1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Motorola Moto G (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | 165.4 × 75.8 × 9.4 mm | Moto G (2022) is slightly taller and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier in hand, though the difference is minimal. |
| Weight | 205g | 204g | Virtually identical weight, negligible difference in how they feel. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both offer the same screen size, suitable for content consumption and browsing. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Identical sharpness, meaning no visual difference in terms of pixel density. |
| PPI | 270 | 270 | Identical pixel density; same sharpness. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD generally offers better viewing angles and color reproduction than PLS LCD, leading to better viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | 90Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and animations, making the Moto G (2022) feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Identical brightness. Without a specified value for brightness, no practical difference can be discerned. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Dimensity 700 offers significantly better performance (CPU/GPU) and power efficiency due to the smaller fabrication process (7nm vs 12nm). |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 389,300 | Moto G (2022) offers drastically superior performance; faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 generally provides better graphics performance, translating to smoother gaming and more responsive UI. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2", 0.80 µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64 µm | Moto G (2022) has a slightly wider aperture (f/1.8), potentially better low-light performance. A12 has a larger sensor, but the Moto G has a higher resolution sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm | Moto G (2022) has a higher resolution front camera, potentially resulting in sharper selfies. Moto G also has bigger pixel size that gathers more light. |
| Telephoto | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Galaxy A12 has a dedicated telephoto lens, offering some optical zoom capability, though likely of limited quality. |
| Wide Angle | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | Galaxy A12 offers an ultrawide lens, allowing for wider field of view in photos. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm | Both feature a 2MP depth sensor, used for portrait mode. Moto G has a bigger pixel size for better light gathering for depth sensing |
| Macro | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm | Moto G (2022) features a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, which is not present on A12. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record video at the same resolution and frame rate. |
| DXOMark Score | 90(Mobile),0(photo),0(video) | Not tested | DXOMark testing available only for the A12. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Panorama | Triple camera, PDAF | A12 has an ultrawide and telephoto, while the Moto G (2022) has macro lens and Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) for faster focusing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have identical battery capacity, suggesting similar battery life under similar usage. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 10W fast charging | A12 offers faster charging, resulting in less time spent plugged into the wall. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to 12 | Android 12 | Moto G (2022) has a newer OS out of the box and a higher likelihood of future software updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n, Dual band | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Display | Moto G (2022) supports the faster 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard, potentially offering better data speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, MAP | 5.1 LE, APT-x | Moto G (2022) has a newer Bluetooth version and APT-x for improved audio quality via Bluetooth devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL | Galaxy A12 has Beidou which may be useful in specific regions. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Single SIM | A12 allows the use of two SIM cards simultaneously, useful for travelers or those with personal/work lines. Moto G (2022) only supports one SIM card. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 64 GB | A12 offers more internal storage options depending on the model, while the Moto G (2022) has only 64 GB. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 6 GB | Moto G (2022) has 6 GB RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, limiting storage capacity to internal options. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Basic audio features | Both offer similar basic audio features; no discernable difference. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both have identical fingerprint sensor technology with no practical difference. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Moto G (2022) has a more comprehensive sensor suite; gyroscope enables better gaming experience and compass provides better mapping capabilities. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both lack specific screen protection. The durability of both screens is unknown. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- More Camera Variety: Offers a telephoto and ultrawide lens, providing more flexibility in photography.
- Faster Charging: Supports 15W fast charging, reducing charging times.
- Dual SIM Support: Allows for two SIM cards to be used simultaneously.
- More Internal Storage Options: Has options for more internal storage (32/64/128GB) depending on the specific model purchased, although the specific model being compared has 32GB less storage.
- DXOMark Score: Has DXOMark scores available.
Motorola Moto G (2022) Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Dimensity 700 chipset provides substantially better performance and efficiency.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate makes the screen feel smoother and more responsive.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 12 out of the box, offering a more modern user experience.
- Better Front Camera: Higher resolution and larger pixels on the front camera results in better selfies.
- Macro Lens: Offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
- Faster Wi-Fi: Supports newer Wi-Fi standards for faster internet speeds.
- Newer Bluetooth: Offers the newer Bluetooth 5.1 LE version with APT-X support for better audio.
- Better Sensor Suite: Has a more comprehensive sensor suite with additional Compass, Gyroscope and Barometer.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy A12 sacrifices performance and smoothness for camera variety and potentially more storage for some models, and slightly faster charging, whereas the Motorola Moto G (2022) prioritizes performance, smoothness and more modern features over telephoto and ultrawide lenses, but has a macro lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: For users that need a cheaper phone with standard camera features.
- Users who prioritize camera flexibility: Users who want a variety of lenses (telephoto, ultrawide) for different shots.
- Travelers or those with dual SIM needs: Users who need dual SIM functionality.
- Users who do not use their phones for intensive tasks.
Use Cases:
- Taking a variety of photos in different scenarios (wide landscape, zoomed-in portraits).
- Basic web browsing, social media, and messaging.
- Users who primarily use their phones for communication, basic social media, and casual photos.
Motorola Moto G (2022) Ideal User:
- Users who value performance: Users who want a fast and smooth phone experience without spending too much.
- Mobile gamers: Gamers who want good performance and smooth graphics at a budget.
- Users who value smooth experience: Those who want the better experience of a 90Hz screen and a more responsive phone.
- Users who prefer newer OS: Users who prefer the latest software.
Use Cases:
- Playing mobile games, smooth multitasking, and using demanding apps.
- Taking quality selfies and occasional macro photos.
- Enjoying a smoother experience with a 90hz screen.
- Users who like to have more modern features on a budget phone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- How important is performance and smoothness? If you prioritize speed and smoothness over all else, the Moto G (2022) is the better option.
- How important is camera variety? If having a telephoto and ultrawide is essential, the A12 is the choice, but you will be sacrificing the quality of the camera system.
- How important is fast charging? If minimizing charging time is essential, the A12 charges faster, but the battery life is the same.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious with Basic Camera Needs: If budget is the primary concern and you only need a basic phone with diverse camera options and some storage flexibility, the Galaxy A12 might be sufficient.
- Performance-Focused on a Budget: If a smoother, faster phone with a better selfie camera and newer software is more important, the Moto G (2022) is the clear choice.
- Multimedia and Social Media Focused: If you spend a lot of time on social media and want a phone with modern features and a fast, smooth screen, the Moto G (2022) is preferred.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Moto G (2022).
Here's why:
While the Samsung Galaxy A12 offers some appealing features like more camera versatility and slightly faster charging, the Moto G (2022) provides a substantially better overall experience where it matters most in modern smartphones:
- Performance: The Dimensity 700 chip is leaps and bounds ahead of the Helio P35, making the phone far more responsive for everyday tasks, multitasking, and gaming. This is a noticeable difference in real-world use.
- Display Smoothness: The 90Hz refresh rate makes the Moto G feel more premium and fluid.
- Software: Android 12 ensures the phone is up-to-date with the latest features and is likely to have better support and future software updates.
- Better Selfies and Macro: The better front camera with larger pixels and the added macro lens provide more useful features to most users compared to the telephoto and wide angle of the A12.
- Modern Features: The inclusion of newer Wi-Fi standards, Bluetooth 5.1, APT-x support, and a more comprehensive sensor suite add to its appeal.
While the lack of a dedicated telephoto lens on the Moto G (2022) is a slight drawback, the overall advantages in performance, display, and software make it a much more compelling choice for the typical user. The Moto G (2022) offers a more complete and future-proof experience within its price bracket.
