Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G73 and the vivo iQOO 12. These two phones represent different ends of the spectrum in the smartphone world, and understanding their differences is key to choosing the right one for your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the key specifications, focusing on what they mean for real-world use:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G73 | vivo iQOO 12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 161.4 × 73.8 × 8.3 mm | 163.2 × 75.9 × 8.1 mm | The iQOO 12 is slightly larger and wider, but a touch thinner. The Moto G73 may feel more comfortable in small hands due to slightly smaller dimensions. |
| Weight | 181g | 198.5g | The Moto G73 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. The iQOO 12 is a bit heavier, which can contribute to a more premium feel. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both phones have a standard build (non-foldable). |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.78" | The iQOO 12 offers a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. The difference is noticeable, though not a major leap. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1260x2800 | The iQOO 12 has a significantly sharper display; text and images will be clearer and more detailed. |
| PPI | 405 | 453 | iQOO 12 offers a slightly sharper display with a higher pixel density. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED on the iQOO 12 delivers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. It also offers better viewing angles and is more energy efficient for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | The iQOO 12's 144Hz refresh rate provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 3000 nits | The iQOO 12 will be much easier to use outdoors, even in bright sunlight. The Moto G73 may struggle in such conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 930 (6nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | The iQOO 12 boasts a vastly superior chipset, translating to much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. The Snapdragon is a flagship-level chip, while the Dimensity is mid-range. |
| AnTuTu Score | 497,466 | 2,020,000 | The iQOO 12 has a massive lead in benchmark performance. Expect a significant difference in overall responsiveness and gaming capabilities. |
| GPU | IMG BXM-8-256 | Adreno 750 | The iQOO 12's Adreno 750 GPU is far more powerful and can handle demanding games with higher graphics fidelity and smoother frame rates. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have identical battery capacity, suggesting similar endurance for typical tasks. However, the iQOO 12's more powerful chip may draw more power. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | The iQOO 12 charges much faster, reducing downtime significantly. The Moto G73's charging speed is slower and can take considerably longer to fully charge. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.8, 1.00µm pixels) | 50MP (f/1.69, 1/1.3", 1.20µm) | The iQOO 12 has a wider aperture and larger sensor, which should provide better low-light performance. Larger sensor captures more light, resulting in brighter, clearer images with less noise. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.4, 1.00µm pixels) | 16MP (f/2.45, 1/3.1", 1.00µm) | The main difference is the slight difference in aperture between both phones. |
| Telephoto Camera | None | 64MP (f/2.6, 1/2", 0.70µm) | The iQOO 12 offers a dedicated telephoto lens for better optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP (f/2.2, 1.12µm pixels) | None | The Moto G73 includes a wide-angle lens while iQOO 12 provides ultrawide capabilities, though at the expense of losing the macro feature. |
| Ultrawide + Macro | None | 50MP (f/2.0, 1/2.76", 0.64µm) | The iQOO 12 features an ultrawide lens with macro capability for versatility in capturing wide and close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps | The iQOO 12 offers much higher video recording capabilities, including 8K recording. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 13 | Android 14 | The iQOO 12 comes with a newer version of Android, offering access to the latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | The iQOO 12 supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard offering faster speeds and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.4 | The iQOO 12 has a newer Bluetooth version with SBC codec. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | The iQOO 12 offers significantly more storage options, important if you need to store a lot of media. |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB/16GB | The iQOO 12 has more RAM options, leading to smoother multitasking and better performance with RAM-intensive applications. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage; this is important to note if storage is crucial. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G73
- Strengths:
- Lightweight Design: More comfortable for extended use and for those who prefer a lighter phone.
- Good Display: While not AMOLED, it still offers a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
- Budget-Friendly: Likely priced lower than the iQOO 12, making it a good choice for budget-conscious users.
- Wide-Angle Lens: Offers more versatility in capturing different types of shots.
- Competitive Advantages:
- Lower Price Point: Provides a solid experience at a more accessible price.
- Compact Design: More portable and ergonomic for some users.
- Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Lower Performance: Significantly slower than the iQOO 12.
- Basic Display Technology: LCD panel lacks the vibrant colors and contrast of an AMOLED display.
- Slower Charging: Takes significantly longer to charge.
vivo iQOO 12
- Strengths:
- Exceptional Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset offers top-tier performance.
- Stunning Display: AMOLED panel with higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness provides an excellent viewing experience.
- Fast Charging: 120W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Superior Camera System: Versatile camera setup with a telephoto lens.
- Competitive Advantages:
- Flagship-Level Performance: Ideal for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Premium Display Quality: Offers an immersive visual experience.
- Faster Connectivity: Supports newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards for cutting-edge speeds and better connectivity.
- Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Heavier Design: May be less comfortable for some users.
- Higher Price Point: Comes with a premium price tag.
- No Wide-Angle Lens: Lacks a dedicated wide-angle lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G73 is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a reliable phone at a lower price point.
- Everyday Users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for calls, messaging, browsing, and social media.
- Light Gamers: Casual gamers who play less demanding games.
- Users who prioritize lightweight design: Those who want a phone that is comfortable to carry and use for extended periods.
Use Cases:
- Social Media: Browsing and basic content creation.
- Communication: Calling, messaging, and video conferencing.
- Web Browsing: General internet surfing and online research.
vivo iQOO 12 is best for:
- Power Users: Those who demand top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a high-quality camera with advanced features.
- Media Consumers: Individuals who watch videos and movies and value superior display quality.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want the latest technologies.
Use Cases:
- Gaming: Playing graphics-intensive games at high settings.
- Professional Photography/Videography: Capturing high-quality photos and videos, even in challenging conditions.
- Productivity: Multitasking with multiple applications and complex tasks.
- Content Creation: Editing videos and photos, and running resource-intensive applications.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you choose:
- What's your budget? If you're budget-conscious, the Motorola Moto G73 is a more affordable choice. If you're willing to spend more for top-tier performance, the vivo iQOO 12 is the way to go.
- How important is performance? If you're a heavy gamer, content creator, or multitasker, the iQOO 12's flagship chipset is a must. If you have lighter needs, the Moto G73 can handle most tasks smoothly.
- What are your photography priorities? If you value diverse shooting options including ultrawide and macro, the iQOO 12 is versatile with its telephoto lens, with the Moto G73 having a dedicated wide-angle lens.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you're a casual user who just wants a reliable phone for everyday tasks, the Motorola Moto G73 is a good choice.
- Scenario 2: If you're a gamer or a power user who wants the absolute best performance and camera, the vivo iQOO 12 is the way to go.
- Scenario 3: If you value a balance of performance and price, along with a lighter phone, then the Motorola Moto G73 could be a good option.
My Choice: vivo iQOO 12
Personally, I would choose the vivo iQOO 12. The primary driver for this decision lies in my desire to get the most advanced technology available, and the iQOO 12 clearly surpasses the Moto G73 in several critical areas:
- Unmatched Performance: As someone who regularly engages in resource-intensive activities like mobile gaming, high-resolution video editing, and testing out the latest apps, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip is a huge draw. This would make my work faster and smoother.
- Superior Display Quality: The AMOLED display with 144Hz refresh rate and its much higher peak brightness would make a big difference, whether I'm testing out apps, watching videos or simply reading articles on the go.
- Future-Proofing: With faster connectivity and higher specs, the iQOO 12 is much more future-proof, ensuring it can handle upcoming software updates, apps, and games with ease.
- Versatile Camera System: The inclusion of a telephoto lens, along with the option of shooting 8K videos makes the iQOO 12 the more versatile camera option.
While the Moto G73 has its merits, particularly in terms of portability and price, my priorities lean towards raw performance, cutting-edge display quality, and a more versatile camera system, which the iQOO 12 delivers in spades. I need a phone that can keep up with the demands I place on it, and the iQOO 12 seems better equipped to handle my use case.
