Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison between the Motorola Moto G71 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G. As a tech journalist with a fondness for practical applications, I'll be focusing on what these specs actually mean for your everyday experience.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-19 | 2023-04-11 | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is newer, implying potentially updated tech and software. |
| Dimensions | 161.2 × 73.9 × 8.5 mm | 164.2 × 76.1 × 8.1 mm | Redmi slightly larger but thinner, Moto may feel slightly more compact in hand. |
| Weight | 179g | 201.8g | Moto is noticeably lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.67" | Redmi offers a slightly larger screen for a more immersive experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both provide sharp, detailed visuals at FHD+ quality. |
| PPI | 411 | 395 | Very similar pixel density; both will look sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Rich colors, deep blacks, and great contrast on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Redmi's 120Hz display provides significantly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Redmi has dramatically better outdoor visibility, perfect for bright days. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G | Snapdragon 732G | Snapdragon 695 is newer (6nm) but the 732G has slightly better performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 396,564 | 397,200 | Very similar performance; both are suited for everyday tasks & moderate gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 618 | The difference isn't that big, both GPU's provide similar results. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76") | 108MP (f/1.9, 1/1.52") | Redmi captures more detail due to larger sensor and high resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.2) | 16MP (f/2.45) | Moto has a slightly wider aperture for potentially better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Similar wide-angle performance in both devices |
| Portrait (Depth) Lens | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | Redmi offers dedicated depth sensing for better portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | 5MP (f/2.4) | Redmi’s macro offers potentially more detailed close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@60fps | 4K@30fps | Redmi can record in 4K, offering higher quality video. |
| Slow Motion | 60 fps | 960 fps | Redmi has much more better slow motion capabilities. |
| Camera Features | Optical zoom, PDAF | 4K Video, Night Mode | Moto has optical zoom; Redmi offers 4K video recording and night mode. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5020mAh | Very similar battery capacity; both should easily last a full day of use. |
| Charging | 33W | 67W | Redmi charges much faster, a significant convenience. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging | Redmi can share its power with other devices, Moto doesn't have any unique features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 11 | Moto offers an OS upgrade to version 12. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both support similar Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Redmi has the latest version of Bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both offer reliable location tracking with similar support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM support on both devices. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 128/256GB | Redmi offers a 256 GB option, catering to users needing more storage. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 6/8GB | Both support ample memory for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both do not support SD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Redmi offers stereo speakers while Moto has Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | Side-mounted is a slightly more convenient placement for many users. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 5 | Redmi offers better scratch and damage resistance. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Motion | Biometric, Motion, Proximity | Both devices come with a bunch of sensors, Moto has additional hall sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G71 5G Strengths:
- Lighter Build: Significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use.
- Wider Selfie Aperture: Potentially better selfies in low light.
- Dolby Atmos: Good for an immersive audio experience.
- Hall Sensor: Added sensor
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G Strengths:
- Superior Display: 120Hz refresh rate and 1200 nits brightness provide a much better visual experience.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 108MP sensor captures more detail and sharper images.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging significantly reduces charging times.
- 4K Video Recording: Offers higher video quality.
- Additional Sensors: It has a better set of sensors in addition to better screen protection.
- Reverse Charging: Share power with other devices.
- Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers: High quality audio experience.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- The Moto G71 5G's older chipset may not handle intensive tasks or heavy games as well as the Redmi.
- The Moto's screen has unknown protection and lacks the higher refresh rate of the Redmi.
- The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is heavier and slightly bulkier which may not be for everyone.
- The Moto G71 5G doesn't have 4K video recording or any additional useful features.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G71 5G:
- Ideal For: Users who prioritize a lightweight phone, good battery life, and decent performance for everyday tasks.
- Best Use Cases: Casual browsing, social media, video streaming, and those seeking a comfortable, no-frills device.
- User Profile: The everyday user seeking a reliable phone for daily tasks.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G:
- Ideal For: Users who want a superior display with a high refresh rate, better camera performance, and faster charging, also those looking for a future proof phone.
- Best Use Cases: Content consumption, mobile gaming, photography, and those who require fast charging.
- User Profile: The content creator, the media enthusiast, or the power user.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help decide, ask yourself:
- How important is screen quality to you? If you value a smoother, brighter display, the Redmi is the clear winner.
- Do you need the best camera performance for photography or 4K video recording? If so, the Redmi has a more versatile and capable camera system.
- What is your ideal form factor? If you prefer a lightweight phone that's easy to handle, the Moto might be a better fit.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Casual User: If you use your phone primarily for calls, texts, and light social media browsing, the Motorola Moto G71 5G is suitable for its lightweight design and decent battery life.
- Scenario 2: The Media Lover: For those who frequently watch videos, play games, and consume content, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G with its 120Hz display and 4K video recording is a clear winner.
- Scenario 3: The Photographer: If you need a capable camera for various shooting scenarios, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G with its high-resolution sensor and dedicated depth and macro lens is more capable.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally go with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G. While the lighter weight of the Moto G71 5G is appealing, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G's superior display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 1200 nits of brightness and 4K video recording makes it the more compelling choice for me. As a tech journalist and avid user, I value a high-quality display for content consumption and a good camera system for capturing high quality pictures and videos. The faster charging is also a huge plus that I definitely value in my daily life. And last but not least, the additional sensors will help the device for future use and gaming.
The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G offers a more modern and future-proof experience, making it the better option for me.
