The Samsung Galaxy A12 and M12 are both popular budget smartphones in India, offering a compelling blend of features and affordability. But with subtle differences, choosing between them can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy M12 edges out the A12 primarily due to its larger RAM and storage configuration, offering a smoother multitasking experience and more space for your files. Both share the same processor and charging, making the M12's extra memory the deciding factor for most users.
| 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, 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 | 2021, February 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 12 | Available. Released 2021, March 18 |
| 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) | 221 g (7.80 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 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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 |
| 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 | No |
| 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, OTG |
| 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 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, White | Attractive Black, Elegant Blue, Trendy Emerald Green |
| Models | SM-A127F, SM-A127F/DS | SM-M127F, SM-M127F/DS, SM-F127G, SM-F127G/DS, SM-M127G, SM-M127G/DS |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | 0.79 W/kg (head) | 1.19 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.54 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 128GB 6GB RAM | - | ₹ 13,999 |
Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)
- Slightly more compact design
- Potentially lower price (depending on retailer)
- Decent display quality
- Less RAM and storage
- Slower charging
- Average low-light camera performance
Samsung Galaxy M12 (India)
- More RAM and storage (6GB/128GB)
- All-day battery life
- Good value for money
- Slightly larger size
- Slower charging
- Average low-light camera performance
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles and color reproduction for everyday use. However, the M12 might have slightly better brightness due to its panel variations, though this is not consistently reported. The A12's slightly smaller footprint could make it easier to handle for some.
Camera Comparison
The camera setups are largely similar, featuring a 48MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, a 2MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. Image quality is generally good in well-lit conditions, but low-light performance is average. Minor differences in software processing might lead to slightly varied results, but overall, expect comparable camera performance.
Performance
Powered by the same Exynos 850 chipset, both phones deliver similar performance for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. The M12's 6GB of RAM provides a noticeable advantage in multitasking, preventing apps from being frequently reloaded. The A12's 4GB RAM might struggle slightly with heavier usage.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. Charging speeds are identical at 15W wired, which is relatively slow compared to modern standards. Expect around 2-3 hours to fully charge either device.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)? Users prioritizing a slightly more compact design and a potentially lower price point (depending on retailer offers) might find the A12 appealing. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy M12 (India)? Those needing more RAM and storage for apps, photos, and videos will benefit significantly from the M12's 6GB RAM and 128GB storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Exynos 850 a good processor?
The Exynos 850 is a capable processor for everyday tasks and light gaming on budget smartphones. It's not a flagship chip, but it provides a smooth experience for most users.
❓ Which phone has better multitasking capabilities?
The Samsung Galaxy M12 has better multitasking capabilities due to its 6GB of RAM compared to the A12's 4GB.
❓ How long does the battery last on these phones?
Both phones offer all-day battery life with moderate usage thanks to their 5000mAh batteries.
❓ What is the charging speed like?
Both phones support 15W wired charging, which is relatively slow. Expect around 2-3 hours to fully charge either device.
