Motorola Moto G Power vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R: A Detailed Comparison of Budget Champions

The Motorola Moto G Power has long been a stalwart of the budget smartphone world, prioritizing exceptional battery life. However, Xiaomi's Redmi Note 12R enters the fray with a newer generation Snapdragon processor and faster charging, challenging Motorola's dominance. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which phone delivers the best value for your money.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, built on a 4nm process, offers a noticeable performance uplift over the Moto G Power’s Snapdragon 665, while also providing faster 18W charging. While the Moto G Power still boasts solid battery life, the Redmi Note 12R’s efficiency and speed make it the more compelling option.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Moto G Power Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 711, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands-1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 600/100 MbpsHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO -
Launch
Announced2020, February 07. Released 2020, April 172023, June 28
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2023, June 28
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, aluminum frame (6000 series)Glass front, plastic frame, glass back
Dimensions159.9 x 75.8 x 9.6 mm (6.30 x 2.98 x 0.38 in)168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm (6.64 x 3.00 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight199 g (7.02 oz)199 g (7.02 oz)
 Water-repellent coating-
Display
Resolution1080 x 2300 pixels (~399 ppi density)1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density)
Size6.4 inches, 100.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 90Hz, 550 nits
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SDM665 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm)Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 610Adreno 613
OSAndroid 10Android 13, MIUI 14
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1-
Main Camera
Dual-50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro)
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR
Triple16 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/2.8", 1.12µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS)1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30/120fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack Yes-
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
Infrared port-Yes
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximityFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass
Battery
Charging10W wired18W wired, PD
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsSmoke BlackBlack, Blue, Silver
ModelsXT2041DL23076RA4BC
Price-About 150 EUR

Motorola Moto G Power

  • Potentially larger battery capacity (based on historical Moto G Power models)
  • Proven reliability and software support from Motorola
  • Lower price point (potentially)

  • Older, less efficient Snapdragon 665 chipset
  • Slow 10W charging
  • Less responsive user experience

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R

  • More efficient Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset (4nm)
  • Faster 18W charging with Power Delivery
  • Improved performance for multitasking and gaming
  • More modern processor architecture

  • Potentially smaller battery capacity
  • Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be polarizing
  • May be slightly more expensive

Display Comparison

Neither device is known for a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, the lack of detailed display specs necessitates focusing on the chipset impact on UI smoothness. The Redmi Note 12R’s more powerful GPU, paired with the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, will contribute to a more fluid scrolling experience and potentially better graphics rendering, even if the resolution and refresh rate are similar.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the chipset’s image signal processor (ISP) plays a crucial role. The newer Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 in the Redmi Note 12R likely features a more advanced ISP, enabling better image processing, noise reduction, and dynamic range. While both phones likely feature a primary camera and potentially depth/macro sensors, the Redmi Note 12R’s processing capabilities will likely result in superior image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. We can assume both will struggle with low-light photography, but the Redmi Note 12R has the edge.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Motorola Moto G Power utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 (11nm), an older architecture. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R boasts the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm). This process node difference is critical; 4nm is significantly more efficient, translating to better performance per watt and reduced thermal throttling. The Redmi Note 12R’s CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55 – also represents a step up in core architecture compared to the Moto G Power’s 4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver. This means the Redmi Note 12R will handle demanding apps and multitasking with greater ease.

Battery Life

The Moto G Power is historically known for its large battery capacity, but without specific mAh figures for both devices, we must focus on efficiency. The Redmi Note 12R’s 4nm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is demonstrably more power-efficient than the Moto G Power’s 11nm Snapdragon 665. This means the Redmi Note 12R will likely achieve comparable, if not better, real-world battery life despite potentially having a smaller battery. Furthermore, the Redmi Note 12R supports 18W wired charging with Power Delivery (PD), significantly faster than the Moto G Power’s 10W charging. This translates to a much quicker 0-100% charge time, a significant convenience factor.

Buying Guide

Buy the Motorola Moto G Power if your absolute priority is maximizing battery life above all else and you're on a very tight budget. It's a reliable workhorse for basic tasks. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R if you value a more responsive user experience, faster charging, and a more modern chipset, even if it means slightly less extreme battery endurance. It's ideal for users who multitask or enjoy occasional gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Redmi Note 12R’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it's a significant improvement over the Snapdragon 665 in the Moto G Power, offering a more enjoyable and stable gaming experience.
❓ How much faster is the 18W charging on the Redmi Note 12R compared to the 10W charging on the Moto G Power?
The 18W charging with Power Delivery on the Redmi Note 12R will significantly reduce charging times. Expect a full charge in approximately 2-2.5 hours, compared to potentially 4+ hours with the Moto G Power’s 10W charging. This is a substantial difference for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 12R support software updates for a long period?
Xiaomi typically provides at least two major Android updates and three years of security patches for its Redmi Note series. While not as consistent as some brands, it's a reasonable level of support for a budget device. Motorola's update schedule can be less predictable.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 a significant upgrade over the Snapdragon 665 for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Absolutely. While both chipsets can handle basic tasks, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 offers a noticeably smoother and more responsive experience. App loading times will be faster, scrolling will be more fluid, and multitasking will be less prone to lag. The difference is particularly noticeable when switching between apps.