The sub-₹15,000 (approximately $180 USD) smartphone market in India is fiercely competitive. The Samsung Galaxy A12 and TCL 20E both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dives deep into their core specifications to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing smoother multitasking and slightly better gaming performance, the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) is the better choice. Its Exynos 850 chipset, built on an 8nm process, provides a noticeable advantage over the TCL 20E’s older, less efficient Helio P22. However, the TCL 20E remains a viable option for basic users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 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, October 12 | 2021, August 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 12 | Available. Released 2021, August 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.6 x 75.6 x 8.8 mm (6.52 x 2.98 x 0.35 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 | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 11, TCL UI | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP or 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Green | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | 6125F, 6125D, 6125H | SM-A127F, SM-A127F/DS |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.79 W/kg (head) |
TCL 20E
- More efficient Exynos 850 chipset
- Faster 15W charging
- Potentially better software support
- May be slightly more expensive
- Camera performance is still limited by budget sensors
Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)
- Lower upfront cost
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Likely lightweight design
- Older, less efficient Helio P22 chipset
- Slower 10W charging
- Potentially limited software updates
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. However, the core difference lies in the processing power driving them. While specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are missing, the Exynos 850 in the A12 has a more capable GPU, potentially leading to smoother scrolling and animations. The TCL 20E’s Helio P22 may struggle with demanding UI elements.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar in real-world usage, given the focus on budget components. Both phones likely feature a primary camera alongside multiple auxiliary lenses (often 2MP macro/depth sensors). The TCL 20E’s camera specs are unavailable, but the A12’s main sensor is likely a 13MP unit. The Exynos 850’s image signal processor (ISP) will likely offer slightly better image processing capabilities, resulting in marginally improved dynamic range and noise reduction. However, the impact will be minimal, and both phones will struggle in low-light conditions. The inclusion of 2MP macro cameras on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Samsung Galaxy A12’s Exynos 850, fabricated on an 8nm process, offers a substantial improvement in efficiency and processing power compared to the TCL 20E’s 12nm Helio P22. The A12’s CPU features four Cortex-A55 cores alongside four more, while the 20E relies solely on Cortex-A53 cores. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience on the A12. While both CPUs are clocked at 2.0 GHz, the architectural improvements in the A55 cores provide a clear advantage. The 8nm process also means the Exynos 850 will generate less heat under load, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling.
Battery Life
The TCL 20E’s 10W charging is significantly slower than the Samsung Galaxy A12’s 15W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified for the TCL 20E, the A12 typically features a 5000mAh battery. The Exynos 850’s improved efficiency also contributes to better battery life. While the A12’s larger battery capacity provides a buffer, the faster charging speed means less time tethered to a wall socket. A full charge on the TCL 20E will take considerably longer.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 20E if you need a simple, functional smartphone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use, and prioritize minimizing upfront cost. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) if you prefer a more responsive user experience, occasionally play mobile games, and value a slightly more modern chipset with potential for future software updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Galaxy A12 get noticeably hot during extended gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 850 isn't a high-end gaming chip, its 8nm process and thermal design allow it to handle moderate gaming loads without excessive overheating. You may experience some throttling after prolonged gameplay, but it shouldn't be severe enough to render games unplayable. The TCL 20E’s Helio P22 is more likely to throttle under similar conditions due to its less efficient architecture.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
Generally, no. 2MP macro cameras on budget smartphones offer limited detail and image quality. They are often included as a marketing feature rather than a genuinely useful camera function. You'll likely get better results simply using the main camera and digitally zooming in.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) handle games like PUBG Mobile at reasonable frame rates?
The Galaxy A12 can run PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve stable frame rates. Expect around 30-40 FPS. The TCL 20E will struggle to maintain even these frame rates, requiring even lower settings and potentially resulting in a less enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ Which phone is likely to receive more software updates and security patches?
Samsung generally provides better software support for its devices than TCL, even in the budget segment. The Galaxy A12 is more likely to receive regular security updates and potentially even a major Android version upgrade, extending its usable lifespan.
