Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Xiaomi 12 Pro. We'll break down the specs and explore what they mean for your daily life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a side-by-side look at these two devices, along with the real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 170.5 × 76.5 × 9.1 mm | 163.6 × 74.6 × 8.2 mm | Moto G51 is noticeably larger and thicker; Xiaomi 12 Pro is more compact and sleeker. |
| Weight | 208g | 204g | Both are similar in weight, differences in hand feel will be minimal |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.73" | Both have large displays, similar for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3200 | Xiaomi 12 Pro is significantly sharper, with crisper text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 387 | 521 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a much clearer screen; you'll notice the difference in detail. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Xiaomi 12 Pro has richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer a smooth scrolling experience, great for gaming and social media. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | Xiaomi 12 Pro is far more visible outdoors, especially in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480+ (8 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Xiaomi 12 Pro is significantly faster and more responsive; better for gaming and heavy apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 1,177,498 | Xiaomi 12 Pro is over 3x more powerful. Expect noticeable performance boost. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 730 | Xiaomi 12 Pro handles demanding graphics with greater ease. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4600mAh | Moto G51 has slightly larger battery, but the Xiaomi 12 Pro is more power-efficient. |
| Charging | 10W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | Xiaomi 12 Pro charges incredibly fast (0-100% in ~20 mins), Moto G51 is relatively slow. |
| Features | Non-removable | 120W Wired, 50W Wireless, 10W Reverse Charging | Xiaomi 12 Pro can wirelessly charge and charge other devices; very convenient features. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.28" | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a much larger sensor, better image quality, especially in low light. |
| Front Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, 1/3.14" | Xiaomi 12 Pro has sharper, higher resolution selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" | Xiaomi 12 Pro captures much more detailed wide-angle shots. |
| Portrait (Depth) | None | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/2.76" | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode effects. |
| Macro | 2MP | None | Moto G51 allows close-up shots, but quality is limited. |
| Video | 1080p @ 30fps, 1080p@240fps | Up to 8K @ 24fps, 1080p @ 960fps | Xiaomi 12 Pro shoots much higher resolution video, with more options for slow motion. |
| DxOMark | Not Tested | 129 (Mobile) | Xiaomi 12 Pro's camera performance has been independently tested and verified as high quality. |
| Camera Features | PDAF, LAF, RAW | OIS, EIS, 4K/8K, RAW | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers more robust video features, image stabilization and manual control. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgrade to 12) | Android 12 | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers the latest Android experience out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Xiaomi 12 Pro supports newer WiFi standard for faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.2 LE | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a newer version with better audio codec support for high-quality audio. |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, SUPL | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), QZSS | Xiaomi 12 Pro supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Xiaomi 12 Pro provides larger storage options for more photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 4/8 GB | 8/12 GB | Xiaomi 12 Pro provides smoother multitasking for demanding users. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone lets you expand storage via microSD. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi 12 Pro provides a more immersive audio experience with louder, clearer audio via stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Moto G51 has a convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor for security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Xiaomi 12 Pro is more resistant to scratches and drops. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G51 5G Strengths:
- Larger Display: Offers a slightly larger screen for those who prioritize screen real estate.
- Bigger Battery: A marginally larger battery may offer slightly better battery life.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Conveniently placed for quick access.
- Affordability: Likely available at a lower price point, making it accessible to budget-conscious consumers.
Xiaomi 12 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with higher resolution, brightness, and vibrant colors.
- Significantly Higher Performance: More powerful chipset for smoother, faster operation and gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Much better overall camera quality, especially in low light, and more video recording capabilities.
- Ultra-Fast Charging: 120W wired and 50W wireless charging.
- Premium Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for better screen protection.
- Better Audio: Hi-Res audio support and stereo speakers provide a richer sound experience.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Latest wifi and bluetooth versions.
- More Sensors: Barometer, RGB, and compass for enhanced user experience.
Trade-offs:
- Moto G51 5G: Sacrifices display quality, performance, camera capabilities, and charging speed for a more budget-friendly price.
- Xiaomi 12 Pro: Higher cost, no macro lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G51 5G is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a large screen, decent performance for everyday tasks, and long battery life at a lower cost.
- Casual Users: People who primarily use their phones for calls, browsing, social media, and basic photography.
- Users who value a macro camera: If you like close-up photography, this is a nice touch at a budget price point.
Xiaomi 12 Pro is best for:
- Power Users: People who demand top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and heavy applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize excellent photo and video quality.
- Media Consumers: Individuals who enjoy high-quality video and audio content, benefitting from the superior display and stereo speakers.
- Users who value fast charging: This is one of the fastest charging phones available and very useful on the go.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- What is your budget? If you're on a tight budget, the Moto G51 5G might be a reasonable choice, while the Xiaomi 12 Pro sits on the higher end of the price spectrum.
- How important is performance and camera quality? If these are high priorities, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the better choice. If you're happy with good performance for basic tasks, the G51 will be fine.
- How much do you value display quality and fast charging? If you want a premium display with vibrant colors, higher resolution, great brightness, and fast charging, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the way to go.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual Use and Limited Budget - Choose the Motorola Moto G51 5G for its affordability and larger screen.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gaming and Media Consumption - Choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro for its superior display, powerful performance, and better audio.
- Scenario 3: Photography Focus - Choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro due to its superior and versatile camera setup.
- Scenario 4: Long Battery and Budget - Choose the Motorola Moto G51 5G for its slightly larger battery and lower price.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would go with the Xiaomi 12 Pro. While the Moto G51 5G has its merits, particularly its large screen and affordability, the Xiaomi 12 Pro simply offers a far superior overall experience.
As a tech journalist, I appreciate the incredible display, the blazing-fast performance, and the versatility of the camera system. The convenience of super-fast charging is a game-changer, and the premium build with Gorilla Glass Victus adds an extra layer of confidence. The Xiaomi 12 Pro is the phone that will meet my needs and exceed my expectations in a way the Moto G51 simply can't, making it worth the higher price. The added support for Hi-Res Audio and superior video features push it over the top for me as a tech enthusiast.
