Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. Motorola Moto G31
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Motorola Moto G31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.9 x 9.7 mm | 161.9 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm | Moto G31 is more compact and thinner, likely more pocketable and comfortable to hold. |
| Weight | 212g | 181g | Moto G31 is significantly lighter, better for extended use and less tiring to carry. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.4" | Negligible difference in screen size, both provide a good viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2400 | Moto G31 has a much sharper display, text and images will appear clearer. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 411 | Moto G31's higher pixel density results in significantly crisper images and text. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | Moto G31 offers better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colours, and better power efficiency when using dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | Samsung M12 offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | No difference in peak brightness (value missing). |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | Moto G31's chipset generally offers better overall performance and efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 225,154 | Moto G31 shows significantly faster app loading, better multitasking, and improved gaming performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Moto G31's GPU configuration offers slightly enhanced graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor | Moto G31's slightly wider aperture may offer better low-light performance; Samsung M12's larger sensor may capture more light but is not significant; Moto G31 has a slightly better main camera overall. |
| Front Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixels | Moto G31 will likely capture sharper and more detailed selfies, and has a bigger pixel size. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12 µm pixels | Moto G31 offers higher resolution and slightly wider aperture, resulting in better quality wide-angle shots. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not present | Samsung M12 provides dedicated depth sensing for bokeh effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixels | Both perform similarly for close-up shots; Motorola has a larger pixel size. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both offer standard 1080p video capture, suitable for social media. |
| Slow-Motion Video | No | Yes, 120 fps | Moto G31 can capture smooth slow-motion videos. |
| Additional Camera Features | Quad Camera, PDAF | Triple Camera, Laser AF, Digital Image Stabilization, Optical zoom, RAW | Moto G31 has more advanced features including Laser autofocus and the option for saving RAW files, giving a better camera experience overall. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life for typical usage. |
| Charging | 15W | 10W | Samsung M12 charges faster. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both have the same software version. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Moto G31 supports faster and more modern Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 LE | Samsung M12 offers broader Bluetooth feature support. Moto G31 has Low Energy option. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Moto G31 has a more robust GPS system with more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both have dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 64/128 GB | Moto G31 offers similar storage options, but not 32GB. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 4GB | Samsung M12 has a greater maximum amount of RAM. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports microSD card expansion. |
| Audio Features | Basic | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | Moto G31 has superior audio experience with spatial audio and better voice capture. |
| Security & Sensors | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both have the same type of sensor. |
| Other Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Moto G31 includes a compass, which can be beneficial for navigation. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate provides a slightly more fluid user experience for scrolling and animations.
- Faster Charging: 15W charging compared to 10W.
- More RAM: Available with 6GB of RAM, improving multitasking ability over the 4GB Moto G31.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: For better bokeh effect in portrait shots.
- Broader Bluetooth feature support: Supports more bluetooth features.
Motorola Moto G31 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen offers much better visual quality (higher resolution, color accuracy, contrast and deeper blacks).
- Better Performance: Higher AnTuTu score indicates faster app loading and smoother multitasking.
- Enhanced Camera: Wider aperture on main camera, higher-resolution front camera, better wide angle lens with wider aperture, inclusion of RAW format for photos, and Laser autofocus make for a more versatile camera system.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos support and dual microphones provide a better audio experience.
- More Modern Connectivity: Supports newer WiFi standards and more GPS satellites.
- Lighter and Thinner: More portable and comfortable to hold for longer periods.
- Slow-motion Video Recording: 120fps slow-motion capability.
- Compass: Includes a compass for better navigation capabilities.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung M12: Trades raw performance, camera quality and display technology for faster charging and slightly smoother scrolling due to refresh rate and the option for more RAM.
- Motorola Moto G31: Sacrifices slightly faster charging and slightly smoother UI scrolling/animations for superior display and camera quality, better performance, and more advanced audio/connectivity features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Seeking a cheap phone with good battery life and an okay display.
- Users who prioritize smoother UI over display quality: Prefer a 90Hz display refresh rate over a better display.
- Light Multitaskers: Users who mostly use basic apps and do not demand much from their phone.
- Users focused on battery life: Those who prefer slightly faster charging may choose the Samsung.
- Users who want a depth sensor: Those who do not want to give up a dedicated depth sensor.
Motorola Moto G31 Ideal User:
- Multimedia Consumers: Those who watch videos, browse photos, and prioritize a high-quality display.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a better camera setup and the option to save RAW files.
- Mobile Gamers: Those who want a phone with better performance for gaming.
- Users who need good audio: Those who prioritize sound quality with Dolby Atmos.
- Travelers: Those who need a better GPS system with more satellite support and a compass.
- Users who use dark mode: Those who would like to benefit from AMOLED's power efficiency.
Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy M12: Ideal for everyday tasks, long battery usage, and basic app use, with the option for a slightly smoother display.
- Motorola Moto G31: Better for mobile entertainment, photography, and gaming, with a higher quality screen.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Motorola Moto G31 is likely the better value as it gives much better overall camera, performance and display experience for a negligibly higher price, assuming that the price difference is small.
- The Samsung M12 offers a slightly cheaper option that still offers the basic user experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
How much do you prioritize display quality (sharpness, contrast, vibrant colours)?
- If very important, the Moto G31 is the clear choice due to its AMOLED display.
Do you need a more responsive experience or a smoother user interface?
- If a smoother UI is desired, go for the Samsung M12's 90Hz refresh rate. If raw performance and responsiveness is desired, go for the Moto G31
What will you use the camera for most?
- For detailed shots, better low-light performance, and creative control, the Moto G31 is better. For basic snapshots, the Samsung M12 is acceptable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User If you mostly use your phone for calls, texts, and light social media, the Samsung Galaxy M12 is a reasonable budget choice for those who are not too bothered about display quality, and prefer the slightly faster charging.
- Scenario 2: Multimedia and Social Media Lover If you enjoy watching videos, using social media apps, and capturing photos, the Motorola Moto G31 is the better choice. The display is a significant upgrade.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Gamer/Power User If you want a phone that can handle gaming and multitasking smoothly, the Motorola Moto G31 is more suitable due to its superior chipset and higher benchmark scores.
- Scenario 4: Budget Shopper: If your budget is extremely limited, the Samsung M12 might be an option, but the Motorola Moto G31 gives a much better value for the money.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Moto G31. While the Samsung Galaxy M12 has a slightly smoother display due to its 90Hz refresh rate and faster charging, the Moto G31's advantages in almost all other areas make it a far more compelling choice for most users. The jump to an AMOLED display is huge, providing far better visual experience and also power efficiency if dark mode is used. The vastly better camera system and better processor make the Moto G31 the obvious choice. Its modern connectivity features, better audio, and compass are also great advantages. The slightly smaller refresh rate is a minor compromise compared to the other advantages the G31 has. In short, the Moto G31 provides much better value for money in terms of overall user experience.
