Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi 12 Pro and the Motorola Moto G35. We're going to break down the specs, discuss real-world implications, and figure out which phone suits whom. Let's get started!
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specifications of both devices, focusing on what each feature means for everyday use:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Motorola Moto G35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.6 × 74.6 × 8.2 mm | 166.3 × 76 × 7.8 mm | Xiaomi 12 Pro is a bit shorter and wider, while the Moto G35 is slightly taller and thinner. |
| Weight | 204g | 188g | Moto G35 is notably lighter, which could be more comfortable for extended periods of use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.73" | 6.72" | Virtually identical screen sizes, negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Xiaomi 12 Pro's higher resolution makes images and text noticeably sharper, less pixelated. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 521 | 392 | Xiaomi 12 Pro will provide much crisper visuals, especially noticeable when reading or viewing high-res content. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi 12 Pro's AMOLED screen offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, along with better power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animation experience, but the higher pixel density of the Xiaomi enhances smoothness. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1000 nits | Xiaomi 12 Pro is significantly brighter, making it much more visible in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Unisoc T760 (6 nm) | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a flagship-level chipset, offering far superior processing power for demanding apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,177,498 | 423,297 | Xiaomi 12 Pro is significantly faster for gaming, multitasking, and general responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G57 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a much more powerful GPU, essential for smooth gaming at high graphics settings. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.28" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | Xiaomi 12 Pro's main sensor is much larger, allowing it to capture more light and detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP | 16MP | Xiaomi 12 Pro captures higher resolution selfies for more detailed results. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" | 8MP, f/2.2 | Xiaomi 12 Pro's wide-angle shots will have much more detail thanks to the higher resolution sensor. |
| Portrait Lens | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/2.76" | N/A | Xiaomi 12 Pro has dedicated portrait camera with better focus and clarity. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps | Xiaomi 12 Pro can shoot significantly higher quality videos for professional-level content creation. |
| DXOMark | 129 (Mobile), 136(Photo), 125(Video) | N/A | Xiaomi 12 Pro's camera is significantly better according to Dxomark tests. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G35 has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering a bit more screen time (but the power hungry Xiaomi screen might not benefit from this). |
| Charging | 120W Fast Charge | 18W Fast Charge | Xiaomi 12 Pro charges incredibly quickly, while the Moto G35 is comparatively much slower. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Pro
- Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display with higher resolution, pixel density, brightness, and HDR10+ support is in a different league compared to the Moto G35's LCD.
- Flagship Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset provides top-tier performance for all tasks, from intensive gaming to demanding multitasking.
- Advanced Camera System: With larger sensors, higher resolution lenses, 8K video recording, and better DXOMark scores, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is an excellent camera phone.
- Blazing Fast Charging: 120W charging significantly reduces downtime.
- Trade-offs:
- Heavier: Slightly heavier than the Moto G35.
- Potentially Shorter Battery Life: Though it has fast charging, it also has a high performing screen and chipset, which may consume a bit more power.
Motorola Moto G35
- Strengths:
- Lighter Design: The phone is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for longer use.
- Decent Battery Life: Slightly larger battery and less power-hungry chipset might provide good screen time for standard usage.
- eSIM support The phone supports eSIM, a modern feature.
- Trade-offs:
- Lower Performance: The Unisoc T760 is adequate for basic tasks but lacks the muscle for heavy gaming or intensive applications.
- Inferior Display: The IPS LCD panel doesn't match the vibrancy, contrast, or sharpness of the Xiaomi's AMOLED display.
- Basic Camera System: The cameras are adequate for casual use but can't match the quality and features of the Xiaomi 12 Pro.
- Much Slower Charging: 18W charging is slower compared to the Xiaomi 12 Pro's 120W.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 Pro is Best For:
- Power Users: Gamers, heavy multitaskers, and anyone needing top-tier performance.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality photos and video, and want more features and detail.
- Media Lovers: People who watch a lot of videos and demand an excellent display experience.
- On-the-Go Professionals: Individuals who require fast charging and a phone that can keep up with their busy lifestyle.
Motorola Moto G35 is Best For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who want a functional phone at a lower price point.
- Casual Users: People who need a phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and calling.
- Light Phone Users: Individuals who prioritize battery life and a lighter phone weight.
- eSIM adopters: Those who want an eSIM for carrier flexibility
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance to you? If you want the fastest performance for games and intensive apps, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the clear choice. If you are fine with basic performance, the Moto G35 might be good.
- How much do you care about display quality? For vivid colors, sharp details, and great outdoor visibility, go for the Xiaomi 12 Pro. If you don't mind a decent but less impressive display, the Moto G35 could be acceptable.
- What is your budget, and how much do you value the camera? The Xiaomi 12 Pro is a premium option, while the Moto G35 is significantly more affordable. If you want top-tier camera performance, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is your pick. If you are okay with a decent camera, the Moto G35 is good enough.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-End Gaming/Work: If you plan to play graphic-intensive games or need a powerful workhorse, Xiaomi 12 Pro is the only choice. Its performance advantage is non-negotiable.
- Scenario 2: Daily Driver with Good Media Consumption: For a phone with a great display for watching videos and browsing social media, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the better option.
- Scenario 3: Budget Friendly Basic Use: If you need a device for calls, messaging, and casual use, the Motorola Moto G35 is a good option.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would opt for the Xiaomi 12 Pro. The superior display, significantly higher performance, and more versatile camera system make it a much better device overall. The 120W fast charging is a feature I would prefer in my daily life. While the price point will be higher, the experience is unparalleled compared to the Moto G35. The Moto G35 is fine if you are on a budget, but for the best performance, it just can't match the sheer power of the Xiaomi 12 Pro.
