Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and the Motorola Moto G35. Both are solid contenders in the mid-range smartphone market, but they offer different strengths that cater to various user needs. As a tech journalist, I'm here to break down the technical details and translate them into real-world experiences to help you make the best choice.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key specs and how they translate into day-to-day usage.
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Motorola Moto G35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.9 × 76.2 × 8 mm | 166.3 × 76 × 7.8 mm | Very similar sizes; Moto G35 is slightly thinner. |
| Weight | 188g | 188g | Both feel equally substantial in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.72" | Minimal difference; both offer a large display area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Sharp and clear visuals on both phones. |
| PPI | 395 | 392 | Both offer a very similar pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED offers superior contrast, vibrant colors, and deeper blacks, making the Redmi Note 12 screen more visually appealing. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animation on both devices. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1000 nits | Redmi Note 12 is brighter, offering better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6nm) | Unisoc T760 (6nm) | The Snapdragon chip in the Redmi Note 12 generally offers better overall performance, especially in gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 460,800 | 423,297 | The Redmi Note 12 has a slight edge in benchmarks, indicating smoother app handling and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 | Different GPU configurations. The Adreno 619 in the Redmi Note 12 tends to offer a bit more graphical horsepower. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 12 charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera (Rear) | 48MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 | Similar main camera performance, the 50MP sensor in Moto G35 offers slightly more detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.45 | 16MP f/2.45 | Moto G35 offers slightly higher-resolution selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 8MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.2 | Similar wide-angle capabilities on both. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Redmi Note 12 offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps | Moto G35 offers 4K video recording, while Redmi Note 12 is limited to 1080p. |
| Additional Camera Features | Triple camera, Ultra stable video, etc. | Dual camera | Redmi Note 12 boasts extra features for photography |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Moto G35 offers a more up-to-date Android version out of the box. |
| WiFi | 802.11ac, MIMO | 802.11ac | Both offer dual-band WiFi; Redmi Note 12 supports Wi-Fi MiMO for potentially better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, LDAC | 5.0 LE | Redmi Note 12 has a newer Bluetooth version and LDAC support for higher-quality audio. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Moto G35 offers eSIM support for convenient switching between carriers. |
| Other Features | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 4GB/8GB | Both offer similar RAM options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Moto G35 offers enhanced audio experience with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers. |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both use side-mounted fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Strengths: The Redmi Note 12 shines with its AMOLED display, offering superior visuals, along with a faster charging speed of 33W. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset generally provides more robust performance compared to the Unisoc chip in the Moto G35. Also the additional features on its camera make it more versatile for photography.
- Competitive Advantages: The display quality is a major selling point for the Redmi Note 12. The quicker charging is a very practical advantage and its slightly faster performance helps with more demanding tasks.
- Trade-offs: It runs an older version of Android (12), and it has a lower video recording resolution. The lack of expandable storage might be a deal-breaker for some.
Motorola Moto G35
- Strengths: The Moto G35 stands out with its newer Android 14 OS, enhanced audio experience with Dolby Atmos, and the ability to shoot 4K video. It also offers eSIM support, a handy feature for travelers.
- Competitive Advantages: The updated OS ensures a more modern software experience. The enhanced audio with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos is great for multimedia consumption, and its higher resolution on videos is useful for vloggers.
- Trade-offs: It falls behind in terms of overall performance, display quality, and charging speeds compared to the Redmi Note 12. Also, the camera has fewer features compared to Redmi.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is best for:
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize display quality for watching videos or browsing content will love the AMOLED screen.
- Mobile Gamers: The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 offers better gaming performance, and the fast charging means less downtime.
- Casual Photographers: The triple-camera setup and additional features make it more versatile for photography.
Motorola Moto G35 is best for:
- Software Enthusiasts: Those who value the latest Android version and want a more modern experience.
- Audio Lovers: Individuals who enjoy immersive audio experiences will appreciate the Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers.
- Video Content Creators: Users who want 4K video recording capabilities will benefit from the Moto G35.
- Travelers: The eSIM support makes it easier to switch between carriers.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is display quality? If you prioritize vibrant colors, deep blacks, and brightness, the Redmi Note 12's AMOLED screen is the clear winner.
- Do you value faster charging and smoother performance, or a more modern OS and better audio? The Redmi Note 12 excels in the former, while the Moto G35 does better in the latter.
- What’s your main usage scenario? The Redmi Note 12 is better for media consumption and gaming, whereas the Moto G35 is more suited to content creation and those who want a more modern Android experience and enhanced audio.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Daily Driver with Heavy Media Consumption - Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. The AMOLED display and faster charging will significantly enhance your daily use.
- Scenario 2: Content Creator Focused on Audio and Video - Choose the Motorola Moto G35. The 4K video recording, Dolby Atmos, and stereo speakers make it ideal for content creation.
- Scenario 3: Value-Focused User Seeking the Latest Software - Choose the Motorola Moto G35. The newer Android OS provides the most up-to-date software experience.
- Scenario 4: A User who want's great performance for gaming - Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. The faster chipset and the GPU provide an enhanced gaming experience.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between the two, I would lean towards the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. While the Android 14 on the Moto G35 is tempting, my day-to-day usage leans more towards consuming media and occasional gaming, where the AMOLED display and faster charging are huge advantages. The slightly better performance from the Snapdragon chip and additional camera features also seals the deal for me, as I also like to occasionally take photos. While the Moto G35 offers an amazing audio experience, the Redmi Note 12 would be a better fit for my needs overall.
