Samsung's M and F series consistently deliver compelling value in the Indian market. The Galaxy M12 and F13, both powered by the Exynos 850, represent similar price points but cater to slightly different user preferences. This comparison dissects their similarities and subtle differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy F13 offers a marginally better value proposition. While both phones share the same Exynos 850 chipset and 15W charging, the F13's slightly newer release and potential for software updates give it a slight edge. However, the M12's availability and potential for deeper discounts make it a strong contender.
| 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, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, February 05 | 2022, June 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 18 | Available. Released 2022, June 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.9 x 9.7 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.38 in) | 165.4 x 76.9 x 9.3 mm (6.51 x 3.03 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 221 g (7.80 oz) | 207 g (7.30 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~82.5% 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, One UI 3.1 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, One UI Core 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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, 123˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| 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 | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| | 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 | Waterfall Blue, Sunrise Copper, Nightsky Green |
| Models | SM-M127F, SM-M127F/DS, SM-F127G, SM-F127G/DS, SM-M127G, SM-M127G/DS | SM-E135F, SM-E135F/DS |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR | 1.19 W/kg (head) | 0.55 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | 0.54 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) | 0.45 W/kg (head) 1.36 W/kg (body) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 128GB 6GB RAM | ₹ 13,999 | - |
Samsung Galaxy M12 (India)
- Potentially lower price point
- May be easier to find on sale
- Reliable Samsung build quality
- Potentially fewer software updates
- May have slightly older components
- No confirmed display specs
Samsung Galaxy F13
- Slightly newer release date
- Potential for longer software support
- May benefit from minor hardware revisions
- Slightly higher price
- 15W charging is slow
- No confirmed display specs
Display Comparison
Both the Galaxy M12 and F13 lack detailed display specifications in the provided data. However, given their price segment, we can expect both to feature PLS LCD panels. The absence of high refresh rates is typical. The user experience will likely be similar, with color accuracy and peak brightness being key differentiators that require hands-on testing. Bezels are expected to be moderate, consistent with the budget category.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are missing. However, both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor, ultra-wide, macro, and depth sensor. The quality of the primary sensor will be the most significant factor in image quality. Given the price point, expect decent performance in well-lit conditions but struggles in low light. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera is a common feature in this segment, but its utility is limited due to the low resolution and lack of autofocus. Image processing will likely be similar, leaning towards Samsung's typically vibrant color profile.
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 performance will be nearly identical for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. The 8nm process node offers reasonable power efficiency, but sustained workloads may lead to thermal throttling. The shared RAM configuration (6GB in the provided M12 example) further minimizes performance differences. Neither phone is designed for demanding mobile gaming or intensive multitasking.
Battery Life
Both devices are equipped with 15W wired charging. While not fast charging by today's standards, it's adequate for their target audience. Battery capacity is not specified for the F13, but the M12's battery size will heavily influence overall endurance. A larger battery capacity in the M12 would offset the slower charging speed, providing longer usage between charges. Expect a full charge to take approximately 2-3 hours with the included charger.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M12 (India) if you prioritize finding the absolute lowest price and are comfortable with potentially fewer software updates. It's ideal for first-time smartphone users or those needing a reliable secondary device. Buy the Samsung Galaxy F13 if you prefer a slightly more modern device with the potential for longer software support and are willing to spend a little extra for it. This is a good choice for users who want a phone that will remain functional for a few more years.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 chip in either the M12 or F13 struggle with demanding games like PUBG?
Yes, the Exynos 850 is a budget-focused chipset. While it can run PUBG Mobile, you'll likely need to use lower graphics settings and may experience occasional frame drops, especially during intense firefights. These phones are better suited for casual gaming.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
The 2MP macro camera is primarily a marketing feature. Its low resolution and lack of autofocus result in images that are often soft and lack detail. It's usable for close-up shots in good lighting, but don't expect professional-quality results.
❓ How long will Samsung provide software updates for the Galaxy M12 and F13?
Samsung typically provides two years of major Android updates and three years of security patches for its budget devices. The F13, being a newer release, is likely to receive updates for a longer period than the M12.
❓ Will I notice a significant difference in performance between the M12 and F13 during everyday tasks?
No, you likely won't notice a significant difference in performance during everyday tasks like browsing, social media, or using apps. Both phones share the same chipset and RAM configuration, resulting in a similar user experience.
