Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A12 vs. Motorola Edge 40 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Motorola Edge 40 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-12-21 | 2023-04-04 | Motorola Edge 40 Pro is significantly newer, with more modern tech. |
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | 161.2 × 74 × 8.6 mm | A12 is slightly larger and thicker, may feel less comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 205g | 199g | Motorola Edge 40 Pro is slightly lighter, better for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Motorola Edge 40 Pro offers a marginally larger viewing area. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Motorola Edge 40 Pro has much sharper visuals, text, and images. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 394 PPI | Motorola Edge 40 Pro display is significantly clearer and more detailed. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | OLED | Motorola Edge 40 Pro offers superior contrast, vibrant colors, and deeper blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 165Hz | Motorola Edge 40 Pro provides much smoother scrolling and animations, better for gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | Motorola Edge 40 Pro is significantly brighter, much better visibility in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Motorola Edge 40 Pro offers vastly superior processing power for all tasks, including gaming, and will be much more future-proof. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 1,532,500 | Motorola Edge 40 Pro offers dramatically faster performance; apps, multitasking, and games will be far smoother. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 740 | Motorola Edge 40 Pro's GPU is vastly more powerful, providing much better gaming and graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4600mAh | Samsung Galaxy A12 has a slightly larger battery, potentially for slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 125W Fast Charging | Motorola Edge 40 Pro charges significantly faster, reducing charging time drastically. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable, 15W wireless charging, 5W reverse wired charging | Motorola Edge 40 Pro offers more versatile charging options, including wireless and reverse charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" sensor | Motorola Edge 40 Pro main camera captures more light with better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 60MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor | Motorola Edge 40 Pro selfie camera has significantly higher resolution for detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.93" sensor | Motorola Edge 40 Pro telephoto offers much higher zoom quality and better performance in low light. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" sensor | Motorola Edge 40 Pro ultrawide camera captures much higher-resolution images. |
| Portrait mode (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Samsung Galaxy A12 offers a dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@960fps | Motorola Edge 40 Pro supports much higher video recording quality, slow motion and better features. |
| DxOMark | Main score: 90 | Main score: 130 | Motorola Edge 40 Pro has significantly superior camera performance in overall. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera | Time-Lapse, 4K Video, 8K Video, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Optical stabilization, Night Mode, RAW | Motorola Edge 40 Pro offers more advanced features and superior image quality |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 13 (upgradable to 16) | Motorola Edge 40 Pro runs a much newer version of Android and will likely receive longer software support |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11n | Wi-Fi 7 | Motorola Edge 40 Pro supports faster, more reliable Wi-Fi standards, including Wi-Fi 6/6E/7. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE | Motorola Edge 40 Pro uses a newer Bluetooth version, offering better power efficiency and speed. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Motorola Edge 40 Pro offers more accurate and reliable location services using dual band GPS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Motorola Edge 40 Pro includes eSIM support for digital SIM management, and the A12 supports dual physical SIMs for simultaneous use. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 256/512 GB | Motorola Edge 40 Pro offers significantly more internal storage for media, apps, and data. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 12 GB | Motorola Edge 40 Pro features significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 4 microphones | Motorola Edge 40 Pro offers better sound quality with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support, as well as improved microphone performance. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | A12 includes side mounted sensor and the Edge 40 Pro has a basic fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Motorola Edge 40 Pro offers a very durable display with advanced screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Motorola Edge 40 Pro has more advanced sensors for better gaming and other advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Potentially Lower Cost: The A12 is generally aimed at the budget segment, potentially offering a much lower purchase price.
- Slightly Larger Battery: Offers a marginally larger battery capacity, which may translate to slightly longer battery life, especially under lighter use.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Includes a dedicated 2MP depth sensor for portrait photos.
- Dual Physical SIM Support: Supports two physical SIMs for users who need dual-SIM functionality.
Motorola Edge 40 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution, pixel density, OLED technology, and refresh rate for a much better viewing experience, excellent for media consumption and gaming.
- Much Faster Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is significantly faster than the Helio P35, providing faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and high-end gaming capabilities.
- Superior Camera System: Much higher resolution cameras across all lenses, better sensors, wider apertures, and advanced features for far better photo and video quality.
- Much Faster Charging: 125W fast charging drastically reduces charging times.
- Wireless and Reverse Charging: Offers both wireless and reverse charging capabilities.
- Newer Software & Updates: Ships with Android 13 (and will receive further updates), providing a more modern experience.
- Advanced Connectivity: Supports faster Wi-Fi standards, including Wi-Fi 7, and newer Bluetooth versions, ensuring better connectivity.
- Enhanced Audio: Offers stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos and 4 microphones for better audio experience.
- Durable Build Quality: Features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection and more sensors.
- Greater Storage and RAM: Comes with significantly more internal storage and RAM, allowing for better multitasking and future-proofing.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung A12: Significantly inferior performance, display, and camera.
- Motorola Edge 40 Pro: Potentially higher price point and slightly smaller battery.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals who prioritize affordability above all else.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Those who primarily use their phones for basic tasks like calls, texts, and simple browsing.
- Users Needing Dual Physical SIM: Users who need two active physical SIM cards.
Light Use Cases: Users who do not engage in heavy gaming or resource-intensive applications.
- Use Cases: Basic browsing, social media, basic photo capture, call, and text.
Motorola Edge 40 Pro Ideal User:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who demand top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and other demanding tasks.
- Multimedia Lovers: Users who prioritize an immersive media experience with a high-quality display and audio.
- Photography & Videography Enthusiasts: Those who want a versatile and high-quality camera system.
- Tech-Savvy Users: Users who appreciate the latest technologies and features.
Users Needing Future-Proofed Device Those who would like their device to last them for a longer time, and not become outdated.
- Use Cases: High-end gaming, 4K video recording, advanced photo editing, content consumption, and demanding multitasking.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The Samsung Galaxy A12 is likely significantly cheaper.
- What is your primary usage? Do you need a basic phone, or do you want top-tier performance and features?
- How important are the camera, display and charging? Are you an enthusiastic photographer or do you consume lots of content, or need to recharge your device fast.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Tight Budget & Basic Use: If you are on a very tight budget and only need a phone for basic tasks, the Samsung Galaxy A12 is the more cost-effective choice. However, be aware of its performance limitations.
Scenario 2: Performance and Features Matter: If you prioritize performance, display quality, and camera capabilities, and are willing to pay more, the Motorola Edge 40 Pro is the clear winner.
Scenario 3: Camera Focus: If photography and videography are important to you, the Motorola Edge 40 Pro's advanced camera system makes it a much more suitable choice.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would pick the Motorola Edge 40 Pro. While the Samsung Galaxy A12 is adequate for basic tasks, the Edge 40 Pro offers a significantly better user experience across nearly every aspect. The much faster processor, high-refresh-rate OLED display, superior camera system, and advanced features like fast wireless charging make it a far more compelling device. The difference in performance and display quality alone is a game-changer, especially for someone who uses their phone for multimedia, gaming, and photography. The longevity of the device and the fact that it's going to be relevant for longer are also very important factors. Yes, it costs more but is a significantly better phone overall and more versatile.
