Motorola Edge 30 vs Xiaomi 12T Pro: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Power

The Motorola Edge 30 and Xiaomi 12T Pro represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. The Edge 30 focuses on a balanced experience, while the 12T Pro aggressively targets performance with flagship-level silicon. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best value for your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Xiaomi 12T Pro is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset provides significantly faster performance, and the 120W charging is a game-changer. However, the Motorola Edge 30 remains a strong contender for those prioritizing a more streamlined software experience and potentially better long-term efficiency.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Edge 30 Xiaomi 12T Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 41, 42, 43, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub61, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78, 75 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2022, April 272022, October 04
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, May 12Available. Released 2022, October 06
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back-
Dimensions159.4 x 74.2 x 6.8 mm (6.28 x 2.92 x 0.27 in)163.1 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.42 x 2.99 x 0.34 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight155 g (5.47 oz)205 g (7.23 oz)
 Water-repellent designIP53, dust and splash resistant
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)1220 x 2712 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~446 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~86.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+AMOLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7325-AE Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm)Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 642LAdreno 730
OSAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 14Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, HyperOS
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaColor spectrum sensor, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.55", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens200 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/1.22", 0.64µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, HDR10, gyro-EIS8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, HDR10+
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.3, (wide), 0.7µm20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.47", 0.8µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps1080p@30/60fps, HDR
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 -Tuned by Harman Kardon 24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired120W wired, 100% in 19 min
TypeLi-Po 4020 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsMeteor Grey, Supermoon Silver, Aurora GreenBlack, Silver, Blue
ModelsXT2203-122081212UG, 22081212G
Price$ 529.00 / € 168.00$ 208.76 / € 167.62
SAR-1.08 W/kg (head)     1.07 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-1.00 W/kg (head)     1.00 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life-Endurance rating 91h
Camera-Photo / Video
Display-Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker--24.1 LUFS (Very good)
Performance-AnTuTu: 1032185 (v9) GeekBench: 4081 (v5.1) GFXBench: 65fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Motorola Edge 30

  • Potentially better software experience (Motorola's near-stock Android)
  • More efficient processor (Snapdragon 778G+)
  • Likely more affordable price point

  • Significantly slower performance compared to the 12T Pro
  • Slower charging speed (33W)
  • Less capable camera processing

Xiaomi 12T Pro

  • Flagship-level performance (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1)
  • Ultra-fast 120W charging (0-100% in 19 minutes)
  • Brighter display for better outdoor visibility

  • Potentially more aggressive MIUI software
  • Higher price tag
  • May run hotter under sustained load

Display Comparison

The Xiaomi 12T Pro boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 913 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Motorola Edge 30. While both displays have an 'infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, the higher peak brightness of the 12T Pro translates to better visibility in direct sunlight. Details regarding panel technology (e.g., LTPO) and color accuracy are missing for both, but Xiaomi’s history suggests a vibrant, if sometimes oversaturated, color profile. The Edge 30’s display size and resolution are not provided, making a direct comparison difficult, but the 12T Pro’s brightness advantage is clear.

Camera Comparison

Both phones are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, offering little specific insight. However, the Xiaomi 12T Pro’s flagship chipset provides more processing power for image signal processing (ISP), potentially leading to better dynamic range and noise reduction. Sensor sizes and lens apertures are unknown for both devices, making a definitive camera comparison impossible. The absence of detail suggests neither phone is likely to challenge top-tier camera phones, but the 12T Pro’s processing advantage gives it an edge. We can assume both will include standard features like portrait mode and night mode.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Motorola Edge 30 utilizes the Qualcomm SM7325-AE Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6nm), while the Xiaomi 12T Pro packs the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm). This is a substantial leap in processing power. The 8+ Gen 1’s Cortex-X2 prime core (3.19 GHz) and Cortex-A710 performance cores (2.75 GHz) significantly outperform the Edge 30’s Cortex-A78 cores (2.5 GHz and 2.4 GHz). The 4nm process node of the 8+ Gen 1 also offers superior thermal efficiency, potentially mitigating throttling during sustained workloads. While the Edge 30 is capable for everyday tasks, the 12T Pro is demonstrably better suited for demanding games and applications.

Battery Life

Interestingly, both phones share an endurance rating of 91 hours, despite the significant difference in chipsets. This suggests the Xiaomi 12T Pro’s more powerful processor is offset by a more efficient battery management system or a larger battery capacity (not specified). However, the 12T Pro’s 120W wired charging – capable of a full charge in just 19 minutes – is a massive advantage over the Edge 30’s 33W charging. This difference in charging speed dramatically alters the user experience, allowing for quick top-ups throughout the day.

Buying Guide

Buy the Motorola Edge 30 if you need a phone with a clean, near-stock Android experience and value efficient power consumption for all-day use. Buy the Xiaomi 12T Pro if you prioritize raw performance for gaming and demanding applications, and absolutely need the fastest possible charging speeds – even if it means sacrificing some battery optimization.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in the Xiaomi 12T Pro get noticeably hot during extended gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is more efficient than its predecessor, it can still generate heat under sustained load. The Xiaomi 12T Pro likely incorporates thermal management solutions, but users should expect some degree of throttling during prolonged gaming. The Motorola Edge 30's Snapdragon 778G+ will run cooler, but at the cost of performance.
❓ How does Xiaomi's MIUI software compare to Motorola's near-stock Android experience on the Edge 30?
Motorola's software is known for its clean, minimalist approach, closely resembling stock Android. Xiaomi's MIUI is heavily customized, offering a wide range of features and personalization options, but it can also include bloatware and a different user interface that some may find less intuitive. The Edge 30 is the better choice for those who prefer a simpler, more streamlined experience.
❓ Is the 120W charging on the Xiaomi 12T Pro safe for the battery's long-term health?
Xiaomi employs various technologies to mitigate the potential impact of fast charging on battery health, such as optimized charging algorithms and temperature control. While extremely fast charging *can* theoretically accelerate battery degradation over several years, the convenience and speed offered by 120W charging are significant benefits for many users. The Edge 30's slower charging is gentler on the battery, but the difference is likely minimal for the average user.