Choosing a budget smartphone can be tough. The Samsung Galaxy A20s and A12 (India) are both popular contenders, offering a blend of features and affordability. But which one truly delivers the best value? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) generally edges out the A20s thanks to its more powerful Exynos 850 chipset and improved efficiency. While the A20s has a slightly better display, the A12's performance and future-proofing make it the better overall choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - SM-A207F/DS | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - SM-A207F/DS | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - SM-A207M/DS | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, September 24. Released 2019, October 05 | 2021, August 12 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, August 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 77.5 x 8 mm (6.43 x 3.05 x 0.31 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 | 183 g (6.46 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 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 |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 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 | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red, Green | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | SM-A207F, SM-A207M, SM-A2070 | SM-A127F, SM-A127F/DS |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | 0.69 W/kg (head) 1.43 W/kg (body) | 0.79 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | 0.35 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy A20s
- Vibrant Super AMOLED display
- Decent camera system
- Large 5000mAh battery
- Affordable price
- Older Snapdragon 450 chipset
- Slightly lower resolution display
- Can feel sluggish at times
- Limited software updates
Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)
- More powerful Exynos 850 chipset
- Better performance and multitasking
- Improved efficiency and battery life
- Quad-camera system with macro lens
- Likely longer software support
- IPS LCD display (not as vibrant as AMOLED)
- Design can feel a bit dated
- 48MP main camera not significantly better in all conditions
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A20s features a 6.5-inch HD+ (720 x 1600) Super AMOLED display, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. The A12 (India) also has a 6.5-inch HD+ display, but it's an IPS LCD panel. While the A12's display is adequate, the A20s' AMOLED screen offers a noticeably better viewing experience, especially for media consumption. However, the A12 has a slightly higher resolution (720 x 1600 vs 720 x 1560).
Camera Comparison
The A20s features a triple camera setup: 13MP main, 8MP ultrawide, and 2MP depth sensor. The A12 (India) also has a quad-camera setup: 48MP main, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth sensor. While megapixels aren't everything, the A12's 48MP main sensor generally captures more detailed photos, especially in good lighting. Both phones offer decent ultrawide and depth sensors, but the A12's macro lens provides additional versatility. Video recording capabilities are similar on both devices.
Performance
This is where the A12 (India) shines. Its Exynos 850 chipset (8nm) is significantly more powerful than the A20s' Snapdragon 450 (14nm). The Exynos 850 boasts a faster CPU and GPU, resulting in smoother app launches, better multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The A20s can feel sluggish at times, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones have a 5000mAh battery, offering excellent battery life. However, the A12's more efficient Exynos 850 chipset allows it to squeeze slightly more usage out of the battery compared to the A20s' older Snapdragon 450. Expect a full day of moderate use on both devices.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A20s? Users prioritizing a slightly brighter display and are comfortable with slightly older hardware. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)? Those seeking better performance, smoother multitasking, and a more modern chipset for longer software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Exynos 850 chipset.
❓ Does the A20s get software updates?
The Samsung Galaxy A20s has received limited software updates. The A12 (India) is likely to receive more updates for a longer period.