Okay, let's dive deep into a comparison of the Motorola Moto G31 and the Realme 12 Pro+. This isn't just about specs on a page; it's about how these phones fit into your life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed breakdown of their specs, focusing on real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G31 | Realme 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.9 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm | 161.5 x 74 x 8.8 mm | Moto G31 is slightly smaller but Realme is a bit thicker. Both will feel similar in hand. |
| Weight | 181g | 196g | Moto G31 is noticeably lighter, which might be more comfortable for longer usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | Realme 12 Pro+ offers slightly more screen real estate, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2412 | Both offer a sharp viewing experience with negligible difference in clarity. |
| PPI | 411 | 394 | Similar pixel density, both will look sharp but Moto G31 is slightly better. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant AMOLED displays with great contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12 Pro+ provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | We lack data here. Both seem to lack usable data, potentially a data error. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Helio G85 (12nm) | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4nm) | Realme 12 Pro+ has a significantly more powerful and efficient chipset. |
| AnTuTu Score | 225,154 | 603,400 | Realme 12 Pro+ is much faster, offering a smoother experience in apps and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 710 | Realme 12 Pro+ provides better graphics performance, better gaming experience. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", 1.00µm | Realme 12 Pro+ has a larger sensor and pixels, resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 32MP, f/2.4, 0.80µm | Realme 12 Pro+ offers higher resolution selfies, with better overall clarity. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/2.6, 1/2", 0.70µm | Realme 12 Pro+ has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | None | Moto G31 offers a dedicated wide-angle lens. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | None | Moto G31 offers a dedicated Macro lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12µm | Realme 12 Pro+ has a combined wide-angle and macro lens. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps with EIS | Realme 12 Pro+ captures higher resolution videos, with better stabilization. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity. Expected to have comparable battery life |
| Charging | 10W | 67W | Realme 12 Pro+ charges much faster, making it more convenient for a quick top-up. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro+ is equipped with a much newer Android version, offering a better software experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Realme 12 Pro+ has better Wi-Fi supporting faster speeds and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Realme 12 Pro+ has a newer Bluetooth version offering improved audio codecs |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Realme 12 Pro+ provides better location accuracy with more satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | Realme 12 Pro+ offers much more storage options, with options for more files and apps. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB/12GB | Realme 12 Pro+ offers more RAM for better multitasking and gaming experience. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage, relying on internal storage only. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Realme 12 Pro+ offers superior audio experience with Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint | basic fingerprint sensor | Moto G31 features a more convenient side-mounted sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G31 Strengths:
- Lighter Design: Its lighter build makes it more comfortable for extended use.
- Dedicated Wide and Macro Lenses: Offers specific camera hardware for wide-angle and macro photography.
- More convenient Fingerprint Sensor: The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is considered to be more ergonomic.
- Slightly sharper display: The display is slightly sharper due to the higher ppi.
Realme 12 Pro+ Strengths:
- Superior Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, it offers much faster processing and better graphics performance.
- Smoother Display: A 120Hz refresh rate provides a noticeably smoother user experience.
- Advanced Camera System: Features a telephoto lens and larger sensor for better zoom and low-light photography.
- Faster Charging: The 67W charging is a significant advantage for users on the go.
- Better Software Experience: Ships with a newer version of Android.
- Better connectivity: It has a newer WiFi and Bluetooth standard offering faster speeds.
- Better audio experience: It has better audio features including Hi-Res audio and Stereo speakers
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Moto G31: Slower performance, older software, and a basic camera setup may limit it for demanding users.
- Realme 12 Pro+: Heavier and slightly thicker, lacking dedicated wide and macro lenses, a basic fingerprint sensor.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G31:
- Best For: Users who prioritize a lighter, more comfortable phone for everyday tasks and those interested in wide and macro photography. It suits budget-conscious users who don't demand high performance or cutting-edge features.
- Use Cases: Basic daily use (calls, messaging, light browsing), casual photography with wide and macro options.
Realme 12 Pro+:
- Best For: Users who value performance, photography, and a smoother overall experience. It's ideal for users who game, consume media heavily, and want better camera versatility and want faster charging
- Use Cases: Gaming, social media, heavy app usage, high-quality video and photo capture, and fast charging.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
- How important is performance for you? If you prioritize speed, gaming, and heavy app usage, the Realme 12 Pro+ is the clear winner.
- How important is camera versatility? If you need a telephoto zoom lens and better low-light performance, the Realme is the better option. If you need wide angle or macro lenses, the Motorola is the better option.
- What is your price-to-value ratio? If you’re on a tight budget and need a basic phone for everyday use, the Moto G31 is an option. If you are willing to pay a bit extra for better performance and features, the Realme 12 Pro+ is the clear choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Conscious User: If your primary goal is affordability and lighter phone, the Motorola Moto G31 is the choice, even with its older tech.
- Power User: If you crave fast performance and want to game the Realme 12 Pro+ is the better choice by a mile.
- Photography Enthusiast: If you need better low light photography and want a better telephoto lens, the Realme 12 Pro+ is the better option. If you need wide or macro lenses, the Motorola is better.
- Everyday User: If you need a better user experience, and better all round performance with faster charging, the Realme 12 Pro+ is the better option.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Realme 12 Pro+. While I appreciate the Moto G31's lighter design and the inclusion of dedicated wide and macro lenses, the Realme 12 Pro+'s overall package is just too compelling. The significantly superior performance of the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, the smoother 120Hz display, the advanced camera capabilities, 67W fast charging, better software and better connectivity, all make a huge difference for a tech enthusiast like me.
While the Moto G31 is a decent budget option, the Realme 12 Pro+ offers a much more well-rounded user experience, making it the superior choice for anyone who wants a more modern and versatile smartphone. The benefits outweigh the trade-offs, in my opinion.
