Okay, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi 12 and the Motorola Moto G24 Power. I've got my engineering hat on, and we’re going to break down what these specs really mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Motorola Moto G24 Power | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-31 | 2024-02-07 | The Moto G24 Power is newer, benefitting from potentially more recent software and hardware developments. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, no foldables here. |
| Dimensions | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | 163.5 × 74.5 × 9 mm | The Moto G24 Power is larger and bulkier; Xiaomi 12 is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 179g | 197g | Xiaomi 12 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for one-handed use and extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.56" | Motorola has a slightly bigger screen for more immersive content. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1612 | Xiaomi 12’s higher resolution will display crisper images and text. |
| PPI | 419 | 269 | Xiaomi 12 has a much sharper display, with text and images appearing noticeably more detailed. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi 12 offers vibrant colors, true blacks, and better energy efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi 12 provides a smoother visual experience, especially during scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 500 nits | Xiaomi 12 has superior outdoor visibility and is far more usable in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | The Xiaomi 12 has a flagship-level processor, while the Motorola is an entry-level/mid-range processor. |
| Antutu Score | 1,150,831 | 266,894 | The Xiaomi 12 is significantly faster in app loading, gaming, and multitasking – a huge difference. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G52 MC2 | The Xiaomi 12’s GPU is far more powerful, providing a superior gaming experience. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 6000mAh | Motorola has a much larger battery, suggesting significantly longer battery life in day-to-day use. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Xiaomi 12 charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 50W Wireless, 10W Reverse Charging | None | Xiaomi 12 can charge wirelessly and share its power, offering more flexibility. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Sensor | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", 1.00µm, Sony IMX766 | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.64 µm, | Xiaomi 12 has a larger sensor with bigger pixels that captures more light and detail, especially in low light. |
| Front Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14", 0.70µm, Samsung JD1 | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | Xiaomi 12 has a much higher resolution front camera, good for higher quality selfies and video calls. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi 12 captures much higher resolution wide-angle photos. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi 12 can take better macro shots with a higher resolution sensor. |
| Video | 8K@24fps with HDR | 1080p@30fps | The Xiaomi 12 offers significantly superior video recording capabilities, including 8K. |
| DxOMark Score | 113 (overall), 118 (photo), 121 (video) | Not Tested | Xiaomi 12 has been professionally tested and rated highly for its camera performance |
| Features | OIS, 8K, Night Mode, and more | Basic features | Xiaomi 12 has advanced camera features like OIS for stable videos and a dedicated Night Mode for low light. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | The Motorola has a newer version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | Xiaomi 12 features newer Wi-Fi technology with faster speeds and better performance. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.0 | Xiaomi 12 has a more modern Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | More satellite systems | Basic GPS | Xiaomi 12 has a better GPS system with more satellite support and better accuracy |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | - | Xiaomi 12 offers more storage capacity and has multiple variants. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | - | Xiaomi 12 has more RAM available, essential for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers, 2 Mics | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi 12 offers better audio quality due to Hi-Res support and 2 Microphones for better voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | The Moto G24 power has a more convenient side-mounted sensor. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi 12’s screen is better protected against damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Ultrasonic proximity, RGB, Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Proximity, Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Xiaomi 12 offers an ultrasonic proximity sensor for fast reaction times and a RGB sensor to help with color accuracy. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12:
- Strengths: This phone is a performance beast with a flagship processor, a stellar display, and a versatile camera system. It excels in tasks that require raw power and premium display quality, such as gaming, video editing, and content consumption.
- User Experience: The Xiaomi 12 delivers an overall premium and fast user experience with its powerful processor, sharp display, and fast charging. The AMOLED panel offers a superior viewing experience, and its camera system is more feature-rich.
- Trade-offs: Smaller battery capacity and no expandable storage could be a drawback for some users. Also, the older Android version is something to consider.
Motorola Moto G24 Power:
- Strengths: This phone shines with its massive 6000mAh battery, promising extended battery life. It is also a more modern phone, launching 2 years later and having the latest version of Android available.
- User Experience: The G24 Power is more of a budget focused device, with it's focus being on battery life and user friendliness.
- Trade-offs: The G24 has lower resolution, weaker performance, and a less refined camera experience compared to the Xiaomi 12. The performance difference is stark, and it cannot be used for heavy tasks.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 is ideal for:
- Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for gaming, productivity, and multitasking.
- Content Creators: Users who want a capable camera with advanced video features and want the sharpest and brightest display for content creation.
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who want the highest quality display, smoother animations, and immersive audio experience.
Motorola Moto G24 Power is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who need a reliable phone with long-lasting battery life and don't require high-end features.
- Everyday Users: Those who prioritize battery life and basic functionality over top-tier performance.
- Users who want the latest android version: Those who want a modern phone with the latest software.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
- How important is performance to you? If you're a gamer, content creator, or power user, the Xiaomi 12 is the clear choice. If you need a phone for basic tasks and want to prioritize battery life, the Moto G24 Power is a good choice.
- How important is display quality? For sharp, vibrant visuals, especially when outside, the Xiaomi 12 is superior. If a basic, functional display is sufficient, the G24 will work.
- Is battery life more important than fast charging? The Moto G24 Power's battery life is superior, but the Xiaomi 12 charges much faster. If you can sacrifice some uptime to achieve a longer battery life the Moto is for you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Heavy Gamer: Go for the Xiaomi 12. The difference in performance will be very noticeable.
- All-Day Battery Life Seeker: The Motorola Moto G24 Power is the winner here with its massive battery.
- Casual User: The Motorola will cover the basic usage but the Xiaomi 12 is better for a much longer period of time.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Xiaomi 12. While I appreciate the massive battery on the G24 Power, the performance gap is just too significant to ignore for my daily usage. As someone who enjoys high-quality visuals, takes a lot of photos and videos, and uses their phone for a wide range of tasks, the Xiaomi 12's processing power, premium display, and superior camera system would better align with my needs and preferences. The faster charging is a good tradeoff for the smaller battery since I would rather charge quickly and be back on the go. The user experience and the versatility of the Xiaomi 12 are what wins it over for me.
