1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Motorola Moto G Power (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-12-21 | 2022-02-22 | Motorola is a significantly newer phone with more up-to-date components and software. |
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | 167.2 × 76.5 × 9.4 mm | Motorola is slightly taller and thicker, but both are similar in size and handling. |
| Weight | 205g | 203g | Virtually identical in hand feel and portability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both offer the same screen real estate for media consumption and everyday tasks. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both have the same level of sharpness, suitable for basic use but not ideal for high-res content. |
| PPI | 270 | 270 | Identical pixel density resulting in the same sharpness perception. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Motorola's IPS LCD likely offers slightly better viewing angles and color accuracy. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Motorola will feel smoother in daily use, especially when scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones' peak brightness is unspecified, making direct brightness comparison impossible. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) | Motorola's G37 is a newer and faster chipset, leading to snappier performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 159,800 | Motorola offers significantly better performance, which is noticeable in daily use and gaming. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE832 | Motorola provides better gaming capabilities with a newer GPU version. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Motorola captures slightly more detailed images, but the difference may not be dramatic in all scenarios. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/1.8 | Motorola's wider aperture allows more light in, improving low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/2.76" | Samsung's larger sensor may capture slightly more light in some conditions despite smaller aperture |
| Main Camera Sensor Model | Samsung S5KGM2 | Samsung S5KJN1 | Different sensors that may offer slight differences in image quality. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 0.65 µm | Samsung's larger pixel size might offer better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 8MP | Both offer the same resolution for selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | Motorola's wider aperture captures slightly more light in selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Pixel Size | N/A | 1.12 µm | Motorola's larger pixel size allows it to capture more light in selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP | None | Samsung offers optical zoom capabilities, though the resolution is low. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP | None | Samsung enables a wider field of view for landscapes and group shots. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP | Motorola can capture detailed close-up shots of small objects. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP | 2MP | Both offer similar depth-sensing capabilities for bokeh effects. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps with EIS | Motorola includes EIS for smoother video recording. |
| DxOMark Score | 90 (Mobile) | N/A | Samsung's camera has a basic score on DxOMark, whereas Motorola's doesn't. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera | Triple camera, PDAF, LAF | Samsung offers more cameras, but Motorola has advanced focusing (PDAF & LAF) and stabilization. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity for similar all-day battery life. |
| Charging | 15W | 10W | Samsung charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both batteries are sealed within the devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 11 (no upgrade path specified) | Motorola has a newer OS out of the box, but the long-term support of the Samsung is more concrete. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Motorola supports faster WiFi, allowing for faster data speeds on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 LE | Samsung has more comprehensive profile support. Motorola prioritizes low energy. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | Both offer similar navigation capabilities, but with slightly different satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Single SIM | Samsung allows the use of two SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 64/128 GB | Both have similar options, but Samsung also has a 32 GB variant. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 4 GB | Samsung offers more RAM in higher configurations for better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage via microSD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | 2 microphones | Motorola likely offers slightly better voice capture for calls and recordings. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both offer similar convenient and fast fingerprint-based unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unspecified | Unspecified | No information on specific screen protection (like Gorilla Glass) for either device. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Motorola has a more comprehensive set of sensors, enabling more features and capabilities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Wider Camera Versatility: Offers a telephoto and wide-angle lens in addition to its main camera, providing more options for different shooting scenarios.
- Faster Charging: Supports 15W fast charging, getting you back up and running faster.
- Dual SIM Support: Allows for simultaneous use of two SIM cards for better management of multiple numbers.
- More RAM Options: Up to 6GB of RAM, offering better multitasking capabilities if you choose a higher RAM variant.
Motorola Moto G Power (2022) Advantages:
- Superior Performance: A significantly faster chipset and GPU result in smoother overall performance, quicker app loading, and better gaming.
- Smoother Display: The 90Hz refresh rate makes everyday interactions feel more fluid and responsive.
- Better Main Camera: Wider aperture allows for better low-light performance, with the addition of PDAF and LAF for faster autofocus.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Supports newer WiFi standards, offering faster speeds when connected to modern networks.
- More Sensors: Includes compass, gyroscope, and barometer for more feature-rich experience.
- Better Audio recording: Includes 2 microphones for improved voice capture during calls and recordings.
- Newer OS out of the Box: Comes with Android 11 from the start, which should be slightly more up-to-date.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung's main camera has a larger sensor and pixel size, which might make up for the slower f/2.0 aperture and result in slightly better low light performance in some instances, compared to the smaller 1/2.76" sensor and smaller 0.65 μm pixel size on the Motorola.
- Samsung provides a wider variety of camera lenses including a telephoto and ultrawide lens, but the quality of these lenses will most likely not reach the quality of the primary lens on the Motorola.
- Samsung provides an upgrade path to Android 12, whereas Motorola provides no upgrade path.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize camera versatility (multiple lenses) and dual SIM functionality.
- Use Cases:
- Travelers needing dual SIM support for international calls and data.
- Users who take a variety of photos and want different focal lengths.
- Users who prefer a slightly faster charging speed.
Motorola Moto G Power (2022):
- Ideal User: Users seeking a smoother, faster everyday experience without breaking the bank, particularly with focus on casual gaming or smoother scrolling.
- Use Cases:
- Casual gamers looking for a budget-friendly phone with decent performance.
- Users who value a smoother experience scrolling social media or webpages.
- Users who need solid performance in everyday tasks.
- Users who record audio using their phone, like interviews.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
The Motorola generally offers a better price-to-performance ratio given its superior performance, display, and camera features, especially for the price. However, the Samsung Galaxy A12 might be a better fit if the user heavily values camera versatility or dual SIM capability.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? If very budget-restricted, the Samsung A12 is an option, but the Motorola generally provides a superior performance at a low price.
- How important is smooth performance and gaming? If this is important, Motorola is the better choice with its faster processor and higher refresh display.
- Do you need dual SIM and a variety of camera lenses? If so, Samsung offers this, while the Motorola focuses on the quality of its main camera.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Social Media & Casual Use: For general social media, web browsing, and basic use, the Motorola with its smoother screen is preferable.
- Scenario 2: Photography Enthusiast on a Budget: The Samsung offers versatility with multiple lenses. If quality is a priority, the Motorola's main camera is a better bet.
- Scenario 3: Gamers on a Budget: Motorola offers better gaming performance due to its superior chipset.
- Scenario 4: International Traveler: The Samsung's dual SIM is beneficial.
- Scenario 5: Audio Recording: Motorola's 2 microphones will provide higher recording quality.
My Choice
If I had to choose between the two, I would pick the Motorola Moto G Power (2022). My decision is based on its superior performance (faster processor, better GPU, higher refresh rate screen), better camera quality (wider aperture, PDAF, LAF), and the inclusion of a more modern suite of sensors. While the Samsung has some advantages, like a wider camera system and dual SIM support, the overall improvements in everyday performance and responsiveness offered by the Motorola are more important to me. The benefits of smoother scrolling, quicker app loading, and superior photo quality are features I prioritize.
