The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Motorola G Pure and the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India variant) aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, particularly in their core processing power and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and slightly faster charging, the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) is the better choice. Its Exynos 850 chipset, built on an 8nm process, provides a noticeable efficiency advantage over the Motorola G Pure’s Helio G25, translating to smoother multitasking and potentially longer battery life despite similar capacity.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 25, 26, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 07 | 2021, August 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 14 | Available. Released 2021, August 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 167.4 x 75.6 x 8.8 mm (6.59 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| | Water-repellent design | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted) | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Deep Indigo | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | XT-2163-4, XT2163-4, XT2163-6, XT2163-1, XT2163-2 | SM-A127F, SM-A127F/DS |
| Price | $ 63.99 / C$ 123.00 | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.79 W/kg (head) |
Motorola G Pure
- Clean Android experience
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and easy to use
- Less powerful processor
- Slower charging speed
- Less efficient chipset
Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)
- More efficient Exynos 850 chipset
- Faster 15W charging
- Potentially smoother multitasking
- Samsung’s One UI can be resource-intensive
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. However, the lack of detailed display specs (resolution, brightness) necessitates focusing on the chipset's impact on UI smoothness. The A12's Exynos 850 will likely deliver a more responsive experience when scrolling through menus and apps, even if the panel itself is similar in quality to the G Pure's.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the A12’s image signal processor (ISP) within the Exynos 850 likely offers more sophisticated image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The prevalence of 2MP macro/depth sensors on both devices suggests limited utility; these are primarily for marketing purposes and rarely deliver significant image quality improvements. Focusing on the main sensor performance, the A12’s chipset provides a processing advantage.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A12’s Exynos 850, fabricated on an 8nm process, is significantly more efficient than the Motorola G Pure’s MediaTek Helio G25 (12nm). While both CPUs feature octa-core configurations with 2.0 GHz cores, the Exynos 850 utilizes newer Cortex-A55 cores, offering improved instructions per clock (IPC) compared to the G Pure’s Cortex-A53 cores. This translates to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the A12. The 8nm process also contributes to better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during sustained use. Gamers will find the A12 more capable, though neither phone is designed for demanding titles.
Battery Life
Both devices likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range (specs not provided). However, the Samsung Galaxy A12’s 15W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Motorola G Pure’s 10W charging. This means the A12 will reach a full charge significantly faster, reducing downtime. While battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, the Exynos 850’s superior efficiency could also contribute to slightly longer runtimes on the A12, even with similar battery capacities.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola G Pure if you prioritize simplicity and a clean Android experience, and your usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It’s a solid option for first-time smartphone users or those needing a reliable backup device. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) if you prefer a more feature-rich experience, anticipate heavier app usage, or occasionally engage in casual gaming. The Exynos 850 offers a more capable platform for demanding applications and provides a slight edge in longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Galaxy A12 (India) overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While not a gaming powerhouse, the Exynos 850’s 8nm process and improved thermal management compared to the Helio G25 in the G Pure make it less prone to overheating. You may experience some throttling during extended gaming, but it should be manageable for casual gaming sessions. The G Pure is more likely to throttle sooner.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
Generally, no. 2MP macro cameras on budget phones often lack the detail and clarity to produce truly impressive macro shots. They are primarily a marketing feature and are unlikely to significantly enhance your photography experience. Focus on the main camera for the best results.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) handle games like PUBG Mobile at acceptable frame rates?
The A12 can run PUBG Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve consistently smooth frame rates. Don’t expect to max out the settings. The Helio G25 in the G Pure will struggle even at lower settings, making the A12 the preferable choice for gaming.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge each phone from 0%?
With its 15W charging, the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) will likely take around 2.5 to 3 hours to fully charge. The Motorola G Pure’s 10W charging will take considerably longer, potentially exceeding 4 hours. This is a significant difference for users who prioritize quick top-ups.
