Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi 12 and the Motorola Moto G35. It’s always fascinating to see how different manufacturers approach the same tech problems, so let's get our hands dirty with the specs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
First off, let’s break down the tech specs. I've put together a table that groups the specs into categories that make sense for us real-world users, and I'll explain what they mean along the way.
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Motorola Moto G35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | 166.3 × 76 × 7.8 mm | The Moto G35 is larger and slightly thinner, potentially less pocket-friendly but with a bigger screen to enjoy content. |
| Weight | 179g | 188g | Xiaomi 12 is lighter by 9g, making it slightly easier to handle for long periods. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphone form factors |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.72" | The Moto G35 has a bigger screen, great for media consumption, while the Xiaomi 12 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both are sharp enough for most users, with identical detail levels. |
| PPI | 419 | 392 | The Xiaomi 12 has a slightly sharper display with better clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi 12's AMOLED screen offers superior blacks, vibrant colors, and better energy efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both are smooth, with buttery scrolling and fluid animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1000 nits | Xiaomi 12 can get a bit brighter, which is helpful when using your phone outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Unisoc T760 (6nm) | The Xiaomi 12 has a much more powerful processor, which translates into faster apps, better multitasking, and smoother gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 423,297 | The Xiaomi 12 outperforms the Moto G35 by a very large margin, highlighting its superior processing capabilities. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G57 | The Adreno 730 in the Xiaomi 12 is significantly more powerful, better for graphically intense tasks like gaming. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The Moto G35 has a larger battery, likely providing longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging, 50W Wireless | 18W Fast Charging | The Xiaomi 12's fast and wireless charging means you spend less time plugged into the wall. |
| Battery Features | Reverse Charging, Non-removable, 50W Fast Wireless Charging, 10W Reverse Charging | Non-removable | Xiaomi 12 has the flexibility of wireless charging with reverse charging for other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor | Xiaomi 12's larger sensor should capture more light, leading to better low-light photos. Moto G35's wider aperture collects more light. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14" sensor | 16MP, f/2.45 | Xiaomi 12 offers higher resolution selfies, ideal for detailed shots. |
| Wide Lens | 13MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Xiaomi 12 has more detail with it's 13MP while the Motorola has a wider aperture with its f/2.2. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | The Xiaomi 12 is versatile for close up shots, the Moto G35 lacks a dedicated Macro lens. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@960fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | Xiaomi 12 offers much higher video quality and frame rates, including slow-motion capabilities. |
| Stabilisation | OIS, EIS | EIS | Xiaomi 12 offers optical image stabilisation for video, while Motorola G35 uses electronic. |
| Features | 8K, OIS, RAW, Night Mode | Dual camera | Xiaomi 12 has more camera features, while the Motorola has a dual camera setup. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | The Motorola G35 runs the most recent version of Android, whereas Xiaomi 12 is running an older version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | The Xiaomi 12's Wi-Fi 6 is faster, providing a more reliable network connection. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 LE (apt-x, LDAC) | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Xiaomi 12 has a more recent Bluetooth version, with better support for high quality audio. |
| GPS | L1+L5 dual-band | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The Xiaomi 12 has more accurate GPS, due to it being dual-band. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | The Motorola G35 offers eSIM support, for greater flexibility in service switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer the same max storage, allowing for ample room for files. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 4GB/8GB | Xiaomi 12 offers higher RAM configurations, for better multitasking and speed. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone provides expandable storage, plan your storage accordingly. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos | The Xiaomi 12 has Hi-Res Audio, giving better audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Motorola has a side mounted fingerprint sensor, while Xiaomi uses a basic sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Xiaomi 12 has a much stronger screen protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Xiaomi 12 has RGB sensors, Ultrasonic proximity virtual, compared to Proximity on the Moto G35. |
| ## 2. Key Insights |
Xiaomi 12: The Powerhouse
- Performance: The Xiaomi 12 is a clear winner in terms of raw power, thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a superior gaming experience. The 12GB option for RAM is also a huge plus for those who push their phones to the limit.
- Display: The AMOLED panel with its high refresh rate and brightness gives a better overall visual experience with richer colours and sharper images.
- Camera: It packs a more capable camera system, particularly in low light due to the larger sensor size, and has 8K and much higher slow-motion video recording capabilities. It is also feature packed for the camera lovers with OIS, RAW, night mode.
- Charging: Its 67W fast charging, coupled with wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, makes it incredibly convenient to keep powered up.
- Build: Has a better display protection with Gorilla Glass Victus, compared to the older Gorilla Glass 3.
- Audio: Has better audio with Hi-Res audio and other features.
Motorola Moto G35: The Value Champion
- Battery: The Moto G35 has a slightly larger battery and will potentially have a longer runtime.
- Display: While not as vibrant as the Xiaomi 12, it offers a larger screen for comfortable content consumption.
- eSIM Support: Offers support for an eSIM allowing you to easily switch between providers.
- Latest OS: Runs the latest Android 14 operating system.
Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi 12 sacrifices some battery capacity for a more powerful processor and richer display.
- The Motorola Moto G35, while more affordable, has significantly lower performance.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 is perfect for:
- Power Users: Gamers, media creators, and anyone who demands top-tier performance from their smartphone.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want a capable camera that performs well in various lighting conditions.
- Tech Savvy Individuals: Users who want the latest and greatest features, like fast wireless charging and a vibrant AMOLED display.
Motorola Moto G35 is best suited for:
- Casual Users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for browsing, social media, and basic apps.
- Budget-Conscious Shoppers: Those who prioritize affordability and good battery life over high-end specs.
- Users looking for stock Android: If a clean android experience is important to you, then this is your device.
- eSIM Users: Users who want to be able to digitally change providers.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions that will help you decide which phone is right for you:
- How important is performance?
- If you need top-tier performance for demanding tasks, the Xiaomi 12 is the clear choice.
- If you’re fine with average performance for everyday use, the Moto G35 will suffice.
- What is your budget?
- If budget isn't a concern, the Xiaomi 12’s extra features and capabilities are worth the money.
- If you're on a tight budget, the Moto G35 is a more practical choice.
- What do you value more, a high quality display or long battery life?
- If you want the best display with a slightly smaller battery, the Xiaomi 12 is the device for you.
- If you are more concerned with battery life over display quality, the Motorola G35 is your choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gamer: If you’re a gamer, the Xiaomi 12 is hands down the better option, as it provides superior performance and a more responsive screen.
- The Social Media User: If your main uses are social media, the Motorola G35 will be fine, but the Xiaomi 12 will offer a slightly better experience.
- The Everyday User: For everyday use, both phones will do the trick, though the Xiaomi 12 is much more feature packed and powerful, however, it does come at an increased price.
- The Photographer: If you take lots of photos, the Xiaomi 12 will give you much more versatility and better low-light images.
- The Frequent traveller: The Motorola G35 will provide an eSim capability to easily switch providers, as well as good battery life.
My Choice
If it were my money and my daily driver, I'd go with the Xiaomi 12. While the Motorola G35 is a great value phone, I am more of a power user myself, and the speed and the superior camera features on the Xiaomi 12 are where I need my money spent. The display quality also is a big win for me as I consume a lot of video. I am also a fan of the fast wireless charging features, especially when travelling. Yes, the battery is slightly smaller, but I am happy to make that compromise for the overall increased functionality, power, and better quality camera.
