1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Motorola Edge 50 Neo | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 154.1 × 71.2 × 8.1 mm | Edge 50 Neo is significantly more compact and thinner, making it easier to handle and pocket. M12 is bulkier. |
| Weight | 212g | 171g | Edge 50 Neo is 41g lighter, which makes it more comfortable to hold for longer periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.4" | Negligible difference in size, both are fairly large screens. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1256x2760 | Edge 50 Neo's much higher resolution results in significantly sharper text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 474 | Edge 50 Neo offers a much sharper display with greater clarity, resulting in a better viewing experience. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | P-OLED | Edge 50 Neo offers superior contrast, more vibrant colors, and deeper blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Edge 50 Neo provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations, though both are fast. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 3000 nits | Edge 50 Neo will be much more readable in bright sunlight due to its significantly higher brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm) | Edge 50 Neo has a much more powerful and efficient chip. It can handle demanding tasks and games more smoothly. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 675,000 | Edge 50 Neo is significantly faster, offering a much smoother and snappier user experience, also indicating better future-proofing. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G615 MC2 | Edge 50 Neo’s GPU provides superior graphics performance, resulting in smoother gaming and faster image processing. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" sensor | Edge 50 Neo's larger sensor and wider aperture allow for better low-light performance and a slightly higher quality overall. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.2 | Edge 50 Neo’s selfie camera will capture much more detailed and higher-resolution images. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.0 | Edge 50 Neo provides optical zoom capability, allowing for clear photos at a distance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | Samsung offers a wider view in its photography. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung has a dedicated lens for depth sensing for portrait photography. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung can capture close-up images of small subjects. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 13MP, f/2.2 | Motorola can capture both wide-angle and macro images. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps | Edge 50 Neo can capture much higher resolution video, also with more slow-motion recording options, all with stabilization. |
| DxOMark | Not Available | Mobile: 115 (Photo: 118, Video: 107) | Edge 50 Neo has a tested and scored camera system with good results overall. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, PDAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, PDAF, LAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Edge 50 Neo has more advanced features like 4K video, optical zoom, and laser autofocus which contribute to a more versatile experience. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4310mAh | M12 offers larger capacity, likely translating to slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 68W fast charging, 15W wireless charging | Edge 50 Neo charges significantly faster and supports wireless charging, which is very convenient. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Edge 50 Neo is significantly more up-to-date and will likely get more OS updates in the future. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/6E | Edge 50 Neo supports newer and faster WiFi standards for better performance on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Both offer Bluetooth 5.0; The Motorola also has low energy profile capabilities for enhanced battery efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Edge 50 Neo offers more satellite systems for more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | Edge 50 Neo has the added flexibility of eSIM support, which is good for international travel. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 256/512 GB | Edge 50 Neo comes with significantly more storage, ideal for people who save a lot of photos, videos, and files. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 8/12 GB | Edge 50 Neo offers much more RAM which provides a smoother multitasking experience. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion via SD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Edge 50 Neo offers significantly better audio quality with immersive sound and clarity. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer fingerprint sensors, with a side-mounted one being less common and perhaps slightly more convenient on the Samsung. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Edge 50 Neo offers better screen protection against scratches and minor impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint, Hall | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Motorola has an additional compass sensor, while the Samsung has a hall sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery offers potentially longer usage time between charges, which is good for users who are often away from power sources.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Lenses: Allows for creative photography options with macro and portrait effects.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: A side-mounted fingerprint scanner may be more convenient for some users.
Motorola Edge 50 Neo Advantages:
- Superior Display: The P-OLED display with much higher resolution, pixel density, brightness, and a smoother refresh rate provides a significantly better viewing experience.
- Significantly Better Performance: The much more powerful Dimensity 7300 chipset provides a faster, smoother user experience in everyday tasks and gaming.
- Much Improved Camera System: The 50MP main sensor with a larger sensor and wider aperture, combined with the telephoto lens, and higher resolution selfie camera provides much better image quality and versatility, also with 4K video recording capabilities.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: 68W fast charging significantly reduces charging time and wireless charging adds convenience.
- More Storage and RAM: Much higher storage and RAM offers significantly better multitasking capabilities and ensures more longevity.
- Stereo Speakers and Dolby Atmos: Significantly better audio quality provides a more immersive experience for music, video, and games.
- Better Software: Ships with a newer version of Android, with the promise of more future OS updates.
- eSIM Support: Useful for international travelers who want the flexibility to switch carriers without needing a physical SIM card.
- Better screen protection: Offers Gorilla Glass protection which is not available on the Samsung.
Trade-offs:
- The M12 has a larger battery but does not have fast charging capabilities. Also it lacks wireless charging which the Edge 50 Neo has.
- The M12 has dedicated Macro and Depth lenses, but the Edge 50 Neo's camera is significantly better overall.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Prioritizing a large screen and long battery life at an affordable price.
- Users who prioritize battery life: Those who need their phone to last all day without needing to be charged.
- Casual users: Those who primarily use their phone for browsing, social media, and light gaming.
- Users who desire wide angle, macro, and portrait photography: While not the best quality, they offer creative possibilities.
Use Cases:
- Long days away from power outlets, browsing the internet, or light gaming.
Motorola Edge 50 Neo Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize display quality: Those who want vibrant, sharp images, videos, and gaming experiences.
- Performance-oriented users: Those who want fast, smooth performance for multitasking and gaming.
- Photography enthusiasts: Those who want a good camera system that performs well in various conditions.
- Users who value audio quality: Those who want a more immersive experience for music, videos, and games.
- Users who need fast charging: Those who want a quick charge time and the added convenience of wireless charging.
- Travelers: Those who appreciate eSIM functionality and the extra satellite support for navigation.
Use Cases:
- Enjoying high-quality multimedia, capturing great photos and videos, playing demanding games, multitasking, and traveling internationally.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to consider before choosing:
- How important is display quality to you? If you value vibrant colors, sharp text, high resolution and smooth refresh rates, the Edge 50 Neo is the clear winner. If you are okay with a basic screen, the M12 may suffice.
- How crucial is performance for your daily usage? If you are just browsing, texting, and doing light activities, the M12 may be sufficient, but if you play games or run more demanding apps, the Edge 50 Neo will provide a smoother experience.
- Do you prioritize camera quality and features or battery capacity? If photography is important, the Edge 50 Neo is much better. If you simply need the phone to last as long as possible, the M12 will give you that (although you sacrifice charging speed).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget Phone for Basic Use - If you're on a very tight budget and just need a phone for basic tasks with long battery life, the Samsung Galaxy M12 is a viable budget option.
- Scenario 2: Mid-Range Phone with Balanced Features - If you want a more well-rounded phone with a superior display, much better performance, significantly improved camera, fast charging, and better audio, the Motorola Edge 50 Neo is the clear recommendation, provided it fits your budget.
- Scenario 3: Photography on the go - If you enjoy taking photos, particularly with a versatile camera, the Motorola Edge 50 Neo is clearly better due to its superior hardware and features.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Edge 50 Neo.
Here's why:
While the Samsung Galaxy M12 offers a larger battery, the Motorola Edge 50 Neo is superior in almost every other significant way that matters for my daily usage and what I consider to be important in a smartphone. The difference in display quality alone (P-OLED vs PLS LCD, significantly higher resolution, much greater brightness) is huge, and the enhanced performance from the much more powerful chipset makes everything snappier. I also highly value the significantly upgraded camera system with the telephoto lens, faster charging capabilities, and better audio quality, plus it offers more future-proofing with its newer software. The price difference is likely justified by the improved overall experience. Also, the design of the Motorola is more refined being thinner and lighter making it easier to carry around.
