Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi 12X and the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024). These two devices offer very different strengths, making the choice less about which is "better" and more about which one fits your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi 12X | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | 162.6 × 74.8 × 8.3 mm | Xiaomi 12X is more compact and pocketable; Moto G Stylus 5G is larger, offering a more expansive display at the cost of single-handed use. |
| Weight | 176g | 190g | Xiaomi 12X is noticeably lighter and feels less bulky in hand during longer use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.7" | Moto G Stylus 5G offers more screen real estate, ideal for media consumption, browsing, and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both displays offer sharp and detailed images. |
| Pixel Density | 419 PPI | 395 PPI | Xiaomi 12X has a slightly sharper display due to higher pixel density, resulting in marginally clearer text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and excellent contrast. AMOLED generally has better black levels, but P-OLED is a very close second. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both displays provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1200 nits | Moto G Stylus 5G is brighter, providing better visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm) | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm) | Xiaomi 12X provides significantly faster performance. Suitable for heavier gaming and demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 815,210 | 514,000 | Xiaomi 12X boasts considerably faster performance, making it much more responsive for all tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 710 | The Adreno 650 in the Xiaomi 12X offers more graphics power, ideal for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.88, Sony IMX766 | 50MP, f/1.8, Sony LYT-700C | Both offer a similar main sensor and aperture. The Moto G Stylus has a slightly wider aperture, allowing it to capture more light and likely better performance in low-light scenarios. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.45, Omnivision OV32B | 32MP, f/2.45 | Both offer comparable selfie performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4, OV13B10 | None | Xiaomi 12X includes a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing expansive landscapes or group shots. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, Samsung | None | Xiaomi 12X allows for detailed close-up shots, perfect for detailed photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP, f/2.2 | Moto G Stylus 5G has a combo lens for wide angle and macro. |
| Video Resolution | Up to 8K @ 24fps | Up to 4K @ 30fps | Xiaomi 12X offers higher resolution and more video recording options including 1080p at 960fps compared to the Moto G Stylus which has max resolution of 4k at 30fps. |
| Features | OIS, 8K video, Ultra stable video, Triple camera, RAW | OIS, Time-Lapse, Dual Camera, PDAF, Dual Capture | Xiaomi 12X is geared towards professional-grade video, while the Moto G Stylus 5G provides additional features such as Time-lapse and dual capture. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G Stylus 5G should provide longer battery life due to larger capacity. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Xiaomi 12X charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, 15W wireless charging, Non-removable | Moto G Stylus 5G offers wireless charging and the ability to charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Moto G Stylus 5G comes with a newer OS version and can be upgraded to Android 15. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | Moto G Stylus 5G supports faster Wi-Fi speeds and less interference, more reliable network. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, AAC, A2DP, LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC | 5.1, A2DP, LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC | The Moto G Stylus 5G offers similar Bluetooth connectivity. |
| GPS | L1+L5, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | L1+L5, Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | The Xiaomi 12X offers better GPS tracking and accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | The Moto G Stylus 5G has an eSIM slot, allowing digital carrier switching. Xiaomi 12x allows two physical SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 256GB | Both offer ample storage space. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 8 GB | The Xiaomi 12x allows more RAM for heavy multitasking and demanding games. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi 12X has a Hi-Res Audio certificate, providing better audio quality. Both include stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12X:
- Strengths:
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 870 chipset paired with up to 12GB RAM blows the Motorola out of the water in terms of raw processing power and gaming capabilities.
- Advanced Camera System: The triple camera system with a dedicated wide-angle and macro lens adds versatility. 8K video recording, OIS and a solid main sensor allow this device to be used by enthusiasts.
- Fast Charging: 67W charging replenishes the battery in a fraction of the time compared to the Motorola.
- Premium Audio Quality: Hi-Res Audio with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers offers an immersive experience.
- More accurate GPS: Offers more support for satellite navigation systems.
- Trade-offs:
- Smaller Display: Its 6.28" display may feel cramped for users accustomed to larger screens.
- Older OS: Ships with Android 11, which is a drawback compared to the Motorola's Android 14.
- Less Battery Capacity: Smaller battery and less efficient chipset may lead to less endurance.
- Lacks wireless charging: No wireless charging or the reverse charging feature.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024):
- Strengths:
- Larger, Brighter Display: The 6.7" display and higher brightness are great for media consumption and outdoor use.
- Longer Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery provides more all-day endurance, perfect for heavy users.
- Convenient features: Offers reverse charging and 15W wireless charging.
- Modern OS: Ships with Android 14, ensuring the latest features and updates.
- Wi-Fi 6E Support: Offers faster and more reliable Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Stylus Integration: Provides a unique note-taking, drawing, and navigation experience.
- eSIM capability: Allows for easy switching between carriers.
- Trade-offs:
- Lower Performance: The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 lags behind in terms of raw performance and gaming capabilities compared to the Xiaomi.
- Slower Charging: The 30W charging is much slower than the Xiaomi's 67W.
- Less versatile camera system: Lacks a macro lens.
- No Hi-Res audio: No Hi-Res audio capabilities.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12X is ideal for:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Gamers, multitaskers, and users who need snappy performance for demanding apps.
- Photography and Videography: Those looking for a more feature rich camera system, better video recording capabilities, and RAW support for editing.
- Tech-Savvy Users: People who are comfortable with the trade-offs of an older OS but value top-tier speed and camera performance.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is ideal for:
- Content Consumers: Users who prioritize a large, bright screen for watching videos and browsing.
- All-Day Users: People who need long-lasting battery life that can handle all-day use without needing to charge constantly.
- Creative Users: Users who can take advantage of stylus for note-taking, drawing, and general navigation.
- Users who value wireless charging: Those who prefer wireless charging capabilities.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
Do you prioritize performance above all else, or is battery life and a large screen more important?
- If performance is paramount, choose the Xiaomi 12X. If battery life and screen size are critical, go with the Motorola.
Do you want an older yet more powerful device, or the newest software and longer battery life?
- If you favor a more up-to-date OS with longer battery, choose the Motorola. For better performance, camera capabilities, and faster charging, choose the Xiaomi.
Do you value camera versatility with a wide-angle and macro lens, or a simpler more feature-focused camera system?
- The Xiaomi 12X offers more camera versatility and higher video resolution and frame rates. The Motorola has a simpler camera system, but with a more versatile camera lens combining both wide and macro lenses.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer or Power User
- Recommendation: Xiaomi 12X. Its superior chipset, GPU, and more RAM will handle demanding games and heavy multitasking much more efficiently.
- Scenario 2: On-the-Go Content Consumer
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024). The larger, brighter screen and all-day battery will provide a better experience for media consumption.
- Scenario 3: Casual User with a Focus on Battery
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024). The Moto G Stylus with its longer battery life will allow them to go through their day without needing to constantly recharge.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi 12X. While the Motorola G Stylus has a few tempting advantages like the larger display, wireless charging, better software, and significantly longer battery life, I'm drawn to the raw processing power of the Snapdragon 870. As someone who values performance, and video capabilities, this device simply caters to my needs more effectively. I also appreciate the more compact design. While I know the battery might not last as long, the significantly faster charging speed helps mitigate that issue, and with the more capable main and wide angle cameras, I'm able to enjoy all of the features that I consider important.
