The Samsung Galaxy F12 and A12 (India) present a curious case: two phones released around the same time, targeting similar price points, and crucially, powered by the *exact same* Exynos 850 chipset. This comparison isn't about raw power differences, but rather understanding how Samsung differentiates these devices through subtle market-specific strategies and potential software optimizations.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Samsung Galaxy F12 and A12 (India) are functionally identical. The choice boils down to price and availability. If the F12 is cheaper in your region, it's the better buy. Otherwise, the A12 offers the reassurance of wider Samsung support and potentially more consistent software updates.
| 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, 38, 40, 41 | 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 05 | 2021, August 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 12 | Available. Released 2021, August 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.9 x 9.7 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.38 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 |
| Weight | 221 g (7.80 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | - |
| 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 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD, 90Hz | 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 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB 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, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, (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, (wide) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 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 | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio, recording | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sea Green, Sky Blue, Celestial Black | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | SM-F127G, SM-F127G/DS, SM-F127F, SM-F127F/DS | SM-A127F, SM-A127F/DS |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | 1.19 W/kg (head) | 0.79 W/kg (head) |
Samsung Galaxy F12
- Potentially lower price point
- Identical performance to A12
- Reliable Samsung build quality
- May have limited software support
- Potentially harder to find service centers
Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)
- Official Samsung India support
- Likely longer software update commitment
- Easier access to service centers
- Potentially higher price
- Identical performance to F12
Display Comparison
Both the Galaxy F12 and A12 (India) utilize LCD panels, and given the shared target market, we can expect similar characteristics. While specific brightness nits aren't provided, both likely aim for around 400-450 nits, adequate for indoor use but potentially struggling in direct sunlight. The absence of higher-end panel technologies like LTPO suggests neither phone will offer adaptive refresh rates, impacting smoothness during scrolling and gaming. Bezels are expected to be relatively thick, consistent with the budget segment. Color accuracy is likely standard for this price range, leaning towards Samsung's typically vibrant, but not necessarily color-accurate, profile.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is where subtle differences *could* emerge, but without detailed sensor specifications, it's difficult to pinpoint them. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor, ultrawide, macro, and depth sensor. The usefulness of the 2MP macro camera on both devices is questionable, offering limited detail and requiring ideal lighting conditions. Image processing will likely be similar, leaning towards Samsung's tendency for saturated colors and boosted contrast. The aperture of the main sensor will be a key determinant of low-light performance, but this information isn't available.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Exynos 850 (8nm). This chipset features an octa-core CPU configuration with 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores and another 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This means CPU performance will be virtually indistinguishable between the two. The GPU performance will also be identical. The 8nm process node offers reasonable efficiency, but sustained gaming will likely lead to some thermal throttling. RAM configurations are likely similar, though not specified, and will significantly impact multitasking capabilities. Neither phone is expected to excel at demanding tasks, but the Exynos 850 is capable of handling everyday apps and light gaming.
Battery Life
Both the Galaxy F12 and A12 (India) support 15W wired charging. Given similar battery capacities (likely around 5000mAh, based on market positioning), 0-100% charging times will be comparable, taking approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. The Exynos 850's 8nm process contributes to reasonable power efficiency, allowing for all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, heavy gaming or prolonged video streaming will drain the battery considerably faster.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy F12 if you prioritize getting the absolute lowest price for a reliable Samsung smartphone with a decent processor. It's ideal for first-time smartphone users or those needing a secondary device. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) if you prefer the peace of mind that comes with a model officially marketed and supported by Samsung India, potentially offering longer software support and easier access to service centers.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 chip in either phone get noticeably hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850 is an efficient chip, but it's not a powerhouse. Expect some thermal throttling during prolonged gaming on both the F12 and A12 (India). While it won't become uncomfortably hot, you may experience frame rate drops after 30-45 minutes of intensive gaming.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either device worth using for close-up shots?
The 2MP macro cameras on both the F12 and A12 (India) are primarily for marketing purposes. The low resolution and lack of autofocus result in images with limited detail and sharpness. It's usable in ideal lighting conditions, but don't expect professional-quality macro photography.
❓ Can either phone reliably run PUBG Mobile at 60fps?
PUBG Mobile is playable on both devices, but achieving a consistent 60fps is unlikely, even with graphics settings lowered. Expect frame rates to fluctuate, particularly during intense action sequences. The Exynos 850 can handle the game, but it's not optimized for high frame rates.
❓ Which phone is more likely to receive Android updates in the long term?
The Samsung Galaxy A12 (India), being officially marketed by Samsung India, is more likely to receive longer software support and more frequent Android updates compared to the Galaxy F12. Samsung typically prioritizes updates for its mainline A-series devices.
