Okay, let's dive deep into this comparison of the Xiaomi 12 and the Motorola Moto G04s. We've got a classic battle of premium vs. budget, and it's my job to break down what that means for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
First, let's get the nitty-gritty details sorted with a comparative table:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Motorola Moto G04s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-31 | 2024-04-29 | Motorola is significantly newer, with the potential for longer software support |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are traditional slab-style phones. |
| Dimensions | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm | 163.5 x 74.5 x 8 mm | The Motorola is noticeably larger, potentially harder to use one-handed. |
| Weight | 179g | 178.8g | Virtually identical, both feel light enough for extended use. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.56" | Motorola offers slightly more screen real estate for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1612 | Xiaomi's display will be significantly sharper and clearer, especially noticeable in text. |
| PPI | 419 | 269 | Xiaomi has a much higher pixel density, providing crisper images and text. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi offers superior blacks, contrast, color vibrancy, and better viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi is smoother for scrolling, gaming, and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi is dramatically better for outdoor use, with significantly higher visibility in sunlight. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Unisoc T606 (12nm) | Xiaomi offers flagship-level performance; The Motorola is a budget chip, adequate for basic tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 220,000 | Xiaomi will be much faster in app loading, gaming, and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Xiaomi’s GPU is much more powerful, enabling high-end gaming and graphics-intensive apps. |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Motorola has the advantage here, potentially offering longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | Xiaomi charges much faster; Motorola will take a long time to replenish. |
| Features | 50W Wireless, 10W Reverse | Non-removable | Xiaomi has wireless charging, fast reverse charging; Motorola has non-removable battery. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1 | Xiaomi's larger sensor will capture more light, leading to better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14", Samsung JD1 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Xiaomi captures more detail, while Motorola has a slightly larger pixel size for low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi offers wider shots, expanding creative opportunities. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi enables close-up macro photography. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Xiaomi is vastly superior for video recording with higher resolutions and advanced features. |
| DXOMark | 113 (Mobile) | N/A | Xiaomi's camera is well-rated, indicating good image quality. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Motorola has a newer version of Android with the latest features and security updates. |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | Xiaomi offers faster WiFi speeds and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 with APT-x, LDAC | 5.0 | Xiaomi has a newer, more efficient Bluetooth version, offering better audio quality. |
| GPS | Advanced Satellite Systems | Standard GPS | Xiaomi offers more precise location tracking. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | Both offer ample storage, but Motorola also offers 64GB as a base option. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 4GB | Xiaomi offers significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so choose the storage option carefully. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Dolby Atmos | Xiaomi offers superior spatial audio experience with Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Motorola offers a more convenient and modern fingerprint sensor location. |
| BUILD QUALITY | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | Xiaomi offers superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| SENSORS | |||
| Features | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | Xiaomi offers a broader range of sensors for advanced features. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12: The Performance Powerhouse
- Strengths: This phone is a powerhouse with a flagship-grade Snapdragon processor, a vibrant AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a vastly superior camera setup (especially for low-light photography and video recording), and very fast charging. It excels in tasks that require high processing power, like gaming or video editing.
- Competitive Advantages: It’s built for performance, with top-tier specs in nearly every category. The display alone is a significant step up, providing a much more immersive experience. The 50W wireless charging is also a standout feature for added convenience.
- Trade-offs: The main trade-off is battery size; at 4500mAh it's smaller compared to the Motorola. The Xiaomi is also older and may not receive the latest Android version updates for long.
Motorola Moto G04s: The Budget Champion
- Strengths: The Moto G04s offers a larger display and a bigger battery, providing good media consumption and longer battery life. It’s also running the latest Android 14, ensuring it has the latest software features and security patches.
- Competitive Advantages: The price-to-performance ratio is very good in the budget segment. This device excels at being a reliable workhorse for everyday tasks such as browsing, social media, and calls.
- Trade-offs: Its screen resolution is much lower; performance is far below the Xiaomi; the camera is a basic single-lens system; and charging is quite slow.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12:
- Ideal User: Performance-focused users who want a top-tier smartphone for gaming, media consumption, and creative tasks. Those who value high image and video quality, fast charging, and a premium display.
- Use Cases: Heavy gaming, high-resolution video recording and editing, content creation, and anyone who wants a visually rich experience.
- Price-to-Value: At launch it had a premium price, but is now available at a discounted price, especially for a used device. Therefore offers great value for users who don’t want to pay for the latest.
Motorola Moto G04s:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life and basic functionality. Those who mainly use their phone for calls, texts, social media, and light media consumption.
- Use Cases: Everyday browsing, social media, basic photography, and media consumption. Users who need a phone that lasts all day on a single charge without needing top-end features.
- Price-to-Value: This is a great value phone for the very low price range. It’s a solid choice for anyone on a budget.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, media, photography, or just basic tasks?)
- How much are you willing to spend? (Budget-friendly or willing to pay more for premium features?)
- Do you prefer performance or longevity? (Do you need top performance, or is long battery life more important?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gamer: Choose the Xiaomi 12. Its powerful processor, high-refresh-rate display, and superior GPU make it the better choice.
- The Photographer: The Xiaomi 12 is the better choice with higher image quality, video recording, and versatile lens system.
- The Budget User: The Motorola G04s is more sensible. It delivers essential features, a large display, long battery life, all at a very low price.
- The Multitasker: The Xiaomi 12's 8 or 12GB RAM, and more powerful processor are better for this.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi 12. My primary use cases involve content creation, gaming, and media consumption. The Xiaomi 12’s display, camera, and performance capabilities align more with my needs. While the battery is smaller, the 67W fast charging and 50W wireless charging mitigates the issue and it is a very reasonable trade-off for me. Ultimately the faster performance and much better display make it a better experience overall.
The Motorola G04s is a perfectly fine phone for its target audience, but for me, the premium experience of the Xiaomi 12 is undeniable.
Let me know if you have more questions about these phones!
