Okay, let's break down the Xiaomi 12 and Motorola Moto G54, focusing on what these specs mean for you, the user. I’m going to avoid the spec-sheet jargon where possible and focus on real-world performance.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these phones stack up, with an eye on what it actually means for your day-to-day:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Motorola Moto G54 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm | 161.6 x 73.8 x 8 mm | The G54 is noticeably larger and taller, which might feel less comfortable in smaller hands or pockets. |
| Weight | 179g | 177g | Both are virtually identical in hand. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus (screen) | Unknown (screen) | The Xiaomi 12's screen has superior protection against scratches and cracks. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.5" | The G54 offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer sharp, clear images; no difference here. |
| PPI | 419 | 405 | Both have very similar pixel densities; no noticeable difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The Xiaomi 12's AMOLED display has far richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency especially with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | The Xiaomi 12 display is much brighter, making it way easier to see in direct sunlight. The G54 seems to have a typo of '0 nits'; it should have a value around 400 to 500 nits. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Dimensity 7020 (6 nm) | The Xiaomi 12 has a much more powerful chip for gaming, heavy multitasking, and demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 455,400 | A significant performance gap; the Xiaomi 12 is over 2.5x more powerful in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | IMG BXM-8-256 | The Xiaomi 12's GPU handles graphically intensive tasks much better. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766, 1.0µm | 50MP, f/1.8 | The Xiaomi 12 has a larger sensor, and a more known sensor brand which typically translates into better low-light performance. The G54 has a slightly wider aperture for low-light. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14" Samsung JD1, 0.7µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1.0µm | The Xiaomi 12 has much higher resolution and a slightly smaller pixel size for selfies while the G54 has a slightly larger pixel size. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 13MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | The Xiaomi 12 offers more versatility with a dedicated wide-angle lens. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Xiaomi 12 captures more detailed macro shots with a higher resolution sensor. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | The Xiaomi 12 has significantly better video recording capabilities and a lot of different FPS options. |
| Camera Features | OIS, EIS, PDAF, RAW, 8K video and more. | OIS, EIS, HDR and more | The Xiaomi 12 has a comprehensive suite of features, including more advanced focus options and the ability to record in RAW format, it also is capable of 8K. |
| DXOMARK Score | Mobile: 113, Photo: 118, Video: 121 | Not Available | The Xiaomi 12 is rated very highly in camera image quality compared to other phones. The G54 has not been tested in DXOMARK so it is difficult to gauge its performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The G54 has a larger battery, which should offer longer battery life (assuming similar optimization). |
| Charging | 67W Wired, 50W Wireless | 15W Wired | The Xiaomi 12 charges way faster, both wired and wirelessly. |
| Battery Features | Reverse Charging | None | The Xiaomi 12 can be used to charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 | Android 13 | The G54 has the latest Android version out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | The Xiaomi 12 supports Wi-Fi 6, offering potentially faster speeds and better performance on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 | The G54 has slightly newer Bluetooth, but the practical difference may not be noticeable to most users. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM, eSIM | The G54 supports eSIM for digital carrier switching. The Xiaomi 12 support two physical SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 4GB/8GB/12GB | Both offer a 12GB RAM option, but the G54 has a low-end 4GB option. |
| Expandable Storage | Not Supported | Not Supported | Neither phone allows you to expand storage with a microSD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos | Xiaomi 12 offers slightly better sound with Hi-Res audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint | side-mounted fingerprint | G54 has a slightly better fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Gyroscope, RGB, Ultrasonic proximity | Proximity | Xiaomi 12 has many more sensors for different types of uses. |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi 12: This phone is a powerhouse in a small package. The standout features are its high-performance processor, vibrant AMOLED screen with high brightness, much faster charging, superior camera setup (including 8K video, better main sensor, and additional lenses), and advanced wireless connectivity options. It's aimed at users who demand top-tier performance and camera quality.
- Motorola Moto G54: The G54 focuses on offering a solid user experience with a larger screen, a slightly larger battery, and newer Android version. It is designed for users who prioritize battery life and everyday usability without needing top-of-the-line performance or imaging quality. It is also a more budget-friendly option, so that is also something to consider.
Trade-offs: The Xiaomi 12 sacrifices battery life (but it can fast charge!), a slightly smaller screen, and the eSIM option for raw power, camera performance, and wireless charging. The Moto G54 trades significant processing power and display quality for battery life, a larger screen, and is the budget option.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi 12:
- Ideal For: Power users, mobile gamers, social media influencers, anyone who needs a top-tier camera. If you prioritize fast performance, a great screen, and top camera quality, this is your phone.
- Use Cases: Demanding gaming, professional photography, video recording (4K and 8K), editing, and multitasking.
- Motorola Moto G54:
- Ideal For: Budget-conscious consumers, casual smartphone users who value battery life and a simple Android experience. Those who don't need demanding performance, they value a large screen for media consumption and a more extended battery life.
- Use Cases: Daily tasks like browsing the web, watching videos, social media (no high-quality video or image content creation), and moderate gaming.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance and gaming to you?
- If "very important," the Xiaomi 12 is the clear winner.
- If "casual" or "not a priority", the G54 is more than sufficient.
- Do you need high-quality camera and video capabilities?
- If "essential," the Xiaomi 12 is significantly better.
- If "just for social media and casual use," the G54 is sufficient.
- Is the budget a major concern?
- If "absolutely," the G54 offers better value for the cost.
- If you're willing to pay a premium for the best experience, the Xiaomi 12 is worth considering.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You’re a mobile gamer and need the best possible performance.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi 12 (with its superior processor and GPU).
- Scenario 2: You mostly browse the web, check emails, and watch some videos, and need a long-lasting battery.
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G54.
- Scenario 3: You’re a budding photographer/videographer and want excellent image quality.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi 12 (due to its excellent camera setup).
- Scenario 4: You're on a tight budget but still want a usable, functional smartphone.
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G54 (its lower cost is a big advantage).
My Choice
If it were my money, I would choose the Xiaomi 12. Despite the slightly smaller battery, the drastically superior performance, significantly better display, and much better camera system makes it a better option for my use case. I also love the fact that it has wireless charging capabilities and a much faster wired charging. The phone is also lighter and smaller which I prefer because I hate bulky phones.
Ultimately, both phones are great in their own right, but for me, the sheer capability and overall quality of the Xiaomi 12, including the camera, far outweigh the benefits of the Moto G54. It’s the phone that pushes the envelope, that excites me the most, and delivers a more premium experience.
