1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola One 5G Ace | Xiaomi Redmi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 168.6 × 76.3 × 8.2 mm | Redmi 12 is taller and slimmer; One 5G Ace is thicker and slightly heavier. Redmi 12 might feel slightly more comfortable for one-handed use due to its slimmer profile. |
| Weight | 212g | 198.5g | Redmi 12 is lighter, which can be noticeable during prolonged use, reducing fatigue. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.79" | Negligible difference; Both offer large screens, great for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Virtually identical; Both offer sharp visuals for everyday use. |
| PPI | 393 | 396 | Virtually identical; Expect similar clarity on both screens, fine details would be indistinguishable. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both offer similar viewing angles and color reproduction, making this a non-factor. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Redmi 12 has smoother scrolling and animations, making the UI feel more responsive compared to the Motorola with its 60Hz refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Unknown brightness levels, making it impossible to comment on visibility in different lighting. Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Helio G88 (12 nm) | One 5G Ace's chipset is more powerful, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 330,000 | 249,400 | One 5G Ace's superior benchmark score means a noticeably snappier experience, especially in gaming and heavy tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G52 MC2 | One 5G Ace's Adreno GPU is generally better for gaming, offering superior graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have similar battery life for all-day use, though actual endurance depends on usage. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 18W fast charging | Redmi 12 charges slightly faster, allowing you to get back to using your phone quicker. |
| Features | 10W in-box charger | Reverse charging | One 5G Ace includes a charger in box; Redmi 12 can act as a power bank, useful for charging other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.64µm | Redmi 12 has a higher resolution sensor; One 5G Ace's wider aperture may offer slightly better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Lens | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.1, Unknown µm | One 5G Ace has a significantly higher resolution selfie camera; Redmi 12's wider aperture might perform slightly better in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.14µm | Both phones offer similar performance for ultrawide shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | 2MP, f/2.4, Unknown µm | Both phones have the same macro lens, offering similar macro photography capabilities. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps | One 5G Ace offers higher quality 4K video recording, while Redmi 12 is limited to 1080p. |
| Slow-Motion | 60 fps | 120 fps | Xiaomi Redmi 12 is capable of recording smoother slow-motion footage |
| Features | PDAF, LAF, Night Mode | 4K Video | One 5G Ace has features designed for faster and clearer photos, and better low-light shots, while the Redmi 12 can record 4k videos. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 13, upgradeable to 14 | Redmi 12 has a newer OS and will receive software updates for longer, offering the latest features and security patches. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both phones support similar Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 LE | Redmi 12 has a newer Bluetooth version, offering better connectivity and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, SUPL | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Redmi 12 has support for Beidou, making it potentially more accurate in some regions; The One 5G Ace includes SUPL technology |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM | Redmi 12 lets you use two SIM cards at once, offering more flexibility for managing multiple phone numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Redmi 12 offers more internal storage, allowing more space for apps, media, and files. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 4 GB or 6 GB or 8 GB | Redmi 12 has an 8GB RAM variant for smoother multitasking, more apps in memory, and less frequent reloading. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, so choosing the correct configuration is essential. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 microphones | Basic audio features | The One 5G Ace will likely have better audio capture for calls and recordings. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Redmi 12's side-mounted sensor is generally considered faster and more convenient. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | We cannot assess their durability due to lack of information, a common feature in this class of phones is a glass front, plastic frame and back. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both phones feature the essential sensors; The One 5G Ace has a dedicated proximity sensor, while the Redmi 12 has an ultrasonic virtual sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola One 5G Ace Advantages:
- Stronger Performance: The Snapdragon 750G chipset offers better overall performance, with a higher AnTuTu score indicating faster app loading and smoother multitasking.
- Superior Main and Selfie Camera: Better front facing camera, and wider aperture main camera may mean better photos in challenging light situations
- 4K Video Recording: Ability to record 4K video, great for high-quality vlogs or memorable moments.
- Better Audio Capture: Two microphones allow for better sound when recording videos.
- Dedicated Proximity Sensor: The dedicated sensor is better than a virtual one for reliable display behavior during calls.
- Advanced Camera Features: It offers PDAF, LAF, and Night Mode, providing enhanced shooting capabilities.
- 5G Connectivity: The 5G capability allows for faster download speeds when the service is available
Practical Implications:
- The Motorola One 5G Ace is better suited for gamers and power users, who demand more from their smartphones.
- It excels in low light photography, and offers the option to film in higher quality.
- The presence of two microphones will be appreciated by the users that create content using their phones.
- The dedicated sensor will improve the experience for those who spend a lot of time on the phone.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 Advantages:
- Newer Android OS: Comes with Android 13 (upgradeable to 14), offering the latest features, security patches, and a longer software support lifecycle.
- Smoother Display: The 90Hz refresh rate provides a smoother user experience, making scrolling and animations feel more fluid.
- Faster Charging: 18W fast charging recharges the battery slightly quicker than the Motorola 15W.
- Reverse Charging: Can act as a power bank for other devices, which is a useful backup feature.
- Dual SIM: Dual SIM support offers more flexibility for managing two phone numbers simultaneously.
- More Storage Options: Up to 256GB of internal storage and 8GB of RAM, allowing more room for apps, media, and better multitasking
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Offers better connectivity and efficiency for compatible accessories.
- Better Slow Motion: Better slow motion capabilities.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Generally considered more convenient and faster.
Practical Implications:
- The Redmi 12 is a better option for those who prioritize a modern user experience, with a focus on software updates and convenient features.
- The Redmi 12 is great for users who want to stay up-to-date on the latest software, and value the convenience of being able to charge other devices
- It's a good fit for individuals who need more storage space and use multiple SIM cards.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Motorola One 5G Ace sacrifices some of the convenience features and software updates for better performance and camera quality, while sacrificing a faster refresh rate.
- Xiaomi Redmi 12 sacrifices performance for a modern software experience, convenience and storage.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola One 5G Ace:
- Ideal User: Gamers, users who prioritize performance, and those who heavily use their phone for taking photos or shooting videos.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming and other demanding mobile apps.
- Taking pictures and videos, especially in challenging light situations.
- Users who would appreciate higher quality content for sharing.
- Users who want to rely on a dedicated proximity sensor for calls.
Xiaomi Redmi 12:
- Ideal User: General smartphone users who value modern software features, those that want longer software support, and those who need dual SIM capabilities.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday use including social media, browsing, streaming.
- Users who value a smoother display.
- Users with multiple phone numbers
- Those who appreciate reverse charging.
- Those who value more modern features.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Motorola One 5G Ace offers a greater value if one values performance and good camera quality, while sacrificing modern convenience features.
- The Xiaomi Redmi 12 offers better value for users who prefer convenience and modern features, while sacrificing performance.
- Both phones offer an acceptable value proposition in their respective areas
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Performance or Features: Do you prioritize faster performance for gaming and heavy apps, or are newer software and convenient features more important?
- Camera Quality: Is better low-light camera performance and 4K video recording a priority, or is a decent camera sufficient for your needs?
- Long Term Use: Do you prioritize the latest OS features and long term support, or do you not see this as a priority?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming Enthusiast: Choose the Motorola One 5G Ace. Its stronger chipset and GPU will provide a more enjoyable gaming experience.
- Scenario 2: Casual User, Modern Features: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi 12. Its smoother screen, newer OS, and convenient features offer a better day-to-day experience.
- Scenario 3: Budget User Looking for Performance: Choose the Motorola One 5G Ace. It offers the best performance for the price point, and has a good camera.
- Scenario 4: Photographer / Content Creator: Choose the Motorola One 5G Ace. Its 4k video and better low light camera capabilities will lead to higher quality content.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola One 5G Ace for a few key reasons:
- Performance: The superior performance of the Snapdragon 750G is a significant advantage. As someone who uses their phone heavily for multitasking and occasionally for gaming, I value speed and responsiveness over modern software features.
- Camera: The better main and selfie camera, and the 4k recording option will be advantageous for better pictures and videos.
- Better audio: The two microphones will improve the quality of video recordings.
- 5G connectivity: The ability to download files quickly when available is preferable.
While the Xiaomi Redmi 12 has its merits with a newer OS and 90Hz refresh rate, the performance and camera difference is much more important to me. I would choose performance over convenience features, and would take the slightly worse display in order to have a better user experience.
