Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A12 vs. Motorola Moto G54
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Motorola Moto G54 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm, 205g | 161.6 × 73.8 × 8 mm, 177g | Moto G54 is smaller, thinner, and lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use, especially for smaller hands. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both have the same screen size. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Moto G54's display is significantly sharper and clearer, resulting in a more enjoyable viewing experience, especially for text. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 405 PPI | Moto G54 has much sharper images and text. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Moto G54's IPS LCD panel offers better color accuracy and wider viewing angles than the PLS LCD on the A12. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Moto G54 provides smoother scrolling and animations, making the phone feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Unable to determine practical impact, since both have a brightness of 0 nits |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7020 (6 nm) | Moto G54 offers vastly superior performance, better for gaming, multitasking, and general app responsiveness. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 455,400 | Moto G54 is significantly faster across the board, ideal for demanding applications and games. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG BXM-8-256 | Moto G54's GPU is much more capable for graphic-intensive tasks like gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8 | Moto G54’s wider aperture allows more light, potentially leading to better low-light performance. |
| Front Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.4, 1.00µm pixel size | Moto G54 has a higher resolution selfie camera, likely to capture sharper images. Samsung A12 has a wider aperture, allowing more light, but has lower resolution. |
| Telephoto lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | A12 has an extra Telephoto lens, potentially for optical zoom, but low resolution. Motorola Moto G54 has more advanced features like Optical Stabilization (OIS) |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | A12 has an extra wide angle lens, allowing users to capture more in a single frame. Motorola Moto G54 has more advanced features like Optical Stabilization (OIS) |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | A12 has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Moto G54 has a dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps, OIS, 120fps Slow-mo | Moto G54 offers more versatile video recording with 60fps option, optical stabilization, and better slow-motion capabilities. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, so expect similar battery life under comparable usage. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging, Li-Ion | 15W fast charging, Li-Polymer | Similar charging speed and battery type |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 10 (upgradeable to 12) | Android 13 | Moto G54 has a newer Android version out of the box, which implies a longer software support and more up-to-date features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Moto G54 supports faster and more stable WiFi ac standard, offering better connection speeds and less congestion. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE | Moto G54 has a newer version of Bluetooth, offering better efficiency and features like LE (Low Energy), aptX, LDAC, AAC. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), NavIC System | Moto G54 supports more satellite systems resulting in more precise location tracking, especially in areas with weak GPS signals. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Moto G54 allows the use of a digital SIM (eSIM) in addition to the traditional Nano SIM, which can be useful for international travel. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Moto G54 offers significantly higher internal storage options, providing more space for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 4/8/12 GB | Moto G54 comes with higher RAM options, leading to smoother multitasking and app performance, especially with multiple apps open. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Moto G54 has enhanced audio output with Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, providing immersive sound, better separation and voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer fingerprint unlock for quick access. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | Moto G54 includes a compass, useful for navigation and AR apps. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- More Rear Cameras: The A12 has a dedicated telephoto, wide-angle and depth lens compared to the Moto G54 which only has a main and macro lens.
- Wider Aperture Selfie Camera: Has a wider aperture front facing camera to allow more light for photos.
Motorola Moto G54 Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Dimensity 7020 chipset is much more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and refresh rate leading to much better user experience, sharpness and responsiveness.
- More Storage and RAM: Higher RAM and internal storage options which allows smoother multitasking and more media storage.
- Advanced Camera Features: The Moto G54’s camera features like OIS, 60fps recording, and slow-motion capabilities offer more versatile shooting capabilities.
- More Modern Software and Connectivity: Comes with a newer version of Android OS and also features enhanced connectivity options like Bluetooth 5.3 LE and faster Wi-Fi standards.
- Better Audio Quality: Offers enhanced spatial audio via Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung A12 has a more comprehensive rear camera system, offering telephoto and wide-angle lenses that the G54 lacks but with low resolution. The G54, however, has a macro lens that A12 is missing and more capable video recording functionality.
- The Samsung A12 has a slightly wider aperture front-facing camera, but with lower resolution, compared to the Motorola G54’s higher-resolution front-facing camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12:
- Ideal User: Basic users who prioritize affordability and having a variety of rear cameras, particularly those who want to capture wide-angle and zoomed photos. It is also suitable for those who prefer a wider aperture selfie camera.
- Use Cases: Casual social media use, basic web browsing, capturing standard photos and videos, and everyday tasks.
- Price-to-Value Ratio: This device is suitable for budget-conscious buyers who need basic functions and a range of camera options.
Motorola Moto G54:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, display quality, and modern software.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, video consumption, smooth multi-tasking, photography, and users who need better audio.
- Price-to-Value Ratio: Offers excellent value for money considering the performance and features, providing a superior experience to the Galaxy A12 for a small price difference.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is my primary use case? (Casual use vs. gaming/multimedia consumption)
- Is display quality a significant factor? (Sharpness and refresh rate)
- Do I need the latest OS and future proofing? (Android version and performance)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If budget is the absolute top priority and your usage is limited to basic tasks, the A12 could be a valid option. However, the G54's value proposition might be a better overall experience for a slight increase in budget.
- Scenario 2: Performance & Multimedia Enthusiast: If you play games, watch videos, or multitask frequently, the Moto G54 is the clear winner, offering significantly better performance and a much better display.
- Scenario 3: Photography Focus: The Samsung A12 has more rear camera lenses (telephoto, wide angle, depth), but the image quality may not be as good as the G54. The G54 has a wider aperture main camera which will take better low light photos and OIS for better video recording. The Moto G54 might be a better choice for most users who want better image quality.
What I Would Choose
I would choose the Motorola Moto G54. While the Samsung Galaxy A12 offers more camera lens choices, it falls significantly behind in virtually every other crucial area. The Moto G54’s superior display, significantly faster processor, modern operating system, enhanced camera features, and much more storage and RAM, make it a much more compelling option for almost any user. The difference in performance and user experience will be night and day. In today's modern world the A12 feels outdated, whereas the G54 is a much better choice. Although the price of both these phones may be similar, the G54 will feel like a much more valuable phone for all users.
