The Motorola Moto G85 and Realme 12 Pro+ both target the competitive mid-range smartphone market, but approach it with different philosophies. The Moto G85 focuses on delivering a balanced experience at a competitive price, while the Realme 12 Pro+ aims to elevate key features like charging speed and display brightness. This comparison dissects their core specifications to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing fast charging and a brighter display, the Realme 12 Pro+ is the better choice. Its 67W charging significantly reduces downtime, and the 802 nit peak brightness enhances outdoor visibility. However, the Moto G85 offers a compelling value proposition for those seeking a solid all-rounder without breaking the bank.
| 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, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, June 25 | 2024, January 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, June 25 | Available. Released 2024, January 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back or silicone polymer (eco leather) back | - |
| Dimensions | 161.9 x 73.1 x 7.6 mm (6.37 x 2.88 x 0.30 in) | 161.5 x 74 x 8.8 mm (6.36 x 2.91 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 171 g or 173 g (6.03 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~90.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~90.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | P-OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1600 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM), 950 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.40 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM7435-AB Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 710 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8 (wide), 1/1.95", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm, AF | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS
64 MP, f/2.8, 71mm, (periscope telephoto), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 0.7µm | 32 MP, f/2.4, 22mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired - International
33W wired - India | 67W wired, 50% in 19 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Olive Green, Cobalt Blue, Urban Grey, Magenta | Submarine Blue, Navigator Beige, Explorer Red |
| Models | XT2427-3 | RMX3840, RMX3841 |
| Price | $ 289.99 / C$ 287.10 / £ 214.58 / € 194.79 | $ 465.00 / £ 299.00 / € 344.26 / ₹ 28,400 |
Motorola Moto G85
- Excellent value for money
- Clean and bloatware-free software experience (typically Motorola)
- Solid all-around performance for everyday tasks
- Slower charging speeds compared to the Realme 12 Pro+
- Less powerful chipset than the Realme 12 Pro+
Realme 12 Pro+
- Significantly faster 67W charging
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
- More powerful Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset
- Higher price point than the Moto G85
- Realme UI can be divisive due to pre-installed apps
Display Comparison
The Realme 12 Pro+ boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 802 nits, compared to an unstated brightness for the Moto G85. This difference is crucial for outdoor usability, where the Realme will remain far more legible in direct sunlight. While both likely utilize OLED panels (based on market segment), the Realme’s higher peak brightness is a clear advantage. We lack data on PWM dimming rates, but this is a critical factor for users sensitive to flicker, and further investigation is needed to determine which device is more comfortable for prolonged use.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the main sensors, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Realme 12 Pro+’s positioning suggests a greater emphasis on camera capabilities. While both phones likely feature multi-camera systems, the Realme’s marketing often highlights advanced features like larger sensors and improved image processing. The Moto G85 will likely offer a competent camera experience, but the Realme 12 Pro+ is expected to deliver superior image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. We'll disregard the likely presence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices as they offer minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The Realme 12 Pro+ leverages the Qualcomm SM7435-AB Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4nm), while the Moto G85 uses the SM6375 Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 (6nm). The 4nm process node of the 7s Gen 2 offers superior power efficiency and thermal performance compared to the 6nm node of the 6s Gen 3. While the CPU core configuration is similar (both featuring Cortex-A78 and A55 cores), the 7s Gen 2’s higher clock speeds (2.40 GHz vs 2.3 GHz) and more efficient architecture translate to noticeably snappier performance in demanding tasks and sustained workloads. The Realme will likely exhibit less throttling during extended gaming sessions.
Battery Life
The Realme 12 Pro+ shines in the battery and charging department. Its 67W wired charging can replenish 50% of the battery in just 19 minutes, a significant advantage over the Moto G85’s 30W (International) or 33W (India) charging. While the Realme 12 Pro+’s active use battery score of 13:24h is provided, the Moto G85’s battery capacity is not. However, the faster charging speed of the Realme effectively mitigates any potential capacity disadvantage. The Realme 12 Pro+ is the clear winner for users who prioritize minimizing downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola Moto G85 if you need a reliable daily driver with a focus on value and a clean software experience. It’s ideal for users who don’t demand the absolute fastest charging or brightest screen. Buy the Realme 12 Pro+ if you prioritize rapid charging, a vibrant display for media consumption, and are willing to spend a bit more for those premium features. It’s geared towards users who are always on the go and need minimal downtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 in the Moto G85 struggle with graphically demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 is capable, Genshin Impact will likely require reduced graphics settings for a smooth experience. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 in the Realme 12 Pro+ offers a more comfortable gaming experience with higher graphical fidelity and sustained frame rates.
❓ Does the Realme 12 Pro+ support 1080p video recording at 60fps, and what is the video stabilization like?
The Realme 12 Pro+ is expected to support 1080p video recording at 60fps. Stabilization quality will depend on the implementation of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), which is likely present given the phone's positioning. Expect reasonably stable footage, but professional-level stabilization may require a gimbal.
❓ How does Realme's UI compare to Motorola's near-stock Android experience in terms of bloatware and updates?
Motorola is known for its clean, near-stock Android experience with minimal bloatware and relatively timely updates. Realme UI, while feature-rich, often includes pre-installed apps and a more customized interface. Update frequency can vary, but Motorola generally provides faster updates to core Android versions.
