Samsung Galaxy A12 vs Galaxy M12: A Detailed Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy A12 and M12 are both popular budget smartphones offering a lot of value for their price. While they share many similarities, subtle differences can make one a better choice for you. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone best suits your needs.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Galaxy A12 and M12 are remarkably similar, sharing the same chipset and charging speed. The A12 often edges out slightly due to potentially better availability and sometimes a slightly more refined design, but the M12 can offer better deals. It's a close call, largely dependent on pricing and availability.

PHONES
Phone Names	Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)	Samsung Galaxy M12

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66
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	2021, April 19
Status	Available. Released 2021, August 12	Available. Released 2021, April 30

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 75.9 x 9.7 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.38 in)
SIM	· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	205 g (7.23 oz)	212 g (7.48 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 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	PLS LCD	PLS LCD, 90Hz

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, One UI Core 3.1

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 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, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Single	-	8 MP, f/2.2, (wide)
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	-	HDR
Single	8 MP, f/2.2	8 MP, f/2.2, (wide)
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
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
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 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, Green
Models	SM-A127F, SM-A127F/DS	SM-M127F, SM-M127F/DSN, SM-M127N
Price	About 160 EUR	About 170 EUR
SAR	0.79 W/kg (head)	-
SAR EU	-	0.54 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body)

Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)

Slightly more refined design
Potentially better camera performance
Wider availability in some regions
Good battery life

15W charging is slow
HD+ display resolution isn't the sharpest
Performance is adequate, not exceptional

Samsung Galaxy M12

Excellent battery life
Large display for media consumption
Competitive pricing
Good value for money

Design is more utilitarian
Camera performance slightly behind the A12
15W charging is slow
HD+ display resolution isn't the sharpest

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a large 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing experience for media consumption. However, the A12 might have slightly better color accuracy, though this is often marginal. The M12's display is perfectly adequate for its price range.

Camera Comparison

The Galaxy A12 typically boasts a slightly more versatile camera setup, often including a higher resolution main sensor and potentially better image processing. The M12's camera is still capable, but the A12 generally produces slightly better photos in various lighting conditions. Both offer decent selfie cameras.

Performance

Powered by the Exynos 850 chipset, both phones deliver adequate performance for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect flagship-level performance, but they handle basic usage smoothly. The 4GB/6GB RAM options on both models will influence multitasking capabilities.

Battery Life

Both phones pack a large 6000mAh battery, providing excellent battery life. Expect a full day of usage, even with moderate to heavy use. Charging is limited to 15W wired, so charging times will be relatively slow.

Buying Guide

The Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) is ideal for users prioritizing a slightly more polished design and potentially wider availability. It's a good all-rounder for everyday tasks. The Samsung Galaxy M12 is a great choice for those seeking the absolute best value and are comfortable with a slightly more utilitarian design, especially if it's available at a lower price point.