Okay, let's break down the Motorola Moto G73 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G. I'll put on my tech journalist hat and dig into the nitty-gritty, making it relatable for everyone.
Motorola Moto G73 vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G: A Deep Dive
Here’s a structured look at these two contenders, blending specs with real-world implications.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Moto G73 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.4 x 73.8 x 8.3 mm | 165.7 x 76 x 7.9 mm | Xiaomi is a bit taller and wider, Motorola is a bit thicker. Minimal difference in daily handling. |
| Weight | 181g | 183.5g | Virtually identical weight; both feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Xiaomi has a slightly larger screen, offering a bit more viewing space for content. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of sharpness; text and images will appear equally clear on both devices. |
| Pixel Density | 405 PPI | 395 PPI | Both are similar, providing clear and sharp images. Barely noticeable difference. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED on the Xiaomi offers deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and is more power-efficient for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both, making them feel responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Xiaomi's display is much brighter, especially important for outdoor use in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 930 | Snapdragon 685 | Dimensity 930 is more powerful and generally leads to faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 497,466 | 338,900 | The Motorola has a notable performance edge, handling demanding tasks more smoothly. |
| GPU | IMG BXM-8-256 | Adreno 610 | Different GPUs which make direct performance comparison challenging, however, based on the AnTuTu score the Motorola's GPU performance is stronger. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 50MP, f/1.8, 1.0µm pixels | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.64µm pixels, 1/2.76" sensor, Samsung S5KJN1 | Both have a 50MP main camera; Xiaomi's larger sensor size and model should allow slightly better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Lens | 16MP, f/2.4, 1.0µm pixels | 13MP, f/2.45, 1.12µm pixels | Motorola offers higher resolution but Xiaomi offers larger pixels; the difference may not be noticeable. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixels | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixels, 1/4" sensor, Omnivision OV08D10 | Similar wide angle performance. |
| Macro Lens | No | 2MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi provides dedicated macro shots, useful for detail close-ups. Motorola doesn't have this. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, Slow-mo 240 fps | 1080p@30fps, Slow-mo 30 fps | Motorola shoots at up to 60fps and has better slow motion capabilities. |
| DXOMark Scores | Not Tested | Main Score 63, Photo 54, Video 66 | Xiaomi's tested camera capabilities show its camera performance is above average. |
| Features | 4K Video, Dual Camera, Manual Focus, Continuous Shooting, Panorama | Triple Camera | The Moto offers richer video options and more manual controls, while Xiaomi offers Triple camera setup. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar battery life, generally lasting a full day for most users. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Xiaomi charges slightly faster, cutting down on time plugged in. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Xiaomi can charge other devices, a handy feature to have. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 13 | Android 13 (Upgradable to 14) | Both are up to date, but the Xiaomi is confirmed to receive the next OS update. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 5 | The Motorola has the newer, faster WiFi 6 for better home internet performance |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.0 | Motorola's latest Bluetooth offers better power efficiency and connection performance. |
| GPS | More systems | Fewer Systems | Motorola offers better location accuracy with more satellite system support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM for managing multiple phone numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 64/128/256 GB | Both come in 128GB and 256GB. The Xiaomi has an additional 64 GB option. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Motorola offers 8 GB RAM only. Xiaomi comes in multiple variants. Higher RAM results in smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports additional storage via microSD. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo speakers, 2 microphones | Basic audio | Motorola offers superior sound quality and recording with Dolby Atmos support. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer quick and reliable fingerprint unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 3 | Xiaomi offers a better level of scratch resistance. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Xiaomi has Gyroscope support, more useful for gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G73 Strengths:
- Performance: Its Mediatek Dimensity 930 chipset provides superior processing power and faster app load times.
- Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers make for a much better audio experience for music, video and games.
- Connectivity: It supports the newer WiFi 6 standard and the latest Bluetooth version offering enhanced performance.
- Camera: 4K Video and more advanced manual controls will be better for content creators.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G Strengths:
- Display: The AMOLED screen with 1200 nits of brightness is the clear winner for vivid colors and outdoor visibility.
- Battery: Slightly faster charging and reverse charging are convenient additions.
- Camera: The Macro lens allows for creative close up shots, and the camera has been tested by DXOMark with solid results
- Build Quality: Gorilla Glass 3 offers better screen protection from scratches.
Trade-offs:
- Motorola: Lacks the brighter AMOLED display and dedicated macro lens.
- Xiaomi: Not as powerful as the Motorola and lacks the higher end audio experience.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Moto G73: Ideal for users who prioritize performance, gaming and rich audio experiences. This is a great choice for content creators wanting to do video.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G: Perfect for users who value display quality and overall ease of use. It's better for casual users and media consumption, with a tested and decent camera.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- Do you prioritize screen quality or processing power? If display is paramount, go with the Xiaomi. If performance is your main focus, the Motorola is better.
- Do you need enhanced audio features? The Motorola excels in audio experience with Dolby Atmos, making it a better choice if audio is a priority.
- Do you need a dedicated Macro Camera lens or 4K video recording? If you prefer a wide range of photographic capabilities, the Xiaomi's Macro lens and the Motorola 4K recording capabilities will steer you towards one of them.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gamer: The Motorola G73's superior performance will be more important, along with better audio.
- The Media Enthusiast: The Xiaomi's AMOLED display makes it ideal for watching movies, videos, and viewing photos.
- The Casual User: The Xiaomi is a balanced device for all normal daily tasks.
- The Content Creator: The Motorola G73 offers 4K Video recording and manual focus, which will be better for professional quality video.
Final Choice:
If I were choosing, I'd lean towards the Motorola Moto G73. I value the raw processing power and audio experience. While the AMOLED display on the Xiaomi is impressive, the performance difference and the superior audio on the Motorola will be more beneficial for my typical usage patterns. The ability to record videos in 4K with advanced manual settings for better results is another bonus.
Let me know if you have any more questions or want to dive into a specific aspect of these phones!
