Alright, let's break down the Xiaomi 12 and Motorola Moto G73. I'm putting on my engineering hat and user experience glasses to give you a clear picture of what these phones bring to the table.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on what the specs mean for you in the real world:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Motorola Moto G73 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm | 161.4 x 73.8 x 8.3 mm | Xiaomi is more compact & pocketable; Moto G73 is taller and wider |
| Weight | 179g | 181g | Virtually identical feel; both are lightweight |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.5" | Moto G73 offers slightly more screen real estate |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Sharp and clear on both for everyday use |
| PPI | 419 | 405 | Very similar pixel density; negligible difference |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi's AMOLED has better contrast, deeper blacks, and is more vivid and power efficient when using dark themes |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling experience on both |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi 12 is much brighter making it easier to view in direct sunlight, while Motorola's brightness is not specified |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Dimensity 930 (6 nm) | Xiaomi 12 has a much faster, more powerful flagship processor; better for heavy gaming, video editing; Moto G73 handles day-to-day tasks well |
| Antutu Score | 1,150,831 | 497,466 | Xiaomi 12 offers a dramatically more powerful experience; much faster app loading and smoother gameplay |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | IMG BXM-8-256 | Xiaomi 12's GPU handles high-end graphics more effectively, especially for gaming |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | Moto G73 has a larger battery for longer use |
| Charging | 67W fast charging | 30W fast charging | Xiaomi 12 charges much faster, especially useful when in a hurry |
| Features | Reverse charging, 50W Wireless Charging, 10W reverse wireless | Non-removable | Xiaomi 12 has wireless charging and reverse charging, for flexibility |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Xiaomi's main sensor has larger sensor; both have good details and low-light performance; Moto G73 has a slightly wider aperture |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (1/3.14" Samsung JD1) | 16MP (f/2.4) | Xiaomi takes higher resolution selfies |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP (f/2.4) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Xiaomi has better resolution for wider shots; Moto G73 has a wider aperture for low-light conditions |
| Macro Lens | 5MP (f/2.4) | Not available | Xiaomi has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots |
| Video Resolution | 8K, 4K, 1080P with HDR, EIS, slow-mo 1920 fps | 1080P, slow-mo 240 fps | Xiaomi has a big advantage for video recording; supports 8K, higher resolutions and framerate options; slow-motion capabilities |
| DxOMark Score | 113 (Mobile), 118 (Photo), 121 (Video) | Not available | Xiaomi 12 has been rigorously tested and received high camera scores, Moto G73 was not tested |
| Additional Camera Features | 8K, OIS, Triple Camera, RAW | Dual Camera, Front Flash | Xiaomi offers more professional features like OIS and RAW, while Moto G73 is a more streamlined system; front flash is exclusive to Motorola |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | Moto G73 has newer Android version with potential for longer software support |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both offer similar, fast Wi-Fi speeds |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Moto G73 has newer Bluetooth version with better energy efficiency and potentially more features |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), NavIC System | Xiaomi has more satellite systems, theoretically more accurate positioning |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Similar storage options on both devices |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8 GB | Xiaomi 12 offers up to 12 GB for better multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device allows memory card expansion |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos | Xiaomi 12 offers an edge with Hi-Res Audio Support |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor is more convenient and faster access to the phone; basic fingerprint sensor is not specified, but may be less ergonomic |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi 12 screen is more durable and scratch-resistant; it can handle more wear and tear |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass | Xiaomi 12 offers more sensors that can provide enhanced features, for example for gaming |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Strengths:
- Raw Power: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is a beast, offering significantly faster performance in everything from app loading to gaming and video editing. The Antutu score difference is massive.
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen is a major win, providing richer colors, deeper blacks, and much better visibility in direct sunlight.
- Advanced Camera System: Xiaomi 12 offers much more flexibility and features for photography and video, with 8K recording, more lenses, and a higher DxOMark score.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Capabilities: 67W wired charging is a big time-saver, and wireless charging gives more flexibility and convenience for charging on the go.
- More RAM Options: With an option for up to 12GB of RAM, Xiaomi 12 will handle multitasking more efficiently
Motorola Moto G73 Strengths:
- Battery Life: The larger 5000 mAh battery promises longer usage times between charges.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 13, giving it a small edge in software freshness.
- More Modern Design: The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is more modern and convenient than a basic in-display fingerprint sensor, potentially providing an easier and faster unlock experience.
- Wider aperture on main camera and ultrawide lens: The wider aperture means it will perform slightly better in low light compared to Xiaomi
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Xiaomi 12: The trade-off is a higher price and potentially shorter battery life than the Moto G73.
- Motorola Moto G73: Lacks the raw power and advanced display of Xiaomi 12 and the camera capabilities are much more limited. It also has unknown screen protection, which is a downside compared to Xiaomi.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 is best for:
- Power Users: Gamers, video editors, and anyone who demands top-tier performance and the highest graphical fidelity.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value a versatile, high-quality camera system with 8K video and advanced features.
- Display Purists: Those who appreciate a premium viewing experience with vivid colors, deep blacks, and bright screens.
- Tech Enthusiasts: People who want cutting-edge tech and don't mind paying a premium.
Motorola Moto G73 is best for:
- Everyday Users: Those who prioritize longer battery life, a newer software version, and reliable day-to-day performance without breaking the bank.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for a solid phone that handles day to day tasks without requiring advanced features.
- Casual Photographers: Users who need a capable camera for basic photography and social media without the need for professional-level features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is raw power and top-tier graphics for your daily tasks and gaming? If you need maximum performance, the Xiaomi 12 is the obvious choice. If you’re a more casual user, Moto G73 will do fine.
- Do you prioritize a fantastic display and advanced camera capabilities or battery life and practicality? The Xiaomi 12 is geared towards power users who want the best screen and camera, while the Moto G73 focuses more on battery endurance and simple, reliable use.
- What is your budget? The Xiaomi 12 will be more expensive due to its advanced features, while the Moto G73 aims for a more budget-friendly price.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gaming: Go with the Xiaomi 12 for its much more powerful processor, higher-end GPU, and 12GB RAM option.
- Scenario 2: Outdoor Photography: Xiaomi 12's brighter screen, advanced camera, and better video recording make it a better option.
- Scenario 3: Long-Lasting Battery: Choose the Moto G73 for its larger battery capacity and the latest Android software.
- Scenario 4: Everyday Use and Value: The Moto G73 is a more budget-friendly device that is practical for day to day tasks, such as browsing, social media, and light photography, while still providing solid performance.
My Choice
Personally, if I were choosing between these two, I would go for the Xiaomi 12.
Why? As someone who pushes my devices to the limit, the performance offered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is just too tempting. I often edit videos, play graphic-intensive games, and like having a high-quality screen that is viewable in daylight. While battery life is always a concern, the 67W fast charging on the Xiaomi 12 means I can top up quickly. The advanced camera features and display quality also matter to me a great deal. The wireless charging is a bonus, providing flexibility that the Moto G73 simply cannot match.
I understand the appeal of the Motorola G73, especially for budget-conscious users. But for my personal needs, the Xiaomi 12's cutting-edge tech and flagship performance are more aligned to my requirements.
