Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. Motorola Moto G54
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Motorola Moto G54 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 161.6 × 73.8 × 8 mm | The Moto G54 is more compact and thinner, potentially more comfortable in hand and pocket. |
| Weight | 212g | 177g | The Moto G54 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both have the same screen size. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | The Moto G54 has a sharper display, resulting in clearer text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 405 | The Moto G54's higher PPI means noticeably clearer visuals with finer details. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | The Moto G54 has an IPS LCD offering better viewing angles and color reproduction than the M12's PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The Moto G54 has a smoother display experience, particularly for scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have the same peak brightness which is missing, making sunlight visibility comparison impossible. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7020 (6 nm) | The Moto G54's chipset is newer and more efficient, offering faster processing for all tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 455,400 | The Moto G54 has significantly higher performance, resulting in better app loading times and smoother gameplay. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 (ARM Mali-G52) | IMG BXM-8-256 (IMG BXM-8-256) | The Moto G54's GPU is more powerful, resulting in better graphics for gaming and graphic intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP, f/2.0 | 50MP, f/1.8 | The Moto G54 has a slightly higher resolution and wider aperture allowing for better low light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | Not available | The Samsung has a known sensor size which is larger |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.4 | The Moto G54 has a higher resolution for clearer selfies, while the M12 has a slightly wider aperture for better low light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | Not available | The M12 includes a wide-angle lens for capturing more in a single shot. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not available | The M12 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, which is missing on the Moto G54. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both phones have similar macro lens quality. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps, 4K Available | The Moto G54 offers higher quality video recording with 60fps and 4K recording. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | The Moto G54 has digital stabilization, leading to smoother videos. |
| Slow-Motion | 30fps | 120fps | The Moto G54 has higher quality slow motion videos |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity. |
| Charging | 15W | 15W | Both support the same charging speeds. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | The Moto G54 has a newer Android version with more recent features and security patches. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | The Moto G54 supports newer Wi-Fi standards for faster and more reliable connections, including dual-band support. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | The Moto G54 has a newer Bluetooth version with improved energy efficiency and faster data transfer rates. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), NavIC System | The Moto G54 has a much broader range of supported satellite navigation systems, improving location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | The Moto G54 supports eSIM for convenient carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128GB | 128/256GB | The Moto G54 has larger storage options, providing more space for files and apps. |
| RAM | 3/4/6GB | 4/8/12GB | The Moto G54 offers higher RAM options, improving multitasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | Not Available | Not Available | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | The Moto G54 has enhanced audio features for better sound quality and immersion. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both offer fingerprint security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones have unknown screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | The Samsung Galaxy M12 has a Gyroscope sensor that is not included in the Motorola Moto G54. While Motorola Moto G54 has a Compass sensor not present in Samsung Galaxy M12. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Wide-Angle Lens: Includes a dedicated wide-angle lens for more versatile photography.
- Portrait Mode (Depth) Lens: Has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode.
- Gyroscope sensor: Includes a gyroscope sensor useful for motion-based applications
- Lower Price Point: Typically available at a lower price point, making it more accessible for budget-conscious users.
Motorola Moto G54 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution (1080p vs 720p) and pixel density (405 PPI vs 270 PPI), resulting in a much sharper and clearer display.
- Smoother Display: Higher 120Hz refresh rate for smoother animations and scrolling.
- Much Higher Performance: The Dimensity 7020 chipset offers significantly better performance compared to the Exynos 850, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Larger Storage Options: Offers 128GB or 256GB storage, compared to the M12's 32/64/128GB.
- More RAM Options: Higher RAM options, up to 12GB, for more efficient multitasking.
- Better Cameras: Slightly higher main camera resolution (50MP vs 48MP) and significantly improved selfie camera (16MP vs 8MP) with a wider range of recording options, 4K video recording and digital and optical stabilization.
- eSIM Support: Includes eSIM support for easier carrier switching.
- Newer Software: Runs on Android 13, providing the latest features and security updates.
- Enhanced Audio: Includes Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers for a better audio experience.
- Broader GPS: Supports more satellite systems for accurate location tracking.
- Lighter Build: Significantly lighter build, making it easier to handle.
- Newer Bluetooth and Wi-Fi: Supports latest standards for connectivity
Trade-offs:
- Samsung M12: While it has a wide-angle lens and a dedicated depth sensor, its lower-end specs in display, performance, and camera technology limit the user experience.
- Motorola G54: Lacks a wide-angle lens and depth sensor, which may be a drawback for some users who want these camera features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize basic smartphone functionality and are less concerned about high-end performance or display quality.
- Use Cases: Suitable for casual browsing, social media, basic photography, and communication. Good for those who need a functional device on a tight budget and value the versatility of the wide-angle and depth lens for photography.
- Price-to-Value: Offers reasonable value for the lower-end market with the added wide angle camera
Motorola Moto G54:
- Ideal User: Users who want a balanced smartphone experience with a focus on performance, display quality, and modern features.
- Use Cases: Suitable for gaming, streaming, multitasking, social media, and photography. Good for users who value a fast and smooth experience with a vibrant display and better quality cameras.
- Price-to-Value: Offers excellent value, considering its performance and feature set.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Galaxy M12 is cheaper, the Moto G54 offers much higher performance and features for a slightly higher price.
- How important are display quality and performance? The Moto G54 offers a significantly better display and performance, which could be key for certain users.
- What are your photography priorities? The Galaxy M12 has a wide-angle lens and depth sensor, while the Moto G54 offers better main and selfie cameras with added video recording features
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget-Constrained): If your primary concern is cost and you need a functional smartphone for basic tasks, the Samsung Galaxy M12 is a suitable choice.
- Scenario 2 (Balanced Performance): If you want a modern smartphone with good performance, a vibrant display, and more storage and RAM, the Motorola Moto G54 is the better option.
- Scenario 3 (Photography Enthusiast): If you value the versatility of a wide-angle lens and a depth sensor, the Samsung Galaxy M12 may be preferable. However, if you want sharper photos and higher quality video, especially for selfies, the Motorola Moto G54 would be the better choice.
Personal Recommendation
I would choose the Motorola Moto G54. While the Samsung Galaxy M12 has a lower price point and offers a wide-angle and depth sensor, the Moto G54 presents a significantly superior experience in almost every aspect that matters for daily use: display quality, performance, software, and storage. The difference in performance based on the AnTuTu scores is huge, and the higher refresh rate, along with the more vibrant display, makes for a much more enjoyable user experience. In addition, the fact that the Moto G54 also has better audio and cameras makes it a no-brainer choice. The lack of wide angle or dedicated depth sensor is something that I can deal with considering the many advantages this device presents. For me, the much better performance and display of the Motorola Moto G54 makes it the winner.
