Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G31 and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. I'm approaching this not just as a tech journalist but also as someone who gets into the nitty-gritty of how these devices actually perform in day-to-day use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the specs, focusing on what they mean to you, the user:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G31 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.9 × 73.9 × 8.6 mm, 181g | 165.9 × 76.2 × 8 mm, 188g | Redmi Note 12 is slightly larger and heavier, might feel more substantial in hand, while Moto G31 is more compact and lighter. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones; no foldable or unique form factors. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The Redmi Note 12 has a notable advantage with Gorilla Glass 3 for added durability against scratches and minor drops. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 12 provides a larger screen, which is better for media consumption and gaming; Moto G31 is slightly more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical; both displays offer sharp and detailed visuals for their screen sizes. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 411 | 395 | Very similar clarity; the difference is negligible in real-world use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both phones boast AMOLED technology for vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Redmi Note 12 offers significantly smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in games and fast-paced apps. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Redmi Note 12 has dramatically better screen visibility under bright sunlight. Moto G31 is not ideal for outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm) | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6nm) | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is more powerful, offering significantly better performance and efficiency compared to Helio G85. |
| AnTuTu Score | 225,154 | 460,800 | The Redmi Note 12 is over twice as powerful in benchmark tests; translates to noticeably faster performance in daily use. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 is superior for graphics, meaning better gaming performance on the Redmi Note 12. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Both are similar, with the Moto G31 having a negligibly higher megapixel count. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 13MP, f/2.45, 1.12µm | Moto G31 has a slightly wider aperture for marginally better low-light performance in selfies. |
| Wide-Angle | 8MP, f/2, 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12µm | Moto G31 boasts slightly better aperture, but Redmi Note 12 uses a smaller sensor. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | 2MP, f/2.4, unknown µm | Both provide basic macro capability. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both provide similar video capabilities. |
| DXOMark Score | Not tested | Mobile: 69 (Photo: 74, Video: 49) | Redmi Note 12 has a DXOMark score, while Moto G31 hasn't been rated. The Redmi offers a decent picture quality. |
| Camera Features | Optical zoom, Laser AF | Ultra stable video, Manual focus, Night Mode | The Moto G31 has optical zoom and laser autofocus, while the Redmi Note 12 has more video and night mode features. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life on paper, but actual endurance may vary based on optimization. |
| Charging | 10W | 33W | Redmi Note 12 charges much faster, a significant advantage for users with busy schedules. |
| Software & Other | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Redmi Note 12 has a newer version of Android, with better performance and updated features. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual Band, Hotspot | 802.11ac, Dual Band, Hotspot, Wi-Fi MiMO | Both offer standard Wi-Fi, the Redmi Note 12 also includes Wi-Fi MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE, A2DP, LE | 5.1 LE, A2DP, LE, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Redmi Note 12 has a newer version and more audio codec support for better wireless audio quality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1) | Xiaomi offers more satellite support, offering better positioning accuracy in some instances. |
| Storage | 64GB / 128GB | 128GB / 256GB | Redmi Note 12 offers more internal storage choices. |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB / 6GB / 8GB | Redmi Note 12 has RAM options that can significantly boost performance and multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device supports external storage. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | Basic audio features | Motorola G31 offers Dolby Atmos and better sound capture thanks to two microphones |
| Fingerprint | side-mounted | side-mounted | Both offer the same side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Motorola Moto G31 additionally features: Proximity, Hall; Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 additionally features: Ultrasonic proximity virtual; Comprehensive sensor suite suitable for advanced features and gaming |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12's Strengths: The Redmi Note 12 emerges as the clear winner in terms of performance. Its Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset, paired with the Adreno 619 GPU, is a significant step up from the Moto G31's Mediatek Helio G85. The 120Hz display is also a considerable advantage, making everyday interactions and gaming much smoother. Its 33W charging is also vastly faster, and the brighter screen significantly improves outdoor visibility. The availability of up to 8GB RAM, a 256 GB storage option and the newer android version are also key advantages.
- Motorola Moto G31's Strengths: While less powerful, the Moto G31 does have some merits. It has a slightly smaller form factor making it more portable. It also offers better selfie camera and wide angle aperture and Dolby Atmos, which provides enhanced audio quality. It also has optical zoom and laser autofocus for those who like more advanced camera features.
- Trade-offs: The Motorola Moto G31 is an older device that shows its age and has some notable limitations in performance and screen brightness. If speed is your thing, it cannot match the Redmi Note 12. The lack of expandable storage on both is unfortunate, but the Redmi compensates with larger onboard storage options.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Best for: Users who prioritize performance, gaming, smooth display experience, and faster charging.
- Use Cases: Mobile gamers, frequent social media scrollers, those who need good outdoor screen visibility, and users who demand speed in their daily tasks.
- Motorola Moto G31:
- Best for: Users who value a more compact design, slightly better audio experience, advanced camera features, or those who are on a tight budget.
- Use Cases: Casual users, those who need a reliable secondary phone or people who want a no-frills device for basic tasks like calls and messaging, along with better sound quality for audio listening.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are some questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize performance and speed? If yes, the Redmi Note 12's superior chipset, faster refresh rate, and quicker charging are ideal.
- Do you often use your phone outdoors in bright sunlight? If so, the Redmi Note 12's dramatically higher brightness is a major plus.
- How important is storage? While neither phone has expandable storage, the Redmi Note 12's 256GB option is more generous than the Moto G31's 128GB, making it a better option if you store a lot of content on your device.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Power User: If you are an avid mobile gamer, multitasker, or someone who needs the fastest and smoothest performance possible, go for the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12.
- Scenario 2: The Budget-Conscious User: If you value a more compact and comfortable device and your main focus is basic tasks with a better sound and some camera features, and you're on a tighter budget, the Motorola Moto G31 might be acceptable, though be aware of its shortcomings.
- Scenario 3: The Everyday User: If you're looking for a balanced device for everyday tasks, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is the more well-rounded option with its faster speed and better screen.
My Choice
If it were me, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. The combination of a significantly more powerful chipset, the 120Hz display, 33W fast charging, and much brighter screen makes it a clear winner for me. As someone who regularly uses my phone for everything from work to gaming and media consumption, the performance and display enhancements offered by the Redmi Note 12 are impossible to ignore. The speed increase is the main selling point for me, and as a tech enthusiast, I'd always choose superior performance over anything else, especially in this case where it's a clear difference between the two devices.
