Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) vs. A12 Nacho: A Detailed Comparison

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.
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🏆 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.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 411, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 MbpsHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2021, August 122021, August 09
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, August 12Available. Released 2021, August 09
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frameGlass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions164 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
Weight205 g (7.23 oz)205 g (7.23 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypePLS LCDPLS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetExynos 850 (8 nm)Exynos 850 (8 nm)
GPUMali-G52Mali-G52
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, panorama, HDR
Quad48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), AF 5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens48 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
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP, f/2.28 MP, f/2.2
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radio, RDS, recordingFM radio, RDS, recording
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer
 Virtual proximity sensingVirtual proximity sensing
Battery
Charging15W wired15W wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Blue, WhiteBlack, Blue, Red
ModelsSM-A127F, SM-A127F/DSSM-A127F/DSN, SM-A127F/DS, SM-A127F, SM-A127M, SM-A127U
PriceAbout 160 EURAbout 130 EUR
SAR0.79 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.