The Samsung Galaxy M12 and A12 represent Samsung’s entry into the ultra-budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a low price point, they diverge significantly in their internal hardware. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on how the Exynos 850 in the M12 stacks up against the MediaTek Helio P35 powering the A12, and which phone ultimately provides a better user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy M12 is the superior choice. Its Exynos 850 chipset offers a noticeable performance uplift over the Helio P35 in the A12, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user interface. While both phones share identical battery endurance ratings and charging speeds, the M12’s processing power justifies its slightly higher price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 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 19 | 2020, November 24. Released 2020, December 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 30 | Discontinued |
| 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 | 212 g (7.48 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 (~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 (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 2GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| - | Go |
| 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, 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 | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Green | Black, White, Blue, Red |
| Models | SM-M127F, SM-M127F/DSN, SM-M127N | SM-A125F/DSN, SM-A125F/DS, SM-A125F, SM-A125M, SM-A125U, SM-A125U1, SM-A125N, SM-A125W |
| Price | About 170 EUR | € 78.89 / $ 60.00 / £ 69.99 |
| SAR EU | 0.54 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) | 0.67 W/kg (head) 1.38 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 123h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1363:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-30.4 LUFS (Below average) |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 107189 (v8)
GeekBench: 1034 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy M12
- Superior performance with the Exynos 850 chipset
- More efficient 8nm manufacturing process
- Potentially smoother multitasking experience
- May be slightly more expensive than the A12
- Camera specs are not significantly detailed
Samsung Galaxy A12
- Lower price point
- Bright display with 472 nits peak brightness
- Identical battery endurance to the M12
- Significantly weaker performance with the Helio P35
- Less efficient 12nm manufacturing process
- Struggles with demanding applications
Display Comparison
Both the Galaxy M12 and A12 feature displays with a 1363:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar visual pop. However, the A12’s measured peak brightness of 472 nits provides a brighter viewing experience, particularly outdoors. While both use LCD panels, the lack of information regarding panel technology (IPS, TFT) makes it difficult to assess color accuracy differences. Bezels are likely comparable given their similar market positioning, but neither phone will offer a premium, edge-to-edge display experience.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is impossible. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both devices suggests limited utility, as these sensors typically produce low-quality images. Image processing will likely differ, with Samsung’s software potentially offering more refinement on the M12, but the underlying hardware limitations will be a significant factor in overall image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Galaxy M12’s Exynos 850, fabricated on an 8nm process, is significantly more efficient and powerful than the A12’s 12nm MediaTek Helio P35. The Exynos 850’s octa-core configuration (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) offers a more balanced approach to performance, while the Helio P35 (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) relies on higher clock speeds on older architecture. This translates to a more responsive experience on the M12, especially when multitasking or running demanding applications. The A12 will struggle with heavier workloads.
Battery Life
Both the Galaxy M12 and A12 achieve an endurance rating of 123 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. Both also support 15W wired charging, meaning 0-100% charge times will be similar – likely around 2.5 to 3 hours. The Exynos 850’s 8nm process *could* contribute to slightly better power efficiency under load, but the overall impact on daily battery life is likely minimal given the identical endurance rating.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M12 if you prioritize performance for everyday tasks like social media, browsing, and light gaming. Its more modern chipset will provide a smoother, more future-proof experience. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and minimal app usage – and you are seeking the absolute lowest possible price point. The A12 will suffice for very light users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Galaxy M12 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850 is a relatively efficient chipset. While it will generate heat during extended gaming, its 8nm process and thermal design should prevent significant throttling. Expect playable frame rates in less demanding titles, but don't expect flagship-level performance.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones offer limited utility. The small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization result in soft, noisy images with limited detail. It's best to consider it a novelty feature rather than a serious photography tool.
❓ Can the Galaxy M12 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile at acceptable frame rates?
The Galaxy M12 should be able to run PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium graphics settings and potentially with frame rate dips during intense action. The Helio P35 in the A12 will struggle significantly with PUBG, likely requiring the lowest possible settings and still experiencing noticeable lag.
❓ What type of storage does each phone use, and is it expandable?
While not specified in the provided data, both phones likely utilize eMMC storage to keep costs down. Both are expected to have a dedicated microSD card slot for expandable storage, allowing users to increase the internal capacity.
