Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A12 vs. Motorola Moto G55
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Motorola Moto G55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | 161.6 × 73.8 × 8.1 mm | Moto G55 is more compact, potentially easier to handle and pocket. |
| Weight | 205g | 179g | Moto G55 is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.49" | Negligible difference in screen size. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Moto G55 has a much sharper display with more detail. |
| PPI | 270 | 405 | Moto G55 will show significantly crisper text and images. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Moto G55's IPS LCD may offer slightly better viewing angles and color accuracy. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Moto G55 offers smoother scrolling and animations, especially in games. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness. Note: peak brightness is not specified, this may be a data issue. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7025 (6 nm) | Moto G55 has a much more powerful and efficient processor, leading to faster app loading and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 470,000 | Moto G55 offers significantly better performance in everyday tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG BXM-8-256 | Moto G55’s GPU provides much better graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2" sensor, 0.8µm pixel size | 50MP, f/1.8, unknown sensor and pixel size | Moto G55 has a slightly larger aperture, which may result in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.4, 1.0µm pixel size | Moto G55’s front camera will take sharper selfies with more detail. |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | A12 has a dedicated telephoto lens, allowing for some optical zoom, though limited to 2MP. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Moto G55's wide-angle camera captures slightly higher resolution photos. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | A12 has a dedicated depth sensor for bokeh effects. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, no stabilization | 1080p@30/60fps, digital image stabilization | Moto G55 can record smoother 60fps videos and benefits from digital image stabilization. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 90, Photo: 0, Video: 0 | Not tested | A12 has a DXOMark score, though its relevance is limited to its own capabilities. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Front Flash, Night Mode | Moto G55 offers more advanced features like OIS, 4K recording, RAW image capture, and Night Mode. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, suggesting similar battery life. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging, Li-Ion | 30W fast charging, Li-Polymer | Moto G55 charges significantly faster. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Moto G55 can be used as a power bank to charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 | Moto G55 has a more modern Android version with newer features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n, Dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display, Wi-Fi MiMO | Moto G55 supports faster Wi-Fi ac standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE | Moto G55 has a newer, more efficient Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1) | Moto G55 provides more accurate location tracking with more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Moto G55 provides an additional eSIM option for digital carrier switching. |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal | 32GB/64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Moto G55 offers a minimum of 128 GB storage. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB/6GB | 8GB | Moto G55 provides significantly more RAM, for better multi-tasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Moto G55 has superior audio output with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones have side-mounted fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Moto G55 offers better scratch resistance and protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | Moto G55 adds a compass sensor for navigation. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Telephoto Lens: A dedicated telephoto lens, though only 2MP, offers some optical zoom capability not present in the Moto G55.
- Depth Sensor: Dedicated depth sensor can enhance portrait mode effects
Motorola Moto G55 Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Dimensity 7025 chipset provides far superior processing power, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density for a much clearer and more detailed viewing experience.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate makes animations and scrolling feel more fluid.
- More Advanced Camera: Better low-light performance, higher resolution selfie camera, 4K video recording, digital image stabilization, Optical Image Stabilization and features like RAW capture and Night Mode, offering greater versatility.
- Faster Charging: 30W fast charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Reverse Charging: Can act as a power bank to charge other devices.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 14 providing access to the latest features and security updates, while the A12 is stuck at Android 12.
- More RAM: 8GB of RAM provides better multitasking.
- Superior Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers offer significantly improved audio quality.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides improved durability.
Trade-offs:
- The Galaxy A12 includes a dedicated telephoto lens and depth sensor, which the Moto G55 lacks. This means it could have a slight edge in portrait mode or some basic telephoto scenarios, although the quality will be limited by the 2MP sensor.
- The Galaxy A12 is much older, therefore, may be available at a lower price if it's not discontinued, making it more accessible for those on the tightest of budgets.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for the absolute cheapest smartphone option who still want a decent battery and basic functions.
- Basic Usage: Users who primarily make calls, text, browse the web, and use very basic apps.
- Users who value the Telephoto lens and depth sensor: Users who want these features over overall camera quality and phone performance
Use Cases:
- Emergency Phone: A backup or temporary phone.
- Basic Communication: For calls, texts, and light social media use.
- First Smartphone: A very basic smartphone for a first time smartphone user.
Motorola Moto G55 Ideal User:
- Performance Seekers: Users who need a responsive and capable phone for daily tasks, social media, and mobile gaming.
- Multimedia Consumers: Those who watch videos, listen to music, and appreciate a good quality display and audio.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a more versatile camera with advanced features and better image quality.
- Value Conscious: Users who prioritize performance and features and want the best overall smartphone for the money
- Users who value future proofing: Users who want a device with the latest software and faster performance and capabilities.
Use Cases:
- Daily Driver: A reliable and versatile phone for everyday use.
- Multimedia Consumption: Enjoying videos, music, and games.
- Mobile Photography: Capturing high-quality photos and videos with various modes.
- Social Media Enthusiasts: Users who want smooth and fast performance when using their social media apps.
Price-to-Value:
- The Motorola Moto G55 offers significantly more value for money due to its enhanced performance, display, camera, and features. Its modern specs and build quality make it a great all-around phone.
- The Samsung Galaxy A12 is an entry-level phone and offers a very basic experience. If budget is the primary concern, it might suffice for the most basic tasks, however it's not a good value for the money compared to the G55.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? If the price is the only concern, the A12 might be slightly cheaper, but with significantly lower value.
- What is your priority? If you want good performance, a great display, and good camera capabilities, the Moto G55 is the superior choice. If a depth sensor and telephoto lens are a must and budget is the only concern, the A12 will work.
- How long do you intend to use the phone? The Moto G55’s newer software and faster performance make it a more future-proof option compared to the outdated A12.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is extremely tight, and phone is needed for basic communication only - Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy A12 might be considered, but the user should be aware of the significant performance and feature limitations compared to the Moto G55.
- Scenario 2: User wants the best possible phone for their money, with great performance and camera - Recommendation: The Motorola Moto G55 is the obvious choice.
- Scenario 3: User needs a dependable phone for daily tasks and multimedia, and wants it to last a while - Recommendation: The Motorola Moto G55 is the better option as it’s more future-proof, has a modern OS, and significantly better performance and features.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would absolutely choose the Motorola Moto G55. The difference in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and overall feature set is vast. The Moto G55 is a much more modern and capable device that will provide a significantly better user experience. While the Samsung A12 might be an option if cost is the only limiting factor, the sacrifices in performance and quality make it a poor value for the money compared to the Moto G55. The better performance, camera, screen and features of the Moto G55 make it the clear winner in this comparison, making the user experience much better.
