Alright, let's dive deep into the Motorola Moto G71 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G. As a tech journalist, I'm always excited to see how different devices stack up, and this comparison is especially interesting because both phones occupy the same general mid-range space, yet they have some distinct differences.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the key specifications, highlighting what each means in real-world use:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-19 | 2023-03-30 | Redmi Note 12 4G is newer, which could mean slightly better software support and newer tech. |
| Dimensions | 161.2 x 73.9 x 8.5 mm | 165.7 x 76 x 7.9 mm | Redmi is slightly taller and wider but thinner; the Moto is more compact and potentially easier to handle. |
| Weight | 179g | 183.5g | Both phones feel similarly weighted in hand; a difference of 4.5g is negligible. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 12 offers a more immersive experience due to the larger display. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both displays offer a crisp and detailed image quality for daily usage and media consumption. |
| Pixel Density | 411 PPI | 395 PPI | Both offer sharp displays; the Moto has slightly higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good viewing angles on both devices. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Redmi's 120Hz refresh rate provides much smoother scrolling and animations, especially for gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | The Redmi has dramatically better outdoor visibility; making it more practical for daily use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) | Snapdragon 695 is slightly more powerful for demanding tasks and gaming; the 685 is more budget-friendly. |
| AnTuTu Score | 396,564 | 338,900 | The Moto G71 5G offers better overall performance; noticeable in demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 | The Adreno 619 provides better graphics processing; offering a better gaming experience on the Motorola. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Both have a decent 50MP main sensor for everyday photos; image quality should be similar. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.45 | The Moto G71 5G may capture slightly brighter and more detailed selfies, due to its higher res and wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Both have a wide-angle camera for landscape photography. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Macro lenses on both phones are likely to be of similar, limited quality. |
| Video Recording | Up to 1080p@60fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | The Moto G71 can record smoother video with 60fps, while the Xiaomi is limited to 30 fps. |
| Camera Features | Optical zoom, PDAF, LAF, Continuous shooting, Panorama, RAW | Digital zoom, HDR, Face detection | The Moto G71 5G provides more advanced camera features; for more detailed control over the image taking process. |
| DxOMark | N/A | 63 (Mobile) | The Xiaomi has been tested by DXOmark, and the result provides some objective comparison point. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity means both should offer comparable battery life; lasting a full day for most users. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Both phones support fast charging; meaning quick top-ups when you're in a hurry. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Xiaomi can reverse charge other devices, making it a portable power bank. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | The Xiaomi has a more up to date OS and will likely get updates longer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both offer similar wifi speeds, including support for dual band and Wi-Fi Direct, for local file transfers. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE, EDR, HID | The Xiaomi supports Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) and Human Interface Profile (HID), which are relevant for some Bluetooth devices. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB | 64/128/256 GB | The Redmi offers more storage options, catering to users with different storage needs. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Both offer configurations suitable for smooth multitasking, depending on the variant. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device allows for expandable storage; something to keep in mind if you have a lot of data. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 mics | Basic audio features | The Motorola offers enhanced audio processing. The 2 microphones means improved voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear fingerprint | Side fingerprint | The side mounted fingerprint on the Redmi is a more advanced design. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The Redmi's Gorilla Glass 3 adds a bit more durability to its screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both have extensive sensor suite, the Xiaomi additionally features a Compass. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G71 5G Strengths
- Performance: The Snapdragon 695 and Adreno 619 offer a clear advantage in overall performance, ideal for gamers and power users.
- Camera Flexibility: The Moto G71 5G features optical zoom, PDAF, and LAF, along with RAW capabilities, providing a more advanced and flexible photographic experience.
- Audio Quality: The inclusion of Dolby Atmos and 2 microphones enhances the audio experience for content consumption and voice calls.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G Strengths
- Display: The 120Hz refresh rate and significantly higher brightness make the Redmi Note 12 a great option for those who prioritize display quality, especially in bright environments.
- Software: The newer Android 13 with planned upgrade to 14 ensures more up-to-date features and security.
- Battery Features: Reverse charging is a handy feature for topping up accessories or other phones.
- Storage Flexibility: The Redmi Note 12 offers more internal storage options.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 screen protection provides more protection against accidental damage.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Motorola Moto G71 5G: Older software and a slower refresh rate might be drawbacks for some users.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G: The slightly weaker processor and graphics performance might be noticeable for heavy users and gamers. The older Bluetooth version might be a bit of a bummer for audiophiles.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G71 5G is Best For:
- Gamers: The more powerful chipset makes it a better choice for mobile gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Advanced camera features like optical zoom and RAW capture make it ideal for those who love mobile photography.
- Audio Lovers: Dolby Atmos and dual microphones enhance the listening and recording experience.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G is Best For:
- Media Consumers: The 120Hz display with its high brightness and large screen is great for watching videos and browsing.
- Everyday Users: The newer software, added storage options, and reverse charging make it a practical device for daily use.
- Outdoor Users: The significantly higher screen brightness makes it easier to see the display in sunlight.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself when choosing between these two phones:
- How much do you value performance and gaming? If you're a gamer or need a lot of processing power, the Moto G71 5G is better for you. If not, the Redmi's chipset is adequate.
- What are your display priorities? If you need a super smooth display with excellent visibility in bright light, go for the Redmi. If the lower refresh rate of the Moto is acceptable to you, this might not be an issue.
- How important is up-to-date software, reverse charging, or extra storage? The Redmi wins here, with the newest software and a reverse charging feature and the storage options.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- For the Gamer: Choose the Motorola Moto G71 5G. Its stronger processor and GPU will deliver a better gaming experience.
- For the Casual Media User: Go with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G. The 120Hz display and higher screen brightness make it excellent for watching videos and social media.
- For the Power User: The Motorola Moto G71 5G's added camera features combined with the better performance, makes it suitable for heavy users.
- For the Pragmatic User: The Redmi Note 12 4G offers a balance of newer software, reverse charging, and storage flexibility, which might be more practical for everyday use.
My Choice
If I had to choose between the Motorola Moto G71 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G, I would personally go for the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G.
My rationale is that the 120Hz display and better outdoor visibility are significant enough upgrades to enhance the overall user experience. As someone who uses their phone outdoors and consumes a lot of content, the display is something I can interact with on a constant basis. Although the Motorola has slightly better performance specs, the Redmi's processor is still more than adequate for my day-to-day needs. The combination of a modern OS with longer software support and useful additions like reverse charging make the Redmi a more practical choice. While the Moto offers a better camera for more dedicated photography users, the Redmi's camera still performs perfectly fine for regular photo and video taking.
