The Samsung Galaxy M12 and M13 represent Samsung's continued push into the ultra-budget smartphone segment. While the M13 is the newer device, the core specifications are remarkably similar. This comparison aims to determine if the M13 offers enough tangible improvements to justify an upgrade or a new purchase over the often-discounted M12.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Samsung Galaxy M12 remains a compelling choice. The M13 offers virtually identical performance due to the same Exynos 850 chipset and 15W charging. Unless a slightly newer model is a priority, the M12 provides better value, especially at current discounted prices.
| 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 | 2022, May 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 30 | Available. Released 2022, July 01 |
| 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) | 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm (6.51 x 3.03 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 212 g (7.48 oz) | 192 g (6.77 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 (~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 Core 3.1 | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| 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 |
| | 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) | 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 | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| 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 |
| 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 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Green | Deep Green, Orange Copper, Light Blue |
| Models | SM-M127F, SM-M127F/DSN, SM-M127N | SM-M135F, SM-M135F/DSN |
| Price | About 170 EUR | £ 139.99 / € 135.81 |
| SAR EU | 0.54 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) | 0.45 W/kg (head) 1.36 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy M12
- Likely lower price point due to being an older model.
- Identical performance to the M13 for most tasks.
- Good value for budget-conscious users.
- May receive fewer software updates compared to the M13.
- Potentially less readily available in some markets.
Samsung Galaxy M13
- Latest software updates and security patches.
- Slightly newer model, potentially indicating longer support lifespan.
- May have minor refinements in software optimization.
- Higher price compared to the M12 for minimal hardware gains.
- Identical performance to the M12 in most scenarios.
Display Comparison
Both the Galaxy M12 and M13 feature displays that prioritize size over quality, typical for this price bracket. While specific panel details (like peak brightness in nits or color gamut coverage) aren't provided, the shared resolution suggests similar pixel density. The absence of high refresh rate technology on either device means scrolling and animations will feel standard. Bezels are likely comparable, contributing to a large overall footprint.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be very similar, given the lack of specification differences. Both devices likely feature a primary camera alongside supporting lenses (often including a macro and depth sensor). The image processing algorithms will be similar, resulting in comparable photo and video quality. The usefulness of the 2MP macro camera on either device is questionable, offering limited detail and dynamic range. Focusing on the primary sensor's megapixel count and aperture would be more indicative of actual image quality.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Exynos 850 (8nm) chipset, paired with an octa-core CPU configuration of 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This means real-world performance will be nearly indistinguishable between the two. The 8nm process node offers reasonable efficiency, but don't expect sustained peak performance during demanding tasks. RAM configurations are likely similar, further minimizing any performance difference. Thermal throttling, while not extreme, will be a factor during prolonged gaming sessions.
Battery Life
Both the M12 and M13 are equipped with 15W wired charging. This is a relatively slow charging speed compared to modern standards, meaning a full 0-100% charge will take a significant amount of time. While battery capacity isn't specified, the similar dimensions and target market suggest comparable battery sizes. The Exynos 850's 8nm process contributes to reasonable power efficiency, but heavy usage will still require daily charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M12 if you prioritize maximizing value for your money and are comfortable with a slightly older model. It delivers a functional smartphone experience at the lowest possible price point. Buy the Samsung Galaxy M13 if you specifically want the latest software updates and a marginally newer device, even if it means paying a premium for minimal hardware gains.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 chip in either phone struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Exynos 850 is a capable chip for casual gaming, but it will likely struggle with graphically intensive titles like PUBG or Call of Duty at higher settings. Expect to lower graphics settings and potentially experience frame drops during extended gaming sessions. Thermal throttling may also become a factor.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either the M12 or M13 actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Unfortunately, the 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing feature. The low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization result in images with limited detail and sharpness. It's best to rely on the primary camera for most photography needs.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge either the Galaxy M12 or M13 with the included 15W charger?
With the 15W charger, expect a full 0-100% charge to take approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours. This is a relatively slow charging speed compared to modern smartphones with faster charging capabilities.
