1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Motorola Moto G72 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 160.5 × 74.4 × 7.9 mm | Moto G72 is significantly thinner and slightly smaller, more pocketable and comfortable to hold for longer periods. |
| Weight | 212g | 166g | Moto G72 is noticeably lighter, making it easier to carry and use one-handed. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Both have similar screen sizes. The 0.1" difference will be negligible for most users. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2400 | Moto G72 has a significantly sharper display; text and images will look clearer and less pixelated. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 402 | Moto G72 has a much higher pixel density, resulting in crisper and more detailed visuals, especially noticeable when reading text or viewing high-resolution content. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | P-OLED | Moto G72's P-OLED display will offer deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors, leading to a much better viewing experience than the M12's LCD screen. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Moto G72 offers slightly smoother animations and scrolling, making the interface feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits, this seems to be an error. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) | Moto G72's chipset is more powerful, leading to significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 415,300 | Moto G72 performs much better in benchmarks, indicating a substantial difference in overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Moto G72's GPU provides better graphics performance, crucial for gaming and graphically intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity and should offer similar battery life under typical usage. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Moto G72 charges much faster, reducing downtime and getting you back to full charge quicker. |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Minor difference in battery chemistry; practical impact is minimal. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP (f/2.0) | 108MP (f/1.7) | Moto G72's main camera will capture much more detail due to its higher resolution; wider aperture allows better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | Not specified | M12 has a specified sensor size while it's not specified on G72, making comparisons difficult in sensor size. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 0.64 µm | M12 has larger pixels, good for light gathering while G72 has smaller pixels to make higher resolution possible. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP (f/2.2) | 16MP | Moto G72's selfie camera will produce more detailed and sharper photos. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 5MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/1.9) | Moto G72's wide-angle camera offers higher resolution and wider aperture for better quality wide shots. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | M12 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, while G72 relies on software. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Both have similar macro capabilities for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps | Moto G72 can record at 60fps for smoother video. |
| Slow Motion | No, 30 fps | Yes, 120 fps | Moto G72 offers smoother slow-motion videos. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, PDAF | Triple camera, Digital Image Stabilization, Laser Autofocus, PDAF | Moto G72 offers digital stabilization and laser autofocus, which help improve image quality. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 12 | Moto G72 ships with a newer version of Android, potentially offering better features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Moto G72 supports 802.11ac which enables faster WiFi speeds on compatible networks and Dual-band WiFi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 LE | Both share Bluetooth 5.0, but M12 supports more Bluetooth profiles while Moto G72 utilizes Low Energy profiles. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Moto G72 offers more accurate location services thanks to supporting additional GPS systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Nano SIM | Dual SIM, Nano SIM | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Moto G72 offers more base storage and higher maximum storage options. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 6/8 GB | Moto G72 has more RAM and will likely handle multitasking better. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, which may limit users who require more storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Moto G72 offers a superior audio experience with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint | basic fingerprint sensor | M12 has side mounted sensor, while G72 fingerprint sensor type is not specified. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both lack details on the screen protection, therefore it's difficult to compare. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Moto G72 has a more comprehensive suite of sensors, providing more advanced functionalities and better gaming experience. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: The M12 has a dedicated 2MP depth sensor for portrait mode, which might provide slightly better background blur compared to the G72's software-based approach.
- More Bluetooth Profiles: Offers more Bluetooth profiles, which might be useful for specific advanced Bluetooth devices.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: The side mounted sensor on the M12 might be preferred for some users over a back-mounted or in-screen option.
Motorola Moto G72 Advantages:
- Superior Display: P-OLED screen with higher resolution and refresh rate provides a much better visual experience with vibrant colors and smoother motion.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Helio G99 chipset offers a massive performance boost for everyday tasks, multitasking, and gaming.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging drastically reduces charging time.
- Better Main Camera: Higher resolution main camera with a wider aperture captures more detailed images, especially in low light.
- Superior Audio: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos enhance the audio experience for multimedia consumption.
- More RAM and Storage: Higher base and maximum storage options along with higher RAM capacity improves overall responsiveness and ability to store more data.
- Newer Android OS: Ships with a newer version of Android providing access to latest features and better security.
- Additional Sensors: Compass and Magnetometer are included in the sensor list.
Significant Trade-offs:
- M12 Trade-off: Sacrifices display quality, performance, and charging speed for a slightly better depth sensor on the camera and a larger selection of Bluetooth profiles.
- G72 Trade-off: Lacks a dedicated depth sensor, relies on software for portrait mode, and has fewer Bluetooth profiles.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious buyers: Users who prioritize affordability above all else and are willing to sacrifice performance and display quality.
- Basic users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light browsing.
- Users who need more Bluetooth profiles: Users with advanced Bluetooth devices that might benefit from the larger selection of profiles available in the M12.
Motorola Moto G72 Ideal User:
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who enjoy watching videos, playing games, and listening to music on their phones and value a good visual and audio experience.
- Everyday users: Those who require a responsive phone for multitasking, smooth performance, and efficient charging.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value camera quality and prefer taking high-resolution photos and videos.
- Users who want more storage and RAM: Those who need more space for apps, photos, videos, and other content.
Specific Use Cases:
- Galaxy M12:
- Basic internet browsing and social media scrolling.
- Casual use with limited app switching.
- Long battery life for users on a budget.
- Moto G72:
- High-resolution video streaming and gaming.
- Multitasking with multiple apps open simultaneously.
- Fast charging for on-the-go usage.
- High quality photos and videos.
- Users needing compass and magnetometer.
Price-to-Value:
- The Moto G72 generally offers better value for the price, providing significantly better performance, display, camera, and audio features. The M12 is primarily for those who need a very basic smartphone on a very strict budget.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? If budget is the primary constraint, the M12 may be considered, but the G72 has a significantly better value for the price.
- How important is display quality and smooth performance? If visual clarity and performance are important, the Moto G72 is far superior.
- What are my main use cases? If primarily using the phone for basic tasks with a need for long battery, the M12 might suffice. If you want better quality, the G72 is recommended.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic Usage, Tight Budget: If you need the cheapest phone that will handle calls and basic apps, the Samsung M12 will suffice.
- Scenario 2: Multimedia & Gaming: The Motorola G72 is far better for media consumption and gaming due to its superior display, speakers, and processing power.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: The Motorola G72's 108MP main camera, and better overall camera performance make it the better choice for photography.
- Scenario 4: Wanting a more capable phone for general use and having a slightly better budget: The Motorola G72 is the clear winner.
What I Would Choose and Why
Given the provided specifications, I would choose the Motorola Moto G72. The reasons for this choice are as follows:
- Superior Display: The P-OLED display with its higher resolution, pixel density, and refresh rate offers a significantly better viewing experience compared to the Samsung M12's LCD panel. This is a crucial factor for me as I frequently use my phone for media consumption.
- Massive Performance Advantage: The MediaTek Helio G99 chipset provides a substantial performance increase compared to the Exynos 850. This ensures smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming capabilities.
- Faster Charging: The 33W fast charging is a significant advantage, reducing downtime and getting the phone back to full battery in less time.
- Better Camera System: The 108MP main camera and improved selfie camera would provide me with significantly better image quality. While the M12 has a dedicated depth sensor, I find the overall performance of the G72's camera to be more important.
- Enhanced Audio Experience: The inclusion of stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos provides a better audio experience, which is important for enjoying videos and music.
- More RAM and Storage: The G72's option for 8GB of RAM and higher base storage will keep the device fast and capable of storing more files.
- Modern OS: The fact that it comes with Android 12 ensures I will get the latest features and a more secure phone experience.
While the Samsung Galaxy M12 might be a viable option for users with very tight budgets and basic needs, the Motorola Moto G72 offers a much more compelling overall package, especially for users who prioritize display quality, performance, and camera quality. The G72 is simply a much more capable device and the small price increase to upgrade from the M12 is easily worth it.
