Okay, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi 12 Pro and the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022). We'll go beyond the spec sheet and focus on what these differences actually mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed breakdown of each device, focusing on how the technical specs translate into real-world experiences:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 74.6 x 8.2 mm, 204g | 168.9 x 75.8 x 9.3 mm, 215g | Xiaomi 12 Pro is slightly more compact and lighter, potentially more comfortable for single-hand use. The Motorola is larger and bulkier. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard form factor smartphones, no foldables or anything fancy here. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.73" | 6.8" | Negligible difference in size. Both are large screens. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2460 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a significantly sharper display. Expect crisper text, images, and videos. |
| Pixel Density | 521 PPI | 395 PPI | Xiaomi 12 Pro will have a noticeably sharper display due to the higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better viewing angles compared to the Motorola’s LCD. AMOLED is generally more vibrant. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both will offer a smooth visual experience. Scrolling and animations should feel very fluid. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi 12 Pro will be much easier to see in bright sunlight. Motorola’s will struggle in direct sunlight since this value is missing. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) | Xiaomi 12 Pro's flagship chip is far more powerful and will result in snappier app loading, better multitasking, and higher gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,177,498 | 385,000 | The Xiaomi 12 Pro will offer vastly superior performance, 206% better than the Motorola. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 619 | Xiaomi 12 Pro's GPU is significantly faster, meaning better frame rates in demanding games and smoother graphics. |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | Motorola G Stylus has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering a bit longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 120W Fast Charging, 50W Wireless | Standard Charging | The Xiaomi 12 Pro charges incredibly fast, including wireless options. This will save significant time waiting for a full charge. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging, wired charge, 50W Fast wireless charging, 10W Wireless reverse charging | Non-removable | Xiaomi 12 Pro provides many more features than the Motorola device. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (1/1.28") | 50MP (1/2.76") | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a much larger sensor for better low-light performance and image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP | 16MP | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a higher resolution for more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP | 8MP | Xiaomi 12 Pro provides higher resolution for wider angles. |
| Portrait mode lens | 50MP | None | Xiaomi 12 Pro features an additional dedicated portrait mode lens, which will enhance bokeh effect. |
| Macro lens | None | 2MP | Motorola Moto G Stylus has a macro lens to get close to the subject, Xiaomi 12 pro doesn't. |
| Video | Up to 8K @ 24fps | Up to 1080p @ 60fps | Xiaomi 12 Pro can record in much higher resolution and frame rate, which is great for video enthusiasts. Also includes a lot of stabilization options. |
| DXOMark | Overall: 129 Photo: 136 Video: 125 | Not Tested | The Xiaomi 12 Pro has a DXOMark score indicating that it excels in photo and video. The Motorola is not tested. |
| Camera Features | Many | Many with night mode 2.0 | Both have similar features, however Xiaomi 12 Pro has 4K Video, 8K Video, Optical zoom, Ultra stable video, Continuous autofocus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Panorama, RAW. The Motorola has Night Mode 2.0. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 | Both phones have Android 12 as their operating system. |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MiMO | Wi-Fi 5 | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers faster speeds and more reliable connections with the latest Wi-Fi 6, while also supporting MiMO. Motorola uses Wi-Fi 5. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 | Xiaomi 12 Pro supports a slightly newer version of Bluetooth, which is generally more energy-efficient and has better range and higher bandwidth. |
| GPS | Full Suite | Basic Suite | Xiaomi 12 Pro has support for more satellite systems for more precise and faster location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Single SIM | Xiaomi 12 Pro allows dual SIM card functionality, which is great for separating personal and business lines. Motorola is single SIM only. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256 GB | Both provide enough storage for most users, but the Xiaomi has the additional 128 GB variant. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8 GB | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers more RAM, which can improve performance in heavy multi-tasking situations and for demanding apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither of these phones offer an external storage option. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | 2 microphones | Xiaomi 12 Pro will offer a more immersive audio experience with higher quality, better audio separation, more spatial audio and clearer voice capture. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Motorola’s side-mounted sensor is generally faster than a regular fingerprint sensor. |
| BUILD QUALITY | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi uses Gorilla Glass Victus for better durability, while Motorola's screen protection is unknown. |
| SENSORS | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive Sensor Suite | Basic Sensor Suite | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers more sensors including Barometer and RGB, which increases the overall features and functionality of the phone. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Pro Strengths:
- Display Superiority: The AMOLED display with its high resolution, brightness, and color accuracy is a clear winner. It provides a much more immersive viewing experience, particularly outdoors.
- Blazing Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset provides top-tier performance, ensuring smooth multitasking and high-end gaming capabilities.
- Advanced Camera System: From the larger main sensor to the inclusion of an optical zoom and depth sensor, the Xiaomi 12 Pro’s camera is versatile and capable of producing high-quality photos and videos.
- Ultra-Fast Charging: The 120W fast charging is a game-changer, getting your phone from zero to full in very little time.
- Enhanced Audio: With Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers, audio playback is vastly superior.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) Strengths:
- Slightly Larger Battery: Its 5000mAh battery is slightly larger, potentially offering better battery life for basic usage.
- Built-in Stylus: The main selling point of the phone is the built-in stylus, which can be great for note-taking and other creative tasks.
- Affordability: It is a good device for the price it is being sold at.
- Macro Lens: The inclusion of a macro lens is great for users who want to take close-up pictures.
- Night Mode 2.0: The phone is equipped with the newer night mode 2.0.
Trade-Offs and Limitations:
- Xiaomi 12 Pro: The biggest trade-off might be the higher price. Also, it lacks a macro lens and expandable storage.
- Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022): Its main limitations are the lower-resolution display, a less powerful processor, and a camera system that doesn't match the Xiaomi's in quality. The lack of screen brightness and missing data is a cause for concern.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi 12 Pro: This phone is best suited for tech enthusiasts, power users, and anyone who values top-notch performance, an excellent display, and a high-quality camera. It's ideal for mobile gamers, content creators, and people who consume a lot of media.
- Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022): This phone is for users who need a stylus and a decent phone for a lower price point. This phone would work best for users who prioritize battery life and need a stylus for note-taking and creative tasks.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- How important is display quality to you? If you value vibrant colors, sharpness, and excellent outdoor visibility, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the clear winner. The missing data for Motorola's display brightness is concerning.
- Do you need top-tier performance? If you frequently game, edit videos, or multitask heavily, the Xiaomi 12 Pro's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip is essential.
- Do you need a Stylus? If a stylus is a must, then the Motorola is the only option on this list, as the Xiaomi 12 Pro does not include one.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Power User: If you are a power user who wants a top-tier phone, then the Xiaomi 12 Pro is your only option in this comparison, it excels at every aspect.
- For the Budget-Conscious Stylus User: If you need a phone for basic tasks and you need a stylus, then the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) is your option.
- For the Everyday User: If you are an everyday user that wants great performance and features, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the better option.
Conclusion
The Xiaomi 12 Pro emerges as the superior device in almost every aspect except for the stylus functionality. Its high-resolution AMOLED display, powerful chipset, advanced camera system, and super-fast charging make it a true flagship smartphone. However, this comes at a cost.
The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022), on the other hand, caters to a different audience. It offers a unique stylus functionality, which is useful for note-taking and creative tasks. However, the missing data on its screen brightness is concerning.
If I had to choose, I'd go with the Xiaomi 12 Pro. The sheer power of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, combined with its stunning display and versatile camera system, provides a premium experience. The faster charging, enhanced audio features, and improved build quality make it worth the extra investment for anyone wanting top-of-the-line features and performance. While I like the idea of a stylus, for my needs I would not choose a device because it has one. If the stylus was a must for you, then the Motorola would be your only option in this comparison.
