The Oppo A12 and Motorola Moto G8 Play represent two compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a price point that won't break the bank. However, key differences in their chipsets and RAM configurations dictate which phone is better suited for specific user needs. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to reveal which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Motorola Moto G8 Play emerges as the better choice. Its Helio P70M chipset, featuring Cortex-A73 cores, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Oppo A12’s Helio P35, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While both phones are limited in features, the G8 Play offers a more future-proof platform.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 28, 66 - LATAM |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, April 20. Released 2020, April 20 | 2019, October. Released 2019, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 155.9 x 75.5 x 8.3 mm (6.14 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) | 157.6 x 75.4 x 9 mm (6.20 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 165 g (5.82 oz) | 183.6 g (6.49 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P70M (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6.1 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.25µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 117˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0, 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 4230 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Black | Black onyx, Magenta red |
| Models | CPH2083, CPH2077 | XT2015, XT2015-2 |
| Price | About 560 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.62 W/kg (head) 1.68 W/kg (body) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 32GB 3GB RAM | $ 519.00 | - |
| 64GB 4GB RAM | $ 539.00 | - |
Oppo A12
- Potentially lower price point.
- May offer slightly longer battery life due to less powerful processor.
- Simple and easy-to-use interface.
- Significantly weaker processor performance.
- Less responsive user experience.
- Limited future-proofing.
Motorola Moto G8 Play
- More powerful processor for smoother multitasking.
- Faster app launch speeds and overall responsiveness.
- Better equipped to handle future software updates.
- May have slightly shorter battery life.
- Potentially higher price.
- Similar camera performance to the Oppo A12.
Display Comparison
Neither Oppo nor Motorola provide detailed display specifications beyond size. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The focus here isn't on display quality, but rather on the processing power needed to drive the UI smoothly. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a strong point on either phone.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones relying on basic image sensors and software processing. Details on sensor sizes and apertures are unavailable, but it's safe to assume they are modest. The focus should not be on image quality, but on the speed of the image processing, which will be aided by the G8 Play’s more powerful chipset. Any additional cameras (often 2MP macro lenses) on either device are unlikely to provide significant value.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Motorola Moto G8 Play’s Mediatek Helio P70M utilizes four Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.1 GHz, paired with four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.0 GHz. This is a significant step up from the Oppo A12’s Helio P35, which features four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.35 GHz and another four at 1.8 GHz. The A73 cores in the G8 Play offer substantially better single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. While the A12 has higher clocked A53 cores, the architectural advantage of the A73 in the G8 Play outweighs this. The A12's RAM options (3GB/4GB) are mirrored by the G8 Play, but the more capable chipset will make better use of available memory.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified in the provided data. However, given the lower processing demands of the Oppo A12, it may achieve slightly longer battery life on a single charge. The Moto G8 Play’s more powerful processor will consume more power, but the improved efficiency of the P70M could offset some of this difference. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both phones likely support standard 5W or 10W charging, resulting in relatively slow 0-100% times.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A12 if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and you prioritize a potentially lower initial cost. It's suitable for first-time smartphone users or those needing a simple, reliable device. Buy the Motorola Moto G8 Play if you value a more responsive experience for everyday tasks, occasional gaming, and appreciate the benefits of a more powerful processor for handling future software updates and app demands.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Motorola Moto G8 Play handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Helio P70M chipset in the Moto G8 Play is significantly more capable than the Helio P35 in the Oppo A12. It will handle everyday apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and web browsing with a much smoother and more responsive experience, even with multiple apps open.
❓ Is the difference in processor performance noticeable for basic tasks like making calls and sending texts?
While both phones will handle calls and texts adequately, the Moto G8 Play’s faster processor will result in quicker app launch times and a more fluid overall user interface. This difference is subtle for basic tasks, but becomes more apparent when switching between apps or performing more demanding operations.
❓ Can either of these phones play modern mobile games?
Neither phone is ideal for demanding mobile games. However, the Moto G8 Play will offer a slightly better gaming experience due to its more powerful GPU. Expect to play less graphically intensive games at lower settings. The Oppo A12 will struggle with most modern titles.
❓ What about software updates? Which phone is more likely to receive them?
Motorola has a somewhat better track record for providing software updates, even on budget devices, compared to Oppo. The Moto G8 Play’s more capable chipset also makes it more likely to handle future Android updates without significant performance issues.
