The Samsung Galaxy M01 and Realme C12 represent the extreme end of the budget smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point. This comparison dives deep into their core specifications, focusing on the key differences in performance and usability to help you determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C12 emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G35 chipset, with higher clocked Cortex-A53 cores, provides a noticeable performance edge over the Samsung Galaxy M01’s Snapdragon 439, making it more responsive for everyday tasks. While both offer similar battery life, the C12's 10W charging is a small but appreciated advantage.
| 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, 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 | 2020, June 02. Released 2020, June 02 | 2020, August 14. Released 2020, August 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 147.5 x 70.9 x 9.8 mm (5.81 x 2.79 x 0.39 in) | 164.5 x 75.9 x 9.8 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 168 g (5.93 oz) | 209 g (7.37 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 81.6 cm2 (~78.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.1 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 5 MP |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP B/W, f/2.4
2 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | - | 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, aptX |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red | Marine Blue, Coral Red, Silver, Power Blue, Power Silver |
| Models | SM-M015G, SM-M015F, SM-M015G/DS, SM-M015F/DS | RMX2189 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 110 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.42 W/kg (head) 1.56 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy M01
- Established Brand Reputation (Samsung)
- Potentially Simpler Software Experience
- Reliable Battery Life
- Slower Processor (Snapdragon 439)
- Likely Slower Charging
- Less Responsive User Experience
Realme C12
- Faster Processor (Helio G35)
- 10W Wired Charging
- More Responsive Multitasking
- Less Brand Recognition (Realme)
- Potential for More Bloatware
- Camera Performance Likely Similar to M01
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume both are 720p+ to maximize screen real estate. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on basic usability. Bezels are likely substantial on both, prioritizing cost reduction over a modern, immersive experience.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be modest. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both rely on basic sensors for capturing images. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution. Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but expect significant noise and lack of detail in low light. The Realme C12 may have a slight edge due to Mediatek’s image signal processing capabilities, but the difference will be minimal.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C12’s Mediatek Helio G35 features four cores clocked at 2.3 GHz, compared to the Samsung Galaxy M01’s Snapdragon 439 with four cores at 1.95 GHz. While both utilize the Cortex-A53 architecture, the higher clock speed of the Helio G35 translates to faster processing speeds. This difference is most noticeable when launching apps or switching between them. The Snapdragon 439 is still capable for basic tasks, but the G35 offers a smoother, more fluid experience. Both are paired with likely 2GB or 3GB of RAM, further limiting multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Both devices likely feature a 4000mAh or 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, the Realme C12 includes 10W wired charging, while the Samsung Galaxy M01’s charging speed is unspecified but likely slower. This means the C12 can be topped up more quickly, reducing downtime. While neither offers fast charging, the 10W support on the C12 is a practical advantage for users who need to recharge frequently.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M01 if you prioritize brand recognition and a potentially simpler software experience, and your usage is limited to very basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Realme C12 if you need a phone that feels more responsive for multitasking, occasional gaming, and generally offers a better user experience for the price. The C12 is the better option for those who want a bit more 'oomph' from their budget device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C12 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio G35 can run PUBG Mobile, expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and potentially experience frame drops during intense moments. It's not a gaming-focused chipset, but it's capable of casual gaming.
❓ Is the software on the Samsung Galaxy M01 less cluttered than on the Realme C12?
Samsung's One UI, even in its stripped-down form on the M01, can still include pre-installed apps. Realme UI, while improving, often includes its own set of bloatware. The difference is likely minimal, and both can be partially mitigated by uninstalling unwanted apps.
❓ How much storage do these phones typically come with, and can it be expanded?
Both devices typically ship with 32GB of internal storage, which is quite limited. Fortunately, both support microSD card expansion, allowing you to add up to 256GB or 512GB of additional storage for photos, videos, and apps.
❓ Which phone is better for older adults who primarily use their phone for calls and messaging?
The Samsung Galaxy M01 might be slightly better suited for older adults due to Samsung's brand recognition and potentially simpler user interface. However, the Realme C12's slightly faster processor could make navigating the interface a bit smoother.
