Alright, let's dive deep into this head-to-head comparison between the Xiaomi 12 Pro and the Motorola Moto G24. These two phones occupy very different spaces in the market, and it shows in their specs. I'm here to break down exactly what that means for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Motorola Moto G24 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-31 | 2024-02-06 | Motorola is significantly newer with potential for longer software support. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are traditional smartphones, no foldables here. |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 74.6 x 8.2 mm | 163.5 x 74.5 x 8 mm | Virtually identical in size, both fit similarly in the hand. |
| Weight | 204g | 181g | Moto G24 is noticeably lighter, which could make a difference for one-handed usage. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.73" | 6.56" | Xiaomi offers a slightly larger display for more immersive media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 720 x 1612 | Xiaomi's screen is much sharper; text and images will be noticeably crisper. |
| Pixel Density | 521 PPI | 269 PPI | Xiaomi's high PPI means finer details and sharper visuals; the Moto G24 will look comparatively less refined. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED provides richer colors, true blacks, and better contrast; Xiaomi’s display is superior overall. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 500 nits | Xiaomi is far brighter, making it much easier to use outdoors in sunny conditions. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Helio G85 (12nm) | Xiaomi's chip is significantly more powerful; Expect faster app loading, better multitasking, superior gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,177,498 | 266,894 | A massive performance gap; Xiaomi is much faster across the board. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Xiaomi offers higher graphics performance, which will be apparent in gaming and graphics-intensive apps. |
| BATTERY | |||
| Capacity | 4600 mAh | 5000 mAh | Moto G24 has a slightly larger capacity, potentially leading to marginally longer battery life. |
| Charging | 120W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | Xiaomi charges far, far faster; A full charge will take a fraction of the time compared to the Moto G24. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W Fast Wireless | None | Xiaomi can charge wirelessly (very quickly!), which is not a feature of the Moto G24. |
| Additional Features | Reverse Charging, Surge P1 Chip | None | Xiaomi has unique charging features that the Moto G24 lacks |
| CAMERA | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.9, 1/1.28" Sensor | 50MP f/1.8, 0.64µm pixels | Xiaomi has a larger sensor for potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14" Sensor | 8MP f/2.0, 1.12µm pixels | Xiaomi's front camera offers a higher resolution with more detail. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP f/2.2 1/2.76" Sensor | 2MP f/2.4 | Xiaomi's wide-angle is vastly superior, capturing far more detailed and higher quality wide-angle images. |
| Portrait Lens | 50MP f/1.9, 1/2.76" Sensor | None | Xiaomi has a dedicated lens, resulting in better quality portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP f/2.4 | Motorola has a dedicated Macro lens for taking close-up shots. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 1080p@30fps | Xiaomi can record in much higher resolutions and frame rates for far superior video quality. |
| Stabilisation | OIS, EIS, Ultra Stable Video | EIS | Xiaomi offers more advanced stabilisation features, leading to less shaky video footage. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 129 | Not tested | Xiaomi's camera is a known quantity and has been shown to be of high quality. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Moto G24 ships with a more up-to-date Android version, likely with longer future support. |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Xiaomi supports newer Wi-Fi standards for faster speeds and better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.0 LE | Xiaomi has newer Bluetooth for potentially better range and more codec support. |
| GPS | Advanced multi-system | Basic system | Xiaomi offers more satellite support, likely resulting in better positioning accuracy. |
| STORAGE & AUDIO | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both phones offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 4/8 GB | Xiaomi can have significantly more RAM, supporting better multitasking and overall smoothness. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards for storage expansion. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Dual Mics | Dolby Atmos, Stereo speakers | Xiaomi has enhanced audio features for better sound quality, recording and immersion. |
| SECURITY & BUILD | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensors tend to be more reliable and easier to use. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi's screen is highly durable, while the G24’s screen protection is unknown. |
| SENSORS | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Xiaomi is equipped with a broader suite of sensors for a more complete user experience. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Pro: The Xiaomi 12 Pro is a performance beast with a top-tier display, blazing-fast charging, and a highly capable camera system. It's designed for users who demand the best in every category. Its biggest strengths include a superior display, unmatched performance, versatile camera setup, super fast charging and a very complete set of features for a premium user experience. However, it is the older phone by more than two years, and with that, it may not have the longest software support in the future.
Motorola Moto G24: The Moto G24 is a budget-friendly option designed for everyday use. Its strength lies in its simplicity, decent battery life, and newer software. While it is significantly less powerful than the Xiaomi, it's a more recent model with potential for longer software support. However, its screen, performance, charging speeds, and camera quality cannot match the Xiaomi 12 Pro.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 Pro is Ideal For:
- Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, or heavy multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who demand high-quality photos and videos in various conditions.
- Media Consumers: People who want a visually stunning screen for watching videos and browsing the web.
- Users who value a premium experience: Users who appreciate flagship-level features and performance, even if it's not the newest model.
- Users who want super fast charging: Those who value the speed and convenience of extremely fast charging.
Motorola Moto G24 is Ideal For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for an affordable smartphone for basic tasks.
- Everyday Users: People who primarily use their phones for calls, messaging, and light browsing.
- Battery Life Focus: Users who prioritize battery longevity over high-end performance.
- Users who want a new phone with software support: Users who would like a device that is more recent and therefore likely to have software updates for a longer period of time.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What is my budget?
- Xiaomi 12 Pro: If you are willing to spend more for top-tier performance, display, and camera quality, this is the device to consider.
- Moto G24: If you're on a tight budget and want a more basic phone, this is your choice.
- How important is performance and camera quality?
- Xiaomi 12 Pro: If you need the fastest performance, highest quality visuals and the best camera, this is the obvious winner.
- Moto G24: If you are fine with basic performance and camera capabilities, this will do fine.
- What are my primary use cases?
- Xiaomi 12 Pro: For intensive tasks, media consumption, and photography, the Xiaomi will offer a far superior experience.
- Moto G24: For basic use and longer battery life with basic features, the Motorola does the job.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gamer/Heavy App User: Choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro. The performance difference is game-changing (pun intended!).
- Scenario 2: Casual User on a Budget: Go with the Motorola Moto G24. You'll save money and still get a functional smartphone.
- Scenario 3: Photography Lover: Opt for the Xiaomi 12 Pro. It offers a vastly superior camera system, along with higher quality video.
- Scenario 4: Long Battery life: The Motorola Moto G24 might provide marginally better battery life, but it does so at the cost of a less impressive screen and slower performance.
- Scenario 5: Tech Enthusiast Who Values the Latest Software The Motorola Moto G24 is the newer model, and therefore is likely to have the latest software and software updates for a longer time.
My Personal Choice and Why
If I were in the market for a new phone and had to choose between these two, I'd unequivocally go for the Xiaomi 12 Pro. Here's why:
As someone who uses my phone for everything from intensive app testing and mobile gaming, to photography, and video production, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is just the better tool for my needs. The sheer performance boost offered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is not something I'd compromise on. The AMOLED display with its 120Hz refresh rate and 1500 nits brightness is just far more enjoyable for all media consumption and daily use.
The superior camera system is the other key factor. The higher-resolution cameras, the inclusion of a dedicated portrait lens, and the ability to shoot up to 8K video would be invaluable to me. I also appreciate the fast charging and wireless charging capabilities. And while the G24 is newer, I tend to prefer a premium experience from my phone and would go for the device that can deliver the best features and performance, even if it's a slightly older device.
While the Motorola G24 is a decent option for basic use, its lower performance, much lower quality display, and inferior camera simply wouldn't cut it for my everyday needs.
I would choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro despite it being an older phone because its flagship experience offers a better and more enjoyable user experience for someone who appreciates a higher level of functionality and technology, even if it means it may not have the longest software update period.
