Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A12 vs. Motorola Edge 30 Ultra
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Motorola Edge 30 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | 161.8 × 73.5 × 8.4 mm | A12 is slightly larger overall, which may affect one-handed use and pocketability. |
| Weight | 205g | 198.5g | Edge 30 Ultra is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Edge 30 Ultra has a slightly larger screen, offering a bit more viewing area. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Edge 30 Ultra has significantly sharper, more detailed display; better for reading, videos, and gaming. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 395 PPI | Edge 30 Ultra provides much clearer text and images, less pixelation. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | P-OLED | Edge 30 Ultra has richer colors, deeper blacks, and better viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | Edge 30 Ultra offers much smoother animations and scrolling, making the interface feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1250 nits | Edge 30 Ultra offers far better outdoor visibility, essential for use in sunlight. No brightness spec for A12 is an issue. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio P35 | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Edge 30 Ultra offers drastically better performance for demanding tasks (gaming, video editing) and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 1,231,300 | Edge 30 Ultra performs significantly faster, loading apps and handling complex tasks with ease. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 730 | Edge 30 Ultra delivers a superior gaming experience and faster graphics rendering. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4610mAh | A12 has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering slightly longer battery life if not being used heavily. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 125W Fast Charging | Edge 30 Ultra charges extremely quickly, reducing downtime significantly. |
| Charging Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, 50W wireless, 10W reverse wireless | Edge 30 Ultra offers convenient wireless charging options and reverse wireless charging to power other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0 | 200MP, f/1.95 | Edge 30 Ultra captures much higher resolution photos, with better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 60MP, f/2.2 | Edge 30 Ultra takes sharper, more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 12MP, f/1.6 | Edge 30 Ultra allows for more detailed zoomed-in shots with better low light capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 50MP, f/2.2 | Edge 30 Ultra captures significantly wider shots with higher details. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP Depth Sensor | None | A12 has depth sensor for portrait shots. Edge 30 Ultra likely uses software for the same. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Edge 30 Ultra can record higher quality video, supports various frame rates, slow motion and includes stabilization for smoother footage. |
| Additional Camera Features | Limited | Wide range (OIS, PDAF, Night Mode, RAW) | Edge 30 Ultra provides professional-grade camera features for better photo and video capture. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10, up to 12 | Android 12, up to 13 | Edge 30 Ultra has a more up-to-date OS and is likely to receive more updates, with access to newer features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11n | Wi-Fi 6 | Edge 30 Ultra has faster, more reliable Wi-Fi with better performance in congested networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | Edge 30 Ultra supports newer version of Bluetooth and LE for more efficient power use. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, SUPL, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1 + L5) | Edge 30 Ultra has more comprehensive satellite systems for more accurate and reliable location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Edge 30 Ultra offers more storage for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 8/12 GB | Edge 30 Ultra handles multitasking better and can run more demanding apps without lag. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for additional storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Edge 30 Ultra provides a richer and more immersive audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | A12 features more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Motorola Edge 30 Ultra offers better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Motorola Edge 30 Ultra has more comprehensive sensor suite for advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Slightly larger battery: The 5000mAh battery may offer marginally longer battery life if not being used heavily.
- Depth Sensor: Dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode photos.
- Cheaper: The A12 was likely a budget-friendly option when launched.
Practical Implications for Galaxy A12:
- Decent battery life for basic daily tasks like calls, texts, and browsing.
- Basic camera features suitable for simple photos.
- Suitable for users with very basic needs and a tight budget.
Motorola Edge 30 Ultra Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, OLED technology, brightness, and refresh rate provide a vastly better viewing experience.
- Much Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset allows for demanding tasks, gaming, and seamless multitasking.
- Significantly Better Cameras: High-resolution sensors, wide aperture, and advanced features enable professional-grade photography and videography.
- Ultra-Fast Charging: The 125W charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Modern Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, modern software, and improved connectivity standards are present.
- Enhanced Audio Experience: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos provide better sound quality.
- Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Advanced sensor suite for gaming and other advanced features.
- Better Build Quality: More reliable screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
Practical Implications for Motorola Edge 30 Ultra:
- Ideal for users who consume lots of media, play games, or need high performance.
- Excellent camera for capturing detailed photos and high-quality videos.
- Quick charging and wireless options to minimize downtime.
- A smooth user experience due to the high refresh rate and powerful chipset.
- Future-proofed to handle demanding applications for several years.
Trade-offs:
- Battery Capacity: Edge 30 Ultra's battery is slightly smaller, but this is likely offset by its much more efficient and power optimized chipset and charging capabilities.
- Price: The Edge 30 Ultra is in a significantly higher price category than the A12.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A12:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who prioritize affordability over top-tier performance and features.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Individuals who primarily use their phones for calls, texts, simple browsing, and social media.
- First-Time Smartphone Owners: Users who are new to smartphones and don't require advanced features.
- Users with Basic Needs: Users who primarily use their phone for basic communication and simple day-to-day tasks.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A12:
- Daily communication (calls and texts).
- Casual web browsing and social media.
- Basic photo capture.
- Long battery life for essential usage.
Ideal User for Motorola Edge 30 Ultra:
- Power Users: Those who demand high performance for gaming, content creation, and multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Individuals who want professional-level camera capabilities in a smartphone.
- Media Consumers: Users who enjoy high-quality video, audio, and gaming experiences.
- Tech Savvy Individuals: Those who want the latest features and advancements in smartphones.
Use Cases for Motorola Edge 30 Ultra:
- Mobile gaming with high graphics settings.
- High-resolution photo and 8K video recording.
- Seamless multitasking across multiple apps.
- Enjoying multimedia content with excellent display and audio quality.
- Professionals who need powerful and reliable performance on the go.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: What is my budget for a new phone? (The Edge 30 Ultra would be in a significantly higher price tier)
- Primary Usage: What are my main use cases? (basic communication vs gaming/photography etc)
- Performance Needs: Do I need high performance for gaming and multitasking, or are basic tasks sufficient?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Basic Needs - If you are on a very tight budget and need a phone for basic communication and simple tasks, the Samsung Galaxy A12 is an option.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Camera are Priorities - If you need high-end performance, a superior display, an excellent camera, and want modern features like fast charging and wireless charging, the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Needs with Budget in Mind: If performance, cameras and display matter, but you want the best overall value, look at some mid range phones instead of either of these 2. These phones cater to users at the opposite ends of the spectrum.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra. The difference in user experience would be night and day. The Edge 30 Ultra offers significantly superior performance, a much better display, professional-grade cameras, and modern features that the Samsung A12 simply cannot match. The vastly superior processing power, screen quality, camera and charging speed would far outweigh the slightly smaller battery size. I also value a smooth operating system, excellent screen and enhanced media experience. The difference in price would need to be considered but it would be a worthy investment. The Samsung A12 would feel extremely slow, have a poor display, and poor camera compared to the Edge 30 Ultra. The A12 would only be considered if the budget is extremely tight.
