Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison. It's always fascinating to see how different manufacturers approach similar price points. Today, we're looking at the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi 12. On paper, they seem similar, but as we'll see, the details tell a different story.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions (mm) | 170.5 x 76.5 x 9.1 | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 | The Moto G51 is slightly taller and thicker, which might feel less sleek than the Redmi 12. The Redmi 12’s slimmer profile makes it easier to handle. |
| Weight (g) | 208 | 198.5 | Redmi 12 is lighter by almost 10g, which makes it more comfortable for prolonged usage |
| Display | |||
| Size (inches) | 6.8 | 6.79 | Practically the same display size - both will feel like "big screen" phones in the hand. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2460 | Sharp, detailed visuals on both, with a minor resolution edge to the Xiaomi |
| PPI | 387 | 396 | Both displays are very similar in pixel density; expect crispness and clarity |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Common display technology, good color accuracy and viewing angles |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Moto G51’s 120Hz display provides noticeably smoother scrolling and animations for enhanced user experience |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ (8nm) | MediaTek Helio G88 (12nm) | Moto G51’s Snapdragon chip is more modern and efficient with 5G capabilities, expected to offer better sustained performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 249,400 | Moto G51 has a significant performance advantage, resulting in snappier app loading and multitasking, and it's a capable gaming device. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Moto G51's Adreno GPU is better equipped for handling graphics intensive tasks |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Similar main camera performance, good in daylight; might need extra light in darker conditions |
| Ultrawide Camera | 8MP | 8MP (f/2.2) | Comparable ultrawide capabilities, good for landscape and wide group photos |
| Macro Camera | 2MP | 2MP (f/2.4) | Basic macro capabilities - good for close-ups, but not for high-quality macro work |
| Front Camera | 13MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.1) | Moto G51 boasts a higher-res selfie camera for greater detail, but the Xiaomi has a slightly wider aperture that may help in low-light conditions |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60/240fps | 1080p@30fps | Both are good for typical video recording, however, the Moto G51 has much better slow motion capability |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity (mAh) | 5000 | 5000 | Both offer similar all-day battery life with typical usage |
| Charging | 10W | 18W | Redmi 12 charges faster, more convenient when you need a quick power boost |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, non-removable | Redmi 12 can act as a power bank for other devices; a handy feature |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgrade to 12) | Android 13 (upgrade to 14) | Xiaomi Redmi 12 is much better here, with a more recent version of Android and a more recent update |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both offer Dual-band Wi-Fi for stable connection on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 LE, aptX | Xiaomi Redmi 12 uses a more recent Bluetooth version, supporting higher audio quality via aptX |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Xiaomi Redmi 12 offers a significantly higher capacity at its higher-end configurations |
| RAM | 4/8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Both have options for RAM; it's nice to see the Redmi offering 6 GB, which is the sweet spot for many |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both do not offer SD card slot for storage expansion; storage selection is key at time of purchase |
| Other | |||
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, 2 mics | Basic audio | Moto G51 offers improved audio quality, with Dolby Atmos support for a better listening experience. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both are similar here, making it easy to unlock the phone |
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both provide standard screen protection, but its specific type remains unknown |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Compass, Ultrasonic Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Both come with common sensors, but the Moto G51 has a more traditional proximity sensor and the Xiaomi has an electronic compass |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G51 5G:
- Strengths: The Moto G51 shines in raw performance thanks to its Snapdragon 480+ chip, resulting in a smoother user experience, better gaming capabilities, and also it has a higher refresh rate at 120hz for better UI fluidity. Its audio setup, with Dolby Atmos and dual microphones, is a significant plus for those who appreciate good sound.
- Competitive Advantages: The better processor in this phone really gives it a real world edge, and the audio is a huge plus as well.
- Trade-offs: Slightly larger and heavier, and also has an older Android version. The camera performance might not be as competitive.
Xiaomi Redmi 12:
- Strengths: The Redmi 12 offers a more modern Android experience, a lighter design, and faster charging. The slightly lower price is a bonus, and that reverse charging feature is quite rare in this price segment.
- Competitive Advantages: Lighter, newer software, and reverse charging. The storage choices also stand out, and its cameras are solid.
- Trade-offs: The phone’s overall performance is less powerful compared to the Moto G51. It also does not have the enhanced audio.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Moto G51 5G: Best for users who prioritize performance for gaming, faster app loading, and an overall smoother user experience. Its enhanced audio features make it a great option for media consumption. Also, if 5G is a priority, this is the clear choice.
- Xiaomi Redmi 12: Ideal for users who want a well-rounded phone with a modern design, latest Android OS, and a focus on practical features such as faster charging and reverse charging. The additional internal storage options and the lower price will definitely appeal to people in this price segment.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself:
- Performance or Features?: Do you value a phone that excels in raw processing power, or do you prioritize a newer operating system, faster charging, and a slimmer profile?
- Audio or Software?: Is enhanced audio quality a big factor for you, or would you rather have the latest Android version and future software upgrades?
- Gaming or Casual Use?: Will you be pushing the phone with intensive gaming, or are you primarily interested in casual everyday tasks, such as social media, web browsing, and photos?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Gamers: Go for the Moto G51 5G. Its superior chipset and GPU will result in better frame rates, quicker response times, and smoother visuals.
- For Media Lovers: The Moto G51 5G, with its Dolby Atmos audio and dual microphones, is the clear winner. It is an overall better experience for any type of media.
- For Everyday Users: If you're looking for a well-balanced phone for social media, browsing, and basic photography, the Redmi 12 provides a smoother experience with its more modern software, charging, and overall design.
My Choice
If I were picking one, I’d choose the Motorola Moto G51 5G. While the Redmi 12 does have some very nice features, such as reverse charging, the faster processor, smoother animations (due to the 120hz refresh rate), and much better audio quality of the Motorola make it a much more enjoyable overall experience. These are all things I value highly and would consider essential. Although the Moto G51 does have an older Android version, that's something that can always be updated later. The overall usability of this phone makes the most sense to me, and is what I would choose.
