1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola One 5G Ace | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 163.6 × 74.6 × 8.2 mm | Xiaomi 12 Pro is noticeably more compact, slimmer and potentially more comfortable to hold. Motorola is slightly larger and bulkier. |
| Weight | 212g | 204g | Xiaomi 12 Pro is slightly lighter, which may be preferable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.73" | Negligible difference in screen size; both offer a large viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3200 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a much sharper display, resulting in crisper text and images, beneficial for media consumption and detailed work. |
| PPI | 393 | 521 | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers significantly higher pixel density, meaning sharper and more detailed visuals |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast due to AMOLED technology. IPS LCD on Motorola may look more washed out and less power efficient in dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experience due to its higher refresh rate. Motorola's 60Hz screen may feel less responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | Xiaomi 12 Pro is significantly better for outdoor use in bright sunlight; Motorola is very likely difficult to use in bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a much more powerful processor, offering significantly better performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and overall speed; Motorola is significantly slower in all tasks. |
| Antutu Score | 330,000 | 1,177,498 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. Motorola is several times slower in all tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 730 | Xiaomi 12 Pro's GPU is much more powerful, providing better graphics performance for gaming and other GPU-intensive tasks; Motorola's GPU is slower and can not handle demanding games smoothly. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4600mAh | Motorola One 5G Ace has a slightly larger battery, which could translate to marginally better battery life, but this is unlikely to be very significant given the other differences. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 120W fast charging | Xiaomi 12 Pro charges much faster, minimizing downtime; Motorola's 15W charging is very slow. |
| Features | 10W rapid charger in-box | 120W wired charging, 50W Wireless charging, 10W reverse wireless charging | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers faster charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging, making it much more convenient; Motorola comes with a 10W in-box charger, which is relatively slow. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.80 µm pixel size | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.28", Sony IMX707, 1.22 µm pixel size | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a larger sensor and larger pixels, generally resulting in better low-light performance, detail, and dynamic range; Motorola's camera is more basic. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixel size | 32MP, 1/3.14", Samsung JD1, 0.70 µm pixel size | Xiaomi 12 Pro has higher resolution selfies, generally resulting in more detail, but individual pixel size is smaller. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixel size | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64 µm pixel size | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a significantly higher-resolution wide-angle lens, likely resulting in better image quality; Motorola's wide-angle is very basic and of low quality. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | N/A | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64 µm pixel size | Xiaomi 12 Pro features a dedicated 50MP depth sensor, likely resulting in better portrait mode quality; Motorola lacks this sensor. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixel size | N/A | Motorola One 5G Ace has a dedicated macro lens, which may allow for close-up shots; Xiaomi does not have this. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps/960fps, 720p@1920fps | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers higher video resolution and frame rates, offering more flexibility for content creation; Motorola is much more limited. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | EIS, OIS | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers superior stabilization, resulting in smoother videos; Motorola has just basic EIS. |
| DXOMark Score | N/A | 129 (Photo: 136, Video: 125) | Xiaomi 12 Pro scores much higher in DXOMark tests, proving much better overall image and video quality |
| Camera Features | LAF | 4K/8K Video, Optical Zoom, OIS, Ultra stable Video | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers much more advanced features, including optical zoom and OIS; Motorola is very basic. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a newer Android version, providing more features and security updates; Motorola uses a very old Android version |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (WiFi 6) | Xiaomi 12 Pro supports the newer WiFi 6 standard, offering faster speeds; Motorola has an older WiFi version. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.2 LE, Apt-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version and supports higher quality audio codecs; Motorola has an older bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Xiaomi 12 Pro supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy; Motorola uses less location systems. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Xiaomi 12 Pro supports dual SIM usage, beneficial for travelers or users with multiple numbers; Motorola is limited to a single SIM |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers more internal storage options; Motorola is limited to max. 128GB |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 8GB/12GB | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking and demanding apps; Motorola has much less RAM |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, meaning you're limited to the internal storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers higher quality audio with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers; Motorola is very basic in terms of audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones feature fingerprint sensors for basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Xiaomi 12 Pro has superior screen protection, making it less prone to scratches and damage; Motorola has unknown protection, which can mean it has low protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, RGB, Ultrasonic proximity | Xiaomi 12 Pro includes additional environmental sensors, offering richer sensor data and features; Motorola is more basic in terms of sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola One 5G Ace Advantages:
- Slightly larger battery: The 5000mAh battery might offer marginally better battery life in some usage scenarios, though the difference is not massive, and will likely be outweighed by its less efficient chipset.
- Macro lens: The 2MP macro lens allows for close-up shots, which the Xiaomi lacks, but the 2MP resolution is limiting.
- Lower Price: As an older, mid-range device, the Motorola One 5G Ace is likely significantly cheaper.
Xiaomi 12 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED display with higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and brightness provides a much better viewing experience.
- Much Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset offers significantly better performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and overall responsiveness.
- Significantly Faster Charging: 120W wired and 50W wireless charging dramatically reduce charging times, with reverse wireless charging for extra convenience.
- Better Camera System: Larger sensor, better lenses, higher resolutions, and more advanced features like OIS results in significantly better image and video quality.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards, along with dual SIM support, offer faster and more versatile connectivity options.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio provide better audio quality, while Motorola's audio is very basic.
- More RAM and Storage Options: The Xiaomi 12 Pro offers configurations with significantly more RAM and storage.
- Upgraded OS: Ships with Android 12 vs Android 10 on the Motorola.
- Build Quality The Xiaomi 12 Pro features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on the front which offers more scratch protection, where the Motorola is unknown.
Trade-offs:
- Motorola One 5G Ace: Trades performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and charging speed for a lower price point and slightly larger battery, however the trade is huge in terms of performance for battery, so not an efficient trade.
- Xiaomi 12 Pro: Trades a slightly smaller battery for significantly better performance, display, camera and charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola One 5G Ace Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Those who prioritize affordability over top-tier performance and features.
- Basic smartphone users: People who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, social media, and web browsing.
- Users who don't prioritize camera quality: Those who don't rely heavily on their smartphone camera and are okay with basic image quality.
- Users who do not game on their phone or need fast performance: This phone is not suitable for modern games and demanding applications.
Use Cases for Motorola One 5G Ace:
- Daily communication: Basic calling, texting, email, and social media browsing.
- Casual web browsing: Reading articles, checking news, and light internet usage.
- Basic photography: Capturing simple photos and videos in well-lit conditions.
Xiaomi 12 Pro Ideal User:
- Performance-focused users: Gamers, content creators, or power users who need a fast and responsive phone.
- Media enthusiasts: Those who consume a lot of videos, movies, and games on their phone and want a top-quality display.
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality and want versatile shooting capabilities.
- Users who value fast charging: Those who need to quickly charge their phones and don't want to wait hours.
- Users who want modern technology Those who want modern features such as an upgraded OS, better Wifi, Bluetooth, and sensors.
Use Cases for Xiaomi 12 Pro:
- Demanding gaming: Playing graphically intensive games smoothly and with a high refresh rate.
- Professional photography and videography: Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various conditions.
- Multitasking and productivity: Running multiple apps simultaneously without experiencing slowdowns.
- High-resolution media consumption: Enjoying high-resolution videos, movies and other content.
- Fast charging: Charging the phone quickly and easily.
Price-to-Value:
- Motorola One 5G Ace: Offers a basic smartphone experience at a low price point.
- Xiaomi 12 Pro: Offers high-end features and performance at a premium price, but it delivers excellent value for those who need the best.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your budget? If budget is a major constraint, the Motorola One 5G Ace will be cheaper, but you'll have to make major compromises.
- How important is performance? If you are a heavy user of demanding apps or mobile gaming, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is essential.
- What is your primary use case? If you're primarily using your phone for basic tasks, the Motorola may suffice, otherwise, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the clear winner.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: A user needs a basic phone for calls, texts, and casual social media, and is extremely budget limited. Recommendation: Motorola One 5G Ace due to lower cost, but be prepared for a significant compromise in speed and performance.
- Scenario 2: A user wants a phone with a top-quality display for watching movies and playing games, with a great camera and fast performance. Recommendation: Xiaomi 12 Pro due to its superior display, performance, camera, and charging capabilities.
- Scenario 3: A user wants a phone that performs smoothly without any noticeable slowdowns, and also likes to take quality photos. Recommendation: Xiaomi 12 Pro due to its excellent performance, photography capabilities, fast charging and modern features.
My Choice and Why
Given the substantial differences in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and overall user experience, I would choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro without hesitation. The Motorola One 5G Ace, while likely cheaper, is severely lacking in areas that are important for a good smartphone experience. The much faster performance, superior AMOLED display, advanced camera system, and significantly faster charging of the Xiaomi 12 Pro make it a much better choice for anyone who demands smooth, responsive, and high-quality smartphone features. While the Motorola's larger battery could seem appealing, the performance difference between the two devices makes it a poor trade off in terms of power efficiency. The Motorola One 5G Ace is a budget phone, and it feels like it.
