Samsung Galaxy M14 vs M12: A Deep Dive into Samsung's Budget Lineup
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy M14 is the superior choice. The Exynos 1330, built on a 5nm process, offers a significant performance uplift over the M12’s Exynos 850, translating to smoother multitasking and improved app responsiveness. While both share 15W charging (or 25W in India for the M14), the M14’s efficiency gains make it the better all-around device.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Samsung Galaxy M14 |
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 19 | 2023, March 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 30 | Available. Released 2023, March 08 |
| 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) | 166.8 x 77.2 x 9.4 mm (6.57 x 3.04 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 212 g (7.48 oz) | 206 g (7.27 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 (~81.5% 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 (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Exynos 1330 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G68 MP2 |
| OS | Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 | Android 13, One UI core 5.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (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, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.0, (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 | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| 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, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Virtual proximity sensing | - | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired - international 25W wired - India |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 6000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Green | Navy Blue, Light Blue, Silver |
| Models | SM-M127F, SM-M127F/DSN, SM-M127N | SM-M146B, SM-M146B/DS, SM-M146B/DSN |
| Price | About 170 EUR | ₹ 10,990 |
| SAR EU | 0.54 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) | 0.48 W/kg (head) 1.53 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy M12
- Lower price point (typically)
- Functional for basic tasks
- Decent battery life for light usage
- Outdated Exynos 850 chipset
- Slower performance
- Less efficient power consumption
Samsung Galaxy M14
- More powerful Exynos 1330 chipset
- Improved performance and responsiveness
- Better power efficiency
- 25W charging option (India)
- Slightly higher price
- Still utilizes an LCD panel
- May not justify the upgrade for extremely basic users
Display Comparison
Both devices lack detailed display specifications in the provided data, but given their market positioning, we can assume both utilize LCD panels. The key difference lies in the processing power driving them. The Exynos 1330 in the M14 will likely offer slightly better image processing and smoother scrolling due to its increased GPU capabilities. The M12’s older chipset may exhibit minor lag during fast-paced animations. Bezels are expected to be similar, reflecting the budget nature of both phones.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Exynos 1330’s improved ISP (Image Signal Processor) in the M14 will likely result in better image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. Expect improved noise reduction and dynamic range. The M12’s camera system, while functional, will likely struggle in challenging lighting scenarios. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit due to the small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).
Performance
The core difference between these phones is the chipset. The Galaxy M14’s Exynos 1330, fabricated on a 5nm process, represents a substantial upgrade over the M12’s 8nm Exynos 850. The 1330 features a more modern CPU configuration with 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 cores alongside 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, compared to the M12’s 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 and another 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55. This translates to approximately 20-30% faster CPU performance in benchmarks and a more noticeable improvement in GPU performance. The 5nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. This benefits gamers and users who frequently run multiple apps simultaneously.
Battery Life
Both phones feature similar battery capacities (details not provided, but likely around 5000-6000mAh based on the M series). However, the Exynos 1330’s 5nm process is significantly more power-efficient than the Exynos 850’s 8nm process. This means the M14 will likely deliver longer battery life under similar usage conditions. While both support 15W wired charging, the M14 offers a 25W option in India, reducing 0-100% charge times considerably. The M12’s 15W charging will take significantly longer to fully replenish the battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M12 if you prioritize extreme affordability and your usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media. It’s a functional device for those on a very tight budget. Buy the Samsung Galaxy M14 if you value a more responsive user experience, occasional gaming, and future-proofing. The Exynos 1330 provides a noticeable performance boost that justifies the potential price difference, especially for users who multitask or use demanding applications.