Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G71 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi 12. I'm excited to break down the specs and explore what these differences mean for real-world use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a comprehensive look at the specifications of both phones, focusing on what these technical details translate to for the average user:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-19 | 2023-06-15 | The Redmi 12 is significantly newer, benefiting from more recent technology and software. |
| Physical Size | 161.2 x 73.9 x 8.5 mm | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm | The Redmi 12 is noticeably larger and may feel less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 179g | 198.5g | Moto G71 is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.79" | Redmi 12's larger screen is better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Both have sharp, detailed displays, with the Redmi 12 having a minor edge in pixel count. |
| PPI | 411 | 396 | Both offer similar pixel density for sharp images and text. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Moto G71's AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Redmi 12's higher refresh rate makes scrolling and animations smoother. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) | Helio G88 (12nm) | Moto G71's chipset is more powerful and efficient, offering better performance and 5G support. |
| Antutu Score | 396,564 | 249,400 | Moto G71 delivers significantly better performance, suitable for gaming and heavy apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G52 MC2 | The Adreno 619 in Moto G71 provides superior graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Both have similar primary cameras; real-world differences will depend on software processing. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.1 | Moto G71 has a higher resolution selfie camera, while Redmi 12 has slightly wider aperture, allowing for slightly more light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Both have comparable wide-angle lenses. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have similar macro lenses, which are best used in very specific situations. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps | Motorola can record at 60fps while Xiaomi only does 30fps. |
| Features | PDAF, LAF, Optical zoom | 4K Video | Motorola has more advanced autofocus, while Xiaomi can record 4K videos. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity for all day usage. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 18W fast charging | Moto G71 charges faster, reducing waiting time to full charge. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Redmi 12 has the advantage of reverse wired charging, which can be useful for charging other small devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Redmi 12 has a more recent version of Android, meaning it will be supported for longer and is likely to include better features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both support modern dual-band Wi-Fi for fast and reliable connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE APT-x | Redmi 12's Bluetooth 5.3 is more efficient and has better audio support (aptX). |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both support modern location systems with only SUPL available to the Motorola. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM for managing two numbers simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB | 128/256 GB | Redmi 12 has a larger storage option for those needing more space. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Both offer sufficient RAM options for seamless multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards, so you're locked into the storage you buy. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | Basic audio features | Moto G71 has an edge in audio experience with spatial enhancement and better voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Redmi 12's side mounted sensor tends to be more intuitive and convenient. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | The Redmi 12 features a compass. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G71 5G Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 695 5G chipset provides a significant performance advantage, making it better for gaming and demanding apps.
- AMOLED Display: The AMOLED display offers better color accuracy, higher contrast, and deeper blacks, which makes for a more enjoyable viewing experience.
- Faster Charging: The 33W fast charging capability means quicker recharge times, a major plus for users on the go.
- Better Audio Quality: Dolby Atmos and 2 Microphones will enhance audio recording.
- Camera Features: The Motorola is better for photography thanks to Optical zoom and better autofocus.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 Strengths:
- Larger Display: The larger 6.79" screen is great for media consumption and gaming.
- Smoother Display: The 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel smoother.
- Newer Android: Running on Android 13 (upgradable to 14), it benefits from the latest software features and longer support.
- Reverse Charging: The Redmi 12's reverse wired charging is a useful feature for topping up small devices in a pinch.
- More Storage: A 256GB storage option is great for those who need it.
- Bluetooth 5.3: Better audio quality with the inclusion of APT-x.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Moto G71 5G: Slower refresh rate, slightly older software, no expandable storage.
- Redmi 12: Lower performance, IPS LCD display which lacks the deep blacks and contrast of an AMOLED.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G71 5G is best for:
- Performance-focused users: Those who want a phone that can handle gaming, multitasking, and heavy app usage.
- Media enthusiasts: Users who appreciate a high-quality display for enjoying videos and photos.
- Users who value faster charging: Individuals who need to quickly top up their phone.
Specific Use Cases:
- Mobile gamers needing a budget phone that can handle gaming.
- Users who value camera features such as optical zoom and focus.
- Users who listen to music using their phone.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 is best for:
- Media consumers: Those who prefer a large display for watching videos and playing games.
- Users who value smoothness: Individuals who enjoy a faster refresh rate.
- Budget-conscious users: Those who want an affordable phone with a good balance of features.
Specific Use Cases:
- Users who use their phone for social media.
- Users who prioritize large screens for content consumption.
- Users who may need to share their battery with other devices.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- Performance or Display Quality? If performance is your top priority, go with the Moto G71 5G. If you'd rather have a larger, smoother display, the Redmi 12 is a better choice.
- How Important is Fast Charging? The Moto G71 5G’s much faster charging is a big advantage if you're often short on time and need to quickly recharge.
- How new is too new? The Redmi 12 offers a newer operating system, which means long term usability is improved compared to the older Motorola.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Gamer: The Motorola Moto G71 5G is the clear winner here, thanks to its superior chipset and GPU.
- For the Casual User: The Xiaomi Redmi 12 is better due to it's newer software, larger display and smoother refresh rate.
- For the Multitasker: The Motorola Moto G71 5G again leads, thanks to it's better performance, and slightly more storage space.
My Choice and Why
After thoroughly analyzing both phones, I would choose the Motorola Moto G71 5G. Here's why:
As someone who uses my phone for more than just social media and browsing, the performance boost from the Snapdragon 695 is a big advantage. I often use my phone for light gaming and photo editing, which requires some horsepower. The AMOLED display is also a personal preference - the vibrant colors and deeper blacks are just more enjoyable to me than an IPS LCD. Although the software is a little older, it doesn't outweigh the tangible performance gains in my opinion. The slightly smaller form factor and lighter weight are also a plus, making it easier to use comfortably for extended periods.
While the Redmi 12 is a solid offering with a few features I appreciate like the newer OS, the performance and display quality on the Moto G71 5G makes it the better choice for me. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities, but if you value performance and display quality, the Moto G71 5G is the way to go.
