1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Motorola Edge (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 160.9 × 74.2 × 8 mm | Motorola Edge (2022) is more compact and easier to handle, feels less bulky. |
| Weight | 212g | 170g | Motorola Edge (2022) is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Minimal difference in screen size; nearly identical viewing area. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Motorola Edge (2022) has a much sharper, clearer display for crisper visuals and text. |
| PPI | 270 | 399 | Motorola Edge (2022) provides a significantly more detailed display with less pixelation. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | OLED | Motorola Edge (2022) has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 144Hz | Motorola Edge (2022) offers noticeably smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both displays have identical brightness, which is not specified in nits - likely to be a data error |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6 nm) | Motorola Edge (2022) has a more powerful and efficient chipset leading to faster performance and better battery management. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 522,375 | Motorola Edge (2022) performs significantly better in all tasks, from app loading to gaming, due to its much higher performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | Motorola Edge (2022) has a superior GPU, providing better graphics for gaming and video editing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Motorola Edge (2022) offers slightly higher resolution for photos with more details. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/1.8 | Motorola Edge (2022) captures more light, resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.55" | Motorola Edge (2022) has a larger sensor, resulting in more detailed and less noisy images. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 32MP | Motorola Edge (2022) takes much higher-resolution selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.45 | Samsung Galaxy M12 allows slightly more light into the selfie lens. |
| Wide Angle Resolution | 5MP | 13MP | Motorola Edge (2022) captures much higher-resolution ultrawide photos. |
| Wide Angle Aperture | f/2.2 | f/1.5 | Motorola Edge (2022) captures more light for ultrawide shots, improving low-light photos. |
| Macro Camera Resolution | 2MP | 20MP | Motorola Edge (2022) offers a much more detailed macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP | None | Samsung Galaxy M12 has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode effect. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps | Motorola Edge (2022) provides higher quality video recording options, including 4K and smoother 1080p video. |
| Video Stabilization | None | EIS | Motorola Edge (2022) provides better video stabilization reducing shakiness. |
| Slow Motion | No | Yes, 120fps | Motorola Edge (2022) provides slow-motion capture capability. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple Camera | Triple Camera, OIS | Samsung Galaxy M12 has four rear cameras, but Motorola Edge (2022) includes Optical Image Stabilization, improving image and video quality. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same capacity, suggesting similar battery life. |
| Charging | 15W | 30W | Motorola Edge (2022) charges much faster, reducing waiting time. |
| Charging Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, 15W Wireless charging, 5W reverse charging | Motorola Edge (2022) has more versatile charging options, allowing it to charge other devices wirelessly and also be charged wirelessly |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradeable to 13) | Motorola Edge (2022) has a newer operating system and will receive further updates, ensuring a better experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (WiFi 6) | Motorola Edge (2022) has faster and more stable Wi-Fi connectivity and dual-band support. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | Motorola Edge (2022) has a more modern Bluetooth version, providing better energy efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Motorola Edge (2022) offers more satellite system support for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Motorola Edge (2022) offers eSIM support for easier carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Motorola Edge (2022) offers more storage space on the lowest end variant and more storage space on the high end variant. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 6/8 GB | Motorola Edge (2022) has more RAM for better performance when multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 mics, Noise Cancellation | Motorola Edge (2022) offers a much more immersive and higher quality audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Samsung Galaxy M12 features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, its performance isn't specified, but it has better ergonomics due to it being side-mounted. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Motorola Edge (2022) provides better screen protection against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint, Hall | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint, Compass, Barometer, Magnetometer | Motorola Edge (2022) includes additional sensors for more advanced functionality and precise measurements. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Offers a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode pictures.
- Wider Aperture Selfie: Slightly better light-gathering on the front camera.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient ergonomics compared to a basic fingerprint sensor.
Motorola Edge (2022) Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, OLED panel, and faster refresh rate provide a significantly better visual experience with vibrant colors and smooth scrolling.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The MediaTek Dimensity 1050 chipset and its higher AnTuTu score lead to much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Superior Camera System: Higher resolution sensors, wider apertures, and larger sensor sizes result in better photos and videos, especially in low-light. It also has 4k video recording capabilities.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Options: Faster 30W wired charging and 15W wireless charging with reverse charging for added convenience.
- Modern Software & Connectivity: Comes with a newer version of Android and supports more modern connectivity standards like WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 LE.
- Enhanced Audio: Features like Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, and noise-canceling microphones provide a much better audio experience.
- eSIM Support: Enables digital carrier switching.
- Better Screen Protection Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides better screen protection
- Additional Sensors: Has more sensors including a compass and barometer.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy M12: Sacrifices display quality, performance, camera capabilities, and charging speed for a lower price point.
- Motorola Edge (2022): May come at a higher price. No dedicated depth sensor for portraits, instead has a superior wide angle lens
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who prioritize affordability and basic functionality over high performance and features.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Users who primarily use their phone for calls, messages, and light social media browsing.
- Users who take portrait mode photos frequently A dedicated depth sensor is preferred over an additional sensor on a wide lens.
Use Cases:
- Daily communication: basic calling and texting.
- Light social media browsing and web surfing.
- Casual media consumption on a budget.
- Those who want a dedicated depth sensor.
Motorola Edge (2022) Ideal User:
- Performance-Focused Users: Users who value fast performance, smooth multitasking, and good gaming capabilities.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate a versatile and high-quality camera for various scenarios.
- Media Consumers: Users who enjoy watching videos, playing games, and listening to music with high-quality audio and visuals.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want modern connectivity, fast charging, and a more up-to-date Android OS.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with smooth graphics and frame rates.
- High-quality photography and videography.
- Watching movies and streaming videos with a great display and audio.
- Multitasking between various apps without any lag.
- Those who prefer the latest Android version and support
- Those who want fast charging and wireless charging capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? Is price a primary concern, or are you willing to pay more for premium features?
- What do you use your phone for most often? Prioritize the features that are most important to your daily usage (e.g., gaming, photography, social media, basic communication)
- How important is the overall user experience? Do you prefer superior display quality and performance for a more immersive experience?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If Budget is the primary concern: The Samsung Galaxy M12 may be the better option for basic tasks like calling, texting and light web browsing.
- If performance, display, camera and software is the priority: The Motorola Edge (2022) offers a superior user experience for those wanting high performance, amazing quality display, versatile cameras and faster charging.
- If you need a phone with fast charging & wireless charging: The Motorola Edge (2022) is the way to go since the Samsung Galaxy M12 doesn't offer these features.
Personal Choice:
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would go with the Motorola Edge (2022). While the Samsung Galaxy M12 offers a lower price point, the Motorola Edge (2022) provides a significantly superior user experience in almost every aspect that's important to me. The OLED display, faster chipset, better camera, much faster charging, and updated software make it a much better choice for my needs. I value performance and a great visual experience, and the Motorola Edge (2022) delivers on those fronts. The trade-off of not having a dedicated depth sensor is one I am willing to make, especially when it has a superior wide angle lens. The enhanced audio features are also another major advantage. For me, the premium features of the Motorola Edge (2022) are worth the extra investment, as it will lead to a smoother, more enjoyable, and overall better experience.
