Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G. I'll break down the specs, provide real-world context, and help you decide which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison table highlighting the key differences between the two phones, with a focus on how these specifications translate into real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 170.5 × 76.5 × 9.1 mm, 208g | 164.2 × 76.1 × 8.1 mm, 201.8g | The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is more compact and lighter, making it easier to handle and pocket. The Moto G51 is taller, thicker and slightly heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | The Moto G51 offers a slightly larger display for a more immersive viewing experience. The Redmi Note 12 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer a sharp, detailed image. The resolution is the same for both screens. |
| PPI | 387 | 395 | Both phones have nearly identical pixel density, meaning similar levels of sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Significant difference: The Redmi's AMOLED display will have deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations for a fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Critical difference: The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is dramatically brighter and much better for use outdoors in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480+ 5G | Snapdragon 732G | The Snapdragon 732G in the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is generally more powerful for gaming and demanding tasks, though the real world difference isn't huge. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 397,200 | Both phones offer similar performance levels. You'll likely see no significant difference in day to day tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 618 | Both GPUs are very similar, with the Adreno 619 having a slight edge, though in practice you'll see virtually no difference. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" | Significant difference: The Redmi's larger sensor and higher resolution should result in more detailed and better low-light photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Both selfie cameras are similar and should perform adequately. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" ,1.14 µm | Both offer a similar wide-angle experience. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, 1.75µm | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.12µm | The Redmi offers slightly more detail for macro shots. |
| Depth Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | The Redmi offers a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode. |
| Video Recording | 1080p @ 30/60/240fps | 4K @ 30fps, 1080p @ 30/60fps | Significant difference: The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G captures 4K video for higher quality recordings. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5020mAh | Both offer comparable battery capacity that should last for a full day of normal usage. |
| Charging | 10W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Critical difference: The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime. |
| Other | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradeable to 12 | Android 11 | The Moto G51 has an advantage in a potential OS update (though both should be upgraded to Android 12). |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both support the same Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.1 LE, EDR, HID | The Redmi has more Bluetooth features. |
| Internal Storage | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G has more storage capacity. |
| RAM | 4/8 GB | 6/8 GB | The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G comes with more RAM which is better for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers microSD card support. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The Redmi's stereo speakers and hi-res audio generally offer a better audio experience. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The Redmi Note 12 Pro has better screen protection. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G51 5G Strengths:
- Larger Display: Slightly bigger screen for a more immersive viewing experience.
- Potential OS Updates: May see an OS update to Android 12 which is more future-proof.
- Dolby Atmos: Immersive Audio Experience.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G Strengths:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology offers better contrast, colors, and viewing angles, along with a higher brightness rating.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging dramatically reduces charging time, a huge convenience.
- Better Camera System: Higher-resolution main camera, 4K video recording, and additional depth sensor for better photos.
- More RAM and Storage: More RAM available for better multitasking and more storage capacity.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for better screen protection and Stereo Speakers.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Moto G51: Slower charging, IPS LCD screen (inferior to AMOLED), and a more bulky design.
- Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G: No expandable storage, no 5G.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G51 5G:
- Best for: Users who prioritize a larger screen for media consumption and don’t require the best camera or charging speeds.
- Use Case: Casual users who value screen size over display quality and fast charging.
- Consider if: You prefer a slightly larger screen and don't mind a basic LCD display.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G:
- Best for: Users who prioritize a high-quality display, fast charging, and a better camera system. Also better suited to multimedia users due to the stereo speakers.
- Use Case: Gamers, social media enthusiasts, and photographers who want better display quality, camera capabilities, and fast charging.
- Consider if: You prioritize camera quality, fast charging, and an AMOLED screen.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is screen quality to you? If vibrant colors and deep blacks are crucial, the Redmi's AMOLED display is the clear winner. If you just need a big screen, the Moto G51 will do.
- Do you need fast charging? If the answer is yes, the Redmi Note 12 Pro's 67W fast charging is a game-changer.
- How much do you value the camera performance? If you take a lot of photos and videos, the Redmi's better camera system will offer a significant advantage.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget User: The Motorola Moto G51 is a capable budget option and provides a large display.
- Power User: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is the clear winner, with its superior display, fast charging, and advanced camera.
- Casual User: Both phones are suitable but the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G offers a better experience with its AMOLED screen and fast charging, if these are a priority.
My Choice
If I had to choose between the two, I would definitely go for the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G. The main reason would be its superior display. For me, the vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent brightness of an AMOLED screen significantly enhance the overall user experience, especially when I'm consuming multimedia or even just browsing social media. The 67W fast charging is another huge plus—being able to get back to 100% quickly is a major convenience that I really value.
While the Moto G51 has a bigger screen, the overall improvements in other areas on the Xiaomi make it a worthwhile option. I'd happily trade that extra .13" of display for the much better AMOLED panel. The camera quality on the Redmi is also noticeably superior for both photo and video. I'd also like the added convenience of stereo speakers when consuming media. While I would miss the expandable storage, the higher capacity option makes it less of an issue for me.
Ultimately, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G provides a more well-rounded experience for my needs, and I believe it offers better value for the money.
