Umidigi A11 vs Samsung Galaxy A12 (India): A Detailed Comparison for Budget Buyers

The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Umidigi A11 and Samsung Galaxy A12 (India variant) both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the A12 leveraging Samsung’s brand recognition and the A11 focusing on aggressive value. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best experience for your money.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing overall performance and a more refined software experience, the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) is the better choice. Its Exynos 850 chipset, built on an 8nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Umidigi A11’s Helio G25, despite both having similar CPU clock speeds. However, the A11 remains a viable option for those on an extremely tight budget.

PHONES
Phone Names Umidigi A11 Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2021. Released 20212021, August 12
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2021, August 12
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions162.2 x 75 x 9.2 mm (6.39 x 2.95 x 0.36 in)164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight222 g (7.83 oz)205 g (7.23 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)
Size6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDPLS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Helio G25 (12 nm)Exynos 850 (8 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320Mali-G52
OSAndroid 11Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
 -eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, panorama, HDR
Quad-48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), AF 5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Triple16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF 8 MP, 120˚ (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro)-
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single5 MP, f/2.2, (wide)8 MP, f/2.2
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoFM radio, RDS, recording
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB 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), accelerometer, proximity, compass, thermometer (skin temperature)Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer
 -Virtual proximity sensing
Battery
Charging10W wired15W wired
Type5150 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsMist Blue, Frost GreyBlack, Blue, White
Models-SM-A127F, SM-A127F/DS
Price-About 160 EUR
SAR-0.79 W/kg (head)

Umidigi A11

  • Lowest possible price point
  • Functional for basic smartphone tasks
  • Acceptable performance for light use

  • Less powerful chipset
  • Less efficient processor
  • Potentially lower camera quality

Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)

  • More powerful and efficient Exynos 850 chipset
  • Faster 15W charging
  • Better overall user experience

  • Slightly higher price
  • May still struggle with demanding games
  • Software updates may be less frequent than flagship models

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. However, the core difference lies in the chipsets powering them. Display specs are not provided, so we can only infer. The A12 benefits from the Exynos 850’s image signal processor (ISP) potentially offering slightly better color reproduction. The A11’s Helio G25, while capable, is less sophisticated in this regard. Bezels are likely comparable, given the market segment.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Exynos 850’s ISP in the A12 likely provides better image processing capabilities, resulting in more detailed and vibrant photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. It’s reasonable to assume the A12 has a more capable main sensor. The A11’s camera system is likely focused on providing basic functionality, and any 2MP macro or depth sensors are unlikely to offer significant value. The A12’s ISP will also likely offer better video stabilization.

Performance

The Exynos 850 in the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) is the clear winner here. Built on an 8nm process, it offers superior power efficiency and thermal management compared to the Umidigi A11’s 12nm Helio G25. While both CPUs feature octa-core configurations with 2.0 GHz cores, the A12 utilizes Cortex-A55 cores, which are more efficient than the A11’s Cortex-A53 cores. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. The A12 is better suited for moderate gaming, while the A11 will struggle with demanding titles.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but the Exynos 850’s 8nm process gives the A12 an advantage in power efficiency. The A12 also supports 15W wired charging, compared to the A11’s 10W charging. This means the A12 will likely charge faster and potentially offer longer battery life, even with a similar capacity battery. The more efficient chipset reduces power draw during everyday tasks, extending usage between charges.

Buying Guide

Buy the Umidigi A11 if you need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use, and are prioritizing the absolute lowest price. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) if you prefer a smoother user experience, better multitasking capabilities, and a more reliable brand reputation, even if it means spending slightly more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Galaxy A12 (India) get 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 for reasonable periods. Some throttling is expected during prolonged, graphically intensive games, but it's unlikely to overheat to the point of causing performance issues or discomfort. The Helio G25 in the A11 will likely throttle more aggressively.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget smartphones offer limited utility. Image quality is often poor, lacking detail and sharpness. They are primarily included for marketing purposes. The Samsung Galaxy A12’s (India) ISP might offer slightly better processing of macro shots, but don’t expect professional-level results from either device.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) run PUBG Mobile at 60fps?
The Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) can likely run PUBG Mobile, but achieving a consistent 60fps experience will depend on the graphics settings. Lowering the graphics settings to 'Smooth' or 'Balanced' is recommended for smoother gameplay. The Umidigi A11 will struggle to maintain a stable framerate even at the lowest settings.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Umidigi A11 with the 10W charger?
With a 10W charger, fully charging the Umidigi A11 will likely take between 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the battery capacity (which is not specified). The Samsung Galaxy A12’s 15W charging will significantly reduce this time.