Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G. These two phones offer solid mid-range experiences, but they target slightly different user priorities. I'll break down the specs, analyze their real-world impact, and give you the insights you need to choose the right one for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the specifications, coupled with practical implications for everyday use:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 170.5 × 76.5 × 9.1 mm | 168.6 × 76.3 × 8.2 mm | The Redmi 12 5G is slightly more compact and thinner, potentially more comfortable for one-handed use. The Moto G51 is a bit larger. |
| Weight | 208g | 199g | Redmi 12 5G is marginally lighter, which may make a difference with prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.79" | Both have very similar screen sizes – nearly identical experience for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Both are sharp enough for daily use, with only a minor variation that isn't noticeable. |
| Pixel Density | 387 PPI | 396 PPI | Both offer good clarity, with negligible difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both provide standard color and brightness, nothing exceptional in terms of display tech. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The G51's 120Hz refresh rate results in smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480+ 5G | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 | The Redmi 12 5G's newer chipset offers better performance in demanding tasks and newer architecture means better power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 456,552 | Redmi 12 5G has a significant advantage in processing power and will handle gaming and apps smoother. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 613 | Both are mid-tier GPUs. The Adreno 619 in the Moto G51 will have a slight edge but not that noticeable. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Both have capable main sensors, but the G51's is a bit larger and from Samsung - meaning slightly better quality in low-light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel size | 5MP, f/2.2 | The Moto G51 will produce selfies with more detail. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, 1.12µm pixel size | None | The G51 offers more versatility with its wide-angle lens. |
| Portrait Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Redmi 12 5G has a dedicated depth lens. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, 1.75µm pixel size | None | The G51 has a macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60/240fps | 1080p@30fps | Moto G51 has more options. |
| Stabilisation | No | Yes | Redmi 12 5G has standard video stabilisation. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should easily last a full day of use. |
| Charging | 10W | 18W | The Redmi 12 5G will charge noticeably faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | The Redmi 12 5G has newer and more up-to-date software. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | The Redmi 12 5G offers more storage options. |
| RAM | 4/8GB | 4/6/8GB | Both offer similar RAM options. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows expandable storage. |
| Other Features | |||
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, 2 mics | Basic audio | Moto G51 offers better sound quality and voice capture. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Redmi 12 5G offers better screen protection. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | Moto G51 is slightly newer. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | G51 has more accurate location tracking |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G51 5G
- Strengths:
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate for more fluid animations.
- Versatile Camera System: Includes a wide-angle and macro lens for more creative shots and better selfie quality.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos support with dual microphones for better sound and voice clarity.
- Better GPS accuracy: Support for more satellite systems for location tracking.
- Competitive Advantages: Focus on multimedia consumption and creative photography.
- Trade-offs: Older chipset, slower charging, older OS, no expandable storage.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G
- Strengths:
- Superior Performance: Newer Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset offers faster processing.
- Faster Charging: 18W charging speeds up battery replenishment.
- Larger Storage Options: Offers 128 and 256 GB versions.
- Screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 offers better protection than the unknown screen protection of the G51.
- More up-to-date software: Android 13 with upgrade to Android 14.
- Competitive Advantages: Better performance for demanding tasks and multitasking, more up-to-date software.
- Trade-offs: Limited camera versatility and a less capable selfie camera, basic audio, slightly slower display.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G51 5G:
- Best for: Users who prioritize display smoothness, a versatile camera system with wide-angle and macro lenses and better selfie camera. Great for content consumption, creative photography, and gaming with smoother animations.
- Use Cases: Watching videos, social media browsing, capturing diverse scenes, and video calls. The better audio and microphones can be advantageous.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G:
- Best for: Users who need more speed for their everyday usage and multitasking with newer OS and faster charging. Ideal for demanding apps and mobile games.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, productivity apps, fast charging, and those who like a more up-to-date software experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you choose:
How important is display smoothness?
- If a 120Hz refresh rate is essential for smooth scrolling, the G51 is the better choice.
- If a 90Hz display is acceptable, the Redmi 12 5G can work.
Which is more important: camera versatility or performance?
- If you prefer to have wide-angle and macro lenses with a better selfie camera, the G51 will be more flexible.
- If you prioritize better speed and responsiveness, the Redmi 12 5G is the way to go.
Do you need more storage or faster charging?
- If you need the larger storage options and faster charging the Redmi 12 5G is the one for you.
- If storage is not a problem and you are okay with slower charging, the G51 has more to offer.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
Scenario 1: The Casual User
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G is probably better due to its speed and overall performance, but the Moto G51 is not a bad option either.
Scenario 2: The Mobile Gamer
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G due to its better chip, and faster loading times, but the Moto G51 has a smoother display.
Scenario 3: The Photography Enthusiast
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G51 5G due to its wide-angle and macro camera options, better main camera sensor and a better selfie camera.
Scenario 4: The Content Consumer
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G51 5G due to its smooth display, and better audio experience, but the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G is not a bad option either.
My Pick
If I were choosing, I'd lean towards the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G. The performance gains from the newer chipset are significant for daily usage and its faster charging is a big plus. While the Moto G51 has its strengths with the more versatile camera system, I find myself valuing responsiveness and overall smoothness of the user experience more in a smartphone that I am using daily. Plus, that added screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass gives me more peace of mind.
Ultimately, the "better" phone depends on your individual needs. I hope this comparison has provided the insights you need to make the right choice for your needs. Happy shopping!
