Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12 and the Motorola Moto G71 5G. I'm going to approach this like we're having a chat about the pros and cons, breaking down the tech and figuring out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the key specs, presented in a way that highlights what they mean for you in the real world:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm, 179g | 161.2 x 73.9 x 8.5 mm, 179g | Xiaomi 12 is more compact and pocketable. Both weigh the same, so the Moto G71 feels slightly larger. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.4" | Motorola has a slightly larger screen, good for media consumption, but the Xiaomi is more comfortable in one hand. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both are sharp and detailed for everyday use. |
| PPI | 419 | 411 | Virtually identical pixel density, both offer sharp images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both phones, great for watching content. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Xiaomi 12 offers smoother scrolling, animations, and a more responsive feel. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi is significantly brighter and better suited for bright outdoor conditions, while the Motorola's brightness is not specified so it's hard to be exact |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Xiaomi 12’s chip is significantly faster, offering a much better experience for gaming and intensive tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 396,564 | The Xiaomi 12 is a performance beast, whereas the Motorola is much more budget friendly and slower. The difference in raw power is huge. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 619 | Xiaomi 12 handles graphics-intensive tasks, like gaming, much better. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 50MP | 50MP | Both are 50 MP. |
| Main Camera Sensor | Sony IMX766 1/1.56" | Samsung S5KJN1 1/2.76" | Xiaomi 12's larger sensor captures more light and detail, resulting in better image quality, particularly in low light. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.88 | f/1.8 | Motorola's aperture is slightly wider, this should allow more light to reach the sensor and potentially be slightly better in low light, but the sensor of the Xiaomi is much larger and will be a decisive factor |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 16MP | Xiaomi's front facing camera will capture more detail |
| Selfie Camera Pixel Size | 0.70 µm pixel size | 1.00 µm pixel size | Motorola will be better in low light. |
| Wide Angle Camera Resolution | 13MP | 8MP | Xiaomi's wide angle has more resolution for detailed wide shots |
| Wide Angle Camera Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.2 | The Moto G71 has a wider aperture to gather more light on wide shots. |
| Macro Camera Resolution | 5MP | 2MP | Xiaomi has higher resolution macro camera |
| Video Resolution | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 1080p@60fps | Xiaomi offers significantly higher video resolution and quality than the Motorola phone. |
| Stabilisation | Yes (EIS, OIS) | No (EIS) | Xiaomi 12 has more advanced image stabilisation for video and photos, leading to smoother shots. |
| DXOMark Score | 113 | N/A | Xiaomi 12 has a high camera performance score by DXOMark. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Motorola likely has slightly better battery life due to larger capacity. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Xiaomi 12 charges much faster, which is convenient if you are in a hurry. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W Fast Wireless | No | Xiaomi 12 offers wireless charging, a convenient way to top up. |
| Reverse Charging | 10W Reverse Wireless | No | Xiaomi 12 can charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 11 (upgradeable to 12) | Xiaomi 12 comes with a more up-to-date version of Android right out of the box |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi 5 | Xiaomi 12 supports newer, faster Wi-Fi standards, MIMO for more stable connection with multiple devices. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 (aptX, LDAC) | 5.0 | Xiaomi 12 has a newer version of bluetooth which offers better audio quality and efficiency, as well as improved connectivity. |
| GPS | L1+L5, GLONASS, etc. | GPS, GLONASS, etc. | Xiaomi 12 has more options for GPS, offering more precise location. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB | Xiaomi 12 offers more storage for large files and media. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 6GB/8GB | Xiaomi 12 offers more RAM (up to 12GB), which enhances multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither of them offers expandable storage via an SD card, so you are stuck with the internal storage the phone comes with. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Dolby Atmos | Xiaomi 12 provides superior audio with better quality audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | In-display Fingerprint | Rear-mounted Fingerprint | Both phones come with fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi 12 offers superior protection against scratches and drops |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Compass, Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Ultrasonic Proximity | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | Xiaomi 12 has more sensors which give it better functionality. |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi 12: This phone is a powerhouse. It boasts a flagship-level processor, a smoother display, a superior camera, faster charging, and more. It's designed for users who want top-tier performance and a premium experience. The inclusion of wireless charging, reverse charging, and advanced audio features sets it apart. The higher price does reflect the value of it's top end specifications.
- Motorola Moto G71 5G: The Motorola is the budget friendly option and focuses on a larger screen, solid battery life, and a decent camera for the price. It is an adequate phone for day-to-day tasks and is much cheaper, making it a good choice for cost-conscious users. It is still a capable phone but doesn't compete with the Xiaomi in performance, camera and battery charging speeds.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi 12: This phone is ideal for:
- Power Users: Gamers, content creators, and anyone who needs a fast and responsive phone.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate high-quality video, audio, and smooth display experiences.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Anyone who wants the latest features and technology.
- Motorola Moto G71 5G: This phone is a good fit for:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: People who need a reliable phone without breaking the bank.
- Everyday Users: Those who use their phone for social media, browsing, and basic apps.
- Battery Life Prioritizers: Users who prioritize longer battery life over cutting-edge performance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance to you? If you need a phone for demanding tasks, choose the Xiaomi 12. If basic performance is sufficient, the Moto G71 5G works.
- What are your camera needs? If you're serious about photos and videos, the Xiaomi 12's camera system is superior. For casual shooting, the Moto G71 5G is adequate.
- How much are you willing to spend? If you have the budget, the Xiaomi 12 offers top-tier value. If you need to save money, the Motorola Moto G71 5G is a great choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming on the go? Choose the Xiaomi 12, its performance is night and day difference with the G71.
- Scenario 2: Everyday casual phone? The Motorola Moto G71 5G will do the job and will save you a lot of money.
- Scenario 3: Best camera with great performance? The Xiaomi 12 is the better choice due to its much better hardware, sensor and video features.
- Scenario 4: Need good battery life for a long day away from charging? The Motorola Moto G71 5G has a bigger battery but also slower charging, the Xiaomi 12 will charge much faster but may need charging mid-day if you are using it heavily.
Personal Choice
If it were my money on the line, and money was not a big issue, I'd go for the Xiaomi 12, hands down. The difference in performance is significant, the display is smoother, and the camera is noticeably better. These are all important to me in my usage and the speed at which the phone can recharge makes it a no brainer. While the Motorola is a good budget phone, the value that the Xiaomi 12 brings makes it the obvious choice for me.
