The Gionee M12 and Samsung Galaxy M12 represent two approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The Gionee M12, available in multiple configurations, aims for affordability, while the Samsung Galaxy M12 attempts to deliver a more polished experience with a more modern chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy M12 is the superior choice. Its Exynos 850 chipset provides a significantly smoother experience for everyday tasks and light gaming, despite the Gionee M12's potential for slightly longer battery life due to its less powerful processor. The Galaxy M12's 15W charging also offers a convenience the Gionee M12 lacks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, November 16. Released 2020, November 16 | 2021, April 19 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, April 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 76.8 x 9.3 mm (6.45 x 3.02 x 0.37 in) | 164 x 75.9 x 9.7 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 212 g (7.48 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) - model 1Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 - model 2 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm) - model 1Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) - model 2 | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lenses | 48 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band | 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 | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Magic Green, Dazzling Black | Black, Blue, Green |
| Models | - | SM-M127F, SM-M127F/DSN, SM-M127N |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 170 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.54 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
Gionee M12
- Potentially longer battery life due to less powerful chipset.
- Lower price point (likely).
- May offer expandable storage.
- Significantly weaker performance.
- Outdated chipset architecture.
- Likely slower charging speeds.
Samsung Galaxy M12
- Superior performance with the Exynos 850.
- Faster 15W wired charging.
- More responsive user experience.
- Slightly shorter battery life compared to Gionee M12.
- Higher price point.
- Basic display technology.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Specifications for the Gionee M12's display are not provided, suggesting a standard LCD panel. The Samsung Galaxy M12 also utilizes a PLS LCD, a Samsung variant of IPS LCD. The key difference lies under the hood: the Exynos 850's image signal processor likely provides slightly better color reproduction and contrast on the Galaxy M12. Both will likely suffer from limited outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar in real-world usage, as both phones target the budget segment. Details on the Gionee M12's camera are scarce, but it likely features a basic sensor setup. The Samsung Galaxy M12’s camera system, while not exceptional, benefits from the Exynos 850’s image processing capabilities. Expect decent results in good lighting conditions from both devices, but poor low-light performance. The inclusion of a 15W charger on the Samsung M12 allows for faster image capture between shots.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Samsung Galaxy M12’s Exynos 850, fabricated on an 8nm process, is a substantial upgrade over the Gionee M12’s Mediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (or MT6762 Helio P22). The Exynos 850 utilizes newer Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, compared to the Gionee’s Cortex-A53 cores (1.8 GHz for MT6762D, 2.0 GHz for MT6762). This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the Galaxy M12. The 8nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing throttling during sustained use. The Gionee M12 will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Gionee M12 may offer slightly longer battery life due to its less power-hungry chipset. However, the Samsung Galaxy M12’s 15W wired charging is a significant advantage. While neither phone offers particularly fast charging, 15W is noticeably quicker than the likely 10W or slower charging on the Gionee M12. The Exynos 850’s efficiency mitigates some of the battery life difference, and the convenience of faster charging makes the Galaxy M12 more practical for daily use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Gionee M12 if your primary need is a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and extremely light app usage, and you prioritize maximizing battery life above all else. Buy the Samsung Galaxy M12 if you want a more responsive user experience, enjoy occasional gaming, and appreciate the benefits of a more modern chipset and faster charging, even if it means slightly reduced battery endurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Samsung Galaxy M12 get hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850 is relatively efficient, and while it will warm up during prolonged gaming, it's unlikely to overheat significantly. The 8nm process helps manage thermal output, preventing excessive throttling compared to the Gionee M12's Helio A25.
❓ Is the Gionee M12 a good choice for someone who primarily uses WhatsApp and makes calls?
Yes, the Gionee M12 is suitable for basic tasks like WhatsApp and calls. Its Helio A25 chipset is sufficient for these functions, and its potential for longer battery life is a benefit for users who prioritize talk time and minimal app usage.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy M12 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Samsung Galaxy M12 can run PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a playable frame rate. The Exynos 850 isn't a gaming powerhouse, but it's significantly more capable than the Gionee M12's chipset.
❓ What type of charging port does each phone use?
Both the Gionee M12 and Samsung Galaxy M12 utilize a microUSB port for charging and data transfer. This is a common standard for budget smartphones, but it's slower and less convenient than USB-C.
