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 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is significantly newer, likely with more modern features and software support. |
| Dimensions | 166.1 x 76.1 x 9.9 mm | 162.9 x 76 x 8.9 mm | The Motorola is slightly taller and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 212g | 208.4g | Both have similar weights. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Negligible difference in screen size; both will feel similar for daily use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same sharpness, no noticeable difference in clarity. |
| PPI | 393 | 395 | Virtually identical pixel density, meaning similar visual detail. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | OLED provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast for a more vibrant viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Redmi’s 120Hz screen will make scrolling and animations feel much smoother. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers significantly better outdoor visibility under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | The Mediatek chipset in the Redmi is newer and offers more processing power and efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 330,000 | 573,100 | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has significantly better performance, leading to faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G68 MC4 | The Mali-G68 MC4 in the Redmi is expected to offer better graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 200MP | The Redmi has a much higher resolution primary camera, allowing for more detailed photos and more cropping flexibility. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.65 | The Redmi’s slightly wider aperture allows for better low light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | - | 1/1.4" | Redmi Note 12 Pro+'s larger sensor size contributes to improved low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 16MP | Both devices have the same selfie camera resolution. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.45 | Motorola has a slightly wider aperture, capturing slightly better low-light selfies |
| Wide Angle Resolution | 8MP | 8MP | Both devices have the same wide-angle camera resolution. |
| Macro Lens Resolution | 2MP | 2MP | Both devices have the same macro camera resolution. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Both support 4k 30fps recording. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | Yes | Xiaomi's OIS makes for smoother video recordings, especially when moving. |
| DxoMark Score | Not Tested | 113 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has been benchmarked with a decent overall camera score |
| Camera Features | LAF | 4K Video, OIS | Redmi includes features like OIS, crucial for better video and low-light photos. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity suggesting similar battery life, though this depends on use. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | Redmi's significantly faster charging will allow for much faster top-ups. |
| Charger included | 10W | None Specified | Motorola includes a basic rapid charger, saving the user the hassle of purchasing one separately |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 (Upgradable to 14) | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a more modern OS and is upgradeable to Android 14, meaning a longer period of software support and access to newer features. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Redmi offers faster speeds, better range, and higher performance in congested environments. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Redmi has a newer version, allowing better and more efficient wireless connections |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1) | The Redmi offers more precise location tracking with additional satellite support. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM | Redmi allows two SIM cards, beneficial for travel or separating work and personal numbers. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has options for more storage; both lack expandable storage. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 8GB/12GB | Redmi has much more RAM, leading to better multitasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device supports microSD card storage. |
| Audio Quality | 2 Microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ provides a richer and more immersive audio experience, great for media consumption. |
| Security & Build | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | Side-mounted sensors are usually more convenient and faster to use than rear sensors. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Redmi offers better screen protection, reducing the risk of scratches and cracks. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola One 5G Ace Advantages:
- In-box charger: Includes a 10W rapid charger, a cost and convenience saving.
- Wider Selfie Camera Aperture: Potentially better low-light selfies.
- Laser Auto Focus: Faster and more accurate auto-focus
Practical Implications: The Motorola One 5G Ace provides a more basic user experience, but includes a charger.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Advantages:
- Superior Display: OLED with a 120Hz refresh rate and much higher brightness offers a much smoother, more vibrant viewing experience.
- Significantly Better Performance: The newer chipset and higher RAM provide much smoother and snappier performance for demanding apps and multitasking.
- Much Faster Charging: 120W charging allows you to get back up to full much faster than the Motorola’s 15W charging.
- Superior Camera: Higher resolution main sensor, Optical Image Stabilization, and tested benchmark score mean better photos and video.
- Newer Software & Connectivity: Android 12 (upgradeable to 14) and Wi-Fi 6 offer modern features, faster internet, and more future-proofing.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos provide an immersive audio experience.
- More Storage and RAM: Higher storage and RAM capacity will allow for more apps and files, and offer better multitasking.
Practical Implications: The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is significantly better in most aspects and offers a premium experience.
Trade-offs:
- The Motorola One 5G Ace is older, uses an IPS display, and has a significantly less powerful processor. It does, however, include a charger in the box.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola One 5G Ace Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Prioritizing cost over high-end features.
- Basic Smartphone Users: For individuals who primarily browse the internet, make calls, and use basic apps without high demands.
- Users with Physical Limitations: A basic smartphone experience with large text can be useful to users who struggle with a multitude of options.
Use Cases:
- Everyday web browsing, social media, and calls.
- Casual media consumption where display quality isn't a top priority.
- Basic smartphone functionality for seniors or first-time smartphone users.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Ideal Users:
- Enthusiast Users: Those seeking good performance, a great display, and advanced features.
- Mobile Gamers: Users who want smooth performance for gaming, and a vibrant display.
- Media Consumers: People who watch videos and movies or listen to music on their phone frequently will enjoy the screen and audio features.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a great camera on their phone to capture higher-quality photos and videos.
- Users Needing Fast Charging: Those who want to quickly top up their phone during the day.
- Users Needing Long Term Software Support: Those seeking a phone that will be supported and upgraded with the newest features for the long term.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming and high-performance apps.
- Video consumption and media creation.
- Photography and videography in various lighting conditions.
- Heavy multitasking and professional use.
- Extended usage where fast charging is needed
Price-to-Value Ratio: The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers a much better price-to-value ratio, given the performance gains and quality of features. While the Motorola One 5G Ace is less expensive, it lacks a lot of the features that a current smartphone user would appreciate.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Ask:
- What is your budget? If cost is the absolute primary concern, the Motorola may be worth considering, but the Redmi still provides a better value for the cost.
- What are your primary usage needs? Basic browsing and calls vs. Gaming, photography, or heavy media use? The Redmi is superior if you need more than basic usage.
- How important is the display quality, charging speed, and camera performance to you? The Redmi is vastly superior in these categories.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic User: If you are a basic user who needs a phone just for calls, browsing, or texting, the Motorola One 5G Ace might be adequate for the low cost. However, for a small bump in price, the user will have a much better experience with the Redmi.
- Scenario 2: Moderate User: If you need better performance and are willing to spend more, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is a much better choice due to its vastly superior performance, camera, and display, even if it is slightly more expensive.
- Scenario 3: Heavy User/Tech Enthusiast: For heavy users and tech enthusiasts, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the clear winner with its superior display, performance, camera, and charging capabilities.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would absolutely choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+. The difference in user experience is significant. While the Motorola One 5G Ace might be a tempting choice for its low price and included charger, the Redmi provides a significantly better experience in almost every aspect. The better display, faster performance, superior camera, quicker charging, newer software, and enhanced audio create a much more enjoyable and versatile phone experience. The practical benefits of these enhancements, such as smoother multitasking, sharper photos, and richer multimedia consumption, make the Redmi a clear winner. The cost difference, considering the experience provided, is well worth the extra expense.
