The Samsung Galaxy A series consistently delivers excellent value, and the A12 Nacho and A14 are prime examples. But which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and overall worth to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A14 generally edges out the A12 Nacho thanks to its more modern chipset, improved CPU architecture, and slightly better camera capabilities. While both offer solid value, the A14 provides a more future-proof experience for a similar price.
| 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 09 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 09 | 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 | 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 | - |
| 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 | 8 MP, f/2.2 | 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 | Yes (market/region dependent) | 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, Red | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | SM-A127F/DSN, SM-A127F/DS, SM-A127F, SM-A127M, SM-A127U | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | About 130 EUR | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR EU | 0.67 W/kg (head) 1.38 W/kg (body) | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho
- Large display
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Affordable price
- Good battery life
- Older chipset
- Less powerful processor
- Lower camera quality
- Slower charging (compared to newer phones)
Samsung Galaxy A14
- More modern chipset (Helio G80)
- Improved performance
- Better camera system
- Slightly more modern design
- Potentially higher resolution display
- Slightly higher price
- 15W charging is slow
- Plastic build
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, but the A14 typically boasts a slightly higher resolution and potentially improved color accuracy. The A12 Nacho's display is adequate, but the A14 offers a more immersive viewing experience. Expect a similar size, around 6.6 inches, with the A14 potentially having a slightly more modern panel.
Camera Comparison
The A14 generally offers a more versatile camera system with potentially higher resolution sensors and improved image processing. While both phones are capable of taking decent photos in good lighting, the A14 tends to perform better in low-light conditions and offers more features. Expect improvements in video recording quality as well.
Performance
The A14's Mediatek Helio G80 chipset (Version A) with its dual Cortex-A75 cores provides a noticeable performance boost over the A12 Nacho's Exynos 850. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a better experience with demanding games. Version B of the A14 uses the Exynos 850, making the performance difference less significant.
Battery Life
Both phones offer similar battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 15W wired, so expect comparable charging times. Battery capacity is likely similar, around 5000mAh.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho is a good choice for users on a very tight budget who prioritize a large screen and reliable performance for basic tasks. The Samsung Galaxy A14 is ideal for those seeking a slightly faster processor, better camera, and a more modern design, even if the price is a bit higher.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A14 worth the extra money compared to the A12 Nacho?
Generally, yes. The A14 offers a more modern chipset, better camera, and improved performance, making it a worthwhile upgrade if your budget allows.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Samsung Galaxy A14, thanks to its Helio G80 chipset, provides noticeably better gaming performance than the A12 Nacho.