The only advantage of MX980 graphics I can see is that you can import images directly onto CCP. To use images in MX1200, you need to package them into VFD file. Once you do, however, you have full freedom of the size and placement. You can arrange them freely, putting them into foreground or background. Each image may or may not be a button. I've tried animated gif. It was fine with the software but I've yet to try it on a remote.

I guess when it comes to sounds, 980 does have an advantage though. Nothing but a basic beep in 1200.

Edit: I've tried it on the remote and the animated gifs don't work. They display but do not show animation.