1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Motorola Moto G04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 163.5 × 74.5 × 8 mm | Moto G04s is slimmer and more pocketable. M12 is slightly wider and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier. |
| Weight | 212g | 178.8g | Moto G04s is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use. M12 might feel heavy. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.56" | Nearly identical screen size. Negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1612 | Similar sharpness; both are HD+ displays, not as sharp as FHD. |
| PPI | 270 | 269 | Virtually the same pixel density. Sharpness is similar. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Moto G04s has slightly better viewing angles and color reproduction compared to the M12's PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smoother scrolling and animations compared to standard 60Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness not specified, making comparison impossible. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Moto G04s' chipset offers superior performance, faster app loading and smoother multitasking. The smaller process size on the Exynos 850 should offer better battery efficiency, but this is not reflected in the provided AnTuTu scores. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 220,000 | Moto G04s has significantly better benchmark performance, indicating faster overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Moto G04s has a more powerful GPU, which can handle graphically intensive tasks slightly better. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Moto G04s has slightly higher resolution, allowing for slightly larger prints and cropping. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/1.8 | Moto G04s has a wider aperture, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/2.76" | Samsung Galaxy M12 has a larger sensor, which can capture more light. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.00 µm | Moto G04s has a larger pixel size, leading to better light sensitivity and low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 5MP | M12 has higher resolution front camera, resulting in more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Pixel Size | Not Specified | 1.12 µm | Moto G04s' selfie cam with larger pixel size should be better in low light. |
| Additional Cameras | Wide, Macro, Depth | None | M12 offers more versatile shooting with extra lenses, while G04s has a single, higher-quality main lens. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | Moto G04s offers video stabilization, potentially resulting in smoother videos. |
| Slow-motion | No, 30 fps | Yes, 120 fps | Moto G04s can shoot slow motion videos in higher FPS. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should offer similar battery life with average usage. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | Identical charging speeds, not considered very fast by modern standards. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Moto G04s offers a more recent Android version, which means more features, security updates and better overall performance. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Moto G04s supports dual-band Wi-Fi and the faster 802.11ac standard, which could be useful for compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 LE | Both offer Bluetooth 5.0, with Moto G04s having low energy capabilities. M12 has more advanced Bluetooth profiles. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Moto G04s supports additional satellite systems, potentially more accurate positioning. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128GB | 64/128/256GB | Moto G04s has higher maximum internal storage option of 256GB. |
| RAM | 3/4/6GB | 4GB | Samsung Galaxy M12 can offer higher RAM. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, meaning one should choose storage option carefully. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos | Moto G04s is expected to have a superior audio quality with Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Identical biometric authentication, offering basic security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Moto G04s has better screen protection with Gorilla Glass 3. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Both phones have standard sensors, but Samsung Galaxy M12 has an additional hall sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- More versatile camera system: Includes wide-angle, macro, and depth lenses for creative photography.
- Higher Resolution front-facing camera: M12 offers a sharper front camera for selfies.
- More RAM Options: Higher RAM options (up to 6GB), potentially better for multitasking.
- More Bluetooth profiles: Supports more Bluetooth profiles.
- Additional hall sensor
Practical Implications: Offers more flexibility in photography and better multitasking experience.
Motorola Moto G04s Advantages:
- Significantly better performance: Much higher benchmark scores with a more modern chipset.
- Better low-light main camera: Larger pixel size, wider aperture for superior low-light performance.
- Superior Display Technology: IPS LCD provides better viewing angles and color accuracy.
- Lighter and Slimmer design: More comfortable to hold and carry.
- More recent Android OS: Android 14 provides more modern software features and security.
- Better Wi-Fi: Support for dual-band Wi-Fi and 802.11ac for faster network performance.
- Better GPS: Supports additional satellite systems for improved location accuracy.
- Dolby Atmos audio: Enhanced audio experience.
- Screen Protection: Uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3, for better scratch resistance.
- Slow-motion video: Supports slow-motion recording in 120fps.
- Video Stabilization: Includes video stabilization for smooth videos.
Practical Implications: A generally faster, more modern experience, with better camera quality in low light and better build quality.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy M12: Offers more versatile camera setup but suffers from inferior overall performance, older software, and bulky design.
- Motorola Moto G04s: Limited to the main camera, no extra lenses, but offers a better camera, performance and general experience.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious: Users on a very tight budget who still want a versatile camera system.
- Casual Photographers: Users who want variety in their shots and are not too concerned with low-light performance.
- Users comfortable with older software: users who do not prioritize the newest Android OS features.
- Users who prioritise more RAM: users who are interested in better multitasking performance.
Use Cases:
- Casual social media photography.
- Users who prioritize the availability of more camera lenses.
- Basic daily tasks and web browsing.
Motorola Moto G04s Ideal User:
- Performance-focused: Users who want smooth and fast performance in their daily tasks.
- Low-light photography enthusiasts: Those who want reliable performance in challenging light conditions.
- Multimedia consumers: Users who enjoy watching videos and listening to music.
- Users who prefer a modern OS: Users who want the newest Android version.
- Users who value a light and portable design
Use Cases:
- Smooth multitasking and app switching.
- Low-light photography and video capture.
- Watching videos and consuming media with better audio.
- Those who want a light and portable device.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Motorola Moto G04s generally offers a better price-to-value ratio due to its superior performance, modern OS, better main camera, and improved build quality. It provides a more modern experience for a budget phone. While Samsung Galaxy M12 provides more camera lenses, it is ultimately lacking in its performance and it's software.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- How important is performance to you? If smooth multitasking and fast app loading are essential, the Moto G04s is the clear choice.
- Do you need a versatile camera system with multiple lenses? If you prioritize various creative shooting options, the Samsung Galaxy M12 could be an option.
- How important is having the latest software? If using a modern Android version is critical, the Moto G04s is preferred.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is primary concern: If budget is the absolute priority, consider the Samsung Galaxy M12. However, if you can stretch your budget a little, the better value and experience will come from the Moto G04s.
- Scenario 2: Photography enthusiast: If having multiple camera options is a must, Samsung Galaxy M12 is an option, but the Moto G04s offers better main camera image quality.
- Scenario 3: Performance matters most: Choose the Motorola Moto G04s for faster app loading and smoother overall performance.
- Scenario 4: Long-term use and software updates: If you prefer the latest software and better long-term support, the Motorola Moto G04s should be chosen.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Moto G04s. The primary reason for this is its significantly better performance, as indicated by the AnTuTu benchmark scores. In real-world use, this translates to a much smoother and more responsive experience, which is crucial for daily use. Furthermore, the newer Android version, better display technology, and superior main camera quality, in conjunction with the superior build quality and lighter design, make the Moto G04s the more practical choice overall. While the Samsung Galaxy M12 does offer additional camera lenses and more RAM, the performance difference and the other mentioned factors make the Motorola the better buy. The Moto G04s also provides better value with its improved performance, display, and more recent software.
