Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi 12 Pro and the Motorola Moto G04s. On paper, these two phones occupy very different spaces in the market, and their specs reflect that. But let’s look beyond the spec sheet and focus on what these differences mean in everyday use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two devices stack up:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Motorola Moto G04s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-31 | 2024-04-29 | The Moto G04s is a newer device, potentially benefiting from more recent hardware and software enhancements. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are typical smartphones; no foldable or other unconventional designs. |
| Dimensions (mm) | 163.6 x 74.6 x 8.2 | 163.5 x 74.5 x 8 | Very similar dimensions make them both comfortable to hold, but the Moto G04s is marginally thinner. |
| Weight (g) | 204 | 178.8 | The Moto G04s is noticeably lighter, which may be more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size (inches) | 6.73 | 6.56 | The Xiaomi 12 Pro offers a slightly larger screen for immersive media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 720x1612 | The Xiaomi 12 Pro has a significantly sharper display; text and images will appear much clearer. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 521 | 269 | The Xiaomi 12 Pro's display is much crisper, with finer detail thanks to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi 12 Pro: better blacks, contrast, and vibrant colors. Moto G04s: more budget oriented LCD technology. |
| Refresh Rate (Hz) | 120 | 90 | The Xiaomi 12 Pro's display is smoother for scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness (nits) | 1500 | 0 | Xiaomi 12 Pro is significantly brighter, resulting in much better outdoor visibility under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Unisoc T606 (12nm) | Xiaomi 12 Pro: Flagship level performance. Moto G04s: basic performance for light tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,177,498 | 220,000 | The Xiaomi 12 Pro provides substantially faster performance; apps launch faster, multitasking is smoother, and games perform much better. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Xiaomi 12 Pro: significantly better graphics processing, better for gaming and graphical tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity (mAh) | 4600 | 5000 | The Moto G04s has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering a bit more longevity on a single charge. |
| Charging | 120W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | Xiaomi 12 Pro: much faster charging; get back up and running far quicker. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging, Wired charge uses the new Xiaomi Surge P1 chip, which manages to obtain fast charging of 120W of a single-cell in a safe and stable way., 50W Fast wireless charging, 10W Wireless reverse charging | Non-removable | Xiaomi 12 Pro: advanced charging capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution (MP) | 50 | 50 | Both have a 50MP sensor, but the Xiaomi 12 Pro's sensor is larger. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.9 | f/1.8 | Similar aperture, slightly wider for Moto G04s. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.28" | 1/2.76" | Xiaomi 12 Pro's larger sensor typically captures more light and better details |
| Main Camera Sensor Model | Sony IMX707 | Samsung S5KJN1 | Xiaomi 12 Pro: better light capture. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 1.22 µm | 1.00 µm | Xiaomi 12 Pro: bigger pixels mean more light gathering |
| Selfie Camera Resolution (MP) | 32 | 5 | The Xiaomi 12 Pro captures much more detailed selfies thanks to significantly higher resolution sensor. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | N/A | f/2.2 | Moto G04s has wider aperture for low light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.14" | N/A | Xiaomi 12 Pro: bigger sensor size. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Model | Samsung JD1 | N/A | Xiaomi 12 Pro: better image capture. |
| Selfie Camera Pixel Size | 0.70 µm | 1.12 µm | Moto G04s: bigger pixels |
| Wide Angle Lens | Yes 50 MP | No | Xiaomi 12 Pro: Versatility with a dedicated wide-angle lens. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | Yes 50 MP | No | Xiaomi 12 Pro: enhanced portrait mode. |
| Video | 8K@24fps | 1080p@30fps | Xiaomi 12 Pro: superior video recording capabilities. |
| DxoMark Score | Overall score 129, Photo 136, Video 125 | Not tested | Xiaomi 12 Pro: high camera performance |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Xiaomi 12 Pro: more advanced camera features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | The Moto G04s has a newer version of Android, providing more updated features and potentially longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11n 5GHz, 802.11ac, WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11n 5GHz, 802.11ac | Xiaomi 12 Pro: Newer Wi-Fi standard for faster and more reliable connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 LE Low energy consumption | Bluetooth 5.0 LE Low energy consumption | Xiaomi 12 Pro: Newer Bluetooth version with potentially better connectivity features. |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Xiaomi 12 Pro: supports more satellite systems, which offers better accuracy in different regions. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both phones offer dual SIM capabilities. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | Both phones offer up to 256GB of storage. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 4GB | The Xiaomi 12 Pro has significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking and better performance with demanding apps and games. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos | Xiaomi 12 Pro: superior audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Moto G04s offers more convenient side-mounted fingerprint scanner. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Xiaomi 12 Pro: superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Xiaomi 12 Pro: includes additional environmental sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Pro Strengths:
- Flagship Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip provides top-tier performance, making it ideal for heavy gaming and multitasking.
- Superior Display: The AMOLED panel, with higher resolution, pixel density, and refresh rate, offers a vastly superior viewing experience.
- Advanced Camera System: The larger sensors, additional lenses, and robust video capabilities make it a top performer in mobile photography and videography.
- Faster Charging: The 120W charging is incredibly convenient and a massive time saver.
Motorola Moto G04s Strengths:
- Newer OS: Comes with the latest Android 14, offering potential for longer software support and newer features.
- Lighter Design: It's noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable to use for extended periods.
- Larger Battery: The slightly larger battery might provide somewhat better battery life, especially when combined with less power-hungry chipset and display.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi 12 Pro: Potentially shorter software update life due to its older launch date.
- Motorola Moto G04s: The biggest trade-off is performance – it is significantly less powerful than the Xiaomi 12 Pro and does not include advanced display or camera capabilities.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 Pro:
- Ideal For: Tech enthusiasts, mobile gamers, content creators, and users who value top-tier performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, high-quality video recording, extensive multitasking, watching HDR content, users who want a premium display experience in bright sunlight.
Motorola Moto G04s:
- Ideal For: Budget-conscious users, those seeking a reliable daily driver for basic tasks, and people who prioritize battery life and lightweight design.
- Use Cases: Casual browsing, social media, messaging, and users who need a long-lasting phone for basic daily use.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help users decide:
- How important is raw processing power to you? If you need a phone for demanding apps and gaming, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the obvious choice.
- How much emphasis do you place on display quality? If you consume a lot of media and prefer a vibrant, sharp screen, the Xiaomi 12 Pro’s AMOLED display is a game-changer.
- What's your budget? The Motorola Moto G04s will likely be the more affordable option, but you'll be making a lot of compromises to save money.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Power User: Go for the Xiaomi 12 Pro. It offers superior performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- The Casual User: The Motorola Moto G04s is a fine choice, focusing on basic functionality and battery life.
- The Photography Enthusiast: The Xiaomi 12 Pro’s camera system is far more capable, making it the better choice.
- The Budget Shopper: The Motorola Moto G04s offers good value within its range, but keep in mind you will make compromises.
- The "Battery-First" User: The Motorola Moto G04s has a larger battery, but the Xiaomi 12 Pro’s fast charging might make it a better option overall, depending on usage patterns.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would absolutely choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro. The significantly superior display, flagship-level performance, and much more robust camera system make it worth the investment for anyone who values a premium smartphone experience. While the Motorola Moto G04s might be more appealing to budget-conscious users, the Xiaomi 12 Pro offers a level of performance and features that justify the added cost, making it a better all-around device. The fact that it includes a superior camera, display and performance puts it far ahead of the Moto G04s, making it a device I would choose any day.
