Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12 and the Motorola Edge 30. I'll break down the specs, explore the real-world implications, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Motorola Edge 30 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm | 159.4 x 74.2 x 6.8 mm | Xiaomi 12 is more compact and thicker; Edge 30 is taller, wider and thinner. |
| Weight | 179g | 155g | Edge 30 feels lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.5" | Edge 30 offers slightly more screen real estate; Xiaomi 12 slightly more compact overall. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp, clear visuals. |
| Pixel Density | 419 PPI | 405 PPI | Very similar sharpness, so difference is negligible. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Edge 30 has a slightly smoother scrolling and animation experience. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi 12 is better for outdoor use in bright conditions. Edge 30 spec is missing and unclear. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Xiaomi 12 has much faster processing for demanding tasks and gaming; Edge 30 handles everyday tasks well. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 609,900 | Xiaomi 12 benchmarks significantly higher, reflecting superior raw power. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 642L | Xiaomi 12 has much higher graphical processing power, critical for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 4020 mAh | Xiaomi 12 has a slightly larger battery; potentially longer usage, but real-world use will vary significantly. |
| Charging | 67W wired, 50W wireless | 33W wired | Xiaomi 12 charges much faster, especially convenient for quick top-ups. |
| Features | Reverse, Wireless Charging | Non-Removable | Xiaomi 12 offers wireless charging and reverse charging which means you can charge other devices from your phone. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55", Omnivision OV50A | Both have similar sensors, but Motorola Edge 30 has a slightly wider aperture (f/1.8). Xiaomi uses a Sony sensor, while Motorola uses an Omnivision sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14", Samsung JD1 | 32MP, f/2.25, 1/3.14", Samsung JD1 | Very similar selfie performance. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi 12 provides more versatile shooting with its dedicated wide-angle lens. |
| Depth Sensor | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Motorola has a depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi 12 provides macro shots with a dedicated sensor. |
| Wide-Angle + Macro | None | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1 | Motorola uses one sensor for ultrawide and macro shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Xiaomi 12 supports higher resolution video recording. |
| DXOMark Score | 113, Photo: 118, Video: 121 | Not tested | Xiaomi 12 shows good performance in camera tests; Motorola isn't tested. |
| Features | 8K Video, OIS, Ultra stable video | OIS | Xiaomi 12 has more video features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | Motorola offers an upgrade to the newer version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both have fast and reliable wireless connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Both offer similar audio and connectivity features. |
| GPS | More Satellites | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Xiaomi 12 supports more satellite systems, potentially giving it better positioning accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both can support 2 SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 6/8 GB | Xiaomi 12 has slightly more RAM for better multitasking on the higher end. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos | Xiaomi 12 has more features offering better audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both have the same fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | Xiaomi 12 has a better screen protection than Motorola Edge 30. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | More Sensors (RGB, Ultrasonic proximity virtual) | More Basic Sensors (Proximity) | Xiaomi has better sensors for more advanced features. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12:
Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and Adreno 730 provide a significant performance edge, making the Xiaomi 12 ideal for gaming and intensive tasks.
- Better Display: The brighter display (1100 nits) greatly improves visibility in sunlight and with a wide color gamut for vibrant visuals.
- Faster Charging: 67W wired and 50W wireless charging is significantly faster than the Edge 30 and is a major convenience.
- Advanced Camera Features: Wide Angle lens and macro camera provide greater versatility for photography enthusiasts.
- Enhanced Audio: Hi-Res Audio along with Dolby Atmos provides a more immersive listening experience.
- Better Build: Gorilla Glass Victus for better screen protection.
Trade-offs:
- Smaller Display: Some may prefer the larger screen of the Edge 30.
- Battery: A slightly larger battery, but not a massive increase to real-world battery life.
Motorola Edge 30:
Strengths:
- Lighter and Thinner: The Edge 30 is noticeably more comfortable to hold and carry.
- Slightly Smoother Display: The 144Hz refresh rate offers marginally smoother animations and scrolling.
- Android 13 Upgrade: Guaranteed upgrade to Android 13.
- Competent Camera: Good camera with an ultrawide and macro sensor for versatility.
Trade-offs:
- Lower Performance: The Snapdragon 778G+ is a mid-range chipset, noticeably slower than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1.
- Slower Charging: 33W charging takes longer to fully charge, especially for impatient users.
- Dimmer Display: Lack of brightness specifications is a major disadvantage, suggesting poor outdoor visibility.
- Lower Build Quality: Gorilla Glass 3 is an older standard of protection.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12:
- Ideal for: Gamers, power users, multimedia consumers who require top-tier performance and fast charging. Those who value high performance, excellent screen, fast charging, and enhanced audio experiences.
- Use Cases: High-end gaming, video editing, multitasking, outdoor use, and capturing high quality photos and videos.
Motorola Edge 30:
- Ideal for: Users seeking a lightweight and stylish phone with a smooth display for everyday tasks, who need to upgrade to Android 13. Good option for users who want a reliable phone for social media and basic photography on a budget.
- Use Cases: Social media, web browsing, light gaming, casual photography, and general use.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your choice:
How important is raw performance?
- If High: The Xiaomi 12 is the clear winner with its superior chipset, graphics, and ram, ensuring a smoother experience for gaming and heavy tasks.
- If Moderate: The Motorola Edge 30 is suitable for everyday usage, such as social media and casual games, but will be noticeably slower.
Do you need a bright screen, and fast charging?
- If Yes: The Xiaomi 12 shines here with its significantly brighter display (1100 nits), and super fast 67W wired and 50W wireless charging.
- If No: The Motorola Edge 30 offers basic display, basic camera, and slower charging experience, but is good enough for casual usage.
Do you prefer a lighter, thinner design or a more compact one with top end features?
- If Lighter: The Motorola Edge 30 is noticeably lighter, which may be more comfortable for some.
- If Compact and Powerful: The Xiaomi 12 offers top end features with a smaller size.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gamer: The Xiaomi 12 is the clear choice. It offers the better performance, graphics, and fast charging, along with better display, enhanced audio, and sensors.
- The Casual User: The Motorola Edge 30 is the better option, if price is a major consideration, or if you really value the lighter and thinner design and the promise of Android 13. It also has a decent camera and is good for basic tasks.
- The Photographer/Videographer: The Xiaomi 12, with its wide angle and macro camera, 8K video and higher rated camera, and video stabilization features is a better option for capturing more high quality images and videos.
My Choice
For me, I would choose the Xiaomi 12. As someone who values performance, high quality visuals, and appreciates the ability to capture high quality photos and videos, the Xiaomi 12 simply offers more of what I need from a smartphone. While the Motorola Edge 30 has a comfortable feel in the hand, the Xiaomi 12 with its superior performance, brighter display, faster charging, and enhanced camera features, makes it a better fit for my daily use, and is worth the trade off in the size. The ability to quickly charge my device and having a robust camera system for photography and videos is invaluable to me, and the Xiaomi 12 checks those boxes without a problem.
