Alright, let's dive deep into the Motorola Moto G71 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G. I've got my engineering hat on, and we're going to break down these phones like a seasoned tech detective. It’s not just about specs; it’s about how these specs translate to your everyday life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table to get us started. We'll explore how each specification affects the real-world experience.
| Feature | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.2 × 73.9 × 8.5 mm | 168.6 × 76.3 × 8.2 mm | The Redmi 12 5G is larger and taller, which means it'll fill more of your hand and pocket. |
| Weight | 179g | 199g | The Moto G71 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphone builds, likely with a plastic back and frame. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.79" | The Redmi 12 5G offers a larger viewing area, great for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Both are FHD+, so expect sharp visuals; the difference is minimal in practical usage. |
| PPI | 411 | 396 | Both have good pixel density, but Moto G71 5G is slightly sharper |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The Moto G71's AMOLED display offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The Redmi 12 5G provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations with its higher refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is identical, which might be a place where the data is incomplete or not applicable. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 | The Redmi 12 5G's newer chip offers better performance in benchmarks, and improved power efficiency thanks to the 4 nm node |
| Antutu Score | 396,564 | 456,552 | The Redmi 12 5G performs noticeably better in benchmarks, translating to snappier everyday performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 613 | The Adreno 619 is slightly more capable, but the new architecture of the Redmi 12 chip is better |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer all-day battery life for typical use. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 18W fast charging | The Moto G71 charges significantly faster, getting you back up and running quicker. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both batteries are non-removable by the user, which is now standard. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 | Both have similar main camera specs; the differences likely lie in image processing. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.2 | 5MP f/2.2 | The Moto G71 has a higher resolution front camera, which will be better for selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.2 | None | The Moto G71 includes a wide-angle lens, offering more flexibility in capturing landscapes. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | None | 2MP f/2.4 | The Redmi 12 5G has a depth sensor for more accurate background blur in portrait shots |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | The Moto G71 features a macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps | Both phones can record in 1080p, but the Moto G71 provides 60fps recording for smoother videos |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | Redmi 12 5G includes video stabilization |
| Slow-motion video | 60 fps | 120 fps | Redmi 12 5G can record at higher FPS in slow motion. |
| DxoMark Score | Not Available | Mobile: 63, Photo: 57, Video: 76 | Only Redmi 12 5G has been tested by DxoMark, revealing average photo scores but quite good video. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | Digital zoom, Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Moto G71 has more features like Optical Zoom and LAF, Redmi has OIS. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 12) | Android 13 (up to 14) | The Redmi 12 5G ships with a newer version of Android and will receive updates for longer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both support standard Wi-Fi capabilities with dual-band support. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE with EDR and HID | Both have similar Bluetooth capabilities, with Redmi 12 5G having additional support for EDR and HID |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | The Moto G71 supports additional satellite systems for more precise location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM usage, allowing two SIM cards to be active simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB | 128GB or 256GB | The Redmi 12 5G has the option for 256 GB of internal storage, for more media and apps. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 4 GB or 6 GB or 8 GB | Both phones are available with options for RAM for multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage; consider this if you need lots of space. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | Basic audio features | The Moto G71 has Dolby Atmos for enhanced audio and two microphones for better call quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The side-mounted fingerprint sensor on the Redmi 12 5G is more convenient to access. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The Redmi 12 5G has additional screen protection that should survive drops and scratches better than Moto G71. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both phones have basic sensors; Moto G71 has more sensors for more applications, and the Redmi 12 has a compass. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G71 5G Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen is a clear win for anyone who values image quality, contrast, and vibrant colors. It's a fantastic display for media consumption.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging is a significant advantage, getting you back to full battery much quicker than the Redmi's 18W.
- Better Selfie Camera and Wider Camera Array: The 16MP selfie camera and the additional wide-angle and macro lenses provide more flexibility in photography.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos is a nice touch for a better audio experience.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G Strengths:
- Newer & More Powerful Chipset: The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is faster in benchmarks, which means it will perform better.
- Larger Screen: The 6.79" display is better for media consumption, reading, and gaming.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 90Hz refresh makes scrolling much smoother.
- Updated Android: Comes with Android 13 and a promised upgrade to Android 14, it will stay updated longer.
- Better screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 helps to keep the screen safe from damage.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Motorola Moto G71 5G: Older software, slower performance, slower refresh rate, and heavier.
- Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G: LCD screen (less vibrant than AMOLED), slower charging, basic selfie camera, and no wide-angle or macro lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G71 5G is Best for:
- Media Enthusiasts: The AMOLED display makes it a great choice for watching videos and enjoying vibrant colors.
- Users Who Need Fast Charging: If you're constantly on the go and need to top up your battery quickly, the Moto G71 excels.
- Photography Lovers: Those who want a versatile camera setup with wide-angle, macro, and high-resolution selfies will find the Moto G71 more appealing.
- Audio Lovers: Those that appreciate Dolby Atmos and better sound quality in general will like the Moto G71.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G is Best for:
- Budget-Conscious Gamers: The newer Snapdragon chip and 90Hz refresh rate provide a smoother experience for gamers on a budget.
- Power Users: Its stronger processor and larger screen will be better for those that use their phones a lot.
- Users Who Want the Latest Software: The newer software is better for security updates.
- Users Who Value Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 is a good choice for those prone to breaking phone screens.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to guide your choice:
- Display Quality or Refresh Rate? Do you prefer the vibrant colors of an AMOLED display (Moto G71) or the smoother scrolling of a 90Hz LCD screen (Redmi 12 5G)?
- Fast Charging or Performance? Is it more important to quickly charge your phone (Moto G71), or is having a smoother, faster experience more critical (Redmi 12 5G)?
- Software and Long-Term Use: Do you want the most updated Android version, or is a slightly older version OK? (Redmi 12 5G will be supported for longer)
- Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Traveler): A user who is always on the go and wants to take pictures of a variety of things: Moto G71, because of its more versatile camera and fast charging.
- Scenario 2 (Gamer): A user who wants a device for games and doesn't care much about the camera: Redmi 12 5G due to the better performance.
- Scenario 3 (Casual User): A user who wants a phone that will last a long time: Redmi 12 5G for the better chipset and software.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd go with the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G. Here's why:
As much as I love the AMOLED display of the Moto G71 and its superior camera array, the raw performance boost of the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 in the Redmi 12 5G is undeniable. For me, snappier everyday performance, a smoother display, and the promise of longer software support are more crucial. The fact that the Redmi 12 5G also has slightly better screen protection and video stabilization makes it a better choice overall for me.
I’d definitely miss the vibrant colors of the AMOLED display and the fast charging, but for my needs, the Redmi 12 5G is the more well-rounded device. I love to keep my phones for a long time, and a better processor and updated OS make the most sense.
Ultimately, the best phone for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. I hope this detailed comparison helps you make an informed decision!
