Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. Motorola Moto G Power (2022)
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Motorola Moto G Power (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-30 | 2022-02-22 | Moto G Power is newer, potentially having longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 167.2 × 76.5 × 9.4 mm | Moto G Power is slightly taller; M12 is slightly thicker. Minimal practical difference for most users. |
| Weight | 212g | 203g | Moto G Power is lighter, which may improve comfort during long use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Identical screen sizes. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both have the same resolution resulting in similar sharpness. |
| PPI | 270 | 270 | Similar pixel density - both displays look equally sharp. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD on Moto G Power provides slightly better viewing angles and color reproduction compared to PLS LCD on M12. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animation. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Identical peak brightness - difficult to compare without real-world tests, but both might struggle in bright outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G37 (12 nm) | Moto G Power chipset is theoretically less efficient. The 8 nm of the M12 may offer an edge in battery. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 159,800 | Moto G Power has noticeably better performance for apps and gaming; noticeable everyday speed improvements. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | PowerVR GE832 | Different GPUs, the Moto G Power’s GPU appears to provide greater performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life, generally lasting a full day with moderate use. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging (Li-Poly) | 10W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | M12 charges faster. Li-Polymer batteries are generally more durable and can withstand more charging cycles than Li-Ion ones. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.65µm | Moto G Power’s wider aperture (f/1.8) and higher resolution may perform slightly better in low-light conditions; M12 has a larger sensor that can gather more light but has lower pixel size. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12 µm | Moto G Power’s wider aperture might offer slightly better low-light selfies. Pixel size for M12 is unknown. |
| Wide Angle | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | M12 has a wide-angle lens, useful for group photos or landscape. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have similar dedicated depth sensors for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro lens performance. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps (EIS) | Both offer similar video recording; Moto G Power's EIS provides stabilized footage. |
| Features | Quadruple Camera, PDAF,... | Triple Camera, EIS, LAF, PDAF,... | M12 has an additional camera, while Moto G Power has image stabilization and Laser AF which could improve video and autofocus speed. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both run Android 11; software updates are uncertain for both phones. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Moto G Power supports more modern Wi-Fi standards including 802.11ac, potentially offering faster speeds and better range. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 (many profiles) | 5.0 LE | M12 has more Bluetooth profiles while Moto G Power has Low Energy (LE) for more efficient connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | Moto G Power supports more satellite systems (SUPL, Galileo) which can result in greater accuracy; M12 has Beidou. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Single SIM | M12 supports two SIM cards; Moto G Power only one. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128GB | 64/128GB | Both have similar maximum storage capacities, but M12 has a 32 GB option that is not shared by Moto G Power. |
| RAM | 3/4/6GB | 4GB | M12 has more RAM (6GB) option which may result in smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | 2 Microphones | Moto G Power may have better voice clarity thanks to two microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side Fingerprint | Side Fingerprint | Both have the same basic biometric security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Hall | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Compass, Barometer | Moto G Power has additional Compass and Barometer sensors, useful for navigation and environmental data. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown glass protection on both phones. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 15W charging compared to 10W on the Moto G Power.
- Wider Variety of RAM & Storage Options: 3, 4, 6 GB RAM variants and 32, 64, and 128 GB of storage options
- Ultra-Wide Lens: 5MP wide-angle camera for more versatile photos.
- Dual SIM: Supports two SIM cards which is useful for work/personal separation or international travel.
- More Bluetooth Profiles: More Bluetooth profiles offer potentially greater compatibility with audio and other accessories.
- Li-Polymer Battery: More durable than the Li-ion battery of the Moto G Power.
Motorola Moto G Power (2022) Advantages:
- Better Performance: Higher AnTuTu benchmark score and a more modern GPU, translates to smoother app loading and gaming.
- Superior Display Technology: IPS LCD panel offers better viewing angles and color accuracy than the PLS LCD of the M12.
- Wider Aperture Main Camera: The f/1.8 aperture on the main camera allows better low-light photography.
- Better Selfie Camera Aperture and Pixel Size: Wider f/2.0 aperture and larger pixel size of 1.12 µm may produce better low-light selfies.
- Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS): EIS can improve video recording quality.
- Laser Autofocus (LAF): Laser autofocus can potentially improve autofocus speed in some scenarios.
- More Advanced WiFi: Newer standards potentially for faster speeds and range.
- More Accurate GPS: Supports SUPL and Galileo for better location accuracy.
- Additional Sensors: Compass and barometer for more advanced use cases.
- Two Microphones: For improved voice clarity.
Trade-offs:
- The M12 sacrifices overall performance and screen quality for dual-SIM functionality, faster charging, and a wide-angle lens.
- The Moto G Power sacrifices the flexibility of dual SIM for superior performance and better camera and display quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 is Ideal For:
- Users needing dual SIM functionality. Those who require separate lines for work and personal use, or frequently travel internationally.
- Users who prioritize battery life with slightly faster charging.
- Users who take photos of landscapes or groups.
- Users who may want to connect via more Bluetooth accessory types
- Users with less demanding tasks: who need a reliable phone for daily tasks and social media without intensive gaming or app usage.
- Budget conscious users: who are looking for the most phone for a budget price.
Use Cases:
- Travel: Utilizing dual SIM for local and home SIMs.
- Budget friendly photography: Capturing scenic vistas with the wide-angle lens while on a budget.
- Everyday use: For standard communication, browsing, and social media without a large demand for intensive performance.
Motorola Moto G Power (2022) is Ideal For:
- Users who prioritize performance and smooth operation: Users who frequently multitask or enjoy mobile gaming.
- Users who need better image stabilization and video capture.
- Users who want better low light camera performance and selfies.
- Users who prioritize display quality: Those who value good color reproduction and viewing angles.
- Users who need great GPS: Who enjoy hiking, camping, or other outdoor activities.
- Users who may need high voice clarity
Use Cases:
- Mobile Gaming: Enjoying smoother gameplay with better graphics and reduced lag.
- Content Consumption: Watching videos with richer colors and wider viewing angles.
- Urban Navigation: Benefit from precise GPS and digital compass.
- Video Content Creation: Record videos with good stabilization.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do I need dual SIM functionality? If so, the M12 is the clear choice.
- How important is performance and display quality to me? If high performance and better screen quality are important, the Moto G Power is the better choice.
- Do I value a wide angle lens more than low-light performance? The M12 has a wide angle lens, but the Moto G Power has a better main camera for low-light conditions.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Traveler): If you need dual SIM, the Samsung Galaxy M12 is the best choice.
- Scenario 2 (Everyday user): If you need a smooth experience and capture better photos, the Motorola Moto G Power (2022) is the better phone.
- Scenario 3 (Camera Enthusiast): The Motorola Moto G Power (2022) has a better main camera and EIS, but the Samsung Galaxy M12 has a wide angle lens.
- Scenario 4 (Gamer): The Motorola Moto G Power (2022) offers superior performance.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Motorola Moto G Power (2022). My decision is based on the fact that I prioritize performance, display quality, and camera capabilities over the dual-SIM feature and wide-angle lens. While the Samsung Galaxy M12 has faster charging and a wide angle lens, I feel that the superior processing power, better display, slightly better main camera performance, and enhanced GPS on the Moto G Power provide a more complete and enjoyable user experience for my everyday needs.
