The sub-₹15,000 (approximately $180 USD) smartphone segment in India is fiercely competitive. The Samsung Galaxy M12, with its Exynos 850 chipset, and the Realme Narzo 30A, powered by the MediaTek Helio G85, both aim to deliver a compelling experience without breaking the bank. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and a more refined software experience, the Samsung Galaxy M12 emerges as the better choice. While the Narzo 30A offers faster charging, the Exynos 850’s architecture provides a smoother experience in demanding tasks and potentially better long-term stability.
| 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, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, February 05 | 2021, February 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 18 | Available. Released 2021, March 05 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.9 x 9.7 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.38 in) | 164.5 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 | 221 g (7.80 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 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 470 nits (typ), 570 nits (peak) |
| 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) |
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, One UI 3.1 | Android 10, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 18W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Attractive Black, Elegant Blue, Trendy Emerald Green | Laser Black, Laser Blue |
| Models | SM-M127F, SM-M127F/DS, SM-F127G, SM-F127G/DS, SM-M127G, SM-M127G/DS | RMX3171 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 450 EUR |
| SAR | 1.19 W/kg (head) | 1.37 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.54 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) | - |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 128GB 6GB RAM | ₹ 13,999 | - |
Samsung Galaxy M12 (India)
- More efficient Exynos 850 chipset
- Potentially better sustained performance
- Samsung’s software ecosystem and potential for updates
- Slower 15W charging
- May be slightly more expensive
Realme Narzo 30A
- Faster 18W charging with reverse charging
- Potentially quicker burst performance with Cortex-A75 cores
- Aggressive pricing
- Less efficient Helio G85 chipset
- Potential for more throttling under sustained load
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. The focus here shifts to processing power, as display specs are not provided. However, considering Samsung’s display expertise, the M12 *may* have slightly better color calibration, though this is speculative. Bezels are likely comparable, and neither phone is expected to offer high refresh rates.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is difficult to assess without detailed sensor information. Both phones likely feature a primary camera accompanied by auxiliary lenses (potentially including a 2MP macro, which offers limited practical benefit). The aperture size and sensor size of the main camera will be the determining factors. Without this data, we can only assume that Samsung’s image processing algorithms might offer more refined results, leaning towards a more natural look, while Realme often boosts saturation for a more vibrant, social-media-friendly aesthetic.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy M12’s Exynos 850 (8nm) utilizes a more efficient manufacturing process than the Realme Narzo 30A’s MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm). While both are octa-core CPUs, the Narzo 30A features 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores alongside 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, offering a potentially faster burst performance for short tasks. However, the Exynos 850’s architecture, with 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores repeated, is designed for sustained performance. This means the M12 is likely to exhibit less throttling during extended gaming sessions or multitasking. The 8nm process also contributes to better thermal management.
Battery Life
The Realme Narzo 30A has a clear advantage in charging speed with its 18W wired charging, including 5W reverse wired charging. The Samsung Galaxy M12 is limited to 15W wired charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, both are likely in the 5000-6000 mAh range. The faster charging of the Narzo 30A translates to quicker top-ups, a significant benefit for users who frequently run low on battery. However, the Exynos 850’s efficiency might offset some of this advantage by consuming less power during typical usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M12 (India) if you need a phone for consistent everyday use, moderate gaming, and value a brand known for software updates and reliability. Buy the Realme Narzo 30A if you prioritize quick charging speeds and are a casual gamer who doesn't mind occasional performance dips, and prefer a more aggressive price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Samsung Galaxy M12 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions like PUBG?
The Exynos 850’s 8nm process and architecture are designed for thermal efficiency. While some throttling is inevitable, it’s likely to be less pronounced than on the Narzo 30A’s Helio G85, allowing for longer, more stable gaming sessions. However, performance will still be limited by the phone's cooling solution.
❓ Is the 5W reverse wired charging on the Realme Narzo 30A useful for topping up accessories like earbuds?
Yes, the 5W reverse wired charging is a convenient feature for charging small accessories like wireless earbuds or a smartwatch. While it’s not a fast charging solution, it can provide a useful boost when you’re away from a power outlet. It's slower than dedicated charging, but a welcome addition.
❓ Which phone is better for multitasking between several apps?
The Samsung Galaxy M12, with its Exynos 850, is better suited for multitasking. The chipset's architecture is designed for sustained performance, meaning it can handle multiple apps running simultaneously without significant slowdowns. The Narzo 30A may experience more lag when switching between numerous applications.
