Alright, let's break down the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S. We'll get into the nitty-gritty, but also keep in mind what this all means for how you'd actually use these phones day-to-day.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these phones stack up, presented in a way that highlights what matters most:
Design
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 170.5 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | The Moto G51 5G is noticeably larger and bulkier, the Redmi Note 12S is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 208g | 176g | The Redmi Note 12S is significantly lighter, which makes it more comfortable to use for longer periods. |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Redmi Note 12S screen is better protected from scratches and minor impacts. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.43" | Moto G51 5G offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption. Redmi Note 12S is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer sharp visuals. |
| Pixel Density | 387 ppi | 409 ppi | Redmi Note 12S has slightly crisper details due to higher pixel density, though it is not a big difference. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Redmi Note 12S has superior colors, deeper blacks, better contrast and improved power efficiency. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Moto G51 5G has slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Redmi Note 12S has much better visibility in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G | MediaTek Helio G96 | Redmi Note 12S offers better raw performance, smoother multitasking and faster app loading. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 412,400 | Redmi Note 12S is the more powerful phone, though the difference is marginal. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Performance difference depends on the game, both GPUs handle most casual games. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm) | 108MP (f/1.8, 1/1.52", 0.70µm) | Redmi Note 12S captures more detailed photos with a significantly larger sensor and higher megapixel count. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP (f/2.2, 1.12µm) | 16MP (f/2.4, ) | Redmi Note 12S captures more detailed selfies, but Moto G51 5G has slightly wider aperture for slightly better low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP (1.12µm) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Both offer basic ultrawide capabilities for landscape or group shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (1.75µm) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Both offer similar basic macro lens for close up photography. |
| Video Recording | Up to 1080p 60 fps + 240fps slow motion | Up to 1080p 30 fps + 120 fps slow motion | Moto G51 5G offers higher frame rates in video for smoother footage but with a lower slow motion frame rate.. |
| Features | PDAF, LAF, RAW, Panorama, | Digital Image Stabilization, Night Mode | The G51 5G offers more control features, the Note 12S offers practical software enhancements. |
Battery Life
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity, for all-day usage on a single charge. |
| Charging | 10W | 33W | Redmi Note 12S charges much faster. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Redmi Note 12S offers reverse charging to power other devices. |
Software, Connectivity and Storage
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 13 | Redmi Note 12S has a more updated Android version. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (ac) | Wi-Fi 5 (ac) , Wi-Fi MiMO | Both have fast Wi-Fi, but Redmi Note 12S has MIMO for potentially more stable connections in crowded areas. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Redmi Note 12S uses newer Bluetooth with improved speed, and better connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both phones offer full GPS, but the Motorola offers more features for enhanced positioning. |
| Internal Storage | 64/128 GB | 64/128/256 GB | Redmi Note 12S offers a higher maximum storage for large media libraries and apps. |
| RAM | 4/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Both offer good RAM options for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither of them allows for additional storage via SD cards |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The Redmi Note 12S provides a more immersive audio experience through stereo speakers and higher-quality audio. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G51 5G:
- Strengths:
- Large Display: The 6.8" screen is great for media consumption.
- 120Hz Refresh Rate: Smoother animations make the user interface more fluid.
- More features on Camera: Offers more control and modes for capturing images and videos
- 5G Connectivity: The Snapdragon 480+ 5G chipset ensures fast 5G connections, for better data rates
- Positioning: Enhanced GPS positioning with additional features.
- Limitations:
- Bulkier Design: The phone is heavier and larger than the Redmi Note 12S.
- IPS LCD: Colors won't be as vibrant as on an AMOLED screen, and blacks won't be as deep.
- Slower Charging: 10W charging is very slow for a phone in 2024.
- Older Software: Runs older android version.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S:
- Strengths:
- AMOLED Display: Excellent contrast, vibrant colors, and deep blacks.
- Lighter and Slimmer Design: More comfortable to hold and carry.
- Superior Camera: Higher resolution sensor for more detailed photos.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging is much quicker for refilling the battery.
- Updated OS: Comes with a newer version of Android.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers for a more immersive experience and hi-res audio.
- Improved Storage: Up to 256GB of storage.
- Reverse Charging: You can charge other devices with this phone.
- Limitations:
- Smaller Display: The 6.43" screen is smaller for media consumption.
- 90Hz Refresh Rate: Scrolling is not as smooth as on the Motorola.
- Lower FPS: Records at lower frame rate than the Motorola.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G51 5G:
- Best For: Users who prioritize a large display for media consumption and prefer the smoothness of a 120Hz refresh rate. People who need the extra features offered by the camera, or the slightly better positioning capabilities.
- Use Cases: Watching videos, browsing social media, and basic gaming, and users who need to navigate to places frequently.
- Recommendations: Great for casual users who are budget-conscious and value a big screen.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S:
- Best For: Users who want a great all-around phone with a premium display, better camera quality, and faster charging, all in a sleek and comfortable design.
- Use Cases: Everyday photography, mobile gaming, and anyone who cares about screen quality and charging speed.
- Recommendations: Recommended for those who need a solid phone for photography, media consumption, and everyday tasks with a premium feel.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To decide between these phones, consider these questions:
- How important is a high-quality display for me? If you watch a lot of videos or view a lot of photos, the AMOLED display of the Redmi Note 12S might be more appealing.
- Do I prioritize battery charging speed over other features? If so, the Redmi Note 12S's 33W charging is a game-changer.
- Is a larger screen more important to me, or a more comfortable feel in my hand? The Motorola Moto G51 5G has a larger screen, while the Redmi Note 12S is more comfortable and pocketable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Budget-Conscious Media Lover: If you mainly watch videos and want a bigger screen on a budget, the Motorola Moto G51 5G will work well.
- For the Photography Enthusiast: The Redmi Note 12S is a better option for photography because of the bigger sensor size and its megapixel count, plus it offers a better experience due to the AMOLED screen.
- For the Everyday User: The Redmi Note 12S provides a well-rounded experience with a good display, camera, and fast charging, while not breaking the bank.
- For the user that needs to navigate: If positioning is important for you, the Moto G51 offers an extended list of features, which might be more interesting for you.
Which One I Would Choose
If I had to choose between these two, I'd go with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S. Here's why:
While I appreciate the larger screen and the 120Hz refresh rate of the Moto G51 5G, the overall user experience of the Redmi Note 12S is just more compelling. The AMOLED display is a significant upgrade, offering better colors, contrast, and power efficiency. The faster charging is also a big plus, and the superior camera seals the deal. I value the balance between performance, camera quality, and design that the Redmi Note 12S brings to the table, even if it is a bit pricier. The upgraded android version and the better sound system are the cherry on top.
The Moto G51 5G isn't a bad phone, but the Redmi Note 12S simply feels more advanced and more practical for a wider range of use cases in my opinion.
