The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the Realme V23 and the Samsung Galaxy A12. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which phone emerges as the winner.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme V23 takes the lead thanks to its significantly faster processor, faster charging, and generally more modern features. While the Galaxy A12 boasts exceptional battery life, the V23's performance and charging speed make it the more compelling choice for most users.
| 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 | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 14 | 2020, November 24. Released 2020, December 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 14 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.8 x 75.1 x 8.1 mm (6.45 x 2.96 x 0.32 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 | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 600 nits (HBM) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB 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 |
| Dual | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | 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 | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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, gyro, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 50% in 28 min | 15W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gradient | Black, White, Blue, Red |
| Models | - | SM-A125F/DSN, SM-A125F/DS, SM-A125F, SM-A125M, SM-A125U, SM-A125U1, SM-A125N, SM-A125W |
| Price | About 240 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) |
Realme V23
- Faster Processor (Dimensity 810)
- 33W Fast Charging
- Likely better camera processing
- More modern design
- Battery life not as exceptional as A12
- Potentially less RAM/storage options depending on variant
Samsung Galaxy A12
- Exceptional Battery Life (123h endurance)
- Samsung Ecosystem Integration
- Reliable Brand Reputation
- Slower Processor (Helio P35)
- Slow 15W Charging
- Older Design
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch display, but the Realme V23 likely has a slightly more vibrant panel. The Galaxy A12's 1363:1 contrast ratio is impressive, but real-world brightness is key, and the V23 likely edges it out with a measured 472 nits. The V23 may also have a higher resolution, contributing to a sharper image.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are similar on paper, both offering multiple lenses. However, the V23's more powerful processor likely allows for better image processing and potentially better low-light performance. The Galaxy A12's camera is still capable, but the V23 should offer a slight edge in image quality.
Performance
This is where the Realme V23 truly shines. The Dimensity 810 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Helio P35. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother gaming, and overall better responsiveness on the V23. The V23's 6nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A12 is the clear winner in this category. Its endurance rating of 123h is exceptional, suggesting it can easily last for multiple days on a single charge. The Realme V23, while offering decent battery life, won't match the A12's longevity.
Buying Guide
The Realme V23 is ideal for users who prioritize performance, smooth multitasking, and quick charging. The Samsung Galaxy A12 is a great option for those who value long battery life above all else and prefer the Samsung ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme V23 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Dimensity 810 chipset.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A12 worth buying in 2024?
The Galaxy A12 remains a viable option if battery life is your absolute top priority, but newer phones offer better performance and features for a similar price.
