Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Xiaomi 12. We're going beyond the spec sheet to understand what these numbers mean for you in real life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the specifications, focusing on what they mean for you day-to-day:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Xiaomi 12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Dimensions | 170.5 × 76.5 × 9.1 mm | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | Moto G51 is larger and bulkier, the Xiaomi 12 is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 208g | 179g | Xiaomi 12 is noticeably lighter and easier to handle for extended use. |
| Build | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus | Xiaomi 12 has better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.28" | Moto G51 offers a larger screen for media consumption; Xiaomi 12 is more comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer crisp visuals; identical pixel count. |
| PPI | 387 | 419 | Xiaomi 12 has slightly sharper display due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Xiaomi 12's AMOLED provides deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have smooth scrolling and animations, ideal for gaming and fluid transitions. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | Xiaomi 12's display is significantly brighter, much more visible in direct sunlight. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480+ 5G | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Xiaomi 12 offers significantly faster performance, better for gaming and demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 1,150,831 | Xiaomi 12's raw performance is over 200% faster; a huge gap in speed. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 730 | Xiaomi 12’s GPU provides a massive boost to graphics performance, for gaming and heavy GPU tasks. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Main Camera Sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" | Xiaomi 12 has a much larger sensor which allows more light, typically resulting in better images, especially in low light. |
| Main Camera Pixels | 0.64 µm | 1.00 µm | Xiaomi 12 has larger individual pixels for better light capture. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, 1/3.14" | Xiaomi 12’s selfie camera captures more detail and is higher resolution for sharper selfies. |
| Wide Camera | 8MP | 13MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi 12 offers a sharper wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP | 5MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi 12’s macro camera produces much more detail in close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 1080p 240fps | Up to 8K, 1920fps slo-mo | Xiaomi 12 offers much higher quality video recording and slow-motion capabilities. |
| DxOMark Score | - | 113 | Xiaomi 12 has a validated superior camera quality. |
| OIS/EIS | No | Yes | Xiaomi 12 uses optical image stabilization for clearer, shake-free photos and videos. |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Moto G51 should offer longer battery life due to the larger capacity. |
| Charging | 10W | 67W | Xiaomi 12 can recharge significantly faster, from zero to full in a fraction of time. |
| Wireless Charging | No | 50W | Xiaomi 12 offers the convenience of wireless charging, and fast at that. |
| Reverse Charging | No | 10W | Xiaomi 12 can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | Android 12 | Xiaomi 12 comes with newer Android out of the box. |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Xiaomi 12 offers faster and more reliable Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Xiaomi 12 has a slightly newer Bluetooth version for better audio connection quality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, etc | A-GPS, GLONASS, etc | Xiaomi 12 has more extensive GPS capabilities and more precise location. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | Xiaomi 12 offers more storage capacity at the high end (256GB). |
| RAM | 4/8GB | 8/12GB | Xiaomi 12 offers more RAM, which enhances multitasking and gaming performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion via microSD. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Xiaomi 12 has superior audio with richer, clearer, louder and more immersive sound. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Sensor | Side Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both have fingerprint scanners, but Moto G51 uses side-mounted while the type of Xiaomi 12 is not specified |
| SENSORS | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, RGB, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Xiaomi 12 has more sensor types for additional functionality like compass and enhanced proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G51 5G Strengths:
- Larger Display: The 6.8-inch screen is great for those who consume a lot of media.
- Larger Battery: A 5000mAh battery provides potentially longer battery life, ideal for extended usage away from a charger.
- More Advanced Fingerprint Sensor: The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is convenient.
Motorola Moto G51 5G Trade-Offs:
- Underpowered Performance: The Snapdragon 480+ 5G is a budget-level chip and will struggle with gaming and heavy apps.
- Basic Display: The IPS LCD is significantly inferior to the AMOLED found in the Xiaomi 12, particularly with brightness outdoors.
- Slow Charging: 10W charging is quite slow, and this will have you waiting for a long time to get to full.
- Basic Camera Capabilities: The camera system is outclassed by the Xiaomi 12 by a significant margin.
Xiaomi 12 Strengths:
- Flagship Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor is one of the fastest chips on the market, ensuring excellent performance for gaming and demanding tasks.
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display is brighter, has better contrast and is overall more pleasing to look at.
- Great Camera: The Xiaomi 12 has a very solid camera setup, with better image quality across all sensors.
- Fast Charging: 67W wired and 50W wireless charging will get the phone back to full in no time.
- Premium Audio: Stereo speakers with Hi-Res audio, provide an immersive sound experience.
- Modern Features: Including Wi-Fi 6 and more advanced Bluetooth standard.
Xiaomi 12 Trade-Offs:
- Smaller Battery: The 4500mAh battery is smaller than the Motorola's, so it could offer shorter battery life, depending on usage.
- No expandable Storage: Not an issue for most, but it does not offer expandable storage via microSD.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G51 5G: Best suited for users who prioritize screen size and battery life, need a budget-friendly option, and don't demand peak performance or the best camera quality.
- Use Case: Media consumption (YouTube, streaming), everyday tasks (browsing, social media), and for those who need a phone that will last all day without needing a recharge.
Xiaomi 12: Ideal for power users, mobile gamers, and photography enthusiasts. It's perfect for those who value a premium experience, with top-tier performance, a superb display, fast charging, and excellent camera capabilities.
- Use Case: Demanding gaming, professional content creation, intensive multitasking, and users who want the best of the best.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide between these phones:
- How important is raw performance? If you're a gamer or a heavy user, the Xiaomi 12 is the clear choice. If you mostly do basic tasks, the Motorola might suffice.
- What is more important: Display or Battery Life? If you want the best display quality, even in bright sunlight, the Xiaomi 12 excels. For longer battery life, the Motorola has an edge.
- What's your budget? The Motorola G51 is significantly more budget-friendly than the Xiaomi 12. If you need to save money, the Motorola could be a good option, but you'll miss out on many premium features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious Media Lover: You need a large screen for watching videos and want to save money. The Motorola Moto G51 5G could be a suitable choice.
- Power User/Gamer: You prioritize fast performance, a great display, and good camera. Go with the Xiaomi 12 without hesitation.
- Balanced User: If you want a good all-rounder and can spend a bit more, the Xiaomi 12 is a better choice despite the slightly smaller battery capacity.
- Outdoor User: If you need the best outdoor visibility, the Xiaomi 12 is a must.
Personal Choice
If it were up to me, I would choose the Xiaomi 12, hands down.
The performance and display advantages that the Xiaomi 12 offers make it a far superior experience for daily use. While the Motorola might have longer battery life on paper, the speed of the Xiaomi's charging more than makes up for it. When it comes to the camera system, the difference is night and day. The Xiaomi 12 provides a far more well-rounded experience, even considering the increased price tag. It’s a significant step up in performance, camera capabilities, display quality, and it delivers a genuinely premium smartphone experience.
While I value large battery capacity, the fact that the Xiaomi 12 can charge so quickly means that I am more than happy to sacrifice a bit of battery life for the rest of the superior features. I am a heavy user, so I need the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor to deal with all of my daily needs, and the camera is a big part of my life.
While the Motorola is a great budget-friendly phone, it simply does not compare to the overall package of the Xiaomi 12.
