Smartphone Comparison: Motorola One 5G Ace vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola One 5G Ace | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-14 | 2022-11-01 | Xiaomi is a newer model with potentially updated features and software. |
| Size | 166.1 x 76.1 x 9.9 mm | 163 x 76 x 8 mm | Xiaomi is slightly smaller and thinner, making it more pocketable and potentially comfortable to hold. |
| Weight | 212g | 187g | Xiaomi is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Negligible difference; both offer large screen experiences. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Identical sharpness and clarity on both displays. |
| PPI | 393 | 395 | Virtually the same pixel density, resulting in similar image clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Xiaomi offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Xiaomi provides much smoother animations and scrolling, a noticeable improvement for daily use and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | Xiaomi provides drastically better visibility in bright sunlight, making it more usable outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Dimensity 1080 (6nm) | Xiaomi's newer chipset offers improved performance and power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 330,000 | 573,200 | Xiaomi is significantly faster, leading to better app loading times, multitasking, and gaming experiences. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Xiaomi is likely to have better graphical performance for demanding games, though driver optimization also plays a role. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.88, 1.0µm, IMX766 | Xiaomi's larger sensor and larger pixels with Sony IMX766 sensor generally capture more light and detail, leading to better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 16MP, unknown µm | Comparable selfie camera performance. Pixel size for the Xiaomi is missing. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 8MP, f/1.9, unknown µm | Xiaomi's slightly wider aperture may offer slightly better low light performance. Pixel size for the Xiaomi is missing. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm, GC02M1 | Similar macro capabilities. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Up to 4K@30fps, OIS/EIS | Xiaomi offers better stabilization with OIS, resulting in smoother video footage; Xiaomi offers a wider range of video recording options. |
| DXOMark | Not tested | Mobile: 102, Photo: 108, Video: 98 | Xiaomi has a significantly better camera according to the DXOMark test. |
| Features | LAF, Digital image stabilization | OIS, Ultra stable video, continuous autofocus | Xiaomi offers a more advanced camera system with better stabilization and focusing features. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life can be expected. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Xiaomi charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 | Xiaomi has a newer Android version with potentially more features, better security, and a longer support lifecycle. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Xiaomi offers faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in congested networks with WiFi 6. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.2 LE, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Xiaomi offers slightly more up-to-date Bluetooth version and support for high-quality audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Xiaomi supports more satellite systems for better accuracy. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Xiaomi offers the option to use two SIM cards, suitable for travel or separating work and personal lines. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Xiaomi offers more storage, providing ample space for media and apps. |
| RAM | 4/6 GB | 6/8/12 GB | Xiaomi provides higher RAM options, improving multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi provides a better audio experience with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers, offering a richer sound profile. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | Side-mounted sensors are often faster and more ergonomic, but both offer basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Xiaomi offers improved screen protection against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | Comprehensive | Comprehensive | Both devices feature a full suite of sensors, suitable for advanced use cases. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola One 5G Ace Advantages:
- Laser Autofocus (LAF): May offer faster focus in certain scenarios, but the impact is limited compared to OIS found on Xiaomi.
- Potentially Lower Price: As an older model, the Motorola One 5G Ace may be more affordable.
- 10W Rapid Charger in-box: Comes with a 10W charger out of the box
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate and significantly higher brightness provides a vastly better visual experience.
- Significantly Better Performance: Faster processor and better benchmark scores.
- Better Camera System: Larger sensor, OIS, and higher DXOMark score lead to better image quality, especially in low light, and more stable videos.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging drastically reduces battery charging times.
- Newer Software and Connectivity: More up-to-date Android OS, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2.
- More Storage and RAM: Greater flexibility for storage and RAM-intensive tasks.
- Improved Audio: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos provide a more immersive audio experience.
- Dual SIM Support: Allows for using two SIM cards simultaneously.
- Better Screen Protection: Features Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for enhanced durability.
Trade-offs:
- The Motorola One 5G Ace is generally outmatched in almost every area, especially regarding screen quality and performance but may be more budget-friendly for price-sensitive users.
- Xiaomi is larger and heavier but this trade-off comes with a lot of benefits.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola One 5G Ace Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users who prioritize affordability over top-tier performance and features.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for calling, messaging, basic web browsing, and occasional social media.
- Users less sensitive to screen quality: Users who are less demanding regarding display quality and smoothness.
Use Cases:
- Basic day-to-day tasks.
- Backup phone.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Ideal User:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who want a fast, responsive phone for multitasking, gaming, and media consumption.
- Photography Lovers: Individuals who value a capable camera system with good low-light performance.
- Media Consumers: Users who enjoy watching videos and movies on their phone.
- Users who value a smooth, bright screen: Individuals who appreciate a great display for an enhanced user experience.
- Dual-SIM Users: Those who need dual SIM functionality for work/personal or travel needs.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming.
- High-quality photography and videography.
- Watching streaming media.
- Productivity tasks that benefit from smooth multitasking and response times.
- Travel and business use, leveraging dual SIM functionality.
Price-to-Value:
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro offers a significantly better overall experience for its price. The value you get for the cost is much greater than the Motorola One 5G Ace.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? Are you looking for the cheapest phone or are you willing to spend a bit more for improved features?
- What are my most important use cases? Do you prioritize gaming, photography, media consumption, or just basic day-to-day tasks?
- How much does the display quality matter to me? Do you prefer a better screen, even if it comes at a higher price?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-constrained user needing a very basic smartphone: The Motorola One 5G Ace may suffice, but be prepared for compromises on performance, screen quality, and camera capabilities.
- User who values screen quality and performance: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is the clear choice, providing a much better overall experience.
- User who wants a great camera: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is vastly superior for photography and videography, especially in low-light conditions.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would definitively choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. The advantages it offers, particularly the superior AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, the significantly better performance due to the Dimensity 1080 chipset and higher AnTuTu score, the vastly improved camera capabilities with OIS and Sony IMX766 sensor, and the much faster 67W charging, make it a far more compelling option. While the Motorola One 5G Ace might be slightly more affordable, the sacrifices made in user experience are too significant. The Redmi Note 12 Pro provides a more future-proof device with modern features, connectivity options, and better performance making it a better value proposition overall. It addresses various use cases, from gaming and media consumption to photography, far more effectively than the Motorola phone.
