Looking for a reliable and affordable Samsung smartphone? The Galaxy A12 and A14 are popular contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A14 generally edges out the A12 thanks to its more powerful processor, improved camera capabilities, and slightly more modern design. While the A12 remains a solid budget option, the A14 provides a noticeable upgrade for a reasonable price increase.
| 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, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, August 12 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 12 | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| 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) | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 205 g (7.23 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version AOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version B |
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | 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 | - |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2 | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS, recording | Unspecified |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, White | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | SM-A127F, SM-A127F/DS | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | About 160 EUR | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR | 0.79 W/kg (head) | - |
| SAR EU | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Large display
- Expandable storage (microSD card slot)
- Outdated processor
- Lower resolution display
- Basic camera
- Slow charging
Samsung Galaxy A14
- Improved performance (Helio G80)
- Better camera system
- Higher resolution display
- Modern design
- Slightly more expensive than A12
- 15W charging (still slow)
- LCD display (not OLED)
Display Comparison
The Galaxy A14 typically features a slightly larger display (6.6 inches vs 6.5 inches on the A12) and often a higher resolution (FHD+ vs HD+ on some A12 variants). Both use LCD panels, so don't expect OLED quality, but the A14's display generally offers better clarity and viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
The A14 generally boasts a more versatile camera system, often including a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing. While both offer decent image quality in good lighting, the A14 excels in low-light conditions and offers better video recording capabilities. The A12's camera is acceptable but lacks the refinement of the A14.
Performance
The A14's Mediatek Helio G80 chipset is a significant upgrade over the A12's Exynos 850. The G80's dual Cortex-A75 cores provide a noticeable boost in performance for gaming and multitasking. The A12's CPU is adequate for basic tasks, but struggles with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones typically feature a 5000mAh battery, offering excellent all-day battery life. Charging speeds are identical at 15W wired, so expect similar charging times.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)? Those on a very tight budget who prioritize affordability above all else. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A14? Users seeking a better performance, improved camera, and a more modern experience without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A14 worth the extra money compared to the A12?
Yes, the A14 offers a noticeable upgrade in performance and camera quality, making it a worthwhile investment if your budget allows.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Samsung Galaxy A14, thanks to its Helio G80 chipset, provides significantly better gaming performance than the A12.
❓ Do both phones support expandable storage?
Yes, both the Samsung Galaxy A12 and A14 support expandable storage via a microSD card slot.