Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G30 vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | 2021-03-17 | 2022-11-01 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is significantly newer, likely with more modern features and updated software. |
| Dimensions | 165.2 × 75.7 × 9.1 mm | 162.9 × 76 × 8.9 mm | Moto G30 is slightly taller, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is slightly wider and thinner. The difference in hand feel is minor. |
| Weight | 200g | 208.4g | Moto G30 is a bit lighter, which might be noticeable during extended use. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard, non-folding smartphones. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has slightly more screen real estate, providing a more immersive viewing experience, though the difference is not dramatic. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has much sharper display, making text and images noticeably clearer, especially for reading and detailed content. |
| PPI | 269 | 395 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a significantly higher pixel density, resulting in a much sharper and clearer screen, especially when viewing small details. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | Redmi Note 12 Pro+’s OLED display offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, resulting in a more visually appealing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a slightly smoother scrolling and animation experience, particularly noticeable in fast-paced games and while navigating menus. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is far better for outdoor use on sunny days due to its significantly higher brightness; Moto G30's visibility will be difficult outdoors. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6nm) | Redmi Note 12 Pro+’s processor is significantly more powerful and efficient, providing smoother performance, faster app loading, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 170,968 | 573,100 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is substantially faster, making it much better for multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps; Moto G30 performance is basic. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a more powerful GPU, providing better graphics performance for gaming and other GPU-intensive tasks. |
Battery
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity and similar battery life under normal use. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ charges much faster, reducing charging time significantly; The Moto G30 takes significantly longer to charge. |
| Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Both phones have non-removable batteries. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64.4MP, f/1.7, 0.70µm pixel size | 200MP, f/1.65, 1/1.4" sensor, 0.56µm pixel size | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ captures much more detail and offers better low-light performance due to its higher resolution sensor; Moto G30 does a decent job but not at the level of the Pro+. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel size | 16MP, f/2.45, unknown pixel size | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has slightly higher resolution, but the Moto G30 has a wider aperture for potentially better low-light selfies; Pixel size information is missing for Redmi. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel size | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor, 1.14µm pixel size | Both have similar wide-angle lenses, offering comparable performance. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm pixel size | N/A | Moto G30 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, but the Redmi likely does well using software. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm pixel size | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor, 1.75µm pixel size | Both phones offer a basic macro camera, suitable for close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps; Slow-motion: Yes, 60 fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, EIS; Slow-motion: Yes, 960 fps | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ records higher-quality video with 4K and a higher frame rate of 120fps at 1080p, while the Moto G30 is limited to 1080p at 60fps. The Redmi also supports better slow-motion recording. |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | Mobile: 113, Photo: 117, Video: 117 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+’s camera is tested and scored well by DxOMark. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Autofocus, PDAF, LAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, OIS, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ boasts OIS for clearer images, 4K video, and more advanced software features like Ultra stable video and night mode, while the Moto G30 has a laser autofocus system. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers a newer operating system version and will receive a couple of more OS updates, providing the user with the latest features and security patches for a longer time. |
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual band, Hotspot, Direct | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Dual band, Hotspot, Direct, Display, MiMO | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ supports the WiFi 6 standard for much faster speeds on supported networks. It also provides better connectivity features. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP, LE | Bluetooth 5.2, A2DP, LE, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a newer Bluetooth version and supports more advanced audio codecs for better wireless audio quality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1) | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ supports more satellite systems, potentially offering more accurate and reliable location services, especially in areas with challenging GPS reception. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both phones support dual SIM cards for using two phone numbers at the same time. |
Storage & Audio
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers more storage, which is useful for storing more photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 8GB/12GB | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has significantly more RAM, which is better for multitasking and handling resource-intensive apps and games. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards, so you can't add storage. |
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ provides a much better audio experience with stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res Audio support. |
Security & Build
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | Both phones offer fingerprint sensors for security; side-mounted ones are faster and more convenient |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has better screen protection against scratches and accidental drops. |
Sensors
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ includes a compass sensor, which is useful for map applications and AR apps; Both have basic sensors for regular usage. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages
- Slightly Lighter: Easier to handle for extended periods.
- Laser Autofocus: Potentially faster focusing in some specific use cases.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: May slightly improve portrait mode photos.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Advantages
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, OLED technology, higher refresh rate, and significantly higher brightness for outdoor visibility.
- Significantly Better Performance: Faster chipset and more RAM for smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Much Faster Charging: 120W charging dramatically reduces charging time.
- Superior Camera System: Higher resolution main camera, better video capabilities, and OIS for clearer images.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio support.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 12 and upgradable to 14, offering a more current software experience.
- Advanced Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and more comprehensive GPS systems.
- Better Build Quality: Gorilla Glass 5 screen protection.
Trade-offs
- The Motorola Moto G30 is a basic phone that prioritizes affordability and a lighter build, but significantly compromises on performance, display quality, camera, and overall features.
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is a premium mid-range phone with better everything but comes at a higher price point and a slightly heavier build.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G30
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users looking for a basic phone for everyday tasks (calls, texts, light browsing) and casual photos.
- Use Cases:
- Basic communication
- Casual social media browsing
- Simple gaming
- Users who prioritize long battery life and don't need performance or advanced features
- Price-to-Value: Decent for its very low price, but offers limited performance and features.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+
- Ideal User: Users who want a premium mid-range experience with excellent performance, a superior display, and a better camera system.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming
- High-quality photo and video capture
- Multitasking and resource-intensive apps
- Viewing media and videos with high clarity
- Outdoor use
- Price-to-Value: Offers significantly more features and performance than the Moto G30, and thus a much better value for the price, if the user can afford the additional cost.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone?
- Primary Use Case: What will you mostly use your smartphone for (e.g., basic communication, gaming, photography, etc.)?
- Desired Performance Level: Do you need a fast and responsive device for demanding tasks or will a basic device suffice?
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Basic User on a Tight Budget: The Motorola Moto G30 is the better option, offering basic functionality at a low price, but be aware of its limitations.
- Scenario 2: Mid-Range User Seeking Good Value: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the much better option, offering premium features and performance at a competitive price.
- Scenario 3: Power User: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the much better option with its superior performance, display, and camera system.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+.
Here's why:
- Significant Performance Upgrade: The performance difference is massive. The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is simply a much faster and smoother device for all tasks.
- Superior Display: The OLED display with its higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness makes a huge difference in day-to-day use, and viewing content.
- Much Better Camera: I take a lot of photos and videos, and the Redmi Note 12 Pro+’s camera is far better and has OIS.
- Faster Charging: 120W charging is a huge convenience, allowing me to quickly top up the battery.
- Future-Proofing: The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is more future-proof with its newer operating system, better connectivity, and better performance.
While the Moto G30 has a lower price, the sacrifices in performance, display, camera, and overall user experience are too significant. For me, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ provides better value for the money because of the significantly better overall experience. The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the clear winner for me because it's a better phone overall by a huge margin.
