The Samsung Galaxy A12 was a popular budget phone, but the India variant features a different chipset. Is the Exynos 850 a significant upgrade, or does the global version still hold its own? This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) generally edges out the global version thanks to the more efficient and powerful Exynos 850 chipset. While both offer excellent battery life, the India model's improved performance makes it the better choice for most users, especially those multitasking or gaming.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, August 12 | 2020, November 24. Released 2020, December 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 12 | Discontinued |
| 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) | 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 205 g (7.23 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| 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 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| - | Go |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | 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 | 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 | 8 MP, f/2.2 | 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 | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS, recording | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| 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 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, White | Black, White, Blue, Red |
| Models | SM-A127F, SM-A127F/DS | SM-A125F/DSN, SM-A125F/DS, SM-A125F, SM-A125M, SM-A125U, SM-A125U1, SM-A125N, SM-A125W |
| Price | About 160 EUR | € 78.89 / $ 60.00 / £ 69.99 |
| SAR | 0.79 W/kg (head) | - |
| 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) |
Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)
- More powerful Exynos 850 chipset
- Excellent battery life
- Large display
- Decent camera
- 15W charging is slow
- HD+ resolution isn't the sharpest
- Plastic build
Samsung Galaxy A12
- Excellent battery life
- Large display
- Decent camera
- Generally more affordable
- Less powerful Helio P35 chipset
- 15W charging is slow
- Plastic build
Display Comparison
Both Galaxy A12 models feature a large 6.5-inch HD+ display with a 1363:1 contrast ratio. The measured peak brightness of 472 nits on the global version is impressive for a budget phone, and the India variant likely offers similar brightness. Color accuracy is generally acceptable for everyday use, though not exceptional. No significant difference here.
Camera Comparison
Both phones share a similar quad-camera setup, typically including a 48MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide lens, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. Image quality is generally decent in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light. The Exynos 850's image signal processor (ISP) *might* offer slightly improved image processing, but the difference is likely minimal.
Performance
This is where the biggest difference lies. The Galaxy A12 (India) boasts the Exynos 850, an 8nm chipset, offering a noticeable performance boost over the Helio P35 (12nm) in the global version. The Exynos 850 handles multitasking and gaming more smoothly, with less lag. The CPU architecture also contributes to better efficiency.
Battery Life
Both models are known for their exceptional battery life, with an endurance rating of 123 hours. The large 5000mAh battery ensures all-day usage, even with moderate to heavy use. Charging speed is identical at 15W wired.
Buying Guide
Who should buy Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)? Users prioritizing smoother performance, especially for gaming or multitasking, will benefit from the Exynos 850. Who should buy Samsung Galaxy A12? Those seeking a reliable, long-lasting budget phone with a great display and camera, and who don't heavily rely on demanding applications, might find the global version sufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Exynos 850 significantly better than the Helio P35?
Yes, the Exynos 850 offers a noticeable performance improvement, particularly in multitasking and gaming. It's more efficient and generally provides a smoother user experience.
❓ Are the cameras the same on both models?
The camera hardware is largely the same, but the Exynos 850's ISP *might* offer slightly better image processing. However, the difference is unlikely to be substantial.
