Smartphone Comparison: Motorola One 5G Ace vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola One 5G Ace | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-14 | 2023-01-11 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is newer, likely with more up-to-date software and potentially newer hardware. |
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm, 212g | 165.9 × 76.2 × 8 mm, 188g | Redmi Note 12 is thinner and significantly lighter, which makes it more comfortable for one-handed use and extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Negligible difference in screen size for most users. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same sharpness for detailed images. |
| PPI | 393 | 395 | Similar pixel density, resulting in comparable clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Redmi Note 12 offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors, also better for viewing in bright sunlight. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Redmi Note 12 offers smoother animations, scrolling, and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Redmi Note 12 has much better outdoor visibility and is easier to use in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) | Redmi Note 12's newer chipset offers better performance and efficiency, leading to smoother multitasking and app loading. |
| AnTuTu Score | 330,000 | 460,800 | Redmi Note 12 is noticeably faster in benchmarks, translating to a snappier experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 | Both use Adreno 619. Redmi Note 12's configuration with the chipset could still lead to better performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.80µm | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Motorola has a slightly wider aperture, while Redmi Note 12 has a larger sensor. Overall image quality is likely similar in daylight. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 13MP, f/2.45, 1.12µm | Motorola has a higher resolution sensor and wider aperture, potentially better selfies in various lighting conditions. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12µm | Similar capabilities for wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro lens performance, though precise pixel size for Redmi is missing |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 1080p@30fps | Motorola can record in higher 4K resolution, while Redmi Note 12 is limited to 1080p. Both offer stabilization, however Motorola is limited to EIS. |
| DXOMark | N/A | Overall: 69, Photo: 74, Video: 49 | Redmi Note 12's camera performance has been benchmarked with a reasonable score in its class. |
| Camera Features | LAF | Ultra stable video, Manual focus, Continuous autofocus | Redmi Note 12 has more advanced video features and Manual focus options, while the LAF on the Motorola is only a slight advantage. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity, leading to comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging, Li-Ion | 33W fast charging, Li-Polymer | Redmi Note 12 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 | Redmi Note 12 has a more up-to-date Android version and can support more current features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5, Dual-band | Wi-Fi 5, Dual-band, MiMO | Redmi Note 12 has additional MIMO technology that can improve Wi-Fi speeds and reliability. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, EDR, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Redmi Note 12 offers better Bluetooth audio codec support, resulting in better audio quality for compatible devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1) | Redmi Note 12 offers more robust location services with dual band GPS capabilities. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Redmi Note 12 can use two SIM cards, while the Motorola only supports one. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB or 256GB | Redmi Note 12 offers more internal storage options, helpful for users with many photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB | Redmi Note 12 has a 8GB RAM option, offering smoother multitasking for demanding users. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, limiting long-term data storage options. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 Microphones | Basic audio features | Motorola One 5G Ace has slightly better mic array for voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Redmi Note 12's side-mounted sensor is often more convenient and faster to use. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Redmi Note 12 offers better screen protection against scratches and minor impacts. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Redmi Note 12 uses a more advanced ultrasonic proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola One 5G Ace Advantages:
- Slightly wider main camera aperture: (f/1.7 vs f/1.8) - Potentially better low-light performance.
- Higher resolution front-facing camera: (16MP vs 13MP) and wider aperture for better selfies.
- 4K Video Recording: Offers higher video recording resolution, good for content creators.
- 2 Microphones: Slightly better microphone array that might offer improved voice recording.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Advantages:
- Newer device: Released almost two years later, meaning newer hardware.
- Significantly lighter and thinner design: More comfortable for prolonged use.
- Superior AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate: Better colors, contrast, and smoother animations, superior for consuming content.
- Much brighter display: Better outdoor visibility.
- Significantly better performance: Faster processor and better benchmarks, leading to smoother overall experience.
- Faster charging: 33W charging vs 15W, significantly reduces charging times.
- More up-to-date Android OS: Ships with Android 12, and likely to receive updates.
- More storage and RAM options: Up to 256GB storage and 8GB RAM.
- Better Bluetooth Audio Codecs: Supports LDAC for higher quality audio output.
- Dual SIM support: Ability to use two SIMs simultaneously.
- Better screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
- More Advanced Proximity Sensor: Ultrasonic proximity virtual, which is potentially better.
Trade-offs:
- The Motorola has slightly better still camera specs and better video resolutions, but suffers from an outdated OS, slower charging, bulkier design and far inferior display quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola One 5G Ace:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users looking for decent camera performance, particularly video recording capabilities, and don't mind an older OS and slower overall experience.
- Use Cases:
- Casual photography and videography where 4K recording is desired.
- Users who prioritize a solid but basic performance in a phone.
- Users who do not mind an older Android OS.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a smooth, fast, and modern experience, better display quality, better battery charging speed, and more storage options.
- Use Cases:
- Daily use including social media, browsing, and multimedia consumption.
- Gamers looking for a better display and performance on a budget.
- Users who require a fast-charging phone.
- Users who want a phone with a more up-to-date OS.
- Users who need better outdoor visibility.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is display quality? (AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rate vs. basic IPS LCD)
- How important is performance? (Faster chipset and higher benchmarks vs slightly lesser processor)
- How important is battery charging speed? (33W vs 15W)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Conscious & Camera Focused: If budget is a major constraint and camera recording is a must, the Motorola One 5G Ace is an acceptable choice.
- Performance and Display Priority: For a smoother, faster experience with a higher quality display, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is the clear winner.
- Balanced User: For users needing good battery life, a modern OS, better display, good performance and fast charging, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is the best choice.
Personal Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. Despite the Motorola One 5G Ace having a slightly higher resolution video capability, the overall experience of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is far superior. The AMOLED 120Hz display, significantly better performance, faster charging, newer Android version, and overall sleeker design make it a much better choice for daily use. The Redmi Note 12 offers an experience that is much more modern and enjoyable. Given the improvements in crucial areas such as display, performance and battery charging speed, the Redmi Note 12 is the more balanced device that will likely satisfy more users.
