Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12 Pro and the Motorola Moto G73. It's a classic case of flagship versus mid-ranger, each with its own set of strengths. I'll break it down like I'm explaining it to a friend over coffee – keeping the tech talk grounded and focusing on what truly matters for daily use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Motorola Moto G73 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 163.6 × 74.6 × 8.2 mm | 161.4 × 73.8 × 8.3 mm | Xiaomi is slightly taller but similar width and thickness. Both feel pocketable. |
| Weight | 204g | 181g | Moto G73 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for long use. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard, non-folding smartphones. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.73" | 6.5" | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers a slightly larger viewing area, which is better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Xiaomi has a much sharper and crisper display, noticeable with text and fine details. |
| PPI | 521 | 405 | Xiaomi's display is significantly denser, leading to clearer and more detailed visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi's AMOLED offers deeper blacks, higher contrast, and better color accuracy; ideal for dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations; great for gaming and daily UI interactions. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi 12 Pro is much brighter and can be used outdoors in direct sunlight, the Motorola has no rating data. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Dimensity 930 (6nm) | Xiaomi’s chip is significantly more powerful, making it better for gaming and intensive apps. |
| Antutu Score | 1,177,498 | 497,466 | Xiaomi has far superior performance; noticeable in faster app loading and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | IMG BXM-8-256 | Xiaomi's GPU is better for high-end gaming with complex graphics. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.28", 1.22µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1.00µm | Motorola has a slightly wider aperture. Xiaomi’s sensor is larger leading to better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14", 0.70µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1.00µm | Xiaomi’s selfie cam has a higher resolution, capturing more detail. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | Xiaomi’s wide-angle lens has a much higher resolution for greater detail. |
| Portrait Lens | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | N/A | Xiaomi offers dedicated portrait mode for depth effects. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | Xiaomi captures higher quality video with advanced stabilization. |
| DxOMark | 129 (Mobile), 136 (Photo), 125(Video) | N/A | Xiaomi’s camera is significantly better, tested and scored by DxOMark. |
| Features | OIS, 8K Video, RAW, 1920 fps slow-mo | Dual camera, front flash | Xiaomi includes advanced features. Moto G73 has front flash. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G73 has slightly larger battery, potentially lasting a bit longer. |
| Charging | 120W Fast Charge | 30W Fast Charge | Xiaomi charges much faster than the Moto G73. |
| Features | Wireless Charging (50W), Wireless Reverse Charging (10W) | None | Xiaomi includes wireless charging and reverse wireless charging |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | Motorola Moto G73 has a slightly newer version of Android out of the box, potentially longer update life. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support the latest WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Moto G73 has newer Bluetooth, offering more efficiency and slightly better connectivity. |
| GPS | Extensive Support | Extensive Support | Both are comparable, with slight differences in supported systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support two SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer ample storage. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB | Xiaomi allows for more memory usage. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for additional storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res | Dolby Atmos | Xiaomi has slightly better audio with Hi-Res support. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Motorola's side-mounted fingerprint reader is slightly more convenient. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi offers better screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass | Xiaomi includes more sensors that give it more capabilities |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Pro: The Flagship Powerhouse
Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display with higher resolution, PPI, and brightness is simply gorgeous for media consumption and everyday use.
- Blazing Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset demolishes the competition in performance and is great for heavy gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: A versatile triple 50MP camera system, 8K video capabilities, and advanced features like OIS, make it a fantastic choice for photography and video enthusiasts.
- Ultra-Fast Charging: The 120W fast charging is a game-changer, allowing you to get back to 100% in minutes.
- Additional Sensors: The addition of a barometer, gyroscope, and ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor give it more utility and more complex use cases than the Moto G73.
- Screen Protection: The addition of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection gives it extra protection against daily use.
Competitive Advantages:
- Perfect for users who value top-tier performance, camera quality, and high-quality displays.
- A great choice for gamers, photographers, and video creators.
Trade-offs/Limitations:
- Significantly heavier than the Moto G73.
- Runs on an older version of Android (Android 12).
Motorola Moto G73: The Solid Mid-Ranger
Strengths:
- Lighter Build: More comfortable to hold for long periods.
- Slightly Better Battery: Slightly larger battery capacity may offer slightly longer life.
- Newer Android: Comes with the newer Android 13, potentially leading to longer support.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Scanner: More convenient than a basic scanner.
- Front Flash: Allows for selfies in low light scenarios
Competitive Advantages:
- Ideal for budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life and a newer Android version.
- Good for daily tasks and casual use.
Trade-offs/Limitations:
- Significantly lower performance, making it less suited for gaming or intensive tasks.
- Lower resolution and inferior display technology.
- Lacks advanced camera features and performance.
- Significantly slower charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 Pro:
- The Power User: Gamers, content creators, and anyone who needs a phone that can handle any task thrown at it.
- The Tech Enthusiast: Users who appreciate the latest technology and are willing to pay for top-tier specifications.
- The Media Lover: Those who consume a lot of video content and appreciate high-resolution displays.
Motorola Moto G73:
- The Practical User: People who need a reliable phone for everyday tasks, prioritize battery life, and value a more convenient fingerprint reader.
- The Budget-Conscious Buyer: Users who want a decent smartphone experience without breaking the bank.
- The Casual User: Ideal for browsing, social media, and light media consumption.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
"How important is performance and high-end gaming to you?" If it's crucial, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is your go-to. If it's not as high a priority, the Moto G73 might suffice.
"Do you prioritize camera quality, display clarity, and fast charging above all else?" If yes, the Xiaomi 12 Pro wins hands down with its superior display, camera system, and charging capabilities.
"Is having the latest Android version and a light, budget-friendly device more important?" In this case, the Motorola Moto G73 is the better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: The High-End Gamer or Mobile Creator
- Recommendation: Xiaomi 12 Pro. The superior chipset, GPU, and display make it a powerhouse for gaming and content creation.
Scenario 2: The Average User on a Budget
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G73. Provides reliable performance for daily use with a lighter build and a more up to date software.
Scenario 3: Photography or Video Enthusiasts
- Recommendation: Xiaomi 12 Pro. The advanced camera system with its 8K video and diverse lens options make it the better choice.
Personal Choice
If it were my money and my everyday phone, I'd choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro. As a tech journalist and someone who appreciates high-performance devices, the trade-offs of a heavier phone with an older version of Android are worth it. The display is simply stunning for media consumption, the camera is capable of capturing amazing detail, and the blazing-fast charging is a must for my on-the-go lifestyle. While the Motorola has its appeal for the budget minded, the Xiaomi feels like a more complete and versatile tool for my needs.
I hope this breakdown was helpful. Let me know if you have any more questions or need more guidance!
