Okay, let's dive deep into this comparison and see what these two phones bring to the table. We'll break it down with a focus on real-world impact.
Motorola Moto G51 5G vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+: A Detailed Comparison
Here’s a breakdown of the specs, what they mean, and how they impact your daily experience:
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-16 | 2022-11-01 | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is significantly newer, suggesting more up-to-date features. |
| Dimensions | 170.5 × 76.5 × 9.1 mm | 162.9 × 76 × 8.9 mm | Moto G51 5G is taller, but both have similar width and thickness, making them comparable in hand feel. |
| Weight | 208g | 208.4g | Both are virtually identical in weight, so no major difference in heft. |
| Build Material | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ provides better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | Moto G51 5G offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer a sharp and crisp viewing experience. |
| Pixel Density | 387 PPI | 395 PPI | Similar sharpness, but the difference is hardly noticeable to the naked eye. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ will have more vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is much more viewable in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a more modern and more efficient chipset, leading to better performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 573,100 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ delivers noticeably better performance for apps, games, and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a more capable GPU for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 200MP f/1.65 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ captures far more detailed and higher-quality photos with its larger sensor and wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.2 | 16MP f/2.45 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has slightly better detail in selfies, but the Moto has a wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | 8MP f/2.2 | Comparable performance for wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | 2MP f/2.4 | Similar macro camera capabilities. |
| Video Recording | Up to 1080p@240fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers higher video resolution and image stabilization. |
| Camera Score DXOMark | N/A | Main: 113 Photo: 117 Video: 117 | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+'s camera is significantly better compared to the Motorola. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar battery endurance. |
| Charging | 10W | 120W | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ charges incredibly fast, dramatically cutting down on charge time. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Xiaomi uses a better technology for battery. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, up to 12 | Android 12, up to 14 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is more up-to-date with software. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ supports faster, more efficient Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has the newer Bluetooth standard. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ provides more storage for files, media, and apps. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 8 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has more RAM for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers a better audio experience with Stereo Speakers and Hi-Res support. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor | Both offer similar fingerprint sensor for basic security features |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint; Proximity; Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint; Proximity; Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The Xiaomi device has an additional compass. |
| ### 2. Key Insights |
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Wins on Multiple Fronts: It's newer, has a significantly better display (OLED with higher brightness), a much faster chipset, vastly superior main camera, way faster charging and better video recording capabilities.
- Display Difference is Huge: The OLED screen on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ provides a much more enjoyable viewing experience. The brightness difference is substantial.
- Performance Gap: The Dimensity 1080 chip on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is far more powerful. You’ll see the difference in demanding tasks.
- Camera Superiority: The 200MP main camera on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is a league above the 50MP sensor on the Moto G51 5G, with better image quality and more detail.
- Charging Speed: The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a massive advantage with its 120W fast charging capability.
- Audio Quality: Redmi Note 12 Pro+ provides a better audio experience with Stereo speakers and Hi-Res audio support.
- Software: Redmi Note 12 Pro+ ships with newer OS version, and has upgrade possibilities for even newer versions.
- Build Quality: Xiaomi has a more durable build with Gorilla Glass 5, making the device more secure.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Moto G51 5G:
- Best For: Budget-conscious users who prioritize a large screen and battery life over premium features.
- Use Cases: Casual media consumption, basic daily tasks, and users who don't need top-tier performance.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+:
- Best For: Users seeking a well-rounded smartphone with a great display, fast performance, excellent camera and super-fast charging.
- Use Cases: Photography enthusiasts, mobile gamers, avid content consumers, and users who value fast charging.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is display quality to you? If a vibrant, high-contrast screen is a must, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the obvious choice.
- Do you need top-notch performance and camera capabilities? For demanding tasks and high-quality photos and video, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a significant advantage.
- How much do you value fast charging and newer software? The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ supports 120W charging and has newer software with more upgrade options, if these features are important to you, the Redmi is superior.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious Casual User: If your budget is super tight and you just need a phone for basic tasks, the Moto G51 5G is acceptable. But considering all the downsides, it is worth paying more for the Xiaomi.
- Multimedia Enthusiast: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the clear winner for streaming and consuming content, thanks to its OLED display, high brightness and audio quality.
- Photography Buff: The 200MP main camera of the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is far superior to the Moto G51 5G and the camera difference alone is significant.
- Power User: The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ wins with better chipset, more ram, faster charging, and better quality of life options.
Final Decision
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ without a doubt.
While the Motorola Moto G51 5G might appeal to the most budget-constrained users, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers a much more complete and enjoyable experience across the board, it provides a far better experience for the vast majority of use cases. The improved display, vastly improved camera, superior chipset, and dramatically faster charging simply makes it the better option. The extra cost is worth the huge step up in performance and user experience.
