Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and the Motorola Moto G85. As a tech journalist with a penchant for practical analysis, I'm excited to break down these two contenders and see where they shine, and where they might fall a bit short for different users.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a head-to-head table, focusing on real-world implications of the spec differences:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Motorola Moto G85 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Dimensions | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm | 161.9 x 73.1 x 7.6 mm | Moto G85 is slightly more compact, potentially more comfortable for single-hand use. Redmi is a bit bulkier. |
| Weight | 188g | 171g | Moto G85 is noticeably lighter, making it more pleasant for extended use. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.67" | Both phones have the same screen real estate; good for media consumption and browsing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Sharp visuals on both; no significant difference in clarity. |
| PPI | 395 | 395 | Identical pixel density; both screens will appear equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Similar quality, expect vibrant colors and deep blacks on both. P-OLED is a type of flexible OLED, offering slight durability advantage. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both; essential for a modern experience. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1600 nits | Moto G85 has significantly better outdoor visibility, important for sunny environments. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 | Moto G85 has a more powerful processor, potentially better for gaming and demanding apps; faster overall experience. |
| Antutu Score | 460,800 | 475,000 | Similar benchmark results, suggesting comparable everyday performance but Moto G85 is slightly better |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 | Same graphics processing unit but with configurations: (Adreno vs Qualcomm Adreno 619); slightly better performance on the Moto G85 |
| CAMERA | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.79 | Moto G85 has a slightly higher resolution and wider aperture, likely capturing more light and detail. |
| Rear Sensor Size | 1/2.76" | 1/2" | Moto G85 has larger sensor; resulting in better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45 | 32MP, f/2.4 | Moto G85 selfie cam is much higher resolution, ideal for detailed self-portraits and clearer video calls. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Comparable performance in wide shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Redmi Note 12 has a dedicated macro lens; Moto G85 lacks this feature. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps | Moto G85 offers more options with 60 fps recording, better for action shots; Moto G85 has video stabilization while Redmi doesn't |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | Moto G85 video will be less shaky; useful for on-the-go footage. |
| DXOMARK Score | Main: 69, Photo: 74, Video: 49 | Main: 88, Photo: 83, Video: 109 | Moto G85 significantly outperforms Redmi Note 12 in overall camera performance, especially for video quality. |
| Camera Features | Many | Some OIS & LAF | Both have useful features, but Moto G85 includes OIS for steady shots and Laser AF, Redmi has triple cam |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should provide similar battery life for most users; all day usage is likely. |
| Charging | 33W | 30W | Redmi Note 12 charges slightly faster but the difference is marginal. |
| SOFTWARE & CONNECTIVITY | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Moto G85 has newer OS out of the box; more likely to get future updates. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Moto G85 has faster WiFi, better for high-bandwidth tasks, Wi-Fi 6 gives better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.1 LE | Similar connectivity performance, Redmi Note 12 has some extra audio codecs |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Moto G85 offers more flexibility with eSIM. |
| STORAGE & AUDIO | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both have similar storage options; no expandable storage. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | Moto G85 offers more RAM, making it better for multitasking, heavy apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phones offer expandable storage. |
| Audio Quality | Basic Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Moto G85 features offer immersive sound experience. |
| SECURITY & BUILD | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | side-mounted | basic | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 features a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass 5 | Moto G85 has better screen protection; more resistant to scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | Additional Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Additional Proximity | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 has an additional virtual proximity sensor |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Strengths
- Macro Lens: The dedicated macro lens is a win for those who enjoy close-up photography.
- Slightly Faster Charging: 33W charging is a bit quicker.
- Side-Mounted fingerprint sensor: Provides fast and convinient unlock experience
Motorola Moto G85 Strengths
- Superior Display: Higher brightness makes it much better for outdoor use.
- More Powerful Processor: The Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 provides a noticeable performance boost for gaming and multitasking.
- Significantly Better Camera: The higher-resolution main and selfie cameras, larger sensor, and better video stabilization offer a superior photography experience. Also, better DXOmark scores on the Moto G85.
- More RAM: Higher RAM configurations ensure smooth operation, especially with demanding apps.
- Latest OS: Android 14 offers the newest features and security updates.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers provide a more immersive audio experience.
- eSIM Support: The addition of eSIM support provides greater flexibility in carrier options.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers better resistance to scratches and drops.
- Improved Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 for faster speeds, lower latency.
- Lighter and More Compact: The Moto G85 is easier to handle and carry.
Trade-offs
- Redmi Note 12's Macro Lens vs. Moto G85's Superior Camera System: If you love macro photography, the Redmi wins. However, the Moto G85's main camera system is significantly better overall for most users.
- Redmi Note 12's Slightly Faster Charging vs. Moto G85's Better Performance: While 3W difference is very marginal, the Moto G85 shines in terms of performance, especially in graphics-intensive tasks.
- Moto G85 Lacks Macro lens: While it has a superior camera system overall, if you need a macro camera, you'll have to sacrifice overall camera quality for the Redmi Note 12.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking a reliable phone at a lower price point.
- Macro Photography Enthusiasts: Users who enjoy taking close-up photos.
- Users Needing Basic Functionality: Users with simple usage needs that don't require advanced features.
Motorola Moto G85
- Mobile Photographers: Users who want a high-quality camera experience.
- Gamers and Power Users: Those who need a phone for demanding apps and gaming.
- Users Preferring a Smoother Experience: Those who want smooth multitasking, higher performance and more up to date OS.
- Travelers: The eSIM, enhanced GPS and better screen brightness make it an excellent companion for outdoor use.
- Media Consumers: Enhanced audio and a great display make it ideal for enjoying videos and music.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help guide your decision:
- How important is camera quality to you?
- If you value top-tier photo and video capabilities, the Motorola Moto G85 is the clear choice due to its significantly better camera system.
- How important is performance and smooth operation?
- If you're a gamer, multitasker, or power user, the Motorola Moto G85 with its faster processor and more RAM is the better option.
- Do you prefer a compact design?
- If you are a user that prefers a more compact form factor and a lighter phone, the Motorola Moto G85 will fit your needs better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Casual User: If you need a basic phone for calls, texts, and social media, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is adequate. However, for a slightly better all-around experience (especially if you use your camera often), the Motorola Moto G85 will be worth the upgrade.
- Scenario 2: The Photography Lover: The Motorola Moto G85 is significantly better for photography, offering superior image quality, better video stabilization, and a high-resolution selfie camera.
- Scenario 3: The Mobile Gamer or Power User: The Motorola Moto G85 with its faster processor and more RAM delivers a much smoother experience for demanding games and multitasking.
- Scenario 4: The Traveler: The Motorola Moto G85 is the better choice for travelers due to its eSIM, better screen brightness, enhanced GPS and general performance.
Conclusion:
Both of these phones offer solid performance for the price range they are in. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 serves as a good budget option, especially for users that like taking macro photos. However, for the majority of users that are willing to spend a bit more, the Motorola Moto G85 is the more complete package. It provides a much better camera system, better performance and all round experience.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Motorola Moto G85. While the Redmi Note 12 has its merits, the significantly better camera system, superior display for outdoor use, more powerful processor, and overall smoother experience of the Moto G85 make it a more compelling device for me. As a tech enthusiast, I value performance and photography, and the Moto G85 delivers on both fronts. The addition of an eSIM, better Wi-Fi, and more up-to-date software also makes it a better investment for the long haul.
