Samsung's M and A series represent their aggressive push into the budget smartphone market. The Galaxy M12, released earlier, offers a proven platform, while the A14 represents a newer generation with potential improvements. This comparison dissects the key differences between these two devices, focusing on performance, battery, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A14 (Exynos 850 version) offers a slightly better overall experience. While both share 15W charging, the A14’s potentially more efficient Exynos 850 (Version B) and improved CPU architecture provide a smoother experience for everyday tasks and light gaming. However, the M12 remains a viable option if found at a significantly lower 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, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 19 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 30 | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| 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) | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 212 g (7.48 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| 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 (~80.2% 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version AOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version B |
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | 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) | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 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 | 5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Green | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | SM-M127F, SM-M127F/DSN, SM-M127N | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | About 170 EUR | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR EU | 0.54 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy M12
- Potentially lower price point
- Efficient Exynos 850 chipset (8nm)
- Likely good battery life
- Older model, potentially less software support
- Less powerful CPU compared to A14 (Helio G80 version)
Samsung Galaxy A14
- More modern design
- Potentially better CPU performance (Helio G80 version)
- Likely longer software support
- Potentially less efficient chipset (Helio G80 version)
- May be more expensive than the M12
Display Comparison
Neither Samsung provides detailed display specs in the provided data. However, given their market positioning, both likely utilize LCD panels. The real-world difference will likely come down to color calibration and brightness, which are not specified. Bezels are expected to be similar, reflecting the budget nature of both devices. Without further data, a clear winner cannot be determined.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specs are absent. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the quality will depend heavily on the main sensor and image processing. Given the budget segment, expect similar performance in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance will likely be a weakness on both. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both is largely a marketing gimmick and offers limited practical benefit. Without sensor size or aperture information, a definitive camera comparison is impossible.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Galaxy M12 features the Exynos 850 (8nm), while the A14 offers a choice: the Mediatek Helio G80 (12nm) or the Exynos 850 (8nm). The Helio G80 (Version A) boasts a more powerful CPU configuration with 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, compared to the M12’s 8x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This suggests better multi-tasking and responsiveness on the A14 (Version A). However, the 12nm process of the Helio G80 is less efficient than the 8nm Exynos 850, potentially leading to more heat and throttling. If the A14 has the Exynos 850 (Version B), the performance will be very similar to the M12, but the A14 may benefit from software optimizations. Both devices will struggle with demanding games, but the A14 (Version A) has a slight edge.
Battery Life
Both the M12 and A14 are equipped with 15W wired charging. This is relatively slow compared to modern standards. Battery capacity isn't specified, but given the similar size and target market, they are likely in the 5000-6000 mAh range. The more efficient 8nm Exynos 850 (in the M12 and potentially A14 Version B) could translate to slightly better battery life, offsetting any capacity differences. Real-world usage will dictate the actual endurance, but expect all-day battery life with moderate use on both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M12 if you prioritize maximizing value and finding the absolute lowest price point for a Samsung smartphone. It's ideal for basic users who primarily need a phone for calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A14 if you prefer a slightly more responsive experience, potentially better long-term software support, and a more modern design, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Helio G80 in the Galaxy A14 tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Mediatek Helio G80 (12nm) is known to generate more heat than the Exynos 850 (8nm). While it offers a CPU performance boost, expect some throttling during extended gaming. The A14's thermal management will determine how significant this throttling is, but the M12 with its Exynos 850 should maintain more consistent performance over longer periods.
❓ Is the software experience significantly different between the Galaxy M12 and A14?
Both devices run Samsung's One UI, but the A14, being a newer model, is likely to receive more software updates and security patches for a longer duration. This is a crucial consideration for long-term usability and security. The M12 may reach its end-of-life software support sooner.
❓ How much of a performance difference will I notice between the Exynos 850 in the M12 and the Exynos 850 in the A14 (if applicable)?
If the A14 version you are considering has the Exynos 850, the performance difference will be minimal. Any gains will likely come from software optimizations and potentially slightly faster RAM in the A14. Don't expect a dramatic improvement.
