Okay, let's dive deep into the Motorola Moto G71 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12, two contenders in the mid-range smartphone arena. I'll break down their specs, analyze the real-world implications, and help you figure out which one might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed table comparing the key technical specifications of the Motorola Moto G71 5G and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12, focusing on how these specs translate into real-world usability:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.2 x 73.9 x 8.5 mm | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm | The Redmi Note 12 is slightly larger and wider, while the Moto G71 5G is a tad thicker. |
| Weight | 179g | 188g | Moto G71 5G is a bit lighter, which might be more comfortable for long-term holding. |
| Build Material | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Redmi Note 12 offers better screen protection against scratches and minor impacts. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 12 offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both provide sharp and detailed images, great for everyday use. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 411 | 395 | Both displays are sharp; minimal difference is not noticeable to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks, ideal for viewing content and gaming. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Redmi Note 12 provides noticeably smoother scrolling and animations for a more fluid experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Redmi Note 12 is significantly brighter, making it much better for outdoor viewing in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | The Redmi Note 12 scores higher in benchmarks, indicating slightly better overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 396,564 | 460,800 | Redmi Note 12 likely handles everyday tasks and gaming more smoothly. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 | Both have the same GPU, though with potentially different configuration, performance will be close. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 50MP | 48MP | Moto G71 5G has a slightly higher resolution on the main sensor. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.8 | Both capture good images in normal light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 13MP | The Moto G71 5G offers higher resolution for selfies, allowing for better detail capture. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.45 | Moto G71 5G has a wider aperture for slightly better low-light performance in selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.2 | Both have comparable wide-angle capabilities. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Both phones provide basic macro capabilities for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps | Both are limited to 1080p for main recording. Moto G71 5G has a 60fps option. |
| Video Slow-Motion | 60 fps | 120 fps | Redmi Note 12 provides smoother slow-motion videos. |
| Camera Features | LAF, Optical zoom | Ultra stable video, Night Mode | Moto G71 5G offers features like Optical Zoom and Laser Autofocus, while Xiaomi provides Ultra stable video and Night Mode. |
| DXOMark Score | Not Tested | Mobile: 69, Photo: 74, Video: 49 | Redmi Note 12’s camera performance has been tested and rated as very average. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both provide similar battery endurance for a full day’s use. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Both feature fast charging, getting you back to full power quickly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 | Redmi Note 12 ships with the latest Android version out of the box, potentially with more features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi ac | Wi-Fi ac, MiMO | Redmi Note 12 provides Wi-Fi MiMO for potentially stronger network connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 (LDAC, SBC, AAC) | Redmi Note 12 has a newer version, offering better efficiency and codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1) | Redmi Note 12 offers more satellite support, providing better location accuracy. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB | 128GB/256GB | Redmi Note 12 offers a 256GB option for users needing more storage space. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 4/6/8GB | Both offer multiple RAM options for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage via microSD. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, 2 Microphones | Basic Audio Features | Moto G71 5G has a better audio setup, providing immersive sound and better voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 has a more modern, side-mounted sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Redmi Note 12 has a Compass and Ultrasonic proximity sensor while the Moto G71 5G has a Hall sensor, offering varied features and capabilities. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G71 5G:
- Strengths: Excellent audio with Dolby Atmos, better selfie camera with higher resolution and wider aperture, and a slightly lighter build.
- Competitive Advantage: Ideal for users who prioritize audio quality, selfie performance, and a comfortable, lightweight design.
- Trade-offs: Older Android version out of the box and a less bright display.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Strengths: Smoother 120Hz display, brighter screen, slightly better general performance, and modern software.
- Competitive Advantage: A more fluid, responsive user experience with better visibility under sunlight and an overall newer software.
- Trade-offs: Camera performance rated only as average by DxOMark, and slightly heavier.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G71 5G is best for:
- Audiophiles: Users who frequently listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks, and value rich audio quality with Dolby Atmos.
- Selfie Enthusiasts: Individuals who prioritize selfie quality, capturing detailed images and better low-light shots.
- Ergonomics-Focused Users: Those who prefer a lighter smartphone that's more comfortable for extended use.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is best for:
- Casual Gamers and Multimedia Users: Individuals who enjoy a smooth, responsive display for scrolling, browsing, and gaming, especially outdoors.
- Android Enthusiasts: Users who value the latest software features and a modern design.
- Users Needing Brighter Screen: Anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors or in brightly lit environments.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your buying decision:
- Do you prioritize display smoothness and brightness, or audio quality and selfies?
- If you value a super smooth, bright display and slightly better performance, the Redmi Note 12 is the clear choice. If you would rather sacrifice the screen refresh rate for audio quality and selfie performance, go for the Moto G71 5G.
- Is a newer OS and modern software essential for you?
- The Redmi Note 12 ships with a newer version of Android which may also provide a more updated feature set. If having the latest software is a higher priority, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is your best bet.
- What use cases are most important to you in a smartphone?
- If your focus is on everyday use with some gaming, a bright screen is very important. If taking selfies or enjoying high quality audio is of a higher priority, the Moto G71 5G is preferable.
Which Would I Choose?
If I were to choose between these two, I'd lean towards the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12.
Here's why: As a tech journalist and smartphone analyst, I highly value a smooth display, especially in daily use. The 120Hz refresh rate significantly enhances the overall user experience, making everything feel more fluid. The significantly brighter screen is another huge factor, since I often use my phone outdoors. I also prefer to have the latest version of Android on my devices as well as a modern design, even though the Moto G71 5G's audio is very enticing. The Redmi Note 12 is a well-rounded device, offering a better overall experience for my everyday use cases.
