Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and the Motorola Moto G04s. As a tech journalist and smartphone analyst, I'm focusing on practical implications and how these specs translate into real-world usage for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a comprehensive comparison table, breaking down the technical specs and explaining their real-world impact:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Motorola Moto G04s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Physical Size | 165.9 × 76.2 × 8 mm | 163.5 × 74.5 × 8 mm | Redmi Note 12 is slightly taller and wider, but both are similarly thin. Feel in hand will be negligibly different. |
| Weight | 188g | 178.8g | The Moto G04s is a bit lighter, which may be noticeable during extended use, especially if you have smaller hands. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.56" | The Redmi Note 12 has a slightly larger screen, offering a bit more viewing area for media and games. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1612 | The Redmi Note 12 has much higher resolution, resulting in sharper, more detailed visuals, especially when viewing text or high-res images. |
| PPI | 395 | 269 | The Redmi Note 12 offers a significantly sharper display due to its higher pixel density. Text and images will appear clearer. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The Redmi Note 12's AMOLED offers deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors. It is also more energy efficient when using dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The Redmi Note 12's 120Hz refresh rate offers smoother animations, a better scrolling experience, and a more fluid UI. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | The Redmi Note 12 is significantly brighter and better suited for outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Unisoc T606 | The Redmi Note 12’s Snapdragon offers better performance, ensuring faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 460,800 | 220,000 | The Redmi Note 12 delivers much better overall performance for all types of tasks compared to the Moto G04s, which can handle basic tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MP1 | The Redmi Note 12’s GPU provides superior graphics processing, crucial for smoother gaming experiences and more complex graphics tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should offer comparable battery life on a single charge, suitable for a full day's use for most. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | The Redmi Note 12 charges significantly faster, reducing your time plugged in, while Moto G04s will take considerably longer to charge. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Standard Res | 48MP | 50MP | The Moto G04s has a slightly higher resolution, but the difference may not be significant in practical usage. |
| Selfie Res | 13MP | 5MP | The Redmi Note 12 has a much higher-resolution selfie camera, offering clearer selfies and better details, especially in good lighting. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | N/A | The Redmi Note 12 has a wide-angle lens for capturing more of a scene, while the Moto G04s lacks a dedicated wide-angle camera. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | N/A | The Redmi Note 12 includes a macro lens for close-up shots, while the Moto G04s lacks this feature. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both can record video in Full HD, but the Moto G04s provides image stabilization, making it better for action recording. |
| DxoMark Score | 69 (Mobile) | N/A | The Redmi Note 12 has a DXoMark score, indicating general image quality, while Moto G04s lack that score. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | The Moto G04s is running a newer version of Android, offering more up-to-date features and security patches compared to Redmi Note 12. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both phones have similar WiFi standards, but the Redmi Note 12 additionally supports: Wi-Fi MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | Redmi Note 12 supports a newer Bluetooth version, and has support for LDAC, SBC, AAC for high-quality audio. |
| GPS | Multi-system | Multi-system | Both phones provide reliable GPS, but the Redmi Note 12 includes dual GPS for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | Both phones offer comparable maximum storage. However, you may need to make a decision on what size is needed on purchase. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 4GB | The Redmi Note 12 offers up to 8 GB of RAM, allowing more background apps and better overall multitasking performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so it is essential to choose a storage variant that fits your needs. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos | The Moto G04s features Dolby Atmos, providing better spatial audio experience compared to Redmi Note 12. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side Fingerprint | Side Fingerprint | Both phones have side-mounted fingerprint sensors, providing basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass 3 | Both phones have similar screen protection, which helps prevent scratches and minor impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive | Basic | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 features Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual and gyroscope. Motorola Moto G04s has basic sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate and higher resolution significantly enhances visual quality.
- Stronger Performance: The Snapdragon chipset and more RAM offer much better overall performance.
- Better Camera Capabilities: Multiple lenses, better selfie resolution, and features like Night Mode offer more versatility.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging means less time tethered to a wall.
- Advanced Connectivity: Includes dual GPS and superior Bluetooth connectivity options.
Motorola Moto G04s Strengths:
- Newer Android OS: Ships with Android 14, offering a more up-to-date software experience.
- Dolby Atmos Audio: Provides enhanced spatial audio for better sound quality.
- Lighter Design: Slightly lighter, which can be noticeable during extended use.
- Optical Image Stabilization: Better for capturing stable videos.
Trade-offs:
- Redmi Note 12: Lacks the newest OS and its audio lacks the polish of the Moto G04s.
- Moto G04s: Has a lower-resolution display, weaker performance, and a less versatile camera system compared to Redmi Note 12.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Ideal User: Those who prioritize display quality, performance for daily tasks and gaming, and camera versatility.
- Use Cases:
- Casual gamers who want to enjoy smooth gaming.
- Media consumers who watch a lot of videos and want vibrant and sharp visuals.
- Social media users who take a lot of photos and want a high-quality selfie camera.
- Users who need faster charging speeds.
Motorola Moto G04s:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who want a newer Android experience and a focus on audio quality.
- Use Cases:
- Users who primarily use their phone for calls, texting, and basic social media browsing.
- Those who consume a lot of music and value good audio.
- Users who prioritize software over performance and other hardware features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- How important is display quality to you? If you value vibrant, sharp visuals, the Redmi Note 12 is superior.
- Do you prioritize performance for gaming and multitasking? If yes, the Redmi Note 12 offers a much smoother experience.
- Is having the latest Android OS more important than advanced features? If yes, the Moto G04s has the newer OS.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance and Display Focused: If you prioritize a great screen, smooth performance, and faster charging, choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12.
- Scenario 2: Budget and Basic Use: If you primarily need a phone for basic tasks and prefer a newer Android experience, the Motorola Moto G04s is suitable.
- Scenario 3: Camera Versatility: If you want to capture a variety of shots (wide, macro, etc.) and also have a good selfie camera, then the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 wins out.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. Here's why:
As someone who values the balance between performance and overall user experience, the Redmi Note 12 provides a significantly superior experience. The sharper and more vibrant AMOLED display alone is a huge advantage, especially for someone who consumes media daily. The much better performance, thanks to the Snapdragon chipset, would make a noticeable difference in everyday tasks and would be important for casual gaming. Lastly, the more comprehensive camera system provides the versatility that I enjoy. While the Moto G04s has the benefit of a newer OS, the overall package provided by the Redmi Note 12 is far superior in my opinion, and offers better value for the cost.
