Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S vs Motorola Moto G (2023) - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date April 26, 2023 May 25, 2023
Release Year 2023 2023

Physical

Volume 95.71 cm³ 103.32 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.65 "/g 3.44 "/g
Weight 176 g 189 g
Height 159.9 mm 164 mm
Width 73.9 mm 75 mm
Thickness 8.1 mm 8.4 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Ice Blue
  • Onyx Black
  • Pearl Green
  • Ink Blue

Display

Screen Size 6.43 " 6.5 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 720 x 1600
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 84.5 % 82.9 %
Pixel Density 409 PPI 270 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 700 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 1000 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 120.93 mAh/in² 118.34 mAh/in²
Battery Density 52.24 mAh/cm³ 48.39 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes No
Chipset Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)
GPU Mali-G57 MC2 Adreno 619

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0 USB Type-C 2.0

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 13 13
Maximum OS Version

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureXiaomi Redmi Note 12SMotorola Moto G (2023)Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1164 x 75 x 8.4Moto G is slightly larger and thicker.
Weight (g)176189Redmi Note 12S is noticeably lighter.
Build Material(Missing)(Missing)Cannot compare build quality.
Display
Display TypeAMOLED, 90HzIPS LCD, 120HzRedmi Note 12S offers deeper blacks and more vibrant colors; Moto G has a smoother refresh rate for certain content.
Display Size (inches)6.436.5Negligible size difference.
Resolution1080 x 2400720 x 1600Redmi Note 12S has significantly sharper visuals due to higher resolution.
Pixel Density (PPI)409270Text and images will appear crisper on the Redmi Note 12S.
Peak Brightness (nits)1000(Missing)Redmi Note 12S likely offers better outdoor visibility, but cannot confirm without Moto G's peak brightness.
Performance
ChipsetMediatek Helio G96 (12nm)Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8nm)Snapdragon 480+ 5G offers better power efficiency due to smaller process node and likely better overall performance despite lower clock speeds.
CPUOcta-core (2x2.05 GHz A76 & 6x2.0 GHz A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)CPU performance differences likely negligible in everyday tasks, though benchmarks would provide more clarity.
GPUMali-G57 MC2Adreno 619Adreno 619 generally provides better gaming performance than Mali-G57 MC2.
RAM6GB/8GB4GBRedmi Note 12S offers more RAM options for better multitasking.
Camera
Main Camera (MP)10848Redmi Note 12S boasts higher resolution, potentially capturing more detail, but real-world image quality depends on sensor and processing.
Other Cameras8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, 16MP selfie2MP macro, 8MP selfieRedmi Note 12S has a dedicated ultrawide lens. Moto G has a lower resolution selfie camera.
Video Recording1080p@30fps1080p@30fpsSimilar video recording capabilities.
Battery
Capacity (mAh)50005000Similar battery capacity, but actual battery life depends on optimization and usage.
Charging SpeedMissingMissingCannot compare charging speeds.
Other
NFCYesNoRedmi Note 12S supports contactless payments and data transfer via NFC.
5GNoYesMoto G offers 5G connectivity for faster data speeds where available.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Redmi Note 12S Advantages:

  • Superior Display: AMOLED with higher resolution and pixel density for a more visually appealing experience.
  • More RAM: Better multitasking and potentially smoother performance with 6GB or 8GB options.
  • Higher Resolution Main Camera: Potential for more detailed photos.
  • Ultrawide Camera: Offers a wider field of view for capturing landscapes and group photos.
  • NFC: Enables contactless payments and data transfer.

Moto G (2023) Advantages:

  • Higher Refresh Rate Display: Smoother scrolling and animations, particularly noticeable in games and fast-paced content.
  • 5G Connectivity: Future-proof with access to faster data speeds.
  • Potentially Better GPU: Adreno 619 might offer a slight edge in gaming performance.
  • Lower Price: Generally more affordable, especially the 4GB/128GB variant.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Redmi Note 12S: Users who prioritize display quality, camera versatility, and NFC functionality. Ideal for multimedia consumption, mobile photography, and contactless payments.

Moto G (2023): Budget-conscious users who prioritize 5G connectivity and a smooth display experience. Suitable for everyday tasks, web browsing, and casual gaming.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions:

  1. Is 5G connectivity crucial? If yes, the Moto G is the only option.
  2. How important is display quality? The Redmi Note 12S offers a superior visual experience.
  3. What is your budget? The Moto G is generally more affordable.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Heavy multimedia user: Redmi Note 12S.
  • Budget gamer with 5G needs: Moto G (2023).
  • User prioritizing contactless payments: Redmi Note 12S.

My Choice: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S

While the Moto G (2023) offers 5G and a 120Hz refresh rate, the significantly better display and overall more well-rounded feature set of the Redmi Note 12S make it the more compelling device for me. The AMOLED screen with higher resolution is a major deciding factor, as I prioritize a visually immersive experience. NFC is essential for my daily use, and the extra RAM in the Redmi Note 12S ensures smoother multitasking. While I acknowledge the benefits of 5G, its availability and practical impact on my current usage are limited. Therefore, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

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