The Motorola Moto E7 and Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) represent the fiercely competitive sub-₹10,000 smartphone segment. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Moto E7 prioritizes a streamlined experience with a MediaTek Helio G25, while the Galaxy A12 leverages Samsung’s in-house Exynos 850 chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and slightly faster charging, the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) is the better choice. Its Exynos 850, built on an 8nm process, offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Moto E7’s Helio G25, despite both featuring similar CPU clock speeds. However, the Moto E7 remains a viable option for those seeking a basic, reliable device.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - Europe, Asia | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 - Europe | 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 |
| | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Asia | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, November 24. Released 2020, December 09 | 2021, August 12 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, August 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 75.7 x 8.9 mm (6.49 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 180 g (6.35 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| | Water-repellent coating | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~82.3% 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 10 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| 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/2.2 | 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, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mineral Gray, Aqua Blue, Satin Coral | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | - | SM-A127F, SM-A127F/DS |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.79 W/kg (head) |
Motorola Moto E7
- Clean Android experience (likely)
- Potentially lower price point
- Reliable for basic tasks
- Less powerful chipset
- Slower charging speed
- Less efficient processor
Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)
- More powerful Exynos 850 chipset
- Faster 15W charging
- Better power efficiency
- Samsung’s One UI may include bloatware
- Potentially slightly higher price
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 necessitates a focus on processing power as the primary differentiator. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like LTPO on either device means display quality won't be a deciding factor for most users.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely similar, given the focus on cost reduction in both devices. Both will likely feature a primary camera alongside basic auxiliary lenses (depth, macro). Without specific sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. However, Samsung’s image processing algorithms generally offer more refined results, potentially leading to slightly better image quality in various lighting conditions. The 2MP macro cameras on both devices are unlikely to deliver significant detail and should be considered a marketing feature rather than a practical tool.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A12’s Exynos 850, fabricated on an 8nm process, provides a significant architectural advantage over the Motorola Moto E7’s MediaTek Helio G25 (12nm). While both CPUs feature octa-core configurations with 2.0 GHz cores, the Exynos 850 utilizes more efficient Cortex-A55 cores compared to the Moto E7’s Cortex-A53. This translates to better sustained performance and improved power efficiency. The 8nm process also contributes to better thermal management, potentially reducing throttling during prolonged use. This benefits users who engage in moderate gaming or multitasking.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While specific battery capacities aren't provided, the Exynos 850’s improved power efficiency could offset a potentially smaller battery in the Galaxy A12. Crucially, the Galaxy A12 supports 15W wired charging, a 50% increase over the Moto E7’s 10W charging. This translates to significantly faster charging times, a tangible benefit for users who value convenience. A full charge on the Moto E7 will take considerably longer.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola Moto E7 if you need a simple, no-frills smartphone for basic communication and light tasks, and prioritize a clean Android experience. It’s ideal for first-time smartphone users or those on a very tight budget. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) if you prefer a more capable device for multitasking, occasional gaming, and benefit from Samsung’s established brand reputation and slightly faster 15W charging. It’s a better fit for users who want a phone that can handle more than just the basics.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Galaxy A12 get noticeably hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850, built on an 8nm process, is generally more thermally efficient than the Helio G25. While it will still warm up during demanding tasks like gaming, it's less likely to experience significant throttling compared to the Moto E7, allowing for more sustained performance.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
Realistically, no. 2MP macro cameras on budget phones typically lack the resolution and optics to capture truly detailed close-up shots. They are primarily a marketing feature and will likely produce images with limited sharpness and clarity. Stick to the main camera for better results.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) handle popular games like PUBG Mobile at acceptable frame rates?
The Galaxy A12 can likely run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at lower graphics settings (Balanced or Low) to maintain a stable frame rate. The Exynos 850 is capable, but it's not a gaming powerhouse. The Moto E7 will struggle to deliver a smooth experience even at the lowest settings.
❓ Which phone is better for watching videos and browsing the web?
Both phones are adequate for these tasks, but the Exynos 850 in the Galaxy A12 will provide a smoother and more responsive experience, especially when multitasking or loading complex web pages. The improved processing power translates to faster loading times and less lag.
