Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G71 5G and the Realme 12 Pro. These two phones, while both aiming for the mid-range market, offer distinctly different user experiences. I'll break down the technical specifications, highlight key differences, and help you figure out which one might be the right choice for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Realme 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.2 × 73.9 × 8.5 mm | 161.5 × 74 × 8.8 mm | Both are similar in size; the Realme is slightly thicker which can impact ergonomics |
| Weight | 179g | 190g | The Motorola is a bit lighter, which can be more comfortable for long use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | Realme's display is slightly larger, offering a more immersive viewing experience |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Similar sharpness; both offer a good visual experience |
| PPI | 411 | 394 | Both phones have crisp displays, though the Motorola has a slightly higher pixel density |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both phones |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme's 120Hz display is notably smoother for scrolling, gaming, and animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | Realme's screen is much brighter, making it significantly more visible under direct sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Realme's newer chipset offers significantly faster performance in general tasks and gaming |
| AnTuTu Score | 396,564 | 574,000 | Realme scores significantly higher in benchmarks, indicating smoother multitasking and app loading |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 710 | Realme's GPU offers better graphics performance for demanding applications |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2" | Realme's main sensor is slightly larger and will capture slightly more light |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.74" | Realme has an added telephoto lens for better optical zoom |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | None | Motorola has an 8MP wide angle camera to capture more of the scene |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Motorola includes a 2MP macro camera for close-up shots |
| Wide+Macro Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Realme has a combined wide-angle/macro lens |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.4 | Motorola's selfie camera has a slightly wider aperture |
| Video | Up to 1080p@60fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Realme records up to 4k and offers EIS for better image stabilization, Motorola doesn't have any kind of video stabilization |
| Features | LAF, RAW | 4K Video, OIS | Realme offers optical image stabilization (OIS) for better image stability, Motorola offers RAW format for photo editing |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity; expect similar battery life under similar usage conditions |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Realme charges much faster, a significant advantage for daily usage |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 | Realme offers a more current version of Android with its benefits. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Realme has newer and faster Wi-Fi standard with improved efficiency |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Realme features a newer version of Bluetooth, offering faster and more reliable connections |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Realme features more satellite systems which provides more location precision. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 256GB/512GB | Realme offers a higher storage capacity than Motorola |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB | Realme has higher RAM options for more intense multitasking and gaming |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 mics | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | Realme features Hi-Res Audio, noise cancellation mic and stereo speakers for more immersive experience. |
| Security | |||
| Biometric | Rear Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Both have fingerprint sensors for security |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Hall, Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Motorola has a hall sensor |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G71 5G Strengths:
- Lighter Design: The Moto G71 is noticeably lighter, which can enhance comfort during extended use.
- Wider Angle and Macro Lenses: The inclusion of dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses offers more versatility in photography.
- RAW Image Capture: A feature that would be great for users that want to edit in post-processing
Realme 12 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset offers much higher performance than the Snapdragon 695.
- Brighter Display: With 950 nits of brightness, the screen is significantly more readable outdoors, particularly under bright sunlight.
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate provides a smoother visual experience for scrolling and gaming.
- Better Camera: Larger sensor, telephoto lens and OIS give better and more versatile camera capabilities
- Faster Charging: 67W charging is significantly faster, reducing downtime.
- Latest Software: Comes with Android 14 out of the box.
- More RAM and Storage: Comes with options for more storage and RAM.
- Better Audio: Offers hi-res audio and stereo speakers.
- Better Connectivity: Offers newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Motorola Moto G71 5G: The older chipset results in slower overall performance, and the screen is dim with only 60 Hz refresh rate.
- Realme 12 Pro: Slightly heavier and thicker than the Motorola. Lacks dedicated wide angle and macro lenses.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G71 5G is Best For:
- Casual users who value lighter phones and don't perform intensive tasks.
- Budget-conscious users who want an all-rounder phone.
- Photography Enthusiasts who are interested in macro and wide angle photography and editing raw images.
Realme 12 Pro is Best For:
- Performance Users: Those who demand faster loading, smooth multitasking, and decent gaming.
- Multimedia Consumption: Users who enjoy watching videos and gaming with vibrant colors and smoother animations.
- Users On the Go: People that need a fast-charging phone with good outdoor visibility.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a more versatile camera and want to shoot videos.
- Users That Want the Best Audio: People that like listening to music and playing games with high quality sound.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help guide your decision:
- How important is performance to you?
- If you prioritize snappy performance and seamless multitasking, the Realme 12 Pro is the better choice due to its superior chipset, RAM and higher refresh rate.
- Do you value a lightweight design or a brighter screen?
- If you prefer a lighter phone, the Motorola Moto G71 5G wins on that front. But if a brighter screen for good outdoor visibility is a priority, the Realme 12 Pro is the winner.
- What are your camera needs?
- If you are interested in capturing wide angles, macro shots, and having RAW capabilities, then the Motorola Moto G71 5G might be a better fit. If you need a telephoto lens, a brighter sensor, and OIS, then Realme 12 Pro is the winner here.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the casual user: The Motorola Moto G71 5G is a solid, reliable choice with a focus on good battery life and a lighter build.
- For the multimedia enthusiast: The Realme 12 Pro is the way to go with its brighter screen and 120Hz refresh rate for an enhanced viewing experience, also featuring enhanced sound.
- For the power user: The Realme 12 Pro with its faster chipset, more RAM, faster charging and better cameras provide the best overall performance and features.
Which One Would I Choose?
Personally, I would choose the Realme 12 Pro. While the Motorola Moto G71 5G has its merits in being lighter and having a more versatile camera configuration, the Realme 12 Pro's advantages in terms of performance, display brightness, faster charging, better cameras, and superior audio quality provide a much more compelling experience. As someone who values speed and responsiveness, the superior processor and smoother display alone are enough for me to choose it. Additionally, the faster charging is something that would be a benefit in my day to day life. I value the added versatility of the telephoto lens and OIS, and I'd gladly trade the dedicated macro and wide angle lenses for that.
