Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12 and the Motorola Moto G72. We're not just looking at specs on a page, but how these numbers translate to your everyday experience. Buckle up, tech enthusiasts!
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Motorola Moto G72 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | 160.5 × 74.4 × 7.9 mm | Xiaomi 12 is more compact and pocketable. Moto G72 is larger but thinner. |
| Weight | 179g | 166g | Moto G72 is slightly lighter, making it marginally more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.6" | Moto G72 offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of sharpness, ensuring crisp visuals. |
| PPI | 419 | 402 | Both have very similar pixel density, resulting in virtually indistinguishable sharpness to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both use quality OLED technology, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. Subtle differences may exist in color calibration. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi 12 has dramatically higher brightness, making it much better for outdoor use in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Xiaomi 12 has a vastly more powerful chipset, offering superior speed and responsiveness for all tasks, especially gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 415,300 | Xiaomi 12 has significantly higher benchmark scores, meaning smoother performance and better multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Xiaomi 12's GPU is much more powerful, handling demanding graphics applications and games with ease. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G72 has a larger battery, likely leading to better battery endurance and less frequent charging. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Xiaomi 12 charges much faster, getting you back in action quicker. |
| Features | Reverse, Wireless, 50W Wireless | Non-removable | Xiaomi 12 offers more versatile charging options, including wireless and reverse wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766) | 108MP (f/1.7) | Moto G72 has a higher megapixel count but Xiaomi 12 uses a higher quality sensor for better image quality and light capture |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (1/3.14" Samsung JD1) | 16MP | Xiaomi 12 boasts a higher resolution front-facing camera for detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP (f/2.4) | 8MP (f/1.9) | Xiaomi 12 has a higher resolution for wide photos. Motorola has a wider aperture for better light. |
| Macro | 5MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Xiaomi 12 has a higher resolution macro camera for more detailed close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | Xiaomi 12 offers vastly superior video recording capabilities, including 8K recording. |
| Stabilization | Yes | No | Xiaomi 12 uses a superior video stabilization technology. |
| DxoMark Score | 113 (Mobile) | Not Available | Xiaomi 12 has a better camera according to benchmark. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, 8K Video, OIS, RAW, Night Mode | Laser autofocus (LAF) | Xiaomi 12 offers advanced options. Moto G72 has laser autofocus. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 | Both devices run Android 12, but may have different customizations and feature sets. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MiMO | Wi-Fi ac | Xiaomi 12 has the latest standard of Wi-Fi with better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 (aptX, LDAC, AAC) | Bluetooth 5.0 | Xiaomi 12 has a newer Bluetooth version with more audio codec options for better sound quality. |
| GPS | L1+L5, NavIC System | SUPL | Xiaomi 12 offers more advanced GPS capabilities, improving positioning accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both offer the same storage options, suitable for most users. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 6/8GB | Xiaomi 12 offers more RAM for improved multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device supports microSD cards, so storage is limited to internal options. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Dolby Atmos, Stereo | Xiaomi 12 features additional Hi-Res audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint | Basic fingerprint | Both phones have basic fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi 12 offers much better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Proximity, Magnetometer | Each phone has different additional sensors. |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi 12: Powerhouse Performer: This phone is a speed demon, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. It excels in gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications. The AMOLED display with high brightness is a delight, especially outdoors, and the camera system is top-notch with 8K video recording capabilities.
- Motorola Moto G72: Battery Champion: The Moto G72 shines when it comes to battery life with its larger capacity. While it's not a speed champion, it's still very capable for everyday tasks and offers a larger screen for media consumption. The 108 MP main camera is an advantage in resolution, but it's worth noting that image quality is not the same as Xiaomi's premium sensor.
Strengths and Advantages:
- Xiaomi 12: Superior performance, brighter display, higher quality camera, faster charging, advanced connectivity, premium audio with Hi-Res.
- Motorola Moto G72: Larger battery, lower weight, bigger screen for media consumption, higher resolution standard camera, lower price
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Xiaomi 12: Smaller screen, potentially lower battery life compared to the Moto G72, higher cost.
- Motorola Moto G72: Significantly lower performance, less advanced display technology, slower charging, lacks advanced camera features, lower build quality, lacks a screen protector.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi 12: Ideal for power users, gamers, content creators, and anyone who wants the best possible performance and display in a compact form factor. Its camera prowess is perfect for those who love taking photos and videos, and need high quality.
- Use Cases: High-performance gaming, video editing, professional photography, outdoor use under bright sunlight.
- Motorola Moto G72: Perfect for users who prioritize battery life, media consumption, and value. The larger display is ideal for videos, and the phone is good for everyday tasks.
- Use Cases: Binge-watching movies, casual gaming, long days without needing to charge, general photography.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- Do you need top-tier performance, or is a smoother experience enough? If you're a gamer or require snappy multitasking, the Xiaomi 12 is the clear winner. If you're happy with a smooth experience for everyday tasks, the Moto G72 does the job.
- Is battery life or display quality more important? If you want a phone that will last all day, the Moto G72 is better. If you want a vibrant, bright display, go with the Xiaomi 12.
- Are you looking for the best camera features, or is general photography sufficient? For higher quality photos and videos with professional-level features, the Xiaomi 12 is the superior choice. The Moto G72 is okay for capturing memories, but it's not a camera-focused phone.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Power User: If you're a gamer or a heavy multitasker, choose the Xiaomi 12 without a second thought.
- Scenario 2: The Binge-Watcher: If you mostly use your phone for media consumption and need all-day battery, the Motorola Moto G72 is your best bet.
- Scenario 3: The Budget-Conscious User: If you need a decent phone that will last all day without breaking the bank, go with the Motorola Moto G72.
- Scenario 4: The Photography Enthusiast: If you care more about camera quality than battery and price, then the Xiaomi 12 will be the best choice.
My Choice
If it were my money, I'd choose the Xiaomi 12. While the Moto G72 is a good phone, the Xiaomi 12's superior chipset, display, and camera outweigh the benefits of the Moto's bigger battery for me. The performance boost on the Xiaomi 12 is substantial, and the bright, vibrant screen makes all the difference in daily use. While the battery isn't as large as on the Moto, Xiaomi’s fast charging helps mitigate this issue, and its wireless charging features are an added bonus. I want a phone that can keep up with my tech journalist life and handle everything I throw at it without breaking a sweat.
