Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. Motorola Razr 50
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Motorola Razr 50 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Motorola Razr 50 offers a unique folding design, enhancing portability and providing a larger screen in a smaller form. |
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 171.3 × 74 × 7.3 mm | Motorola Razr 50 is taller, narrower, and significantly thinner, making it more pocketable when folded and more comfortable to hold. Samsung Galaxy M12 is more bulky. |
| Weight | 212g | 188.4g | Motorola Razr 50 is lighter, which makes it more comfortable to hold for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.9" | Motorola Razr 50 has a larger screen, which is better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2640 | Motorola Razr 50's higher resolution results in a sharper and more detailed display, making text and images clearer. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 413 | Motorola Razr 50 has a noticeably sharper display with a higher pixel density |
| Technology | PLS LCD | Unknown | We lack data for the Motorola Razr 50, but the Samsung uses an LCD panel which offers acceptable quality for most uses. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Motorola Razr 50 offers smoother animations and scrolling due to the higher refresh rate, making interactions feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 3000 nits | Motorola Razr 50 has dramatically better outdoor visibility, making it much easier to use in bright sunlight. Samsung Galaxy M12 will be extremely hard to see outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7300X (4 nm) | Motorola Razr 50's chipset is significantly more powerful, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 620,395 | Motorola Razr 50 offers far superior overall performance, making it more future-proof and suitable for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G615 MC2 | Motorola Razr 50 has a more powerful GPU, ensuring better graphics performance in gaming and other graphics-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Motorola Razr 50 has a slightly higher resolution main camera and wider aperture, which should allow more light, offering better image quality in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.4 | Motorola Razr 50's selfie camera has much higher resolution, resulting in clearer and more detailed selfies. The slightly smaller aperture on the Razr may be slightly worse in low light for selfies. |
| Wide-Angle Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Motorola Razr 50's wide-angle camera has a higher resolution, capturing more detailed wide shots. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Samsung Galaxy M12 has a depth sensor for portrait mode, while Motorola Razr 50 lacks a dedicated depth sensor. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Samsung Galaxy M12 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, while Motorola Razr 50 lacks a macro lens. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | Motorola Razr 50 offers significantly higher video recording quality, with 4K resolution support, and also offers EIS on multiple modes and frame rates. |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | Mobile: 92 (Photo: 0, Video: 0) | Motorola Razr 50 has been tested and received a moderate score of 92, which should indicate decent camera performance overall. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Quad camera, Autofocus, PDAF, HDR etc. | Time-Lapse, 4K Video, Digital zoom, Dual camera, OIS, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, PDAF, LAF etc. | Motorola Razr 50 has more advanced features like OIS, 4K Video, and laser autofocus. Samsung has a dedicated Macro Lens, and a quad-camera setup |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4200mAh | Samsung Galaxy M12 has a larger battery, which may lead to longer battery life, however other features may offset this advantage |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 30W fast charging, 15W wireless | Motorola Razr 50 charges significantly faster with 30W fast charging and also offers wireless charging capability. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable, Wireless 15W | Motorola Razr 50 offers reverse wireless charging, allowing it to charge other devices wirelessly and also 15W Wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 14 | Motorola Razr 50 runs a more recent version of Android, which may have better features, performance, and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Motorola Razr 50 supports newer Wi-Fi standards like Wi-Fi 6E, offering faster speeds and better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE | Motorola Razr 50 has a more recent Bluetooth version, offering improved energy efficiency and connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Motorola Razr 50 offers support for more satellite systems which can lead to better accuracy and reliability of location tracking |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano/eSIM) | Motorola Razr 50 has the added benefit of eSIM support, allowing for more flexible carrier options. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 256/512 GB | Motorola Razr 50 offers significantly more internal storage, which is essential for users with lots of media or apps. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 8/12 GB | Motorola Razr 50 has more RAM, which is beneficial for multitasking and heavy usage. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so users are limited to the available internal storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | Motorola Razr 50 offers a more immersive audio experience with Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, and better voice capture with 3 mics. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer side-mounted fingerprint sensors, providing basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Motorola Razr 50 has superior screen protection, making it more resistant to scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Motorola Razr 50 has an additional compass which can help with orientation and other apps. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Larger Battery Capacity: The 5000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life, especially if the screen is not frequently used.
- Dedicated Depth and Macro Lenses: For users who prefer having additional camera sensors for specialized shots.
- Lower Price Point: Likely significantly more affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.
Practical Implications: The larger battery and dedicated lenses make it a good choice for users who need a basic phone for long periods away from power outlets or want to have more flexibility with macro and portrait photos.
Motorola Razr 50 Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Offers a compact form factor when folded and a large screen when unfolded, providing a unique user experience.
- Superior Performance: Much more powerful chipset, leading to smoother app loading, multitasking, and gaming experiences.
- Higher Resolution and Brighter Display: Offers a crisper, more vibrant, and easier-to-see screen, especially in direct sunlight.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: Provides significantly faster wired charging with 30W and the added benefit of 15W wireless charging.
- Better Cameras: Higher resolution sensors and wider apertures in the main, wide, and selfie cameras as well as advanced video recording features like OIS and 4K recording.
- Modern Software: Runs Android 14 with better features and possibly a longer lifespan in terms of updates compared to Android 11 on the M12.
- More Storage and RAM: Offers more storage and RAM, ensuring better multitasking and storage capacity.
- Advanced Connectivity: Supports newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards, along with eSIM.
- Enhanced Audio Features: Provides a better sound experience with Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, and improved microphone performance.
- Better Build Quality: More scratch resistant display with Gorilla Glass Victus
Practical Implications: The Razr 50 is designed for users who want the latest features, top performance, and advanced camera quality. The folding design and advanced display is ideal for users who prioritize portability and media consumption on the go.
Trade-offs:
- Battery Size vs. Charging Speed: The M12 has a larger battery, but the Razr 50 has faster wired and wireless charging, potentially offsetting the battery capacity difference.
- Camera Features: The Razr 50 lacks dedicated depth and macro lenses but offers superior main, selfie, and video quality and additional features like OIS.
- Price: The Razr 50 will be significantly more expensive than the M12.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for an affordable phone with basic functionality.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Need a device that can last a full day or more without frequent charging.
- Users who like Depth and Macro Lenses: Users who want additional camera sensors.
Use Cases: Basic calling, messaging, browsing, casual social media use, and as a secondary phone. Ideal for users who prioritize practicality and affordability over top-tier performance.
Motorola Razr 50 Ideal User:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who desire cutting-edge features and the latest technology.
- Users Prioritizing Portability and a Large Display: Want a compact phone that can unfold into a large-screen device.
- Users who Consume Media a Lot: Want a high-quality display and superior audio experience.
- Users Requiring Top-Tier Performance: Want a phone that can handle demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
- Users Who Want Great Photos and Videos: Users who require high-quality photos and 4K Videos for memorable moments.
Use Cases: Heavy social media use, video consumption, mobile gaming, professional use, travel, and anyone who values both portability and screen real estate.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions a buyer should consider:
- What is my budget? The M12 is a budget phone, while the Razr 50 is a flagship level phone with a significantly higher price.
- How important is performance and the latest features to me? If top-tier performance, a great screen and the latest features are important, the Razr 50 is the obvious choice. The M12 will feel slow and outdated in comparison.
- What is more important to me: battery capacity or charging speed? The M12 has a larger battery, while the Razr 50 has significantly faster wired and wireless charging.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight budget, basic needs: Go for the Samsung Galaxy M12. It provides basic functionality at a much lower price.
- Scenario 2: High budget, want the latest and best: Go for the Motorola Razr 50. The folding design, top performance, and excellent display make it a flagship-level device.
- Scenario 3: Moderate budget, want a good camera, and high performance: If you can afford the Razr 50 go for it. It's far superior in nearly every category.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would absolutely pick the Motorola Razr 50. The difference in performance between the two phones is extremely significant and the Razr 50 has superior video and photo capabilities. Additionally, having a foldable design is an incredible advantage when trying to keep a phone small when not using it. Finally, I want to have the latest software version, and future-proof my phone. The Samsung Galaxy M12 is too outdated for my needs.
