Samsung's budget smartphone strategy often results in near-identical devices marketed under different names. The Galaxy M12 (specifically the Indian variant) and the Galaxy F12 are prime examples, both powered by the Exynos 850. This comparison dissects the nuances – or lack thereof – to determine which offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Samsung Galaxy M12 (India) emerges as the slightly better choice, primarily due to its typically lower price point at ₹13,999 for the 128GB/6GB RAM configuration. Given the identical hardware, prioritizing the most affordable option is the logical decision.
| 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, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, February 05 | 2021, April 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 18 | Available. Released 2021, April 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 75.9 x 9.7 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 221 g (7.80 oz) | 221 g (7.80 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 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD, 90Hz | PLS LCD, 90Hz |
| 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, One UI 3.1 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB 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, 123˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| 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 | Unspecified | FM radio, recording |
| 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 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 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Attractive Black, Elegant Blue, Trendy Emerald Green | Sea Green, Sky Blue, Celestial Black |
| Models | SM-M127F, SM-M127F/DS, SM-F127G, SM-F127G/DS, SM-M127G, SM-M127G/DS | SM-F127G, SM-F127G/DS, SM-F127F, SM-F127F/DS |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | 1.19 W/kg (head) | 1.19 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | 0.54 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) | - |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 128GB 6GB RAM | ₹ 13,999 | - |
Samsung Galaxy M12 (India)
- Often available at a lower price point.
- Identical performance to the F12.
- Reliable Samsung brand reputation.
- 15W charging is slow.
- Availability may be limited to specific regions.
Samsung Galaxy F12
- Identical performance to the M12.
- Potentially wider availability.
- Reliable Samsung brand reputation.
- 15W charging is slow.
- Typically priced slightly higher than the M12.
Display Comparison
Both the Galaxy M12 and F12 feature displays that prioritize size over outright quality. While specific panel details (like peak brightness in nits or color gamut coverage) aren't provided, the shared focus on a large screen suggests a similar viewing experience. The absence of high refresh rates (90Hz or 120Hz) is a common trait in this price segment, and neither device offers one. Bezels are likely comparable, contributing to an immersive, if not premium, visual experience.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be very similar. While megapixel counts aren't specified in the provided data, Samsung typically equips these devices with a primary sensor, an ultrawide, a macro, and a depth sensor. The usefulness of the 2MP macro camera is questionable, offering limited detail and requiring ideal lighting conditions. Image processing will be consistent across both devices, leaning towards Samsung's typically vibrant and saturated style. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is a drawback, potentially resulting in softer images and less stable video recording.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Exynos 850 (8nm). This chipset, with its octa-core CPU configuration (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55), delivers adequate performance for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. The 8nm process node offers reasonable power efficiency, but sustained gaming will likely lead to some thermal throttling. The identical CPU and chipset mean performance will be virtually indistinguishable between the two phones. RAM is also a key factor, and both are available with 6GB, ensuring smooth multitasking.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 15W wired charging, which is relatively slow by today's standards. A full 0-100% charge will likely take over two hours. While battery capacity isn't specified, Samsung typically includes a 5000mAh battery in this class of device. The Exynos 850's efficiency helps to extend battery life, but heavy users will still need to charge daily. The slower charging speed means topping up quickly isn't an option, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M12 (India) if you prioritize getting the most performance per rupee and are comfortable with potentially limited availability. It's ideal for students, first-time smartphone users, or those needing a reliable secondary device. Buy the Samsung Galaxy F12 if you find it significantly cheaper than the M12 through a specific retailer or promotion, or if it's more readily available in your region.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 chip overheat during prolonged gaming sessions on either the M12 or F12?
The Exynos 850 is a relatively efficient chip, but it's not a powerhouse. Expect some thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions, leading to a slight drop in frame rates. Neither phone features advanced cooling solutions, so managing expectations is key. Casual gaming will be fine, but demanding titles at high settings may push the chip to its limits.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either device actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Unfortunately, the 2MP macro camera is largely a marketing gimmick. The low resolution and lack of autofocus result in images with limited detail and sharpness. It requires excellent lighting conditions to produce even passable results. Don't rely on it for serious macro photography.
❓ Can either the Samsung Galaxy M12 or F12 reliably run PUBG Mobile at 60fps?
PUBG Mobile is playable on both devices, but achieving a consistent 60fps experience is unlikely, even with graphics settings lowered. Expect frame rate fluctuations, especially during intense action. The Exynos 850 can handle the game, but it's not optimized for high frame rates in demanding titles like PUBG.
❓ What is the typical screen-on time I can expect from the Samsung Galaxy M12 or F12 with moderate usage?
With moderate usage (browsing, social media, occasional video streaming), you can realistically expect around 7-8 hours of screen-on time from either device. The 5000mAh battery (likely) combined with the efficient Exynos 850 provides good battery life. However, heavy gaming or prolonged video playback will significantly reduce this.
