1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm | 161.7 × 78 × 8.2 mm | A35 is larger, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. iPhone 12 is slimmer and easier to pocket. |
| Weight | 164g | 209g | iPhone 12 is significantly lighter, improving comfort during extended use. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | A35 has superior screen protection, reducing the risk of scratches and cracks. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.1" | 6.6" | A35 offers a larger viewing area for multimedia and gaming, while iPhone 12 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1080x2340 | iPhone 12 has a sharper display, resulting in finer details and clearer text. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 460 | 390 | iPhone 12's higher pixel density makes images and text appear noticeably crisper. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Similar quality, both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | A35's 120Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | iPhone 12 has significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight (Value of Samsung is unknown). |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | A14 Bionic offers significantly faster processing speeds, better app loading times, and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,083,947 | 578,500 | The iPhone 12 provides substantially better overall performance. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Mali-G68 MP5 | Apple GPU delivers superior graphics performance, resulting in smoother gaming and video playback. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | A35 can handle more apps running in the background and offers slightly smoother multitasking. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | A35 captures more detailed images, especially in good lighting conditions. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.6 | f/1.8 | iPhone 12's wider aperture allows for better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.55" | 1/1.96" | Samsung Galaxy A35 has larger sensor, able to catch more light. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 12MP | 13MP | Negligible difference in selfie quality. |
| Wide Angle Lens Resolution | 12MP | 8MP | iPhone 12 captures wider field of view with more details. |
| Macro Lens | No | Yes | A35 can capture close-up shots of small objects. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@30fps | iPhone 12 offers higher frame rate video recording for smoother videos. |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | 117 | 104 | iPhone 12 delivers better overall camera performance. |
| Features | Optical Zoom, PDAF, RAW | Digital Image Stabilization, NPU AI Engine, RAW 12 bits, DOL HDR | A35 offers more software-based features for enhanced image processing, while iPhone 12 provides optical zoom for better zoom quality. |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2815mAh | 5000mAh | A35 offers significantly longer battery life, especially for users who heavily use their phones throughout the day. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging, Wireless Charging | 25W Fast Charging | A35 charges slightly faster, though the difference isn't dramatic. iPhone 12 supports wireless charging. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: The A14 Bionic chipset provides a much smoother and faster user experience, particularly in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density results in a crisper and more detailed display.
- Better Camera Performance: DXOMark scores and aperture indicate better overall image and video quality, especially in low light.
- Compact Size and Lighter Weight: More comfortable for one-handed use and easier to carry.
- Wireless Charging: Offers convenience of wireless charging.
Samsung Galaxy A35 Advantages:
- Significantly Longer Battery Life: Larger battery provides substantially longer usage time.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate offers a more fluid visual experience.
- Macro Lens: Allows for close-up photography.
- More RAM (Optionally): Offers 6 GB or 8 GB RAM variants which provides smoother multi-tasking (compared to the iPhone 12's 4GB)
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers enhanced durability.
Trade-offs:
- Choosing the iPhone 12 means sacrificing battery life and a smoother display for performance and camera quality.
- Choosing the Galaxy A35 means sacrificing processing power and camera prowess for extended battery and smoother display.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 - Ideal Users:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize speed and responsiveness for gaming, video editing, or demanding apps.
- Photography Lovers: Individuals who value image quality and low-light performance.
- Users with Smaller Hands: Those who prefer a more compact and lightweight phone.
- iOS Ecosystem Users: People already invested in the Apple ecosystem and prefer iOS.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with demanding graphics.
- Shooting high-quality photos and videos.
- Video editing on the go.
- Everyday tasks where speed is crucial (e.g., browsing, social media).
Samsung Galaxy A35 - Ideal Users:
- Battery Life Prioritizers: Users who need a phone to last all day without needing a recharge.
- Multimedia Consumers: Individuals who enjoy watching videos and playing games and want a larger, smoother display.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those seeking a feature-rich phone at a more affordable price point.
Use Cases:
- All-day usage without worrying about battery life.
- Watching movies and TV shows.
- Casual gaming.
- Taking close-up macro photos.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is battery life to you? If you need a phone that lasts all day, the Galaxy A35 is the clear winner.
- Do you prioritize performance or display smoothness? The iPhone 12 offers superior performance, while the Galaxy A35 provides a smoother 120Hz display.
- What is your budget? The Galaxy A35 is generally more affordable, making it a better value for budget-conscious buyers.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer: Choose the iPhone 12 for its superior processing power and graphics performance.
- Scenario 2: All-Day User: Choose the Galaxy A35 for its outstanding battery life.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast on a Budget: While the iPhone 12 has better camera scores, if budget is a major concern, the Galaxy A35's 50MP camera offers good results in decent lighting conditions.
- Scenario 4: Price-Conscious User: The Samsung Galaxy A35 will likely be the better value.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Apple iPhone 12.
Here's why:
- Performance: I value a smooth and responsive user experience above all else. The A14 Bionic chip in the iPhone 12 is significantly faster and provides a snappier experience, especially when multitasking or using demanding apps.
- Camera: While the Samsung Galaxy A35 has a higher megapixel count, the iPhone 12's camera is known for its excellent image processing, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. I take a lot of photos and videos, so camera quality is crucial for me.
- Display: The iPhone 12 has more pixel density, which means more clear display.
- Size: While the difference is not drastic, it is small enough to handle easier.
While the Samsung Galaxy A35's longer battery life and smoother display are attractive, the iPhone 12's superior performance and camera capabilities align better with my priorities.
