Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and the Motorola Moto G73. These two mid-range contenders pack a punch, but they approach the market with different strengths. I'll break down the specs, explore real-world implications, and help you figure out which one might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key specs, along with what they mean for your daily experience:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Motorola Moto G73 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.9 × 76.2 × 8 mm | 161.4 × 73.8 × 8.3 mm | Redmi Note 12 is taller and wider, Moto G73 slightly thicker. Difference of 7g noticeable during extended use. |
| Weight | 188g | 181g | Motorola G73 is lighter, which might be preferable for one-handed use. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass 3 Screen | Screen protection Unknown | Redmi Note 12 offers better screen scratch protection. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.5" | Redmi Note 12 has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp visuals for everyday tasks. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 405 PPI | Visually, both screens will appear equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Redmi Note 12 offers superior contrast, vibrant colors, better blacks, and is more power-efficient with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both phones. |
| Brightness (Nits) | 1200 | 0 | Redmi Note 12 offers superior outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6nm) | Dimensity 930 (6nm) | Moto G73's chipset provides a slight edge in overall performance. |
| Antutu Score | 460,800 | 497,466 | Moto G73 performs marginally better in benchmarks, suggesting slightly smoother performance overall. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | IMG BXM-8-256 | Both are capable for moderate gaming, but performance varies depending on the game. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Moto G73 has slightly higher resolution on the main camera. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.76" | N/A | Redmi Note 12 has a smaller sensor size. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.64µm | 1.00µm | Moto G73 captures more light due to larger pixel size. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45 | 16MP, f/2.4 | Moto G73 has a higher resolution and a slightly wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Similar performance for wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Redmi Note 12 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, 120fps slow-mo | 1080p@30/60fps, 240fps slow-mo | Motorola Moto G73 offers smoother 1080p video at 60fps and slower 240 fps slow motion shots. |
| Camera DXOMark | Overall: 69, Photo: 74, Video: 49 | Not Tested | Redmi Note 12 has been tested with average scores. |
| Camera Features | PDAF, RAW, Triple camera | 4K video, Dual camera, Front Flash | Moto G73 has the edge with 4K video recording and Front Flash. Redmi note has Triple camera and RAW capabilities |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer all-day battery life for most users. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 12 charges slightly faster. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Standard non-removable batteries. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | Moto G73 ships with a newer version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Motorola G73 supports the newest standard, Wi-Fi 6 with higher data transfer speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | Moto G73 has a newer version of Bluetooth with better connectivity and battery optimization. |
| GPS | Dual-Band GPS | More satellite systems | Motorola Moto G73 has more satellite systems for improved accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both offer dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both have identical storage options. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 8 GB | Moto G73 comes with 8 GB of RAM, which provides more fluid multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Motorola Moto G73 offers more immersive and better sound quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both offer similar biometric security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Proximity Sensor | Redmi Note 12 has Gyroscope and Ultrasonic Proximity. Moto G73 has a standard Proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: This phone shines with its vibrant AMOLED display, offering superior contrast and color accuracy compared to the Moto G73's IPS LCD. The Redmi Note 12 also provides a brighter screen for better outdoor visibility and faster 33W charging. Its camera offers RAW capture and a dedicated macro lens. However, it's hampered by a slightly older Android version and limited GPU performance.
- Motorola Moto G73: This phone boasts slightly better overall performance thanks to its Mediatek Dimensity 930 chipset. It also comes with a newer Android OS, better connectivity with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, and more advanced audio features like Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers. The main camera has a larger pixel size, potentially capturing better images in low light and the front facing camera is slightly higher resolution.
Trade-offs:
- Display: The Redmi Note 12's AMOLED is superior for media consumption, while Moto G73 has a less vivid but still solid display.
- Performance: Moto G73 has a slight performance edge, but both are sufficient for daily use and moderate gaming.
- Camera: The Redmi Note 12 offers more flexibility with a macro lens and RAW capture while Moto G73 offers 4k video.
- Audio: Moto G73 clearly has the edge.
- Software: Moto G73 has a newer version of Android (13 vs. 12).
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: Best for users who prioritize display quality, particularly those who watch a lot of videos, or use the phone in bright environments. The 33W charging is a bonus for those who need a quick top-up. This phone is more suited for a user that wants a high quality display, and values photography, but not necessarily video, and who is not a heavy gamer.
- Motorola Moto G73: Ideal for users who want a well-rounded mid-range phone with snappy performance, better audio, and the latest software. Those who value the latest tech, and an immersive audio experience will likely choose this device.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How much do you prioritize display quality?
- If visuals are paramount, and you value vibrancy and deep blacks, the Redmi Note 12's AMOLED screen is a clear advantage.
- Do you value faster performance and the latest software?
- If your goal is performance, and software, the Moto G73's Dimensity 930 chipset, 8GB of RAM, and Android 13 are better.
- What do you prioritize in audio quality?
- If audio quality and immersive listening are a priority, then the Motorola Moto G73 with Dolby Atmos and Stereo Speakers is a good choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Media Enthusiast: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 for its AMOLED display.
- Power User: Choose the Motorola Moto G73 for its better performance and audio features.
- Camera Buff: Choose the Redmi Note 12, for its RAW capabilities, macro lens, and better still photography performance. However, the Moto G73 has a slightly better front facing camera, as well as 4K recording capabilities.
Which one would I choose and why?
If it were my money on the line, I would choose the Motorola Moto G73. While the Redmi Note 12’s AMOLED screen is gorgeous, the real-world implications of the Moto G73's faster performance, more immersive audio, and better software experience make it more appealing for my daily use. I appreciate the better connectivity, and the larger pixel size of the main camera, and the better selfie camera, and I prefer 4K video recording. I value the improvements in audio quality with Dolby Atmos and Stereo Speakers, and the latest version of Android for security updates and features. For me, the Moto G73 hits that sweet spot of performance, modern features, and user experience, making it the more compelling option.
