Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12 Pro and the Motorola Moto G24 Power. This is a classic case of flagship vs. budget, and we're going to dissect exactly what that means for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table breaking down the key specs and what they mean for real-world usage:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Motorola Moto G24 Power | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 163.6 × 74.6 × 8.2 mm | 163.5 × 74.5 × 9 mm | Similar footprint, but the Moto G24 Power is slightly thicker; may be noticeable in hand. |
| Weight | 204g | 197g | Moto G24 Power is a touch lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.73" | 6.56" | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 720x1612 | Xiaomi 12 Pro's display is significantly sharper and clearer, offering a premium visual experience. |
| PPI | 521 | 269 | Xiaomi 12 Pro provides much crisper text and images, making everything look smoother and more detailed. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi 12 Pro has better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, making it better for media. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi 12 Pro delivers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 500 nits | Xiaomi 12 Pro is much better for outdoor use in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Helio G85 (12 nm) | Xiaomi 12 Pro is significantly faster, with smoother app performance and better gaming capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,177,498 | 266,894 | Xiaomi 12 Pro is exceptionally faster, handling demanding tasks with ease. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Xiaomi 12 Pro provides superior graphics performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 6000mAh | Moto G24 Power has a larger battery, likely offering significantly longer battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 120W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Xiaomi 12 Pro charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Battery Features | 120W Wired, 50W Wireless, Reverse charging | Non-removable | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers more versatility with additional charging options. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.9, 1/1.28", 1.22µm) | 50MP (f/1.8, 0.64µm) | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a larger sensor and larger pixel size which translates to better light capture and image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (1/3.14", 0.70µm) | 8MP (f/2.0, 1.12µm) | Xiaomi 12 Pro has significantly higher resolution front camera, offering sharper selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 50MP (f/2.2, 1/2.76", 0.64µm) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Xiaomi 12 Pro captures far more detail in wide-angle shots. |
| Portrait Camera | 50MP (f/1.9, 1/2.76", 0.64µm) | N/A | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode images. |
| Macro Camera | N/A | 2MP (f/2.4) | Moto G24 Power has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS | 1080p@30fps | Xiaomi 12 Pro can record significantly higher resolution, quality video with better image stabilization. |
| DXOMark | Overall: 129; Photo: 136; Video: 125 | N/A | Xiaomi 12 Pro’s camera has been benchmarked at a high level; Motorola camera lacks benchmark data. |
| Features | 4K, 8K Video, OIS, Optical Zoom, etc | Digital zoom, Phase Detection Autofocus, etc | Xiaomi 12 Pro includes premium features like optical zoom and OIS, improving overall image quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Moto G24 Power comes with a newer version of Android out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Xiaomi 12 Pro supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.0 LE | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a slightly newer Bluetooth version, offering potentially better connectivity. |
| GPS | Advanced multi-system support | Basic GPS support | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers more precise location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | N/A | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers more storage options, suitable for larger libraries and heavy use. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | N/A | Xiaomi 12 Pro has more RAM for smoother multitasking and application switching. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows additional storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers enhanced spatial audio, higher quality audio playback, and improved voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Motorola provides faster and more convenient unlocking |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers superior scratch and drop resistance. |
| Sensors | Advanced array | Basic array | Xiaomi 12 Pro features a more comprehensive sensor suite for enhanced functionality and advanced features. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Pro:
- Strengths: Unmatched display quality (AMOLED, high resolution, 120Hz refresh, high brightness), exceptional processing power (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1), advanced camera system (8K video, multiple lenses, excellent image quality), super-fast charging, and premium build quality.
- Competitive Advantages: Flagship-level performance, a best-in-class display, and a versatile camera system that is unmatched by the Moto G24 Power.
- Trade-offs: The battery is smaller than the Moto G24 Power and likely won't last as long. It’s also more expensive and older, so may not receive the latest software updates for as long as the Motorola.
Motorola Moto G24 Power:
- Strengths: Significantly larger battery for extended battery life, newer operating system (Android 14), and a more budget-friendly price point.
- Competitive Advantages: Superior battery life and newer software at a much lower cost.
- Trade-offs: A much lower resolution, slower display, less powerful chipset, and significantly less capable camera system compared to the Xiaomi 12 Pro.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 Pro is best for:
- Power Users: Those who demand top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and running demanding applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a premium camera system capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos in any situation.
- Media Consumers: People who prioritize an exceptional display for watching videos, playing games, and browsing content.
- Fast charging enthusiasts: Users who love to top up their devices quickly.
Motorola Moto G24 Power is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a reliable smartphone with long battery life at an affordable price.
- Everyday Users: People who primarily use their phones for basic tasks, such as browsing, social media, and communication.
- Battery Life Seekers: Users who prioritize a long-lasting battery over high-end performance.
- Newest software fans: Those who want the latest version of Android available.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help guide your decision:
- How important is display quality and performance? If you want the best visuals and fastest speeds, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the obvious choice. If these are less important, the Moto G24 Power is adequate for day to day tasks.
- What is your budget? If you want the most bang for your buck and are on a tight budget, the Moto G24 Power will save you money. If you are able to spend the extra money, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is worth it.
- Do you prioritize camera quality over battery life? If you need the best camera, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is your go-to. If you prioritize battery life over camera performance, the Moto G24 Power is a better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You are a student on a tight budget and need a phone that lasts all day.
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G24 Power, for its long battery life and affordable price.
- Scenario 2: You are a professional photographer who needs a versatile camera and top performance.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi 12 Pro, for its outstanding camera and high-end processing power.
- Scenario 3: You are an avid gamer and want smooth graphics and fast performance.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi 12 Pro, for its high refresh rate display and powerful processor.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two devices, I would personally go for the Xiaomi 12 Pro.
While the Motorola Moto G24 Power has the clear advantage in battery life and has a newer OS, the sheer difference in overall quality and performance is too significant to overlook. As someone who values great displays, premium camera capabilities, and top performance, the Xiaomi 12 Pro checks all my boxes. I'm also someone who is happy to charge my device more often in exchange for the overall better user experience.
However, it’s important to note that my preference leans towards high-performance devices with premium features. If budget and battery life were my main concerns, the Moto G24 Power would be a far more sensible choice. It is a solid device that can serve as a reliable everyday workhorse for people with basic needs.
