Moto G86 vs Realme 12 Pro+: Which Mid-Range Phone Reigns Supreme?

The Motorola Moto G86 and Realme 12 Pro+ both aim for the sweet spot of mid-range affordability, but they take different approaches. The Moto G86 prioritizes sustained performance with the Mediatek Dimensity 7300, while the Realme 12 Pro+ focuses on rapid charging and a brighter display powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device delivers the best overall experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing all-day battery life and consistent performance, the Motorola Moto G86 emerges as the winner. Its significantly longer battery endurance (55:44h vs 13:24h) and efficient Dimensity 7300 chipset provide a more reliable experience, despite the Realme 12 Pro+'s faster charging.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Moto G86 Realme 12 Pro+
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - InternationalHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 71 - EMEA & AP1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - EMEA & AP1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2025, May 292024, January 29
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, July 07Available. Released 2024, January 29
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 7i), plastic frame, silicone polymer (eco leather) back-
Dimensions161.2 x 74.7 x 7.8 mm (6.35 x 2.94 x 0.31 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-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight185 g (6.53 oz)196 g (6.91 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 7i, Mohs level 4-
Resolution1220 x 2712 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~446 ppi density)1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~89.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~90.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeP-OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 4500 nits peakAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM), 950 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.40 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM7435-AB Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUMali-G615 MC2Adreno 710
OSAndroid 15Android 14, Realme UI 5.0
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.9, 25mm (wide), 1/1.95", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 12mm, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm, AF-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED 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
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single32 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 0.7µm32 MP, f/2.4, 22mm (wide)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakers (with Dolby Atmos)Yes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging30W wired67W wired, 50% in 19 min
Type5200 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsPantone: Spellbound, Golden Cypress, Cosmic Sky, ChrysanthemumSubmarine Blue, Navigator Beige, Explorer Red
ModelsXT2527-2RMX3840, RMX3841
Price$ 269.50 / C$ 649.00 / £ 199.99 / € 198.99$ 465.00 / £ 299.00 / € 344.26 / ₹ 28,400
EU LABEL
Battery55:44h endurance, 1000 cycles-
EnergyClass A-
Free fallClass A (270 falls)-
RepairabilityClass B-

Motorola Moto G86

  • Exceptional battery life (55:44h endurance)
  • Potentially stronger single-core CPU performance
  • Efficient Dimensity 7300 chipset

  • Slower charging speed (30W)
  • Display brightness likely lower than Realme 12 Pro+

Realme 12 Pro+

  • Very fast 67W charging (50% in 19 min)
  • Brighter display (802 nits)
  • Potentially better thermal management

  • Significantly shorter battery life (13:24h)
  • CPU clock speed slightly lower than Moto G86

Display Comparison

The Realme 12 Pro+ boasts a notably brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 802 nits. This is a significant advantage for outdoor use, where the Moto G86’s display brightness is not specified, implying it’s likely lower. While the Moto G86’s panel technology isn’t detailed, the Realme’s brightness suggests a superior viewing experience in direct sunlight. The absence of refresh rate information for both phones makes it difficult to assess smoothness, but the Realme’s brightness is a clear differentiator.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are limited, but the Realme 12 Pro+’s marketing often emphasizes its camera capabilities. Without sensor size or aperture information for either phone, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison. The Realme’s focus on camera features suggests a more robust image processing pipeline, potentially leading to more vibrant and detailed photos. The absence of details on the Moto G86’s camera system makes it difficult to assess its capabilities beyond basic smartphone photography.

Performance

Both phones utilize 4nm chipsets, but the Mediatek Dimensity 7300 in the Moto G86 and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 in the Realme 12 Pro+ have slightly different CPU configurations. The Moto G86 features a 4x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 core, potentially offering a slight edge in single-core performance compared to the Realme’s 4x2.40 GHz Cortex-A78. However, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is known for its optimized power efficiency, which could translate to better thermal management during prolonged gaming sessions. The lack of GPU details prevents a definitive assessment of graphics performance.

Battery Life

The Motorola Moto G86’s battery endurance of 55:44h is a standout feature, significantly exceeding the Realme 12 Pro+'s active use score of 13:24h. This suggests the Moto G86 can last nearly four times longer on a single charge under similar usage conditions. While the Realme 12 Pro+ compensates with 67W wired charging (50% in 19 minutes), the Moto G86’s longevity reduces the need for frequent top-ups. The 30W charging on the Moto G86 is slower, but the larger battery capacity mitigates this disadvantage.

Buying Guide

Buy the Motorola Moto G86 if you need exceptional battery life for heavy daily use, value sustained performance over peak bursts, and prefer a phone that will reliably last through a full day and beyond. Buy the Realme 12 Pro+ if you prioritize incredibly fast charging, a brighter display for outdoor visibility, and are willing to trade some battery endurance for those features. The Realme is geared towards users who frequently top up their phones throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 7300 in the Moto G86 throttle under sustained gaming loads?
The Dimensity 7300 is a relatively efficient chipset, and the 4nm process node helps mitigate throttling. While we haven't conducted specific gaming tests, the Moto G86's longer battery endurance suggests it manages heat effectively, allowing for extended gaming sessions without significant performance drops. However, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 in the Realme 12 Pro+ may offer slightly better sustained performance due to Qualcomm's thermal management optimizations.
❓ How does the 67W charging on the Realme 12 Pro+ compare to the 30W charging on the Moto G86 in real-world use?
The Realme 12 Pro+'s 67W charging is significantly faster, reaching 50% charge in just 19 minutes. The Moto G86’s 30W charging will take considerably longer. However, the Moto G86’s massive battery capacity means you’ll likely need to charge it less frequently, reducing the importance of fast charging. The Realme 12 Pro+ is ideal for users who prefer quick top-ups throughout the day, while the Moto G86 suits those who prioritize fewer charging cycles.
❓ Is the difference in battery endurance between the two phones noticeable in everyday use?
Absolutely. A difference of over 42 hours of endurance is substantial. Users of the Moto G86 can expect to comfortably get through a full day of heavy use, and potentially two days of moderate use, without needing to recharge. The Realme 12 Pro+, while offering fast charging, will likely require a charge before the end of the day for power users.