1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Motorola Moto G73 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 161.4 × 73.8 × 8.3 mm | Moto G73 is more compact and thinner, likely more comfortable for one-handed use and carrying in pockets. |
| Weight | 212g | 181g | Moto G73 is significantly lighter, making it easier to hold for extended periods and less tiring for users. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both offer the same screen size. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Moto G73's higher resolution will result in much sharper images and text, improving the viewing experience for media and general use. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 405 PPI | Moto G73 provides a significantly crisper display; text and images appear less pixelated. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Moto G73's IPS LCD is likely to offer better viewing angles and color reproduction compared to Samsung's PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Moto G73 offers smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the perceived speed and fluidity. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness at 0 nits. Note: Peak brightness information is missing |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 930 (6 nm) | Moto G73's newer and more powerful chipset translates to much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 497,466 | Moto G73 demonstrates a significantly higher performance in benchmark tests, making it noticeably faster and more future-proof. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | IMG BXM-8-256 | Moto G73's GPU is more powerful, leading to better graphics rendering in games and other graphically intensive apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity; the actual battery life will depend on usage patterns and software optimization. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Moto G73 will charge much faster, allowing users to get back to full charge in less time, a significant benefit for those always on the go. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 48MP f/2.0 | 50MP f/1.8 | Moto G73's larger aperture should capture more light, resulting in better low-light photos. The difference in megapixels is minor. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 8MP f/2.2 | 16MP f/2.4 | Moto G73’s higher resolution front camera will capture more detailed selfies, but a smaller aperture might affect low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.2 | Moto G73's wide-angle lens has slightly more detail, potentially better image quality. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP depth Sensor | No | Samsung M12 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, while Moto G73 relies on software for this. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP Macro Lens | No | Samsung M12 has a dedicated Macro Lens for close-up shots, whereas Moto G73 lacks this feature. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps | Moto G73 supports 60fps recording which can give smoother videos, and also includes slow-motion video capabilities at 240fps. |
| Features | PDAF, Quad Camera | 4K video, Dual Camera, OIS | Moto G73 has 4k video and digital image stabilisation capabilities. Samsung includes PDAF. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | Moto G73 has a newer OS out of the box, implying potentially longer software support and more modern features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Moto G73 supports newer Wi-Fi standards, allowing for faster speeds and better connection reliability. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Moto G73 has a newer Bluetooth version that could offer improved energy efficiency and speed. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), NavIC System | Moto G73 supports more satellite systems, offering potentially better GPS accuracy, especially in dense environments. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32GB/64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Moto G73 offers a higher base storage configuration, accommodating more apps, media, and files. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB/6GB | 8GB | Moto G73 has more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and more responsive performance when running multiple apps simultaneously. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Moto G73 has enhanced audio with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers leading to an improved entertainment experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both offer similar fingerprint sensor technology, providing basic biometric security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Hall, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity, Fingerprint | Samsung M12 includes a Gyroscope and Hall sensor and Moto G73 includes Compass sensor; both are good for standard functionality |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Dedicated Depth and Macro Cameras: Offers a greater variety of shooting options with dedicated depth and macro sensors, which might appeal to those who like to experiment with photography.
- Gyroscope Sensor: Has a gyroscope sensor which is useful for some apps and games.
Motorola Moto G73 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, higher pixel density, and IPS LCD technology provide a sharper, more vibrant, and more enjoyable viewing experience.
- Significantly Better Performance: The newer Mediatek Dimensity 930 chipset offers a drastically better user experience with faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and enhanced gaming capabilities.
- Faster Charging: 30W fast charging significantly reduces charging times, beneficial for busy users.
- More RAM: 8GB of RAM ensures smoother multitasking and overall improved performance when compared to Samsung's 3/4/6 GB RAM options.
- Better Connectivity: Supports newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards, enabling faster and more reliable connections.
- More Storage: Higher base storage option at 128GB or 256GB vs 32GB/64GB/128GB on the Galaxy M12.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support enhance the audio experience significantly.
- Newer OS: Ships with a newer version of Android, offering a more modern experience and better software support.
- Better Video Recording: Has capabilities for 60fps and also has a slow-mo video function.
Trade-offs:
- The Galaxy M12 offers dedicated macro and depth cameras while the Moto G73 does not; however the Moto G73 offers a much more powerful primary and front camera.
- The Moto G73 offers significantly better performance, display, and charging but does not have a macro or depth sensor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Users primarily focused on price, and prefer to have the extra dedicated camera options available.
- Casual Smartphone Users: Those who use their phones for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light media consumption, not focused on performance or gaming.
- Beginner Smartphone Users: People who want a basic, affordable smartphone with some extra camera flexibility.
Use Cases for Galaxy M12:
- Basic social media browsing, calling, texting.
- Casual photography using macro or depth camera features.
- Streaming videos or music, although with a lower quality display and speaker.
- Basic mobile gaming, not demanding graphics-intensive games.
Motorola Moto G73 Ideal Users:
- Performance-Oriented Users: Individuals seeking a smooth and responsive smartphone experience.
- Media Consumers: People who frequently watch videos, browse photos, or play games.
- Power Users: Users who multitask heavily and rely on their phone for productivity.
- Users Prioritizing Fast Charging: People who need to charge their phone quickly and frequently.
Use Cases for Moto G73:
- Playing demanding mobile games at higher settings.
- Smooth multitasking across multiple applications.
- Watching high-resolution videos and movies.
- Streaming music with enhanced audio quality.
- General use where a sharp and vibrant display is preferred.
- Taking photos in low-light conditions.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Given the vast differences in performance, display, and other features, the Motorola Moto G73 will offer much better value. Although prices vary, even with an increased price it is very likely to be better value overall.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance and speed to your daily use? (If crucial, Moto G73 is the clear choice.)
- How much do you prioritize display quality and viewing experience? (If high resolution and vibrancy are essential, Moto G73 is better.)
- What is your budget? (If very constrained, the M12 might be an option, but should be purchased with consideration of its poor performance)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Limited Budget): If your budget is extremely tight and you need a basic smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy M12 will function fine. However consider that the M12 will provide a very poor user experience compared to the Moto G73, and may not last as long.
- Scenario 2 (Balanced Use): If you have a more flexible budget, and value a good display, performance and fast charging, the Motorola Moto G73 is the better option.
- Scenario 3 (Heavy Mobile Usage): If you need a smartphone for media, gaming, and multitasking, the Motorola Moto G73 is recommended.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Moto G73.
Reasoning:
The Motorola Moto G73 offers a significantly superior user experience in several crucial aspects. The higher resolution display, vastly improved performance due to the Dimensity 930 chipset, faster charging, and the benefits of a newer OS make it the better device. While the Samsung Galaxy M12 might appeal to those on an extremely tight budget, the trade-offs in performance and display quality are significant.
The Moto G73's advantages are not just theoretical; they have real-world implications that make the phone more enjoyable and functional in day-to-day use. Tasks will be faster, the screen will look sharper and clearer, and the battery will charge in half the time, significantly improving the user experience. The inclusion of 4K video and digital image stabilization also provides an excellent camera performance.
Therefore, while both phones are budget friendly, the Moto G73 provides significantly better value due to its better overall performance.
