Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the Motorola Moto G71 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. Both offer compelling features at competitive prices, but which one reigns supreme?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12 edges out the Moto G71 5G thanks to its superior battery life and faster charging. While the Moto G71 5G boasts a slightly more powerful chipset, the Redmi Note 12's overall package of endurance and display brightness makes it the better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 43, 66 - International | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat15 800/150 Mbps, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | 1, 3, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - PRC | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 18 | 2022, October 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 19 | Available. Released 2023, January 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 161.2 x 73.9 x 8.5 mm (6.35 x 2.91 x 0.33 in) | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm (6.53 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 179 g (6.31 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| | Water-repellent design | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12 | Android 12, MIUI 14 (International), MIUI 13 (India) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm | 13 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0" |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W / 33W wired, 50% in 30 min | 33W wired, 50% in 22 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Neptune Green, Arctic Blue, Iron Black | Frosted Green, Matte Black, Mystique Blue |
| Models | XT2169-1, XT2169-2 | 22111317I, 22111317G |
| Price | About 110 EUR | € 151.99 / $ 219.99 / ₹ 11,999 |
| SAR | 1.03 W/kg (head) 1.16 W/kg (body) | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.68 W/kg (head) 0.91 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 101h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.0 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 360745 (v9)
GeekBench: 1998 (v5.1), 2017 (v6) |
Motorola Moto G71 5G
- Slightly more powerful chipset
- 5G connectivity
- Clean Android experience
- Shorter battery life
- Slower charging
- Less bright display
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Exceptional battery life
- Fast charging (33W)
- Bright display
- Good value
- Slightly less powerful chipset
- Xiaomi's MIUI software (can be polarizing)
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 12 takes the display crown with a measured peak brightness of 706 nits, offering better visibility in sunlight. While the Moto G71 5G has a decent display, the Redmi Note 12's 'infinite' contrast ratio (though nominal) suggests deeper blacks and richer colors. Both feature FHD+ resolution, ensuring sharp visuals.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature capable camera systems, but detailed camera comparisons require more in-depth testing. The Redmi Note 12 likely offers more versatile camera features and potentially better image processing due to Xiaomi's software optimization. The Moto G71 5G's camera is generally considered good for its price range.
Performance
The Moto G71 5G's Snapdragon 695 5G chipset offers a slight edge in raw processing power compared to the Redmi Note 12's Snapdragon 4 Gen 1. This translates to marginally better performance in demanding games and multitasking, though both phones handle everyday tasks with ease. The Moto G71 5G's 6nm process is also slightly more efficient.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 12 absolutely dominates in the battery department. Its endurance rating of 101 hours is exceptional, and active use lasting 10 hours and 58 minutes is impressive. The Moto G71 5G's battery life is respectable, but falls short of the Redmi Note 12's longevity.
Buying Guide
The Motorola Moto G71 5G is ideal for users prioritizing 5G connectivity and a slightly smoother gaming experience. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is perfect for those who value exceptional battery life, a bright display, and quick charging, making it a great daily driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Motorola Moto G71 5G has a slightly more powerful chipset, making it marginally better for demanding games. However, both phones offer a decent gaming experience for their price range.
❓ Is the Redmi Note 12's 'infinite' contrast ratio a real feature?
The 'infinite' contrast ratio is a marketing term and is nominal. It suggests very deep blacks, but real-world performance may vary. The 706 nits brightness is a more concrete and useful specification.