1. Specifications Comparison
Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Motorola Moto G73 | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm | 161.4 x 73.8 x 8.3 mm | Moto G73 is more compact, potentially easier to handle with one hand. |
Weight | 205g | 181g | Moto G73 is significantly lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use and pocketable. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both offer the same screen size, suitable for media consumption and general usage. |
Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Moto G73 has much sharper visuals, more detail in text, images, videos. |
Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 405 | Moto G73 display appears much crisper, with less pixelation, enhancing overall clarity. |
Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Moto G73 provides better viewing angles and more accurate color representation. |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Moto G73 has smoother scrolling and animations, a much more fluid experience, especially in gaming and browsing. |
Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness data is unavailable for both. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Mediatek Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 930 (6 nm) | Moto G73's chipset is significantly more powerful for all tasks, from basic use to demanding gaming. |
AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 497,466 | Moto G73 is far faster in app loading, multitasking, and gaming, offering a smoother and more responsive experience. |
GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG BXM-8-256 | Moto G73 offers superior graphics performance, better for gaming and graphics-intensive apps. |
Camera | |||
Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Moto G73 has a slightly wider aperture, enabling better low-light performance. |
Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.4 | Moto G73 captures higher detail in selfies, even with a slightly narrower aperture. |
Telephoto Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Galaxy A12 has a telephoto lens for slightly enhanced optical zoom capabilities. |
Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Moto G73's wide-angle lens captures higher resolution images. |
Portrait Mode Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Galaxy A12 has a dedicated depth sensor for improved bokeh in portrait photography. |
Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps | Moto G73 can record smoother 60fps videos, Galaxy A12 is limited to 30fps. |
Slow-Motion | No | Yes, 240 fps | Moto G73 has high-quality slow-motion video capabilities. |
Battery | |||
Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both provide comparable battery life; battery endurance is likely similar. |
Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Moto G73 charges much faster, reducing waiting time. |
Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Li-Polymer batteries are generally more modern and can have higher energy density and potentially better longevity. |
Other | |||
Operating System | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 13 | Moto G73 has a more current OS, more up-to-date features and security; likely to receive updates for longer. |
Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax(Wi-Fi 6) | Moto G73 offers faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded networks with WiFi 6. |
Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Moto G73 offers newer Bluetooth version offering better connectivity and energy efficiency. |
Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Moto G73 offers higher storage options. |
RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 8 GB | Moto G73 has much more RAM which is better for multitasking and future proofing. |
Audio | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Moto G73 has much better audio quality with stereo speakers and additional features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Telephoto lens: Offers a dedicated lens for optical zoom, which the Moto G73 lacks, enabling better close-up shots.
- Depth Sensor: Dedicated depth sensor to enhance portrait photos (bokeh).
Motorola Moto G73 Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Dimensity 930 chipset is vastly more powerful than the Helio P35, making the phone much faster and more responsive.
- Higher Resolution Display: Full HD+ resolution offers a sharper, clearer viewing experience.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a much more fluid experience, especially noticeable in gaming and scrolling.
- Faster Charging: 30W charging significantly reduces battery charging time compared to the A12's 15W.
- Modern OS: Comes with Android 13 out of the box.
- Better Main Camera: Wider aperture for improved low-light shots.
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher resolution and larger pixel size for better selfies.
- Better Wide Angle Lens: Higher resolution sensor for more detailed wide angle shots.
- Enhanced Audio: Features stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos for a better audio experience.
- Faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 offering faster speeds, better coverage and energy efficiency.
- More RAM and Storage: Comes with more RAM for better multitasking.
Trade-offs:
- The Galaxy A12 offers a telephoto lens and dedicated depth sensor, but the Moto G73 prioritizes overall camera performance with its main camera and better selfie capabilities.
- Galaxy A12 is more outdated in terms of software, processor and display.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12 is ideal for:
- Users on a very tight budget: If price is the absolute priority, the A12 is cheaper to purchase, though it comes with significant compromises.
- Users who value telephoto and depth sensors: If you specifically need zoom capabilities or the portrait bokeh effect, the A12 is a reasonable option.
- Users with basic smartphone needs: Suitable for basic social media, calls, and simple apps.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A12:
- Casual social media browsing
- Simple photography with telephoto and portrait modes
- Basic app usage and communication
Motorola Moto G73 is ideal for:
- Users who prioritize performance: Those who need smooth multitasking, responsive apps, and a lag-free experience.
- Gamers: The powerful chipset, high refresh rate, and better GPU enhance gaming performance.
- Multimedia consumers: High-resolution display and stereo speakers provide an immersive media experience.
- Users who want faster charging: 30W fast charging is much more convenient.
- Users who want a more modern experience: Comes with a newer version of Android and more future-proof in terms of technology and performance.
Use Cases for Motorola Moto G73:
- Demanding gaming
- Extensive media consumption (video, music)
- Smooth multitasking and app performance
- Faster charging, better camera in most scenarios and longer software support.
Price-to-value Ratio:
- The Moto G73 offers significantly better value for money, providing a substantial performance boost and a more modern user experience for its price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What's my budget limit? The A12 is cheaper, but the Moto G73 offers more bang for the buck.
- How important is performance and smoothness to me? The Moto G73 is far superior for demanding tasks.
- Do I need a telephoto lens and/or a depth sensor, or do I need better image quality from my main and selfie cameras? The A12 has a dedicated lens and sensor whereas the Moto G73 excels in most other areas of the camera.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget-Conscious): If budget is the primary concern and basic functionality is sufficient, the Samsung Galaxy A12 can be a reasonable option.
- Scenario 2 (Performance Focused): If you need a phone for gaming, media consumption, or heavy app usage, the Motorola Moto G73 is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3 (Photography): If you need the zoom from the telephoto lens of the Galaxy A12 and do not care about selfie camera quality, that could be a reason to pick it. However, the Moto G73 offers better image quality with its main and selfie cameras and overall better camera experience.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Moto G73 without hesitation.
Reasons:
- The performance difference is vast. The Moto G73 is significantly faster, smoother, and more responsive, which enhances the overall user experience, making daily tasks more enjoyable and efficient.
- The display of the Moto G73 is far superior, offering a much sharper and smoother visual experience thanks to the higher resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. This makes a huge difference for gaming, video streaming, and even general browsing.
- The camera on the Moto G73 is better in most situations, especially when it comes to low light. The higher-resolution selfie camera is also a significant plus.
- The faster charging on the Moto G73 is a practical advantage, saving me time and keeping the phone operational when I need it most.
- The newer OS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth versions make the Moto G73 more future-proof and more up to date.
- The enhanced audio quality is an important element for a phone that is used for media consumption.
Although the Samsung Galaxy A12 provides a telephoto lens and depth sensor, these are outweighed by the Moto G73's overall advantages in performance, display, camera quality, and overall user experience.