1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A12 and Motorola Moto G (2023), focusing on the practical implications of their specifications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Motorola Moto G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm | 164 x 75 x 8.4 mm | Similar size but Moto G (2023) is slightly thinner, possibly feeling a bit more comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 205g | 189g | Motorola Moto G (2023) is noticeably lighter making it easier to hold for extended periods and carry around. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Identical screen size, offering the same visual space for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both offer the same level of sharpness, which is moderate and may not be ideal for users who prioritize crisp text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 270 | Similar pixel density, meaning the screen will have similar clarity and detail. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD offers potentially better viewing angles and color reproduction compared to PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The 120Hz display on the Moto G (2023) will feel much smoother, especially when scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have the same peak brightness, with unknown values so not comparable. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio P35 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 480+ is significantly more powerful, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 380,000 | A much higher score for the Moto G (2023) indicates a much more responsive and overall faster device. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 provides superior graphics performance, which impacts gaming and other graphically intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery size, so expect comparable battery life under similar usage. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | Both support the same fast charging speed, which is relatively slow compared to modern standards. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2" sensor, 0.80 µm pixels | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.80 µm pixels | Moto G (2023) has a wider aperture, potentially resulting in better low-light performance and shallower depth of field. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12 µm pixels | Moto G (2023) has wider aperture and larger pixel size, leading to potentially brighter and more detailed selfies, especially in low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Galaxy A12 has a dedicated telephoto for zoomed shots, although limited by the low megapixel count. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | Galaxy A12 has a wide angle lens, allowing for broader shots. |
| Depth Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Galaxy A12 has depth sensor for portrait mode, although limited by the low megapixel count. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixels | Moto G (2023) has a macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both offer similar video recording capabilities suitable for standard social media content. |
| Features | Quadruple camera, Digital Zoom, etc. | Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF), etc. | Samsung has more lenses, while Motorola uses software to improve image quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradeable to 12) | Android 13 | Moto G (2023) ships with a newer version of Android and, thus, likely has better app compatibility and security features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Moto G (2023) offers better WiFi with 5GHz bands and thus better speed and less congestion. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | Moto G (2023) offers a newer and more power-efficient version of Bluetooth |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Moto G (2023) supports more satellite systems for better and more reliable location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Motorola adds support for eSIM |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 128 GB | Both have a max. of 128GB of internal storage but Samsung offers 3 different options while Motorola only has 128GB |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 4 GB | Samsung has better ram options (up to 6GB), but Motorola likely manages memory better. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | Basic | Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Motorola has a better audio experience thanks to the dual-speaker setup and noise-canceling microphones |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both phones offer similar biometric authentication using fingerprint sensor, for fast unlocking of the devices |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | No information available, so similar build quality can be expected |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Motorola offers more sensors which is good for more modern gaming and also compass navigation |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Here's a breakdown of the major advantages of each phone, their practical implications, and any significant trade-offs:
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- More Camera Lenses: Offers a telephoto, wide-angle, and depth sensor in addition to the main camera. This provides more versatility in different shooting scenarios.
- More Ram Options: Offers more ram options such as 3GB, 4GB and 6GB.
Samsung Galaxy A12 Trade-offs:
- Older Chipset: Uses an older, less powerful MediaTek Helio P35, which leads to slower performance in daily tasks, gaming and multitasking compared to Moto G (2023).
Motorola Moto G (2023) Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 480+ chipset is much more powerful than the Helio P35, resulting in a smoother, faster user experience.
- 120Hz Display: Offers a much smoother visual experience for scrolling, gaming, and animations.
- Superior GPU: The Adreno 619 handles graphically intensive tasks and games much better than the PowerVR GE8320
- More Modern Bluetooth & WiFi: Supports newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards, potentially resulting in faster and more reliable connections.
- Wider Aperture on Main and Selfie Camera: Improves low-light performance and provides better shallow depth of field.
- Better Audio Features: Includes stereo speakers and 2 microphones, making it better for audio consumption and calls.
- eSIM Support: Allows for digital carrier switching, providing flexibility for users who travel or switch carriers often.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 13, offering better security, newer features, and more compatibility with modern apps.
- More Sensors: Includes a compass and gyroscope, making it suitable for modern gaming and more comprehensive sensor data.
Motorola Moto G (2023) Trade-offs:
- Less Camera Versatility: Lacks the telephoto, wide-angle, and depth sensor offered by the Galaxy A12, but makes it up with better standard camera and better software.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A12:
- Budget-conscious users: Who want a basic smartphone with an array of camera lens at a very low price.
- Users who prioritize multiple cameras: Who wants a telephoto lens and wide angle lens for different shooting situations.
- Basic phone users: Who use phone for calls and basic social media.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A12:
- Casual photography for users who like to play around with different lenses.
- Basic social media usage.
- Simple everyday tasks like calling, texting, and basic browsing.
Ideal User for Motorola Moto G (2023):
- Performance-focused users: Who want a responsive phone for smooth everyday tasks, multitasking, and moderate gaming.
- Users who value a smooth display experience: The 120Hz refresh rate makes the phone feel more modern and snappy.
- Users who desire better quality main camera: Those who prioritize the quality of the main and selfie cameras and use it in low-light conditions.
- Users who enjoy good audio quality: Those who use the phone for music, movies and calls.
Use Cases for Motorola Moto G (2023):
- Moderate mobile gaming.
- Smooth multitasking and app usage.
- Enjoying media content with better audio.
- Photography and video in low-light environments.
- Users who want a slightly more future-proof device with 5G connectivity.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions for buyers to consider:
How important is performance and speed to you?
- If highly important: The Motorola Moto G (2023) is the clear winner due to its significantly more powerful chipset, providing a smoother and more responsive user experience.
- If basic performance is acceptable: The Samsung Galaxy A12 may suffice for very basic usage.
Which camera setup do you prefer?
- If you value versatility: The Samsung Galaxy A12 offers more lenses (telephoto, wide-angle).
- If you prioritize photo quality: The Motorola Moto G (2023)'s wider aperture cameras might be preferred, especially for low-light conditions and better selfies.
What is your budget?
- If budget is the main priority: You would have to compare prices as there is no information provided.
- If you're willing to spend a little more for performance and a smoother display: The Motorola Moto G (2023) is a better long-term investment.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Motorola Moto G (2023).
Here's why:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 480+ chipset offers a far superior user experience in terms of speed and responsiveness. This is a significant advantage for me because I tend to multitask and use various apps frequently.
- Display: The 120Hz display on the Moto G (2023) is a substantial upgrade, making the phone feel much more fluid and enjoyable to use. It greatly improves the scrolling experience.
- Audio: The stereo speakers make a difference when it comes to listening to music and watching videos, I also appreciate the better microphone quality, and often need to use the phone for calls.
- Software & Future-Proofing: The fact that the Moto G (2023) ships with Android 13 and has 5G connectivity makes it a more future-proof device.
- Main Camera: Although the Samsung has more camera options, the Motorola's better main and selfie camera with better aperture and pixel size offers better image quality, especially in low-light scenarios, and that is more useful for me.
While the Samsung Galaxy A12 has some advantages (e.g. more lenses), they don't outweigh the improvements in performance, display, and overall user experience provided by the Motorola Moto G (2023). The Moto G (2023) provides a better balance between cost and utility in my opinion.
