Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Moto G31 and the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G. I’m going to break down these specs, give you the real-world impact, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two devices stack up, with a focus on what each spec actually means for you:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G31 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-06 | 2023-08-04 | The Redmi 12 5G is significantly newer, with more modern tech. |
| Dimensions | 161.9 × 73.9 × 8.6 mm | 168.6 × 76.3 × 8.2 mm | Moto G31 is shorter, narrower, but slightly thicker. Redmi 12 5G is larger overall. |
| Weight | 181g | 199g | Moto G31 is noticeably lighter, which is a win for comfortable prolonged use. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.79" | Redmi 12 5G has a larger screen which is nice for media and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Very similar resolutions; both are sharp enough for most uses. |
| PPI | 411 | 396 | Both have similar pixel densities, so image clarity is comparable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Major difference: Moto G31's AMOLED gives you deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Redmi 12 5G has a smoother scrolling and animation experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have similar peak brightness, though this needs to be tested as it's likely an error. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) | The Redmi 12 5G's chipset is built on a much more efficient process, leading to better overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 225,154 | 456,552 | The Redmi 12 5G has significantly better performance, meaning smoother multitasking, app loading, and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 613 | Redmi 12 5G should handle games better due to its superior GPU. |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have a large battery, implying similar all-day performance for most users. |
| Charging | 10W | 18W | Redmi 12 5G will charge significantly faster, meaning less time plugged in. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 | Similar main camera on paper, but processing quality varies greatly. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.2 | 5MP f/2.2 | Moto G31 has a much higher-resolution front camera, capturing more detail in selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.0 | None | Moto G31 can capture more in your photos with its dedicated wide-angle lens. |
| Depth Sensor | None | 2MP f/2.4 | Redmi 12 5G has a depth sensor for better portrait mode effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Moto G31 has a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record at the same resolution, but Redmi 12 5G has stabilization which is a very important feature. |
| DxoMark Score | N/A | Overall: 63, Photo: 57, Video: 76 | Only the Redmi 12 5G is tested with a respectable Video Score. |
| Features | Triple Camera, Optical Zoom, LAF, RAW, Continuous Shooting | Dual Camera, OIS | Moto G31 has more camera modes and features whereas Redmi 12 5G has OIS which is very important. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | Redmi 12 5G ships with a more up-to-date Android version and is slated for a further major update. |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both have similar Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Both have similar Bluetooth standards. Redmi 12 5G adds a few extra features like EDR and HID. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Moto G31 offers more satellite systems for more accurate location tracking. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Redmi 12 5G offers more internal storage options. |
| RAM | 4GB | 4/6/8GB | Redmi 12 5G has options for more RAM, which is better for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos | Basic | Moto G31 has a richer audio experience with Dolby Atmos. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both phones have side-mounted fingerprint sensors for secure access. |
| BUILD QUALITY | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 3 | Redmi 12 5G has more robust screen protection, being more resistant to scratches. |
| SENSORS | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Moto G31 has a more robust set of sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G31:
- Strengths: The Moto G31 stands out with its superior AMOLED display, a higher-resolution selfie camera, and a versatile camera system with a dedicated wide-angle and macro lens. Its audio capabilities with Dolby Atmos also provide a richer media experience, and the lower weight makes it easy to handle.
- Competitive Advantage: Its biggest advantage is the AMOLED screen, which offers a better viewing experience than the LCD on the Redmi 12 5G. The additional camera lenses and Dolby Atmos enhance media consumption and creative capture.
- Limitations: The older chipset and lack of expandable storage are weaknesses. It also ships with an older version of Android.
- Trade-offs: You're sacrificing a bit on performance and future updates for a richer display and more versatile camera.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G:
- Strengths: The Redmi 12 5G has a much faster chipset, higher refresh rate for smoother animations, and a much better battery charging capability. It also has more storage options and ships with a more recent version of Android, with an upgrade on the horizon.
- Competitive Advantage: The main advantage of the Redmi is its performance, battery charging and better security with its Gorilla Glass 3 screen protection. Its faster processor and higher refresh rate makes the phone feel snappier and more responsive.
- Limitations: The Redmi 12 5G's main weakness is its use of an IPS LCD screen, which can't match the contrast and color quality of an AMOLED. It also lacks the additional cameras offered by the G31.
- Trade-offs: You're trading superior display tech and a more versatile camera for faster performance and battery charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G31 is ideal for:
- Casual Media Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos and prefer vibrant and crisp images.
- Photography Enthusiasts: People who want a more versatile camera setup with wide-angle and macro lenses.
- Audio Lovers: Those who value better audio with Dolby Atmos.
- Light Users: Individuals who don't demand heavy processing power, and who prefer a lighter, more compact device.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G is ideal for:
- Gamers and Heavy App Users: Those who need smooth and fast performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Power Users: People who want long battery life with faster charging.
- Future-Proofers: Users who want the latest software and faster processing.
- Budget Conscious Users: Those who are looking for a powerful device at a competitive price.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- How important is display quality? If you prefer rich colors, deep blacks, and high contrast, the Moto G31's AMOLED screen is the better pick. If you value smoothness more than vibrancy, then the Redmi 12 5G's 90hz LCD will appeal to you.
- Do you prioritize performance or camera versatility? If you're a heavy gamer or run a lot of apps, the Redmi 12 5G's faster chipset will be more beneficial. If you like to take a lot of pictures and require a wide-angle or macro lens, the Moto G31 has the edge.
- How long do you intend to keep the phone? The Redmi 12 5G is a more recent device, which means it will receive software updates for longer, has a better build quality and offers superior performance.
My Choice
If I were picking between these two, I'd lean towards the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G. Here's why:
The performance difference is very significant, as the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 offers a much more fluid experience than the Helio G85 on the Moto G31. The superior battery charging speed makes a massive difference in everyday usability and the Redmi 12 5G's 90hz screen is noticeable as you scroll through social media, webpages, etc. While I appreciate the AMOLED screen on the Moto G31, I value overall speed and a more robust future for updates. The trade-off in camera features is a bit of a miss, but it's a secondary concern, and the additional storage and RAM options on the Redmi 12 5G make it more future-proof. Overall, the Redmi 12 5G is a great all-around device that's better equipped for the long haul.
