Motorola Moto G 5G (2024) vs Xiaomi 12
The Verdict
These phones occupy vastly different market segments, making direct comparison challenging. The Moto G 5G (2024) at $199 targets budget-conscious users with a large 6.6-inch IPS LCD display running 120Hz, solid 50MP main camera with f/1.8 aperture, and impressive 5000mAh battery lasting multiple days. Its Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset handles everyday tasks adequately, though gaming and heavy multitasking reveal limitations. The Xiaomi 12 at $749 delivers flagship performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, superior AMOLED display (1100 nits brightness), and exceptional camera system featuring OIS, 8K video recording, and 32MP selfie. Wireless charging (50W) and 67W wired charging dramatically reduce charging times compared to the Moto's 15W setup. Build quality heavily favors Xiaomi with aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus versus plastic construction. The Xiaomi's 4500mAh battery is smaller but efficient thanks to superior processor optimization. For casual users prioritizing battery life and basic functionality, the Moto G 5G (2024) represents outstanding value. Enthusiasts needing premium features, fast charging, wireless charging, and superior imaging should invest in the Xiaomi 12, despite the $550 price premium. These serve different audiences entirely.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Motorola Moto G 5G (2024) if…
- →5G connectivity at an extremely affordable $199
- →120Hz display is smooth for gaming and scrolling
- →5000 mAh battery delivers outstanding two-day endurance
Buy the Xiaomi 12 if…
- →Compact flagship at 6.28 inches
- →67W wired and 50W wireless charging
- →Good 50 MP main camera with OIS
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Motorola Moto G 5G (2024)
Pros
- 5G connectivity at an extremely affordable $199
- 120Hz display is smooth for gaming and scrolling
- 5000 mAh battery delivers outstanding two-day endurance
- Near-stock Android 14 is clean and bloat-free
- IP52 splash resistance adds basic protection
Cons
- IPS LCD display has washed-out colors compared to AMOLED
- Only 15W charging takes over two hours for a full charge
- No ultrawide camera — just main and macro
- 4 GB RAM can feel limiting with multiple apps
- Only one OS update promised
Xiaomi 12
Pros
- Compact flagship at 6.28 inches
- 67W wired and 50W wireless charging
- Good 50 MP main camera with OIS
- Lightweight at 180 g
- Harman Kardon stereo speakers
Cons
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 runs hot
- No telephoto camera
- 13 MP ultrawide is weak
- No official IP rating
- MIUI 13 bloatware
Full Specifications
| Spec | Motorola Moto G 5G (2024) | Xiaomi 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 14 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 192 g | 180 g |
| Material | Plastic frame and back | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus |
| IP rating | IP52 | No official rating |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 75.1 x 8.2 mm | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.16 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.8, PDAF | 50 MP, f/1.9, OIS (Sony IMX766) |
| Front camera | 16 MP, f/2.4 | 32 MP, f/2.45 |
| Macro | 2 MP, f/2.4 | 5 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 1080p@60fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | — | 13 MP, f/2.4 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Charging | 15W wired (TurboPower) | 67W wired |
| Wireless charging | No | 50W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.6 inches | 6.28 inches |
| Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 550 | 1100 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz + 6x1.8 GHz) | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz + 3x2.5 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 730 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in phones, see all Motorola products or all Xiaomi products. View full details for the Motorola Moto G 5G (2024) or the Xiaomi 12.

