The LG K62 and Samsung Galaxy A12 represent the lower end of the smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing affordability. Both devices utilize the Mediatek Helio P35 chipset, but subtle differences in display characteristics and battery endurance create distinct user experiences. This comparison dissects these nuances to determine which phone delivers the most value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Samsung Galaxy A12 edges out the LG K62. While performance is nearly identical due to the shared Helio P35 chipset, the A12’s slightly brighter display (472 nits) and established brand recognition offer a more polished experience, despite both phones being entry-level.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28, 38, 66 - North America | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 28, 40 - Brazil | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 23. Released 2020, November 27 | 2020, November 24. Released 2020, December 21 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165 x 76.7 x 8.4 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.33 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 | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.1% 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 (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 2GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| - | Go |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 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 |
|---|
| Single | 28 MP | 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 | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 | 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Sky Blue, Red | Black, White, Blue, Red |
| Models | LMK525H, LMK525, LM-K525H, LM-K525 | SM-A125F/DSN, SM-A125F/DS, SM-A125F, SM-A125M, SM-A125U, SM-A125U1, SM-A125N, SM-A125W |
| Price | About 290 EUR | € 78.89 / $ 60.00 / £ 69.99 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.67 W/kg (head) 1.38 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 123h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1363:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-30.4 LUFS (Below average) |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 107189 (v8)
GeekBench: 1034 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
LG K62
- Potentially lower price point
- Identical performance to Galaxy A12
- Comparable battery life
- Less established brand reputation
- Display brightness likely lower than A12
- Charging speed unspecified
Samsung Galaxy A12
- Brighter display (472 nits)
- 15W fast charging
- Stronger brand recognition
- Identical performance to LG K62
- Similar battery life to LG K62
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Both the LG K62 and Samsung Galaxy A12 feature displays with a 1363:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar levels of black depth. However, the Samsung Galaxy A12 boasts a measured peak brightness of 472 nits, a noticeable advantage over the LG K62’s unspecified brightness. This difference translates to better visibility in direct sunlight. While both likely utilize LCD panels, the A12’s higher brightness makes it the more practical choice for outdoor use. The nominal contrast ratio suggests neither display will offer particularly vibrant colors or deep blacks compared to AMOLED alternatives.
Camera Comparison
Both the LG K62 and Samsung Galaxy A12 are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or image processing. This suggests both phones rely on basic camera setups. Given the price point, image quality will likely be acceptable in good lighting conditions but suffer in low light. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the A12 is a common marketing tactic, but its utility is limited due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization. Without further specifications, it’s impossible to definitively declare a camera winner.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The Samsung Galaxy A12’s CPU clocks slightly higher at 2.35 GHz, but this difference is unlikely to be perceptible in real-world usage. Both phones will struggle with demanding tasks like modern gaming or intensive multitasking. The shared chipset and likely similar RAM configurations (not specified in the data) mean performance will be virtually identical. Thermal throttling is a potential concern with the Helio P35, but neither phone is expected to push the chipset to its limits consistently.
Battery Life
Both the LG K62 and Samsung Galaxy A12 achieve an endurance rating of 123 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage patterns. The Samsung Galaxy A12 supports 15W wired charging, while the LG K62’s charging speed is unspecified. The 15W charging on the A12 will provide a faster 0-100% charge time, offering a convenience advantage. The identical endurance rating suggests that despite potential differences in battery capacity (not specified), both phones are optimized for all-day use with moderate usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K62 if you prioritize a potentially lower price point and are comfortable with a less-established brand. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 if you prefer a more recognizable brand, a slightly brighter display for outdoor visibility, and a longer track record of software updates, even if those updates are infrequent for this model.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio P35 in the Galaxy A12 overheat during prolonged use of apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
The Helio P35 is a low-power chipset, and overheating is unlikely during typical social media usage. However, extended periods of demanding tasks like video recording or gaming could lead to some thermal throttling, reducing performance slightly to manage heat.
❓ Is the 15W charging on the Samsung Galaxy A12 significantly faster than a standard 10W charger?
Yes, 15W charging will noticeably reduce the time it takes to fully charge the Galaxy A12 compared to a standard 10W charger. While not 'fast charging' in the flagship sense, it provides a more convenient charging experience.
❓ Can either of these phones handle playing PUBG Mobile at acceptable frame rates?
While PUBG Mobile may be playable on the lowest graphics settings, both the LG K62 and Samsung Galaxy A12 will struggle to maintain consistent frame rates due to the limitations of the Helio P35 chipset. Expect significant lag and stuttering, especially in busy scenes.
❓ How often can I expect software updates on the Samsung Galaxy A12?
The Samsung Galaxy A12 is an entry-level device, and software update support is limited. Expect infrequent security patches and a single major Android version update, if any. Long-term software support should not be a primary consideration when purchasing this phone.
