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G provides a slightly more immersive viewing experience with its larger screen. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G offers a much sharper display, noticeably clearer for text, images, and videos. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 269 | 395 | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G has a significantly sharper display. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G has superior contrast, vibrant colors, and deeper blacks, better for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is much brighter and easier to see outdoors in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G offers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 170,968 | 397,200 | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G offers much better performance for demanding apps and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 618 | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G provides better graphics performance, noticeable in gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64.4MP, f/1.7 | 108MP, f/1.9 | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G captures more detail with higher resolution; Moto G30 has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G captures slightly more detailed selfies; Moto G30 has slightly better low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Comparable wide-angle performance between the two phones. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Comparable depth-sensing capabilities for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4 | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G allows for more detailed macro shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G can record much higher quality video footage. |
| Slow Motion | 60fps | 960fps | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G records much more detailed slow-motion shots. |
| Camera Features | PDAF, LAF, RAW | 4K Video, DIS, RAW, Night Mode | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G offers a night mode for enhanced low-light pictures and 4K video recording |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5020mAh | Both offer similar all-day battery life. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G charges much faster, significantly reducing charging time. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G can charge other devices using its battery. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | Android 11 | Motorola Moto G30 offers at least one more software update than the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac, Wi-Fi Display | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G allows screen sharing on external display over Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1, EDR, HID | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G has a slightly more recent Bluetooth version with additional profiles. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G has Beidou for better location accuracy, G30 has SUPL |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB or 256GB | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G offers more storage, better for media and apps. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 6GB or 8GB | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G will provide a smoother experience in multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | No options to expand the storage on either device |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G provides higher quality sound with better audio separation. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side mounted sensor is often more convenient to access for unlocking the device. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unkown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is more durable against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G has a more complete set of sensors for better functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- Wider Aperture Main Camera: The f/1.7 aperture on the main camera allows for better low-light performance compared to the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G's f/1.9 aperture.
- Wider Aperture Selfie Camera: The f/2.2 aperture on the selfie camera allows for better low-light performance compared to the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G's f/2.45 aperture.
- SUPL for GPS: The inclusion of SUPL might be beneficial in specific positioning scenarios but not universally.
Practical Implications: The Moto G30 excels in low light situations, particularly for selfies, and may have a small edge in GPS accuracy in specific situations.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness for an exceptional viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Snapdragon 732G chip and higher RAM offer a much smoother user experience for demanding apps and gaming.
- Superior Camera: Higher resolution main and macro lenses, plus 4K video recording and slow motion capture at higher fps.
- Much Faster Charging: 67W charging vastly reduces charging time.
- Better Audio: Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience.
- More Storage: Up to 256GB of internal storage, offering more space for photos, videos, and apps.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for significantly improved durability.
Practical Implications: The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G provides a smoother, more responsive experience, enhanced multimedia capabilities, and faster charging. It is more durable and features better audio for media consumption.
Trade-offs: The Moto G30 is budget-friendly but sacrifices performance, display quality, charging speed and overall camera performance. The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G offers a premium experience at a slightly higher price point, however is does not offer the same software support as the G30.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G30 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users who prioritize basic smartphone functionality.
- Users who don't heavily rely on mobile gaming or performance-intensive apps.
- Users who value decent low light performance from the selfie camera, especially.
- Users who want more software updates.
Use Cases:
- Basic web browsing, social media, and messaging.
- Casual photography in well lit environments.
- Light media consumption.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G Ideal User:
- Users who value a high-quality display and multimedia experience.
- Users who require smooth performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Users who want a versatile camera system for photos and videos.
- Users who value fast charging.
- Users who want more internal storage for apps, photos, videos.
Use Cases:
- High-quality gaming.
- Video recording and consumption.
- Photography.
- Multitasking between various apps.
- Screen sharing with Wi-Fi Display.
- Using navigation in different countries thanks to the Beidou GPS.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G offers significantly better value for the slightly higher price with its superior display, performance, camera, and fast charging.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Moto G30 is more affordable while the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is more expensive, but offers significantly better features and performance.
- How important is display quality and media consumption? The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G has an AMOLED display with better brightness, resolution, and colors which make it much better for viewing content, while the G30 has a basic LCD display which will appear duller.
- How much do you value performance, gaming, and fast charging? The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G provides a much smoother experience for demanding tasks, games, and has much faster charging. The Moto G30 lags behind in all these areas.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you need a basic smartphone for everyday tasks on a tight budget, the Motorola Moto G30 might be sufficient. However, keep in mind that the display and performance will be noticeably worse.
- Scenario 2: If you want a smartphone with a great display, smooth performance, good camera, and fast charging, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3: If you mainly need a device for basic use and a good selfie camera and GPS in specific situations, the Motorola Moto G30 could work.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G. The superior display (AMOLED, higher resolution, 120Hz), faster processor (Snapdragon 732G), much better camera (4K recording, higher resolution sensors, etc.), significantly faster charging, larger internal storage, stereo speakers, and higher quality sound make it a vastly better choice for most users, especially those who value multimedia consumption, gaming, and photography. While the Moto G30 is more affordable, the performance and display compromises are too significant to overlook, making the Note 12 Pro 4G better value for the slightly higher price.
