The smartphone market is flooded with ultra-affordable options, but performance varies wildly. We pit the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India variant) – powered by Samsung’s in-house Exynos 850 – against the Energizer Ultimate U608s, which utilizes the MediaTek Helio A22. This comparison isn’t about flagship features; it’s about maximizing value for users on a tight budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) is the clear winner. Its Exynos 850 chipset, built on an 8nm process, delivers significantly better performance than the Energizer U608s’ 12nm Helio A22, making it more suitable for multitasking and demanding apps.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June | 2021, August 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July | Available. Released 2021, August 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 155.4 x 73.3 x 9.8 mm (6.12 x 2.89 x 0.39 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 | 156.8 g (5.54 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~277 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.08 inches, 92.3 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | 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 |
| Single | 5 MP | - |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | microUSB | 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | - | SM-A127F, SM-A127F/DS |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.79 W/kg (head) |
Energizer Ultimate U608s
- Significantly better performance with the Exynos 850 chipset.
- More efficient 8nm fabrication process for improved battery life.
- 15W wired charging for faster top-ups.
- May be slightly more expensive than the Energizer U608s.
- Software updates may be limited depending on Samsung's support schedule.
Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)
- Extremely affordable price point.
- Simple and easy-to-use interface.
- Acceptable for basic tasks like calls and texts.
- Slow performance with the Helio A22 chipset.
- Less efficient 12nm fabrication process.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
Display Comparison
While both devices likely feature LCD panels (specific panel tech is not provided), the core difference lies in the processing power driving them. The display quality will be largely dictated by the chipset's ability to render graphics smoothly. We can assume the A12's Exynos 850 will provide a more fluid visual experience, especially during scrolling and video playback. Bezels are likely comparable given the price points, and color accuracy is unlikely to be a strong suit for either device.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the processing power of the Exynos 850 in the A12 will likely result in better image processing, including noise reduction and dynamic range. The A12 likely benefits from Samsung’s image processing algorithms, which are generally well-regarded. The Energizer U608s will likely struggle with complex scenes and low-light photography due to the limitations of the Helio A22. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and shouldn't be a deciding factor.
Performance
The Exynos 850 in the Galaxy A12 is a substantial leap forward from the Helio A22 in the Energizer U608s. The 8nm fabrication process of the Exynos 850 is more efficient, leading to better thermal management and sustained performance. Crucially, the A12 boasts an octa-core CPU (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) versus the U608s’ quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53. This translates to significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience. The A55 cores in the Exynos are also more efficient than the A53 cores, contributing to better battery life under load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for the U608s, but the Galaxy A12's battery life will be influenced by its 15W wired charging capability. While not fast charging by modern standards, it's a significant advantage over the U608s, which likely has a slower charging rate. The Exynos 850’s 8nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting any capacity difference. Expect the A12 to offer a more consistent and predictable battery experience, especially with moderate to heavy usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Energizer Ultimate U608s if you need a basic, extremely affordable phone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use. It’s a viable option for first-time smartphone users or as a temporary device. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) if you prefer a smoother user experience, better multitasking capabilities, and a phone that will remain usable for a longer period, even with moderate usage. The A12 offers a more substantial investment in longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Galaxy A12 get hot during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850, built on an 8nm process, is relatively efficient. While it will warm up during extended gaming, it's unlikely to experience significant throttling like the Helio A22 in the U608s, which is more prone to overheating due to its 12nm process. Expect playable frame rates for less demanding titles.
❓ Is the Energizer U608s suitable for running popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram?
The Energizer U608s can *run* these apps, but the experience will likely be sluggish. The Helio A22's limited processing power will result in slow loading times and occasional lag, especially when scrolling through feeds or viewing videos. It's functional, but not ideal.
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) receive Android updates in the future?
Samsung typically provides a limited number of major Android updates for its A-series devices. While the A12 launched with Android 10, it likely received an update to Android 11 or 12. Expect security updates for a period, but long-term software support is not guaranteed.
