Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G30 vs. Samsung Galaxy M12
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 75.7 x 9.1 mm | 164 x 75.9 x 9.7 mm | Moto G30 is slightly taller, M12 is slightly thicker. M12 will feel a bit more bulky. |
| Weight | 200g | 212g | Moto G30 is lighter, which might be more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both offer the same screen real estate, suitable for media consumption and browsing. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Same sharpness on both screens. Not the sharpest available but ok for basic use. |
| PPI | 269 | 270 | Very similar pixel density; perceived sharpness will be virtually identical. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | PLS LCD | IPS typically offers better viewing angles and color reproduction compared to PLS. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smoother scrolling and animations compared to standard 60Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness is missing, making it hard to determine outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Moto G30 has a more powerful processor based on benchmark scores, leading to faster app loading. |
| AnTuTu Score | 170,968 | 117,341 | Moto G30 will feel noticeably snappier in day-to-day use, especially with demanding apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 | Adreno 610 in the Moto G30 will provide better gaming performance compared to the Mali-G52 in the M12. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP f/1.7 | 48MP f/2.0 (Samsung S5KGM2, 1/2", 0.80 µm) | Moto G30 has higher resolution, and wider aperture, likely resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.2 | Moto G30 should capture more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP f/2.2 | 5MP f/2.2 | Moto G30 will produce wider shots with more detail. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Both offer similar capabilities for bokeh effects. |
| Macro Sensor | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Both offer similar macro shot capabilities. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, Slow-motion: Yes, 60fps | 1080p@30fps, Slow-motion: No, 30fps | Moto G30 offers smoother 60fps video capture and slow motion at 60fps. |
| Additional Camera Features | Laser autofocus (LAF), RAW | Moto G30 has additional advanced camera features for more options. | |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life, should easily last a full day. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | 15W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | Charging speed is the same. Li-Polymer might have slightly longer lifespan, but it will likely be unnoticeable. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | Android 11 | Moto G30 is more likely to receive future OS updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual Band | 802.11b/g/n | Moto G30 supports faster Wi-Fi standards (802.11ac) and Dual-Band. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0, multiple profiles | Samsung Galaxy M12 supports more Bluetooth profiles offering more compatibility with some accessories |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Moto G30 supports more navigation systems, potentially better accuracy, Samsung M12 supports Beidou. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 32GB/64GB/128GB | Both offer the same maximum storage options. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 3GB/4GB/6GB | Both offer comparable RAM options, suitable for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Basic audio features | Both phones are evenly matched in audio capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | Side-mounted sensors are often considered more convenient. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall | Samsung M12 has a Hall sensor in addition to the sensors included on the Moto G30. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 662 chipset and higher AnTuTu score translates to noticeably faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution main and front cameras, wider aperture, and additional features like laser autofocus (LAF) and RAW support result in superior image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Also, the additional wide angle resolution is better than the one on the Samsung M12.
- Future OS Updates: Confirmed upgrade to Android 12.
- Faster Wi-Fi: Supports 802.11ac standard and Dual Band, for faster and more stable Wi-Fi connections.
- Smoother Video Recording: Can record in 1080p at 60fps and has a better slow motion mode.
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- More Bluetooth Profiles: Better compatibility with a variety of Bluetooth accessories due to wider profile support.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Considered by some to be more convenient than rear-mounted sensors.
- More sensor options: Additional Hall sensor.
- Lower starting price: May be available at a lower price point.
- More RAM and storage variants: Wider range of options that allows the user to choose the model that fits the budget and usage the best.
Trade-offs:
- Moto G30: Slightly bulkier than the Samsung M12, and rear mounted fingerprint.
- Samsung M12: Slower performance and less capable camera. Uses PLS LCD technology, less viewing angles.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G30:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, camera quality, and smoother experience and faster Wi-Fi. Gamers, social media enthusiasts, and users who often multitask will benefit from this phone.
- Use Cases:
- Playing mobile games.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos.
- Demanding multitasking and app usage.
- Frequent usage of Wi-Fi for streaming and browsing.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a good balance of performance and camera capabilities at a budget-friendly price.
Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize price over performance and camera quality, and want more compatibility with Bluetooth accessories. Casual users, students, or those looking for a basic smartphone will find it suitable.
- Use Cases:
- Basic social media usage.
- Web browsing and emails.
- Casual photography.
- General day-to-day tasks.
- Price-to-Value: Good option for budget-conscious users seeking a functional smartphone with a long battery life and wider storage and ram variants.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Performance Needs: How important is smooth performance for your everyday usage? Do you frequently play games or use demanding apps?
- Camera Priorities: How much do you value photo and video quality, especially in low-light conditions?
- Budget: What's your maximum spending limit?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you prioritize smooth performance, better camera quality, and faster Wi-Fi, then the Motorola Moto G30 is the better choice. It will provide a more enjoyable user experience.
- If you're on a tight budget and need a phone for basic tasks with a longer battery life and wider selection of storage options, the Samsung Galaxy M12 is a good option.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Moto G30. While both phones offer similar battery life and screen size, the Moto G30 offers significantly better performance, a superior camera system, faster Wi-Fi, and the promise of a future OS update. The performance boost provided by the Snapdragon 662, along with better camera quality, aligns better with my preferences for a smooth and versatile user experience. While the Samsung M12 has a more modern fingerprint sensor and more Bluetooth profiles, the performance and camera advantages of the Moto G30 are more significant.
