The Samsung Galaxy A12 was a popular budget phone, and the 'Nacho' variant brought some updates. But are the differences significant enough to warrant choosing one over the other? This comprehensive comparison breaks down the key distinctions to help you make the right decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
Essentially, the A12 (India) and A12 Nacho are very similar. The Nacho primarily offers software updates and potentially regional availability differences. Unless you specifically need the latest software or find one significantly cheaper, the original A12 remains a solid choice.
| 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 | 2021, August 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 12 | Available. Released 2021, August 09 |
| 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 (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| 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 |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| 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, Blue, Red |
| Models | SM-A127F, SM-A127F/DS | SM-A127F/DSN, SM-A127F/DS, SM-A127F, SM-A127M, SM-A127U |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | 0.79 W/kg (head) | - |
| SAR EU | - | 0.67 W/kg (head) 1.38 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)
- Large 5000mAh battery
- Decent camera for the price
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks
- Widely available
- Slow 15W charging
- 720p display resolution
- Plastic build
Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho
- Latest software updates (potentially)
- Improved regional support (potentially)
- Large 5000mAh battery
- Decent camera for the price
- Slow 15W charging
- 720p display resolution
- Plastic build
- Availability may be limited
Display Comparison
Both devices feature a 6.5-inch PLS LCD display with a 720 x 1600 resolution. Visual quality is comparable, offering decent viewing angles and color reproduction for everyday use. Neither display excels in brightness or color accuracy, but they are adequate for the price point.
Camera Comparison
Both models boast a quad-camera setup: 48MP main, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth sensor. Image quality is similar across all lenses, with decent detail in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is average. Software optimizations in the Nacho *might* offer slightly improved image processing, but it's unlikely to be a dramatic difference.
Performance
Powered by the same Exynos 850 chipset and Octa-core CPU, performance is virtually identical. Expect smooth multitasking for basic apps and moderate gaming, but demanding games may require lower graphics settings. The difference in real-world performance will be negligible.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, providing excellent battery life. Expect a full day of moderate use with ease. The 15W wired charging is relatively slow, but the large battery capacity compensates for it.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)? Those seeking a reliable, budget-friendly smartphone with a large display and decent camera. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho? Users prioritizing the latest software updates and potentially better regional support, or those who can find it at a compelling price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What's the main difference between the A12 and A12 Nacho?
The primary difference is software updates and potentially regional availability. Hardware is largely identical.
❓ Is the A12 Nacho worth the extra cost?
Only if you prioritize the latest software or find a significant price difference in your region. Otherwise, the original A12 offers similar value.