Samsung Galaxy M22 vs M12: The Ultimate Budget Battle

Samsung's M series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. The Galaxy M22 and M12 are two popular contenders, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key features to help you make an informed decision.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Galaxy M22 edges out the M12 thanks to its faster processor, quicker charging, and slightly improved display. However, the M12 remains a strong contender, particularly if battery life is your absolute top priority and you find it at a significantly lower price.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy M22 Samsung Galaxy M12
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2021, September 142021, April 19
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, October 13Available. Released 2021, April 30
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions159.9 x 74 x 8.4 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.33 in)164 x 75.9 x 9.7 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.38 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight186 g (6.56 oz)212 g (7.48 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~274 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)
Size6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, 90Hz, 600 nits (HDR)PLS LCD, 90Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm)Exynos 850 (8 nm)
GPUMali-G52 MC2Mali-G52
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI Core 5.1Android 11, One UI Core 3.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, panorama, HDR
Quad48 MP, f/2.0, (wide), PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens48 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Single13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm8 MP, f/2.2, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm8 MP, f/2.2, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioUnspecifiedUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), unspecified sensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer
 -Virtual proximity sensing
Battery
Charging25W wired15W wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, White, Light BlueBlack, Blue, Green
ModelsSM-M225FV, SM-M225FV/DSSM-M127F, SM-M127F/DSN, SM-M127N
PriceAbout 230 EURAbout 170 EUR
SAR EU0.62 W/kg (head)     1.24 W/kg (body)0.54 W/kg (head)     1.39 W/kg (body)

Samsung Galaxy M22

  • Faster Processor (Helio G80)
  • 90Hz Super AMOLED Display
  • 25W Fast Charging
  • Slightly better GPU performance

  • Slightly smaller battery than M12
  • Can be slightly more expensive

Samsung Galaxy M12

  • Exceptional Battery Life (6000mAh)
  • Generally more affordable
  • Large Display
  • Reliable Performance for everyday tasks

  • Slower Processor (Exynos 850)
  • LCD Display (less vibrant)
  • 15W Slow Charging
  • Lower GPU performance

Display Comparison

The M22 boasts a 90Hz Super AMOLED display, offering a smoother scrolling experience compared to the M12's standard 6.5-inch LCD panel. Both phones have a FHD+ resolution, ensuring sharp visuals, but the M22's AMOLED technology provides richer colors and deeper blacks.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature a quad-camera setup. The M22 typically has a 48MP main sensor, while the M12 often has a 48MP main sensor as well. Image quality is generally comparable in good lighting conditions, but the M22's processing might offer slightly more vibrant colors. Low-light performance is similar on both.

Performance

The M22's Mediatek Helio G80 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the M12's Exynos 850. While both are capable of handling everyday tasks, the M22 handles more demanding apps and games with greater ease. The G80's GPU is also generally stronger.

Battery Life

The M12 often has a larger battery capacity (typically 6000mAh) compared to the M22 (typically 5000mAh), giving it a significant advantage in battery life. Expect the M12 to comfortably last a full day or even longer with moderate usage, while the M22 might require a charge before the end of the day with heavier use.

Buying Guide

The Samsung Galaxy M22 is ideal for users who prioritize performance and faster charging. It's a good choice for light gaming and multitasking. The Samsung Galaxy M12 is best suited for users who need exceptional battery life and are on a tighter budget, willing to compromise slightly on speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy M22 is generally better for gaming due to its faster processor and more powerful GPU.
❓ Does the M22 support 5G?
Some variants of the M22 support 5G, while others are 4G only. Check the specific model number before purchasing.
❓ What is the difference in software support?
Both phones receive regular software updates from Samsung, but the M22 might receive updates for a slightly longer period due to its newer chipset.