1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Motorola Moto G (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.9 x 9.7 mm | 165.4 x 75.8 x 9.4 mm | Moto G (2022) is slightly taller and thinner; M12 is slightly thicker. Both are similar in hand feel, but Moto G might feel slightly more modern/slim. |
| Weight | 212g | 204g | Moto G (2022) is lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Identical screen size, providing a similar viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Same resolution means the same level of sharpness on both screens. |
| PPI | 270 | 270 | Both have similar pixel densities, meaning similar perceived sharpness |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD on the Moto G (2022) generally offers wider viewing angles and better color reproduction compared to PLS LCD on the M12. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones appear to have missing information here. This value cannot be used for comparison. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Dimensity 700 (7nm) on Moto G (2022) offers better performance in CPU and GPU-intensive tasks. The 7nm process is more efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 389,300 | Moto G (2022) has significantly higher benchmark scores; Expect much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 on the Moto G (2022) provides better graphics processing, improving gaming and other graphically intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Rear | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2", Samsung S5KGM2 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1 | Moto G (2022) has a slightly higher resolution, wider aperture, while the M12 has a larger sensor. Moto G should perform better in low light due to aperture. M12 might capture more detail. |
| Selfie | 8MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Moto G (2022) takes higher-resolution selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | M12 offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more in a single frame, which the Moto G lacks. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have similar depth cameras for portrait mode with blurred background effects. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have similar macro cameras for close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both offer similar video recording capabilities |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 10W fast charging | M12 charges slightly faster. |
| Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Both are non-removable batteries; Li-Polymer is a more modern and slightly safer battery type. |
| Other | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Moto G (2022) has a newer OS version. |
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Moto G (2022) supports newer Wi-Fi standards, potentially offering faster and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | Moto G (2022) has newer Bluetooth for improved power efficiency and potentially faster and more stable connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL | M12 supports Beidou for better location accuracy while Moto G supports SUPL. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Single SIM | M12 can use two SIM cards at the same time. |
| Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 64 GB | M12 offers more storage variants. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 6 GB | Moto G (2022) comes with higher RAM. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both have no expandable storage. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Moto G (2022) includes a compass and barometer. |
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Basic audio features | Both have basic audio capabilities. |
| Security | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both have similar fingerprint sensor technology. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Wider Camera Options: Has a dedicated Wide Angle lens, which provides additional versatility in photography.
- Dual SIM: Supports two SIM cards, useful for users who need separate lines for work and personal use or when traveling.
- Charging: Slightly faster 15W charging.
- More Storage Options: Offers a higher 128 GB storage variant.
- GPS: Supports Beidou.
- Slightly larger sensor in the main camera: This might result in more detail captured under the right conditions.
Motorola Moto G (2022) Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset offers much better performance.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 12, offering potential benefits in performance and security.
- Superior Display Technology: Uses IPS LCD, which usually offers better viewing angles and color accuracy than the PLS LCD used in the M12.
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher resolution front-facing camera.
- Newer Bluetooth: Supports Bluetooth 5.1 with Low Energy.
- Better WiFi: Supports newer and faster WiFi standards.
- Additional Sensors: Includes a compass and barometer.
- Wider aperture in the main camera: This should allow for better low-light performance.
- Higher AnTuTu score: This translates to an overall better user experience due to more processing power
Trade-offs:
- The Galaxy M12 gives a wider array of cameras, dual sim capabilities and a slightly faster charger, but with considerably lower performance. The Moto G is all about performance and has a better display, but lacks a wide angle lens, and dual sim support.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize camera versatility (especially the wide angle lens).
- Users who need dual SIM capability.
- Users on a very tight budget who only need basic smartphone features, and do not plan on intensive tasks like gaming.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday photography, including landscapes and group photos.
- Users who travel frequently and need two phone lines.
- Casual social media browsing.
Motorola Moto G (2022):
- Ideal Users:
- Users who want smooth performance.
- Users who value a better display and the latest OS.
- Users who play games or do heavy multitasking.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming and other graphic intensive apps.
- Smooth, lag-free multitasking.
- Users who prefer a phone with a better display quality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: Do you prioritize smooth performance and fast app loading, or are you primarily using the phone for basic tasks?
- Camera Preference: Do you need a wide-angle lens for your photography, or are you happy with a standard setup?
- Connectivity Requirements: Do you need dual SIM support, or is a single SIM sufficient?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-conscious user, primary use is basic social media, no gaming:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy M12. While not as powerful, it offers a lower price, basic functionality, a dual sim capability and a wide-angle camera for diverse shooting.
- Scenario 2: Prioritizes performance, does mobile gaming and multitasking:
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G (2022). The superior chipset and GPU make it the better choice for performance-intensive activities.
- Scenario 3: User who values better display quality, and wants smooth performance:
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G (2022). The newer IPS display provides better viewing angles and color reproduction and is a big upgrade.
- Scenario 4: User who wants more camera versatility:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy M12. It has more cameras and a wide angle lens which might be more useful than higher resolution.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Moto G (2022).
Here's why:
- Performance is Key: The massive performance advantage of the Dimensity 700 chipset is a game-changer. The AnTuTu score difference is not just a number; it means smoother operation, less lag, and a more enjoyable user experience overall. I value a snappy user experience over the other features of the M12.
- Better Display: The IPS LCD screen on the Moto G (2022) will provide better viewing angles and better colours. The display is a very important aspect in user experience, as I always want my colours to be as accurate and enjoyable as possible.
- Newer OS and Connectivity: The newer version of Android, along with the updated Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support make the Moto G (2022) more future-proof and more convenient.
- Practical User Experience: While the wide-angle lens on the M12 is useful, I personally prioritize performance and screen quality for my day-to-day use. The benefits of smooth performance and better screen far outweighs the disadvantage of not having a dedicated wide angle lens.
- Better Main Camera: The higher aperture on the main camera allows for better low-light pictures.
- Higher RAM: The 6GB of RAM will allow for better multitasking.
While the Samsung Galaxy M12 has some advantages like dual SIM, I value performance and overall user experience more. The performance gap between the two is huge, making the Moto G (2022) a better choice for me.
