Apple iPhone X vs Samsung Galaxy M12 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date November 3, 2017 April 30, 2021
Release Year 2017 2021

Physical

Volume 78.4 cm³ 120.74 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.33 "/g 3.07 "/g
Weight 174 g 212 g
Height 143.6 mm 164 mm
Width 70.9 mm 75.9 mm
Thickness 7.7 mm 9.7 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Space Gray
  • Silver
  • Black
  • Blue
  • Green

Display

Screen Size 5.8 " 6.5 "
Resolution 1125 x 2436 720 x 1600
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.1 % 81.9 %
Pixel Density 458 PPI 270 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 625 nits N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 80.74 mAh/in² 118.34 mAh/in²
Battery Density 34.64 mAh/cm³ 41.41 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 2716 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A11 Bionic (10 nm) Exynos 850 (8 nm)
CPU Hexa-core 2.39 GHz (2x Monsoon + 4x Mistral) Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Apple GPU (three-core graphics) Mali-G52

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features Lightning 2.0 USB Type-C 2.0

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 11.1.1 11
Maximum OS Version 16.7.7

Comparison Summary

Okay, let's dive into a user-focused comparison of the Apple iPhone X and the Samsung Galaxy M12. I'm going to break down these technical specs into a narrative that highlights what they actually mean for you, the user.

The Tale of Two Phones: A User-Centered Comparison

Imagine two friends, one a bit older and more sophisticated (the iPhone X), the other younger and brimming with practical features (the Galaxy M12). They both have their unique strengths and weaknesses, let's explore how these affect your daily life.

1. Design and Usability Assessment

CategoryFeatureiPhone XSamsung Galaxy M12User Experience Impact
Interface DesignDisplay TechnologyOLED, 5.8"PLS LCD, 6.5"iPhone X: Vivid colors, deep blacks, sharper images. M12: Larger display for immersive viewing.
Resolution1125 x 2436 (458 PPI)720 x 1600 (270 PPI)iPhone X: Crisp, detailed visuals. M12: Noticeably lower sharpness, less clarity.
Refresh Rate60Hz90HziPhone X: Standard screen smoothness. M12: Slightly smoother scrolling, animations.
Interaction FlowSize & Weight143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7 mm, 174g164 x 75.9 x 9.7 mm, 212giPhone X: Compact, lightweight, easier one-hand use. M12: Larger, heavier, may require two hands.
PerformanceA11 Bionic (10nm), 597,700 Antutu scoreExynos 850 (8nm), 117,341 Antutu scoreiPhone X: Snappy, fluid, handles demanding apps & games well. M12: Moderate speed, may lag with heavy tasks, slower app loading and multitasking
Accessibility FeaturesBiometricsFace ID (software-based)Side-mounted fingerprint sensoriPhone X: Facial recognition to unlock. M12: Convenient fingerprint sensor for quick access.
Design ErgonomicsBuild QualityPremium glass and metalPlastic casingiPhone X: Feels more premium in hand, may be fragile. M12: More durable due to plastic body.
Battery2716 mAh,5000 mAh, 15W fast chargingiPhone X: Shorter battery life. M12: Significantly longer battery life, fast charging.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration

The "On-the-Go" Story: Imagine you're a busy professional. You quickly need to take a snap of a document, send a few emails, and check your social feed. The iPhone X, with its powerful A11 Bionic chip, handles all of these tasks seamlessly with crisp, detailed visuals on its vibrant OLED display. Its compact size allows for comfortable one-handed operation on your commute.

The "Content Creator" Story: You are into mobile photography. The Samsung Galaxy M12 becomes your versatile toolkit with it's multiple lens array. You're at a friend's party, wanting to capture the big picture, or to create macro shots of the cake decorations. It's large screen becomes perfect for reviewing those shots, although not as sharp as the iPhone X. You watch a few YouTube tutorials to edit them, and the large 5000mAh battery allows you to do this for longer. You can also enjoy a higher refresh rate for smoother animation and scrolling through your social feeds.

The "Tech Enthusiast" Story: You are always looking for the latest and greatest, and love to play the newest games. The iPhone X may seem a little older, but it still holds up with it's powerful A11 Bionic chip, that crushes benchmarks and handles the latest games with ease. You love the vibrant detail of the OLED screen, and you appreciate the advanced tech used throughout it's design.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation

  • For the Visually-Oriented User: The iPhone X’s superior display technology (OLED, higher resolution) offers a clearer, more vibrant experience, which is beneficial for anyone who appreciates high-quality visuals.

  • For the Budget-Conscious User: The Samsung Galaxy M12 provides excellent value, offering a larger screen, more versatile camera setup, and significantly better battery life, all at a more accessible price point.

  • For the Pragmatic User: The Galaxy M12 is the clear choice for those who value practicality— it has a fingerprint sensor for easy unlocking, long-lasting battery, and a larger screen for media consumption.

  • For the Tech-Savvy User: The iPhone X showcases Apple’s advanced engineering and user interface design, appealing to those who prioritize performance and a seamless experience within the Apple ecosystem.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework

Choose the iPhone X if:

  • You prioritize display quality (OLED, high resolution).
  • You need top-tier performance for gaming and demanding tasks.
  • You prefer a compact, easy-to-handle phone.
  • You’re embedded in the Apple ecosystem and value its software and design philosophy.

Choose the Samsung Galaxy M12 if:

  • You need a long-lasting battery and fast charging capability.
  • You want a larger screen for media consumption.
  • You value a versatile camera system with multiple lenses.
  • You prefer a budget-friendly option that covers your daily needs efficiently.

My Choice and Why

Given my user-centered approach, I would lean towards the Samsung Galaxy M12. While the iPhone X boasts a superior display and processing power, the M12's focus on real-world needs like battery life, versatile camera options, and a larger screen makes it a more pragmatic choice for many users. Its side-mounted fingerprint sensor adds a practical touch to the daily routine.

As a technology communications specialist, my mission is to make technology accessible and useful for a wide range of users. The M12's combination of practical features, affordability, and user-friendly design aligns better with this goal, showcasing how a smartphone can empower without breaking the bank. While the iPhone X has its niche appeal, especially for performance enthusiasts, the M12 embodies a user-centered approach that prioritizes the daily experiences of the average user.

Sophia Rodriguez
Sophia Rodriguez

Technology Communications Specialist

Expert in transforming complex technological innovations into accessible, engaging narratives.

Key Strengths:

  • Technology storytelling
  • User experience design analysis
  • Inclusive technology communication
  • Design-driven technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with human-centered understanding.