Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G71 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. I've got my engineering hat on, so we'll be looking at the nitty-gritty and, more importantly, how it all translates into your everyday use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table focusing on key specs and their real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.2 × 73.9 × 8.5 mm | 163 × 76 × 8 mm | The Xiaomi is slightly taller and wider but thinner. G71 is slightly more compact. |
| Weight | 179g | 187g | Moto G71 is a touch lighter which could be noticeable during long usage periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer a sharp and detailed viewing experience. |
| PPI | 411 | 395 | Both phones offer similar pixel density, not noticeable in everyday use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Rich colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Redmi Note 12 Pro will provide much smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | Redmi Note 12 Pro is significantly brighter, leading to much better visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G | Dimensity 1080 | Different processors, each with varying strengths, Redmi Note 12 Pro appears to be more powerful. |
| AnTuTu Score | 396,564 | 573,200 | The Redmi Note 12 Pro is significantly faster, handling more intensive tasks like gaming, video editing with more ease. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Different GPUs, each with varying strengths, Redmi Note 12 Pro has the better scores. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer a full day of use for most users, depending on usage intensity. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 12 Pro charges much faster, convenient for those always on the move. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" | The Redmi Note 12 Pro's larger sensor captures more light, leading to better image quality, especially in low light, compared to Moto G71. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/1.9 | Redmi Note 12 Pro's wider aperture lets in more light, which might result in better low-light shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Both similar macro lenses with the Redmi Note 12 Pro being a touch more capable. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2 | 16MP | Both phones offer similar front-facing camera for selfies. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | Redmi Note 12 Pro provides higher resolution and more recording options, offering much higher quality videos. |
| Stabilization | No | Yes | Redmi Note 12 Pro has OIS providing better quality in videos |
| DXOMARK | [] | Mobile: 102, Photo: 108, Video: 98 | Redmi Note 12 Pro performs much better than the Motorola in overall and photo and video quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 | Redmi Note 12 Pro runs a more up-to-date OS out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | The Xiaomi has newer faster Wi-Fi standards with better speeds and lower latency |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | Xiaomi offers newer Bluetooth version with better efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), QZSS (L1 + L5) | Xiaomi offers more satellite systems for better positioning. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB | 128GB or 256GB | Xiaomi provides more storage variants, with the 256GB version giving more space for users. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 6GB, 8GB or 12GB | Xiaomi gives the option of more RAM for improved multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offer expandable storage, so pick the right storage for you when buying. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both offer Dolby Atmos, but Xiaomi's stereo speakers provide a more immersive experience than 2 microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The side fingerprint sensor is much more accessible than a rear sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Xiaomi has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Redmi has more sensors for better gaming and AR functionality. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G71 5G:
- Strengths: The Moto G71 5G is lighter and more compact than the Xiaomi. It offers a decent AMOLED display, good battery life, and a reliable Snapdragon 695 chipset that handles everyday tasks well. It also has a laser autofocus which can be handy in some situations.
- Competitive Advantages: It's slightly more compact and has a marginally better pixel density.
- Trade-offs: It's not as powerful as the Redmi, has a slower refresh rate display, and much dimmer screen and slower charging. Its camera system, while decent, is not as good as the Redmi. It also runs on an older version of Android.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro:
- Strengths: The Redmi Note 12 Pro shines with a much better display, offering a 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness, ideal for media consumption and gaming. It has a more powerful processor, much faster charging, and a better camera system, including 4K video recording.
- Competitive Advantages: Faster processor, significantly smoother and brighter display, significantly faster charging and a superior camera system with better low-light capabilities and more recording options. It has more RAM and internal storage variants.
- Trade-offs: It's slightly heavier and bulkier and has lower PPI compared to Moto G71 5G.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G71 5G is best for:
- Users who prioritize a lighter, more compact phone with a good display for everyday tasks.
- Those who don't require top-tier gaming or video recording capabilities but want a reliable phone for daily use and the odd snap.
- Users who are on a strict budget but still want a decent AMOLED screen experience.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is best for:
- Users who prioritize a smooth and vibrant display for gaming and media consumption.
- Those who want a capable camera system for taking high-quality photos and videos and are looking for more photography options and higher-quality video.
- Users who need a fast-charging phone with plenty of power and storage, ideal for intensive use.
- Users who desire a more feature-packed phone with things like stereo speakers, OIS camera and a more up-to-date OS.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to ask yourself when choosing between these two phones:
- How important is display quality and refresh rate for you? If you frequently watch videos or play games, the Redmi Note 12 Pro's 120Hz screen will be a much better experience compared to the 60Hz display of the Motorola.
- Do you prioritize camera performance, video recording quality, and processing speed? If so, the Redmi Note 12 Pro is the clear winner. Its superior camera system and more powerful processor will provide better results in every scenario.
- Is size and weight important? If you prefer something compact and lighter, the Moto G71 5G will be a better choice for you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Casual User: If you only browse the web, check emails, and use social media, the Motorola Moto G71 5G will be adequate and will be easier to handle for smaller hands.
- Gaming Enthusiast: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro's smoother display and powerful processor make it far superior for gaming.
- Photography Lover: The Redmi Note 12 Pro’s bigger sensor, wider aperture, higher quality video, and overall better DXOMARK scores makes it the winner in this category.
- Budget Conscious User: The Motorola Moto G71 5G is usually cheaper.
Personal Choice
If I were to choose, I would go with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. While the Moto G71 5G is a solid device, the Redmi Note 12 Pro's superior display, significantly faster performance, faster charging, and better camera system make it a much more compelling option. As a tech journalist, I need a phone that can handle a variety of tasks smoothly and efficiently, and the Redmi Note 12 Pro is better equipped for this. The higher brightness of the display and more modern features are also very tempting.
In short, the Redmi Note 12 Pro simply offers better value for the money, delivering a more premium and versatile user experience.
