Okay, let's dive deep into a comparison of the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. As a tech journalist with a penchant for understanding the practical implications of every spec, here's my take on these two contenders:
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the key specifications, including the real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 170.5 × 76.5 × 9.1 mm, 208g | 165.9 × 76.2 × 8 mm, 188g | The Redmi Note 12 is lighter and thinner, feeling more comfortable in hand and pocket, the Moto G51 is noticeably larger |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | The Motorola offers a slightly larger display for immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp, detailed imagery. |
| Pixel Density | 387 ppi | 395 ppi | Both are virtually identical in pixel density, resulting in nearly identical sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The Xiaomi’s AMOLED panel offers superior blacks, contrast, and color vibrancy, making it much better for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Xiaomi’s superior brightness will make the display much more visible outdoors, a significant advantage for real-world use |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8nm) | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6nm) | The Redmi's newer, more efficient chip offers better performance and battery management. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 460,800 | The Xiaomi will handle apps and games smoother due to the higher AnTuTu score |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 | Both phones feature a similar GPU, but are configured slightly differently. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | The Moto G51 has a slightly higher resolution sensor, though image quality isn’t determined by megapixels alone. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 13MP, f/2.45, 1.12µm | The Moto's wider aperture means it might perform marginally better in low-light selfies, but the difference will likely be negligible. |
| Wide-Angle | 8MP, 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12µm | Both offer basic wide-angle shots with similar capabilities. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, 1.75µm | 2MP, f/2.4 | Macro lenses on both are quite basic, and more for novelty shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60/240fps | 1080p@30fps | The Moto has more recording options (240 fps Slow-Motion) but the quality will be comparable on both devices. |
| DXOMark Camera | N/A | 69 Main Score (74 Photo, 49 Video) | Xiaomi's camera performance has been independently evaluated, whereas the Motorola phone's capabilities remain unclear |
| Features | Laser Autofocus (LAF) | Digital Image Stabilisation, Ultra Stable Video, Continuous Autofocus, Manual Focus, Night Mode | The Xiaomi offers more software-based camera features while the Motorola features dedicated laser-assisted focusing |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both should offer all-day battery life for most users. |
| Charging | 10W fast charging | 33W fast charging | The Xiaomi charges significantly faster, reducing downtime significantly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 | The Xiaomi ships with a newer version of Android straight out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-Band, Hotspot, Direct, Display | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-Band, Hotspot, Direct, Display, MiMO | Both support modern Wi-Fi standards with the Xiaomi including the Wi-Fi MiMO for a potentially better experience |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, LE, A2DP | 5.1, LE, A2DP, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Both offer modern Bluetooth standard while the Xiaomi additionally provides better bluetooth codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1) | The Xiaomi features dual-frequency GPS for better accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | The Xiaomi gives more storage for your apps, media, and files and comes in a higher variant with 256 GB. |
| RAM | 4/8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Both phones offer similar RAM capacity, though the Xiaomi has an additional 6 GB option which may offer a nice middle-ground |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device allows for expanded storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | Basic | The Motorola will offer a better audio experience for music and voice calling due to its Dolby Atmos and dual microphones. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G51 5G:
- Strengths: Larger display, Dolby Atmos audio, laser autofocus.
- Competitive Advantages: Unique audio enhancements and a slightly larger screen.
- Trade-offs: Older chipset and less bright display.
- Limitations: No expandable storage, slower charging, and older OS.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Strengths: Superior display, faster chipset, faster charging, newer OS, better connectivity, and significantly brighter screen.
- Competitive Advantages: Superior overall experience for media consumption, gaming, and everyday tasks, thanks to better hardware, modern software and display technology.
- Trade-offs: Smaller screen compared to the G51.
- Limitations: No expandable storage, basic audio features.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G51 5G
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a larger display, enjoy music via headphones, and don't need cutting-edge performance or the best display quality. This phone is for those who want a large screen on a budget.
- Use Cases: Media consumption at home, casual gaming, calls, and listening to music (using headphones).
- Recommendations: A solid option for casual usage on a budget, but not for demanding users or those in bright environments.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Ideal User: Those who want a better viewing experience, smooth performance, and fast charging. This phone is for the average user wanting a modern mobile experience.
- Use Cases: Social media, streaming, moderate gaming, photography, and heavy daily use.
- Recommendations: Highly recommended for most users; a better all-around smartphone with key advantages over the Moto G51.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
- How important is display quality and brightness to you?
- If crucial for outdoor visibility and color accuracy, go for the Redmi Note 12.
- If a larger display size is more important to you than the display quality, the Moto G51 could be your pick.
- How important are the speed of charging and overall system performance?
- The Redmi Note 12 charges significantly faster and offers a more modern chip for better performance.
- If you’re not too concerned with charging times and are using the phone casually, the Moto G51 could be sufficient.
- How important is Audio Quality in your daily usage?
- If this is important to you, the Moto G51 offers superior audio output.
- If basic is ok, the Xiaomi should suffice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the casual user: If you prioritize a lower price point, basic usage, and a large screen, the Motorola Moto G51 5G will be a good choice, but the Redmi Note 12 provides a much more modern user experience and is the better choice.
- For the media consumer: If you frequently watch videos, play games or use your phone outdoors a lot, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is the clear winner with its vibrant AMOLED screen and brighter display.
- For the performance enthusiast: For the best performance and responsiveness in apps, and daily tasks, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is the better option given the faster chipset.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I'd go with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. While the Moto G51 has some appealing aspects such as the larger display and Dolby Atmos, the Redmi Note 12 offers a much more well-rounded and modern experience. The AMOLED display, coupled with faster charging and a more efficient chipset, is a compelling combination. The superior outdoor visibility of the Xiaomi is a huge benefit in my day-to-day usage, and I feel that the Redmi Note 12 is a better device overall.
