Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A12 vs. Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022)
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm | 168.9 x 75.8 x 9.3 mm | The Moto G Stylus is slightly taller and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 205g | 215g | The Galaxy A12 is slightly lighter, which might be preferable for extended one-handed use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard builds, likely with plastic frames and backs. Specific durability isn't specified. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.8" | The Moto G Stylus provides a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2460 | The Moto G Stylus offers a much sharper and clearer display. Images and text will look crisper. |
| PPI | 270 | 395 | Higher PPI on Moto G Stylus means significantly less pixelation and a more refined viewing experience. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD generally offers better color accuracy and viewing angles than PLS LCD |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The 120Hz refresh rate on the Moto G Stylus makes scrolling and animations much smoother, enhancing the user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is not defined. The actual experience in direct sunlight cannot be determined. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | The Moto G Stylus's chipset is significantly more powerful, leading to faster app loading, better multitasking, and smoother gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 385,000 | This huge difference shows the Moto G Stylus is much more responsive and future-proof in terms of performance compared to the A12 |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 619 | The Adreno 619 in the Moto G Stylus is much better for gaming and graphics intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2", 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Moto G Stylus has a slightly better aperture (f/1.9), likely resulting in better low-light performance, though smaller sensor size may affect image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.00µm | Moto G Stylus takes much higher quality selfies |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Galaxy A12 offers a basic telephoto lens for zoom, but image quality is unlikely to be impressive. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | The Moto G Stylus has a higher resolution wide angle camera, providing more detail in wide angle shots. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The Galaxy A12 offers a basic depth sensor for portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | The Moto G Stylus offers a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots, which the A12 doesn't provide. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, no stabilization | 1080p@30/60fps with EIS | Moto G Stylus provides electronic image stabilization (EIS) and 60fps recording. |
| Slow-motion | No | Yes, 120fps | Moto G Stylus offers more capabilities for video recording. |
| Features | Quadruple camera, Panorama | Triple camera, OIS, Night Mode 2.0, Manual Focus | Motorola has more advanced features such as OIS for video, and night mode. Samsung offers panorama capture. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life, suitable for a full day of moderate usage. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | Standard | Galaxy A12 supports slightly faster charging, reducing time spent plugged in. |
| Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Li-Polymer is often slightly safer and lasts longer, though not likely a significant difference in usage. |
| Removable | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both have non-removable batteries, which is the standard for modern smartphones. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 10 (upgradeable to 12) | Android 12 | The Moto G Stylus runs a newer version of Android, offering the latest features and security updates. |
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Moto G Stylus supports faster and more reliable Wi-Fi with 802.11ac. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | Moto G Stylus has a newer version for improved connectivity and power efficiency, and better audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The Moto G Stylus supports more satellite systems, enhancing location accuracy, especially in urban environments. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Single SIM | Galaxy A12 allows for two SIM cards, useful for managing multiple numbers. |
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 256 GB | The Moto G Stylus has significantly more storage for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 8 GB | The Moto G Stylus offers more RAM, enhancing multitasking and overall app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both phones do not have expandable storage via microSD. |
| Audio | Basic | Dual Microphones | Moto G Stylus features dual microphones for enhanced audio recording, especially useful for calls. |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both provide convenient biometric security. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Moto G Stylus has the gyroscope sensor for better 3D gaming and virtual reality experience. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 695 5G chipset provides a dramatically faster experience with everyday tasks, app loading, and gaming.
- Sharper, Smoother Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, and a 120Hz refresh rate offer a much more enjoyable viewing experience.
- Better Camera Features: Includes a high resolution selfie camera, macro lens, EIS, and a newer wide angle lens.
- More Storage and RAM: The 256 GB of storage and 8 GB of RAM ensure better multitasking and ample space for files.
- Updated Software: Runs the latest version of Android (12).
- Improved Connectivity: Newer Bluetooth and Wi-Fi standards.
- Gyroscope Sensor: Better support for gaming and VR applications.
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Lower Price: Likely more affordable.
- Dual SIM Support: Useful for users who need multiple phone numbers.
- Telephoto Lens: Basic telephoto zoom capability.
- Fast Charging: 15W fast charging support.
Trade-offs:
- Performance vs. Price: The Moto G Stylus provides significantly better performance at the cost of a higher price.
- Dual SIM vs. More Storage: The Galaxy A12 has dual SIM support, but Moto G Stylus has more storage.
- Camera Features vs. Basic Functionality: The Moto G Stylus offers significantly better features, but the A12 has basic functionalities at a cheaper price.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022):
- Performance-Focused Users: Those who want fast app loading, smooth multitasking, and good gaming performance.
- Media Consumers: People who enjoy watching videos and browsing with a sharp, smooth display.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want more versatile camera options including macro, wide angle and EIS.
- Users Needing Storage: People who need more storage space for apps, videos, and photos.
- Those Who Like New Features: Users who want newer technology and features, such as an updated Android version and newer WiFi and Bluetooth.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive games.
- Editing photos and videos.
- Watching high-resolution videos on the go.
- Multitasking between several apps.
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy A12:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those who prioritize affordability over advanced features.
- Basic Smartphone Users: People who mainly use their phone for calls, texts, and light browsing.
- Dual SIM Users: Individuals who need to manage multiple SIM cards on one device.
- Users Who Need Basic Camera Functionality: People who need simple camera capabilities.
Specific Use Cases:
- Everyday communication and basic browsing.
- Simple photo capture.
- Users with multiple phone numbers.
- As a secondary backup phone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Galaxy A12 is likely significantly cheaper than the Moto G Stylus.
- How important is performance? The Moto G Stylus offers substantially better performance and is the clear winner for demanding users.
- What are your camera needs? The Moto G Stylus offers significantly more versatility and better overall image quality.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is the biggest factor. If your budget is the single most important factor, the Samsung Galaxy A12 is the better option. It's a basic phone that handles everyday tasks.
- Scenario 2: Performance is crucial. If you need a phone that's fast and responsive for a variety of apps, the Motorola Moto G Stylus is the superior choice.
- Scenario 3: Camera Quality is important. If you care about good photo and video quality with more features and stabilization, the Moto G Stylus will be a better choice with its improved cameras.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022). The vastly superior performance, higher-quality display, and more versatile camera system make it a much more compelling option. The 120Hz display is a noticeable upgrade in day to day use and the processing power makes for a faster, more enjoyable user experience. While it might be more expensive, the overall improvement in user experience and future-proofing makes the Moto G Stylus a better investment in the long run. The inclusion of features like a macro camera, and EIS further seals the deal. Although the dual sim is nice to have on the A12, it wouldn't be a feature that I would value as highly as the features the Stylus offers.
