Alright, let's break down these two contenders, the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro, and see how they stack up in the real world. We're diving deep into the specs, but more importantly, we’re figuring out what those numbers mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the key specs, presented with their real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 170.5 × 76.5 × 9.1 mm | 163 × 76 × 8 mm | The Redmi Note 12 Pro is more compact and thinner, making it potentially more comfortable to hold. |
| Weight | 208g | 187g | The Redmi Note 12 Pro is noticeably lighter, which can make a difference during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | Moto G51 has a slightly larger screen, which some might find more immersive. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both phones offer a sharp, clear Full HD+ display. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 387 | 395 | Both have similar pixel density which translates to sharp images. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors compared to LCD. Much better for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations, which is great for gaming and browsing. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | The Redmi Note 12 Pro is significantly brighter, making it much better to use outdoors in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480+ | Dimensity 1080 | The Dimensity 1080 offers a more powerful processing for faster apps, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 573,200 | Redmi Note 12 Pro scores significantly higher, indicating smoother multitasking and faster app loading. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Different GPUs, the Mali-G68 MC4 is paired to the more powerful chipset, better gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.88 | Redmi Note 12 Pro has larger 1/1.56" sensor. Better low-light performance on Redmi. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.2 | 16MP | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers slightly higher resolution for selfies. |
| Wide-Angle Camera | 8MP | 8MP f/1.9 | Both are comparable here. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP | 2MP f/2.4 | Both are comparable here. |
| Video Recording | 1080p @ 30/60fps | 4K @ 30fps | Redmi Note 12 Pro is capable of recording at a higher 4K resolution and offers more frame rates. |
| Stabilization | No | Yes OIS | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers better stabilization with OIS, resulting in smoother video. |
| DXOMark Score | N/A | 102 (Mobile) | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a benchmarked Camera score while G51 does not. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should provide similar battery life due to the identical capacity. |
| Charging | 10W | 67W | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers significantly faster charging, reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | Android 12 | Redmi Note 12 Pro ships with a newer Android version, which is ideal if you want a more modern software experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 5 | WiFi 6 | Redmi Note 12 Pro supports newer faster WiFi 6 standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a newer version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), QZSS (L1 + L5) | Redmi Note 12 Pro has better more accurate GPS capabilities with extra satellite support. |
| Storage | | | | | Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers more storage options, for those who want to save more data on the phone. | RAM | 4/8 GB | 6/8/12 GB | Redmi Note 12 Pro has the option for more RAM for those wanting to multitask. | Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows expandable storage via an SD card.
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro's Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with higher brightness is a major advantage. It offers much richer colors, deeper blacks, and better visibility in sunlight.
- Enhanced Performance: The Dimensity 1080 chipset is notably more powerful than the Snapdragon 480+, resulting in faster, smoother performance.
- Faster Charging: The 67W charging is a game-changer, significantly reducing the time spent tethered to a wall.
- Better Camera System: Larger sensor, 4K video recording, and OIS offer higher quality photos and videos, especially in low light.
- Updated Software: Shipping with Android 12 provides the user with more modern software experience from the get-go.
- Connectivity: Newer WiFi and Bluetooth technologies offering faster, more reliable connections.
Motorola Moto G51 5G's Strengths:
- Slightly Larger Screen: Some users may prefer a larger screen size for media consumption.
- Price: It is likely more affordable than the Redmi Note 12 Pro (though not always, depending on the market).
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Moto G51 5G: Its IPS LCD screen, lower brightness, slower charging, and less powerful chipset are significant drawbacks compared to the Redmi Note 12 Pro.
- Redmi Note 12 Pro: Does not offer expandable storage, which could be a deal breaker for some users.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro:
- Ideal for: Users who value a high-quality display, fast performance, and a better camera experience. Great for social media enthusiasts, gamers, and those who consume a lot of video content.
- Use Cases: Heavy multitasking, gaming, capturing high-quality photos and videos, and general use, particularly in brighter, outdoor environments.
Motorola Moto G51 5G:
- Ideal for: Users looking for a budget-friendly phone with a large screen and decent battery life, suitable for basic use.
- Use Cases: Light browsing, basic social media, calls, emails, and media consumption if the display quality is less of a concern.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- How important is display quality and outdoor visibility to you? If you spend time outdoors or want a vibrant display, the Redmi Note 12 Pro is the clear winner with its AMOLED technology and 900 nits brightness.
- How important is performance and camera quality for your daily usage? If performance is a priority and you value taking high quality photos and videos, the Dimensity 1080 chip with its superior camera and OIS is the better choice.
- What is your budget, and what are your top priorities? The Motorola Moto G51 5G is likely to be cheaper but at the expense of significant feature and performance downgrades compared to Redmi Note 12 Pro.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- The Photographer/Videographer: Go for the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. Its superior camera system with OIS and better low light performance and 4k recording will make a big difference in your photos and videos.
- The Casual User on a Budget: The Motorola Moto G51 5G could be a good fit if you primarily need basic functions and are on a tight budget, accepting the trade-offs in display and performance.
- The Power User/Gamer: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. Its superior processor, higher refresh rate, and 67W fast charging make it perfect for demanding tasks and gaming.
What I would choose and why!
Personally, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. The AMOLED display is a must for me, as I spend a lot of time watching videos, and the higher brightness means I can comfortably use the phone outdoors. The performance gains and faster charging are also very compelling and the camera upgrades are very welcomed for everyday photos. While both have 5000mAh batteries, the faster charging of the Redmi Note 12 Pro means it will spend less time on the charger. The trade-offs are the lack of SD card support, which isn't a big deal for me because the internal storage is more than enough and it is worth the extra price.
