The Samsung Galaxy A12 was a popular budget phone, and variations like the 'Nacho' and the India-specific model exist. While seemingly identical, subtle differences can impact your user experience. This comprehensive comparison breaks down the key distinctions to help you choose the right A12 for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
Both the A12 Nacho and A12 (India) share the same core Exynos 850 chipset and 15W charging. The Nacho often receives slightly longer software support and may have minor regional variations in included accessories. Ultimately, the best choice depends on availability and price in your region.
| 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 09 | 2021, August 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 09 | Available. Released 2021, August 12 |
| 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 | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 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, 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 | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| 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, Red | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | SM-A127F/DSN, SM-A127F/DS, SM-A127F, SM-A127M, SM-A127U | SM-A127F, SM-A127F/DS |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.79 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | 0.67 W/kg (head) 1.38 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho
- Potentially longer software support
- Wider regional availability (Nacho)
- Decent battery life
- Slow 15W charging
- HD+ display resolution
- Limited low-light camera performance
Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)
- Competitive price in India
- Decent battery life
- Adequate performance for everyday tasks
- Slow 15W charging
- HD+ display resolution
- Limited low-light camera performance
Display Comparison
Both devices feature a 6.5-inch PLS LCD display with a 720 x 1600 resolution (HD+). While the panel quality is similar, color accuracy and brightness might vary slightly depending on the specific manufacturing batch. Expect a decent viewing experience for everyday use, but not exceptional color vibrancy.
Camera Comparison
Both models typically feature a quad-camera setup: a 48MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, a 2MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. Image quality is generally acceptable in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance is limited. Software processing and color reproduction may differ slightly between the Nacho and India variants.
Performance
Powered by the Exynos 850, both phones deliver adequate performance for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect flagship-level speeds, but the chipset handles everyday usage smoothly. RAM configurations (typically 3GB/4GB/6GB) will significantly impact multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Both devices are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. The 15W wired charging is relatively slow compared to modern standards, requiring several hours to fully charge the device.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho is ideal for users seeking slightly longer software support and potentially a wider range of regional availability. The Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) is a great option if you're in India and find it at a competitive price, offering the same core performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Samsung Galaxy A12 and the A12 Nacho?
The primary difference is regional availability and potentially slightly longer software support for the Nacho variant. The core hardware remains largely the same.
❓ Is the Exynos 850 a good processor for a budget phone?
The Exynos 850 is a capable processor for everyday tasks and light gaming on a budget phone. It's not a powerhouse, but it provides a smooth user experience for most users.
