Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison between the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G. As usual, we'll go beyond the spec sheet and look at what these numbers actually mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Dimensions | 170.5 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm | 165.7 x 76 x 7.9 mm | Moto G51 is taller and thicker; Note 12 is sleeker and potentially more comfortable for smaller hands |
| Weight | 208g | 183.5g | Redmi Note 12 is noticeably lighter, making it easier to hold for extended use |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | Moto G51 has a slightly larger screen; may be more immersive for media consumption |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer crisp, detailed visuals |
| Pixel Density | 387 PPI | 395 PPI | Both have very similar sharpness; differences are barely noticeable |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Redmi Note 12 has superior contrast, color vibrancy, and power efficiency with dark themes |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Redmi Note 12 is significantly brighter, making it much easier to use in bright sunlight |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8nm) | Snapdragon 685 (6nm) | Redmi Note 12 has a newer, more power-efficient chip; Moto G51's chip includes 5G support |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 338,900 | Moto G51 shows better scores in benchmark tests, indicating slightly better performance overall |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 | Moto G51 has a slightly more powerful GPU, good for gaming |
| CAMERA | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 | Both have similar main cameras; good for general photography |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.2 | 13MP f/2.45 | Moto G51 has a wider aperture for better low-light selfies |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | 8MP f/2.2 | Both have identical wide angle lenses |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | 2MP f/2.4 | Both have similar macro cameras |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60/240fps | 1080p@30fps | Moto G51 is capable of higher frame rate video recording |
| DXOMark Score | Not Available | 63 (Mobile) | Redmi Note 12 has a tested camera performance while the other doesn't |
| Camera Features | PDAF, LAF, RAW, etc | Digital Stabilization | Moto G51 has additional focusing, while Note 12 has extra digital stabilization |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacity for all-day usage |
| Charging | 10W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 12 charges significantly faster |
| Other Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Redmi Note 12 can share its battery with other devices (reverse charging) |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 12) | Android 13 (upgradeable to 14) | Redmi Note 12 offers a more recent Android version out of the box, with a guaranteed upgrade |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac Dual-band | 802.11ac Dual-band | Both support standard WiFi protocols |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | Moto G51 has a slightly newer Bluetooth version |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, etc. | GPS, A-GPS, etc. | Both offer precise GPS capabilities |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM for easy switching between carriers |
| STORAGE & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | Redmi Note 12 offers more internal storage options |
| RAM | 4GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Both offer good options for multitasking and smooth app switching |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage; you'll need to rely on the internal option. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, 2 Mics | Basic audio features | Moto G51 offers better sound quality and clearer audio in calls using mics |
| SECURITY | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both offer fingerprint for convenient security |
| BUILD QUALITY | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Redmi Note 12 has a more durable screen |
| SENSORS | |||
| Features | Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Redmi Note 12 has more additional compass sensors |
| --- | |||
| ### 2. Key Insights |
Motorola Moto G51 5G
- Strengths:
- Slightly better performance, shown by its higher AnTuTu benchmark score.
- 5G connectivity.
- Superior video recording with options for higher frame rates and slow motion recording.
- Enhanced audio with Dolby Atmos and dual microphones.
- Wider aperture for selfies.
- Additional camera features including PDAF, LAF, Panorama and RAW.
- Trade-offs:
- Older Android OS at launch, although there is an upgrade path.
- Heavier build and bulkier design.
- Much slower charging speeds.
- Basic screen protection.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G
- Strengths:
- Vibrant AMOLED display with superior brightness, ideal for outdoor use.
- Newer and more power-efficient chipset.
- Faster 33W charging.
- Lighter and thinner design.
- Reverse charging feature.
- Superior screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
- More recent Android OS out of the box.
- More storage configurations.
- More sensors including compass.
- Trade-offs:
- Lower AnTuTu score, indicating slightly lower performance than Moto G51.
- No slow-motion video recording, limited to 30fps for standard video.
- Basic audio.
- Older bluetooth version.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G51 5G
- Best For:
- Users who need 5G connectivity.
- Those who value performance and mobile gaming.
- People who love to record videos and use high quality microphones.
- Users who need PDAF, LAF, Panorama and RAW capabilities for their camera
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gamers who want high FPS.
- Videographers or content creators who need to use higher fps and slow motion.
- Users who need better voice capture quality and need to use stereo sound on the phone.
- General users who just want better performance.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G
- Best For:
- Users who want a vibrant display for media consumption and outdoor visibility.
- Users who prioritize a lighter and thinner device.
- Users who want faster charging and a more recent Android version.
- Casual users who are looking for a good all-around smartphone.
- Users who don't rely on expandable storage.
- Users who want to use reverse charging to charge other accessories.
- Use Cases:
- Users who are heavy social media users.
- Those who spend a lot of time outdoors in bright conditions.
- Users who want a device that charges quickly.
- Casual users who value design and build quality.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Practical Questions:
- Do you need 5G connectivity?
- If yes, the Moto G51 is your go-to. If not, you could lean towards the Redmi Note 12 4G.
- Do you prefer display quality or performance?
- For a vibrant AMOLED screen with better outdoor visibility, choose the Redmi Note 12 4G. If you care more about raw performance and video, lean towards the Moto G51.
- How important is charging speed and battery life?
- If you need faster charging, the Redmi Note 12 4G is the winner. If you have no concerns about this, then the Moto G51 would be the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Power User: If you need a faster phone, need better video features, the Moto G51 is the clear option here.
- The Visual Enthusiast: The Redmi Note 12 4G is the best pick here.
- The Casual User: For general usage, the Redmi Note 12 4G provides a balance of speed, build and performance.
- The Budget-Conscious User: If you don't need performance, the Redmi Note 12 4G would be the better choice.
My Pick
Personally, I'd choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G. Here's why:
- Display Quality: As someone who spends a lot of time on my phone for media and browsing, the AMOLED screen of the Redmi Note 12 4G with its superior brightness and vibrant colors is a huge draw. The display is the main interaction point with a phone, and having a high-quality screen makes a huge difference in the overall experience.
- Daily Convenience: The faster charging and lighter build make it a more convenient phone to use daily. Having that extra battery and not needing to worry about charging the phone overnight would greatly reduce my daily headaches.
- Newer OS: The newer version of Android ensures more up-to-date features and security.
- Sufficient Performance: While the Moto G51 has the edge in performance, the Redmi Note 12 4G is more than sufficient for my everyday needs, and it's a better all around experience. I prefer having a much more polished user experience at a slight cost of performance, as my usage is far more oriented towards daily activities than gaming.
While the Motorola Moto G51 5G is a solid device, especially for users who need 5G connectivity or prioritize raw performance, the Redmi Note 12 4G edges it out with a superior display, better charging, and a more modern Android version. It's a better balanced choice overall, especially for the casual user.
