Alright, let's dive deep into the Motorola Moto G73 and Xiaomi Redmi 12. These two mid-rangers offer a compelling mix of features, but understanding their nuances is crucial before making a choice. I’m going to break down these specifications into something we can really use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison of the key specifications, keeping in mind how they impact real-world use:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G73 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.4 x 73.8 x 8.3 mm | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm | The G73 is more compact and easier to handle, while the Redmi 12 is noticeably larger, making it less pocketable. |
| Weight | 181g | 198.5g | The G73 feels lighter, which is a plus for extended use and one-handed operation. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.79" | The Redmi 12 provides a more immersive viewing experience with its larger screen, while the G73 offers a more compact form factor. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Both offer very similar levels of clarity and sharpness; differences are practically negligible for the naked eye. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 405 | 396 | Both offer very similar levels of clarity, the difference will be hard to notice. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use the same technology, so color reproduction and viewing angles will be similar. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The G73 offers smoother scrolling and animations, making the phone feel more responsive overall. This is especially noticeable in games and fast-paced apps. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both peak at the same brightness. This means you’ll see no difference in visibility in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 930 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) | The Dimensity 930 in the G73 is significantly more powerful and efficient, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 497,466 | 249,400 | The G73 benchmark score is nearly double that of the Redmi 12. This indicates a huge performance difference in real-world tasks like heavy app usage and gaming. |
| GPU | IMG BXM-8-256 | Mali-G52 MC2 | The G73's GPU will handle graphics-intensive tasks, such as modern games, better than the Redmi 12's GPU. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1.00µm pixel size | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor, 0.64µm pixel size | Both have a 50MP standard lens with the same f stop, but the G73 has a larger pixel size, letting in more light, resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1.00µm pixel size | 8MP, f/2.1, pixel size not specified | The G73 has a higher resolution selfie camera with a slightly narrower aperture, potentially capturing more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel size | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor, 1.14µm pixel size | Both have very similar wide-angle lenses. The pixel size is very close meaning real-world difference will be negligible. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, pixel size not specified | The Redmi 12 offers an additional macro lens for close-up photography. This is something the G73 lacks. |
| Video Recording | Up to 1080p@60fps, Slow-motion 240 fps | Up to 1080p@30fps, Slow-motion 120 fps | The G73 offers a higher framerate option at 60fps and better slow-motion performance at 240 fps compared to Redmi 12 30 fps and 120 fps respectively. |
| Camera Features | Dual cam, Ultra stable video, Front Flash | Triple cam, RAW | Each offers unique features, the G73 offers ultra-stable video and a front flash, the Redmi 12 offers RAW photos and a triple camera setup. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life. The higher efficiency of the G73 chipset should help the battery last longer. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 18W fast charging | The G73 charges significantly faster, which is crucial for users who need to quickly top up their device. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable, 9W reverse charging | The Redmi 12 can act as a power bank for other devices, something the G73 can't do. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 13 | Android 13, planned upgrade to 14 | The Redmi 12 has a planned upgrade to Android 14, which may give it an advantage in future software features and support, while the G73 does not have a specified future version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, WiFi 6, MIMO | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | The G73 supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi standards and MiMo, leading to better connectivity in congested networks and faster downloads. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3, LE, A2DP, APT-x, LDAC, AAC | Bluetooth 5.3, LE, A2DP, APT-x | Both support the latest version of Bluetooth, but the G73 also supports high-quality audio codecs like LDAC and AAC. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), NavIC System | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | The G73 provides more accurate location tracking with a broader set of supported satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256 GB | 128GB or 256 GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4 GB, 6 GB, 8 GB | Both offer 8GB of ram in their highest configuration. The G73 offers more consistent performance since it only comes with 8 GB. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Basic audio features | The G73 offers a richer audio experience with Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, and enhanced voice capture for calls and recordings. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer the same biometric security system. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Neither specification is known but both will offer similar protection. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | The Redmi 12 has a gyroscope sensor, allowing for better gaming, while the Moto G73 has a dedicated proximity sensor as opposed to the virtual one of the Redmi 12 |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G73:
- Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Dimensity 930 chipset offers significantly better performance than the Redmi 12, making it suitable for gaming, heavy multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate provides a noticeably smoother and more responsive user experience.
- Faster Charging: 30W fast charging allows for much quicker battery top-ups.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, and dual microphones provide a more immersive and higher-quality audio experience.
- Better GPS and WiFi: Superior GPS accuracy and WiFi speeds make this a great option for people who need reliable connectivity.
- Better Selfie Camera A higher resolution selfie camera will provide more detail when taking selfies.
- Better Video Recording The Moto G73 will offer better video with smoother framerates and more detailed slow motion.
- Trade-offs:
- No Macro Lens.
- No expandable storage.
- No planned future Android upgrade.
Xiaomi Redmi 12:
- Strengths:
- Larger Display: The 6.79" screen offers a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption.
- Reverse Charging: The ability to charge other devices can be handy in a pinch.
- Macro Camera: A dedicated macro lens offers versatility for close-up photography.
- Gyroscope Sensor: Better compatibility with games and applications requiring a Gyroscope
- Planned Future Software The Redmi 12 is planned to upgrade to Android 14, offering more software features in the future.
- Trade-offs:
- Significantly Lower Performance: The Helio G88 chipset struggles with intensive tasks compared to the G73.
- Slower Charging: The 18W charging is comparatively slow.
- Basic audio.
- Smaller Selfie camera.
- Worse video recording.
- Virtual proximity sensor.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G73:
- Ideal User:
- Gamers: The superior performance and 120Hz display make this a good option for mobile gaming.
- Power Users: Those who heavily multitask, use demanding apps, or want a smooth overall experience.
- Frequent Travelers: Reliable GPS and faster WiFi make it suitable for people on the go.
- Media Consumers: The enhanced audio and smooth display makes content consumption great.
- Social Media Enthusiasts A great selfie camera and good video recording will allow for great content creation.
- Use Cases:
- Playing graphics-intensive games with smooth frame rates.
- Running multiple apps simultaneously without lag.
- Streaming high-quality video content with immersive audio.
- Navigating with accurate GPS data.
- Taking selfies and creating content for social media.
Xiaomi Redmi 12:
- Ideal User:
- Casual Users: Those who primarily use their phone for social media, browsing, and basic tasks.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who prefer a larger display for watching videos and reading.
- Users on a Tight Budget: This would be a good option for those who want a large screen and some advanced features.
- Users Who Value Battery Flexibility Users who would like to use their device to reverse charge will appreciate this option.
- Use Cases:
- Watching movies and TV shows on a larger screen.
- Basic photography with the addition of a macro camera.
- Casual browsing and social media use.
- Charging other devices.
- Light gaming.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help users decide:
- How important is performance for your daily usage?
- If you need a smooth experience for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications, the Moto G73 is the clear choice.
- If your needs are basic, the Redmi 12 is sufficient.
- How much do you value the display and audio experience?
- If you prioritize a larger screen and flexibility, the Redmi 12 is a good choice.
- If you prefer a smoother experience and better audio, the G73 is preferable.
- Do you need advanced or specific features?
- If you need a versatile macro camera and reverse charging, the Redmi 12 is the choice.
- If faster charging, better video, better selfies, and accurate navigation are a priority, the G73 is superior.
Final Recommendation
If I had to choose, I would go for the Motorola Moto G73.
- Why? It offers a vastly superior performance profile compared to the Xiaomi Redmi 12. The faster processor, smoother display, and faster charging make it a more versatile and future-proof device. The audio quality is a big win for me as I consume a lot of content on my phone. While the Redmi 12 has some unique features, the core performance advantage and the camera capabilities of the G73 are more important for my needs. It provides a smooth and responsive experience, which is what I prioritize. The lack of an expandable storage and a macro lens is a sacrifice I am willing to make for all the other advantages.
