The Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho and Motorola Moto G Power (2022) represent two distinct approaches to the budget smartphone market. The A12 Nacho, with its more modern 8nm Exynos 850 chipset, aims for a balance of efficiency and performance. Conversely, the Moto G Power prioritizes extended battery life, even if it means compromising on processing power with the older 12nm Helio G37.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a smoother, more responsive experience, the Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho is the better choice. Its Exynos 850, built on a smaller 8nm process, offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Moto G Power’s Helio G37, despite the latter’s larger battery. However, the Moto G Power remains a compelling option for those whose primary concern is maximizing screen-on time.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 41, 66, 71 - USA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, August 09 | 2021, November 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 09 | Available. Released 2022, February 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 167.2 x 76.5 x 9.4 mm (6.58 x 3.01 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 205 g (7.23 oz) | 203 g (7.16 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| 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 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~79.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | - |
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | - |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2 | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.65µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2 | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm |
| 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 | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS, recording | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red | Black |
| Models | SM-A127F/DSN, SM-A127F/DS, SM-A127F, SM-A127M, SM-A127U | - |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.67 W/kg (head) 1.38 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho
- More efficient Exynos 850 chipset
- Faster 15W charging
- Potentially better image processing
- Likely smaller battery capacity
- May be slightly more expensive
Motorola Moto G Power (2022)
- Potentially larger battery capacity
- Excellent battery life for basic usage
- Generally more affordable
- Less efficient Helio G37 chipset
- Slower 10W charging
- Lower overall performance
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, the lack of detailed display specs necessitates focusing on the chipset's impact on rendering. The Exynos 850, while not a graphics powerhouse, will likely provide a smoother scrolling experience and faster app loading times than the Helio G37, indirectly improving the perceived display quality. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, typical for budget phones.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the presence of a 2MP macro lens (which is largely irrelevant), it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Exynos 850’s image signal processor (ISP) is likely more capable than the Helio G37’s, potentially resulting in better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. The A12 Nacho may offer slightly more detailed photos and better dynamic range. The 2MP macro lens on both devices is likely a marketing gimmick and won't deliver significant photographic value.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho’s Exynos 850 (8nm) is significantly more efficient than the Motorola Moto G Power’s MediaTek Helio G37 (12nm). The 8nm process allows for higher transistor density and lower power consumption, translating to better sustained performance and less heat generation. While both CPUs feature octa-core configurations, the Exynos 850’s architecture is more modern, offering a performance edge in CPU-intensive tasks. The G37’s larger process node suggests it will throttle more quickly under sustained load, impacting gaming and multitasking.
Battery Life
The Motorola Moto G Power (2022) likely has a larger battery capacity than the A12 Nacho, but the difference in chipset efficiency is crucial. The Helio G37’s 12nm process consumes more power than the Exynos 850’s 8nm process. While the G Power’s larger battery will provide longer absolute runtime, the A12 Nacho’s efficiency may result in comparable *usable* battery life for many users. The 10W charging on the Moto G Power is significantly slower than the 15W charging on the A12 Nacho, meaning longer times to fully replenish the battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho if you need a phone that feels more responsive for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming, and appreciate a more efficient chipset. Buy the Motorola Moto G Power (2022) if you prioritize absolute battery life above all else, frequently find yourself away from a charger, and primarily use your phone for basic communication and media consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 chip in the A12 Nacho overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850, built on an 8nm process, is relatively efficient and unlikely to overheat significantly during moderate gaming. While it's not a flagship-level gaming chip, it should handle most mobile games at medium settings without excessive throttling. The larger 12nm Helio G37 in the Moto G Power is more prone to throttling under similar conditions.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Moto G Power significantly slower than the 15W charging on the A12 Nacho in real-world use?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. 10W charging will take considerably longer to fully charge the Moto G Power, potentially adding several hours to the charging time compared to the A12 Nacho. While the Moto G Power's larger battery mitigates this somewhat, the slower charging speed is a significant drawback for users who need a quick top-up.
❓ How much of a performance difference will I notice between the Exynos 850 and the Helio G37 in everyday tasks?
You'll likely notice a difference in app loading times, scrolling smoothness, and multitasking. The Exynos 850's more modern architecture and efficient process node provide a noticeable performance boost for everyday tasks. The Helio G37 will feel adequate for basic use, but may exhibit lag or stuttering when handling multiple apps or demanding tasks.
