Smartphone Comparison: Motorola One 5G Ace vs. Xiaomi 12
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola One 5G Ace | Xiaomi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | Xiaomi 12 is significantly more compact and easier to handle in one hand; Motorola is bulkier. |
| Weight | 212g | 179g | Xiaomi 12 is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for extended use and portability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.28" | Motorola has a larger screen, better for media consumption. Xiaomi is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have same resolution, sharpness is slightly better on Xiaomi due to smaller size |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 393 | 419 | Xiaomi 12 has slightly sharper image quality due to higher pixel density, although most users won't notice it. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Xiaomi 12 has significantly better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colours, better viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Xiaomi 12 offers a smoother and more responsive user experience, especially in scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | Xiaomi 12 is much more visible outdoors in bright conditions, while the Motorola's brightness is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Xiaomi 12 offers dramatically faster performance for demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 330,000 | 1,150,831 | Xiaomi 12 provides a vastly superior overall performance, smoother user experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 730 | Xiaomi 12 provides significantly better graphics processing capabilities, better for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Camera (Main) | 48MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" sensor, Sony IMX766 | Xiaomi 12 has a better image sensor, potentially better low-light performance and image quality. |
| Front Camera (Selfie) | 16MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, 1/3.14" sensor, Samsung JD1 | Xiaomi 12 has higher resolution, potentially better detail in selfies. |
| Rear Camera (Wide) | 8MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi 12 takes higher resolution wide angle photos |
| Rear Camera (Macro) | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi 12 takes higher resolution macro photos |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, up to 1080p@960fps | Xiaomi 12 can record much higher quality and slow-motion videos. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | EIS, OIS, Ultra stable | Xiaomi 12 provides superior stabilization for smoother videos. |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | Main: 113, Photo: 118, Video: 121 | Xiaomi 12 has been tested for camera performance with good results |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Motorola One 5G Ace has slightly larger battery capacity, potentially slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 15W | 67W fast charging, 50W wireless, 10W reverse wireless | Xiaomi 12 charges much faster, both wired and wirelessly, and can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 | Xiaomi 12 offers a more modern Android experience with more features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Xiaomi 12 supports a faster and more modern Wi-Fi standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Xiaomi 12 has a newer and potentially more efficient Bluetooth version. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM | Xiaomi 12 supports two SIM cards, useful for travel or managing separate lines. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | Xiaomi 12 offers more storage, and has a higher base amount. |
| RAM | 4/6GB | 8/12GB | Xiaomi 12 offers much more RAM, resulting in smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 Microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Xiaomi 12 offers superior audio playback and recording capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear Fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones have fingerprint sensors |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Xiaomi 12 has superior screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, RGB, Ultrasonic proximity | Both phones have similar set of sensors with slight differences. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola One 5G Ace Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.7" screen is better for media consumption and those who prefer larger screens.
- Larger Battery Capacity: The 5000mAh battery may offer slightly longer battery life, but this is offset by the less efficient chipset.
- Potentially lower cost: Given that it is an older phone, the price will likely be lower, making it a more affordable option.
Xiaomi 12 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip offers significantly faster processing and graphics capabilities.
- Better Display Quality: AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate provides better visuals, colors, and smoothness.
- Significantly Faster Charging: 67W wired and 50W wireless charging for extremely rapid battery top-ups.
- Enhanced Camera System: Higher resolution sensors and superior video recording capabilities with 8k resolution and stabilization
- Modern Software and Connectivity: Runs on Android 12, has the latest WiFi and Bluetooth standards, and supports dual SIM.
- Premium Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers for a superior audio experience.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for better screen protection.
Trade-offs:
- Motorola One 5G Ace: Sacrifices performance, display quality, and camera for a lower price, possibly a slightly larger battery and screen. It has a larger physical footprint and weight.
- Xiaomi 12: More expensive, sacrifices battery capacity for significantly faster charging and a much higher overall spec, it is a more premium phone, with the trade-off being cost and battery.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola One 5G Ace:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize a large display and decent battery life over performance. Users that do not play mobile games or do heavy video editing.
- Use Cases:
- Basic social media, browsing, and media consumption on a larger screen
- Long battery life for everyday usage.
- Users who prefer a lower initial price
- Value: This phone's value comes from it's low cost, large display, and acceptable battery life for users who don't require performance features.
Xiaomi 12:
- Ideal User: Power users who need top-tier performance, a premium display, and fast charging. Users who value superior camera quality and video recording.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with high frame rates, smooth graphics and demanding applications
- Media creators who need high-quality video capture and advanced camera features
- Users who need a premium experience with the latest software, connectivity, and quality audio.
- Value: This phone's value comes from it's high performance, premium display, and advanced features, with a sacrifice to battery size and price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend? The Motorola is a budget friendly option, while the Xiaomi is a premium option, with a large difference in price.
- Performance Needs: Do you need top-tier performance for gaming and demanding apps, or are basic performance needs okay?
- Camera and Media: Are camera quality, video recording, and display performance important for you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious & Basic Use: If you prioritize a lower cost, larger screen size, and battery life for basic use, the Motorola One 5G Ace is a practical option.
- Scenario 2: Gaming & Performance: If you need a smooth, high-performance phone for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps, the Xiaomi 12 is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3: Media & Camera Enthusiast: If you prioritize display quality, camera performance, and video capabilities, the Xiaomi 12 offers a superior experience.
My Choice and Explanation
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would select the Xiaomi 12. While the Motorola One 5G Ace has its merits in terms of battery life and potentially a lower price, the overall user experience offered by the Xiaomi 12 is vastly superior. The Xiaomi 12's significantly faster processor, superior display, higher quality camera with 8k recording, and rapid charging capabilities justify the higher price for me. I prioritize performance, camera quality, and the smoothness that a high refresh rate display provides, and the Xiaomi 12 delivers on all these fronts. Furthermore, the software experience with Android 12, and a more modern suite of connectivity options are additional benefits that would sway me towards the Xiaomi 12, the only downside being a smaller battery which is acceptable given the superior fast charging capabilities. While the Motorola may have a place as a budget option, the significantly higher value offered by the Xiaomi makes it a worthwhile investment.
