Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. Motorola Moto G55
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the key specifications for the Samsung Galaxy M12 and Motorola Moto G55:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Motorola Moto G55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.9 x 9.7 mm | 161.6 x 73.8 x 8.1 mm | The Moto G55 is more compact, thinner and lighter, making it easier to handle and pocket-friendly. The M12 is larger overall, which may feel less comfortable for users with smaller hands. |
| Weight | 212g | 179g | The Motorola G55 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and portability. The Samsung M12 may feel heavier in comparison. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Motorola Moto G55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.49" | The screen size is practically the same, offering similar screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | The Moto G55 has a significantly sharper display with much more detail, better for viewing images, videos, and text. The M12's display may look slightly pixelated. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 405 | The Moto G55 provides a much sharper and clearer viewing experience due to higher pixel density. The M12 will look less detailed in comparison. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | The Moto G55 uses a superior IPS LCD panel, offering potentially better viewing angles and color accuracy compared to the M12's PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The Moto G55 has a smoother screen experience, resulting in reduced motion blur during scrolling, animations, and gaming. The M12 is less smooth. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Motorola Moto G55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7025 (6nm) | The Moto G55's chip is newer and built on a more efficient process, offering significantly better overall performance including faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 470,000 | The Moto G55 offers a vastly superior performance, making it far more suitable for demanding tasks like gaming and heavy multitasking. The M12 may struggle with intensive apps. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | IMG BXM-8-256 | The Moto G55's GPU is more powerful, providing smoother graphics in games and other graphically intensive applications. The M12's GPU is less capable. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Motorola Moto G55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP (f/2.0, 1/2", 0.8µm pixel) | 50MP (f/1.8) | The Moto G55 is likely to perform slightly better in low-light due to the wider aperture of f/1.8. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP (f/2.2) | 16MP (f/2.4, 1.00 µm pixel) | The Moto G55 will produce more detailed selfie photos due to the higher resolution. |
| Wide-Angle Camera | 5MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2) | The Moto G55 captures wider shots with more detail due to its higher resolution wide-angle sensor. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP depth sensor | Not Available | The M12 can take pictures with a blurred background effect. The Moto G55 lacks a dedicated depth sensor. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | Not Available | The M12 can take close-up pictures, offering a better macro photography experience. The Moto G55 lacks a macro lens. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps | The Moto G55 provides more flexibility in video recording with the option to record at 60fps, enabling smoother video captures. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | The Moto G55 has video stabilization. It makes it much better at recording stable videos. |
| Slow-Motion | No, 30 fps | Yes, 120fps | The Moto G55 can record slow-motion video at 120 FPS. This gives the phone much greater versatility. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF) | 4K Video, Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Manual focus, RAW, Front Flash, Night Mode | The Moto G55 has significantly more advanced camera features, offering greater creative control and better image and video quality in various scenarios. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Motorola Moto G55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both phones have similar battery capacity, offering comparable battery life for most users. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | The Moto G55 charges much faster, reducing the downtime spent plugged in. The M12 charges slower. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Moto G55 can be used to charge other small devices in a pinch. |
Software and Connectivity | Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Motorola Moto G55 | Practical Impact | |---|---|---|---| | Operating System | Android 11 | Android 14 | The Moto G55 has a more modern operating system, offering a more up-to-date user experience, improved security, and new features. The M12 is using an older version of Android. | | Wi-Fi | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | The Moto G55 supports newer Wi-Fi standards and 5GHz band which provides faster and more stable wireless internet connections. | | Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE | The Moto G55 features a more recent version of Bluetooth with improved speed, efficiency, and connectivity. | | GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1) | The Moto G55 has more accurate location tracking capabilities due to its support for multiple GPS systems. | | SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | The Moto G55 offers flexibility with eSIM support for easily switching between carriers or plans without using a physical sim. The Samsung M12 does not have eSIM support |
Storage | Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Motorola Moto G55 | Practical Impact | |---|---|---|---| | Internal Storage | 32GB/64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | The Moto G55 offers much larger storage options, allowing you to store more photos, videos, apps, and files. The M12 is severely limited for large apps and media. | | RAM | 3GB/4GB/6GB | 8GB | The Moto G55 offers much more RAM which enables smooth multitasking and handling of demanding apps and games. The M12 may stutter if there are too many apps open. | | Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
Audio and Security | Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Motorola Moto G55 | Practical Impact | |---|---|---|---| | Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | The Moto G55 has far superior audio performance, offering richer, more immersive sound experience. | | Security | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer similar security features with fingerprint sensor. |
Build Quality | Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Motorola Moto G55 | Practical Impact | |---|---|---|---| | Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The Moto G55 offers better screen protection against scratches and accidental damage, which provides greater durability and peace of mind. The M12's screen protection is unknown. |
Sensors | Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Motorola Moto G55 | Practical Impact | |---|---|---|---| | Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | The M12 has a gyroscope sensor, which can be used for more accurate motion tracking in games and other apps. The Moto G55 has a compass for directional assistance. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G55 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Dimensity 7025 chipset offers significantly better performance than the Exynos 850, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density provide a significantly clearer and more detailed viewing experience compared to the Samsung M12.
- Faster Refresh Rate: The 120Hz display offers much smoother scrolling and animations.
- Superior Cameras: Better main, wide-angle, and selfie cameras with more advanced features like OIS, and the ability to shoot 4k.
- Faster Charging: 30W charging significantly reduces charging time.
- More Modern Software: Comes with Android 14 out of the box.
- Better Connectivity: Supports newer Wi-Fi standards, and has a more accurate GPS module.
- Larger Storage and RAM: Offers more storage and RAM for apps and multitasking.
- Superior Audio: Includes Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos and dual microphones for better audio.
- Better Build Quality: The Moto G55 has Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for screen protection while the Samsung Galaxy M12's screen protection is unknown.
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Depth and Macro Cameras: Dedicated depth and macro cameras offer more creative photography options.
- Gyroscope Sensor: Inclusion of gyroscope sensor, is useful for some apps and games.
- Lower Price: The Samsung Galaxy M12 is an older phone, and its price will be significantly lower.
Trade-offs:
- The Motorola Moto G55 has no dedicated macro and depth cameras, this may be a disadvantage for some users who value these features.
- The Samsung Galaxy M12 is significantly slower in terms of performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Motorola Moto G55:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who demand smooth performance for gaming, multitasking, and general app use.
- Multimedia Consumers: Ideal for people who enjoy watching videos, browsing photos, and reading content on a sharp and vibrant display.
- Photography and Videography Enthusiasts: Those who want a versatile camera with advanced features for capturing high-quality photos and videos in various scenarios.
- Users who value speed and convenience: The fast charging and modern software are great additions.
- Users who want a future-proof phone: Newer software and better connectivity make this a better long-term investment.
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Suitable for those who need a basic smartphone at a lower price.
- Users who value the extra cameras: Users who value depth or macro photography may appreciate these lenses.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Individuals who primarily use their phones for basic tasks like calls, texting, and social media browsing and will not require high performance.
Specific Use Cases:
- Motorola Moto G55:
- Gaming: Smooth gameplay with higher refresh rate and better chipset.
- Video Consumption: Enjoying movies and shows on a sharp, detailed display.
- Photography: Capturing detailed shots and videos in various scenarios.
- Multitasking: Running multiple apps smoothly.
- Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Basic communication: Making calls and sending messages.
- Casual browsing: Social media and light web browsing.
- Macro photography: Taking close-up shots.
- Depth photography: Taking portrait shots with blurred backgrounds.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions for buyers to consider:
- What is your budget? If the budget is extremely tight the Samsung Galaxy M12 may be a more affordable choice. If not, the Moto G55's features outweigh the additional price.
- How important is performance? If you need smooth performance for gaming, demanding apps, or multitasking, the Moto G55 is a much better option. If you only need basic functionality then the Samsung Galaxy M12 might be enough.
- Do you need advanced camera features? If high-quality photos, OIS, or 4K video is important, the Moto G55 is superior. If you value macro photography or depth sensors then the Samsung Galaxy M12 is a better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: High-Performance User: You want a phone that can handle demanding apps, games, and multitasking smoothly. Recommendation: Motorola Moto G55 due to its vastly superior processing power and 8 GB of RAM.
Scenario 2: Casual User on a Budget: You need a basic phone for calls, texts, and light social media use and you have a very limited budget. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy M12.
Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: You want a versatile camera with advanced features for different situations. Recommendation: Motorola Moto G55 due to its more capable cameras and advanced software features.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Motorola Moto G55. Although both phones have different strengths, the Moto G55 is the clear winner in almost every category. The significantly improved performance, sharper and smoother display, superior camera features, faster charging, more modern software, better connectivity, more storage and RAM, and enhanced audio make it the better all-around device. The slightly higher price of the Moto G55 is justified by its far superior capabilities, making it the better value proposition for anyone looking for a modern smartphone. I would happily sacrifice the dedicated macro lens on the M12 for the overall improved experience that the G55 offers. The Samsung Galaxy M12 is too compromised by its poor performance and outdated software.
