Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A04s and the Realme 12+. This isn't just about specs on a sheet; it's about how these phones fit into your daily life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the key specifications, along with their real-world implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Realme 12+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.7 × 76.7 × 9.1 mm | 163 × 75.5 × 7.9 mm | The Realme 12+ is slightly more compact and thinner, potentially making it more comfortable to hold and carry. |
| Weight | 195g | 190g | The Realme 12+ is negligibly lighter; probably unnoticeable during daily usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Realme 12+ offers a slightly larger screen, providing a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Realme 12+ offers a much sharper, clearer display, with more detail and less pixelation. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 395 | The Realme 12+'s higher PPI results in much crisper text and images. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | Realme 12+ will have superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and improved power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12+ has smoother animations and scrolling, a minor improvement. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | Realme 12+ is significantly better for outdoor use in bright sunlight, much more visible and readable |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | Realme 12+ boasts a more powerful, efficient chipset, delivering noticeably faster performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and more. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,300 | 601,000 | Realme 12+ will perform dramatically faster, and will handle modern apps and games without a struggle. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Realme 12+ has a more capable GPU, resulting in better graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.88 (1/2" Sony LYT-600) | Similar resolution but Realme 12+ should have better low-light performance and improved overall image quality thanks to Sony sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Realme 12+ takes much higher-resolution selfies. Samsung has negligibly wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | Realme 12+ offers the versatility of an ultrawide lens for capturing more of the scene. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy A04s has a dedicated depth sensor for portraits. Realme does this with software. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both devices have a dedicated 2MP macro camera for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Realme 12+ can record at much higher resolutions and has better video stabilization. |
| Camera Features | Limited | More extensive feature set: OIS, 4K video, etc | Realme 12+ has advanced video recording features, which are absent in the A04s. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should provide comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 15W | 67W | Realme 12+ charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Android 14 (upgradable to 16) | Realme 12+ ships with a more modern operating system and has better support for future updates, ensuring a more modern experience for a longer time. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Realme 12+ has better support for faster Wi-Fi speeds, reduced latency, and increased connection stability. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | The Realme 12+ has slightly better bluetooth and offers additional connectivity features such as EDR and HID profiles. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Samsung Galaxy A04s supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Realme 12+ has considerably more storage options and a larger maximum capacity. |
| RAM | 3/4 GB | 8/12 GB | Realme 12+ has substantially more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and better performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage via SD Card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Realme 12+ provides much better audio quality with immersive features such as Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint | basic fingerprint sensor | Samsung's side mounted fingerprint sensor is faster and more reliable. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensor Suite | Ultrasonic Proximity | Compass, Gyroscope | Realme 12+ has compass and gyroscope, while Samsung uses an ultrasonic virtual proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A04s Strengths:
- Price: The Galaxy A04s is likely more affordable, making it an attractive budget option.
- Familiarity: It operates within the Samsung ecosystem, which some users prefer.
- Better Location Accuracy: it includes more satellite GPS systems, for potentially more accurate navigation.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor
Realme 12+ Strengths:
- Display: The AMOLED display is a huge win, providing superior image quality and outdoor visibility.
- Performance: The Dimensity 7050 chipset offers substantially better speed for gaming and multitasking.
- Camera: The 50MP Sony sensor, wide-angle lens, and 4K recording make it more versatile.
- Charging: Much faster charging times significantly reduces downtime.
- Software: Comes with a newer Android version and greater update support.
- Connectivity: Offers superior Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
- Audio: Boasts a superior and immersive audio experience with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers.
- More Storage and RAM: Allows for storing more data and greater multitasking performance.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A04s: Lags significantly in performance and display quality compared to the Realme 12+.
- Realme 12+: Likely comes at a higher price point, and lacks a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photography.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A04s is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users: Individuals who prioritize affordability over top-tier performance.
- Basic users: Those who primarily need a phone for calls, texts, and light social media use.
- Samsung ecosystem loyalists: Users who prefer the One UI experience.
Use Cases:
- A secondary phone for emergencies.
- A basic device for seniors or children.
- A temporary device while saving for an upgrade.
Realme 12+ is ideal for:
- Multimedia enthusiasts: Users who enjoy watching videos, playing games, and taking photos.
- Power users: Those who need strong performance for multitasking and demanding applications.
- Users who value fast charging: Individuals who want to minimize charging time.
- Users who want to stay up to date: Those who appreciate a modern OS and longer update support.
Use Cases:
- Daily driver for work and personal use.
- Mobile gaming and entertainment device.
- A travel companion with good photography capabilities.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is display quality to you? If you prioritize vibrant colors and excellent visibility, the Realme 12+'s AMOLED screen is a game-changer.
- What kind of performance do you need? If you do heavy gaming or multitasking, the Realme 12+ is a better fit. If you only do basic tasks, the Galaxy A04s may be enough.
- What is your budget? If cost is the primary concern, the Galaxy A04s might be the right choice, provided you're willing to accept trade-offs.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User, Budget-Conscious: The Galaxy A04s is a decent choice if your needs are basic and you want to save money. It handles casual tasks and has an acceptable display.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer, Multimedia Fan: Go for the Realme 12+. Its performance and AMOLED screen provide a vastly better gaming and video watching experience.
- Scenario 3: Everyday User, Fast Charging a Must: The Realme 12+ is ideal due to its combination of solid performance, fast charging, and excellent display.
Personal Choice and Recommendation
If I were choosing, I'd go with the Realme 12+ without question.
Here’s why: The performance leap is immense, which is something I appreciate in a modern smartphone. The difference between a 117,300 and 601,000 AnTuTu score is night and day - it means less waiting and more efficiency in my daily use. As someone who uses a phone for everything from productivity to entertainment and navigation, the speed alone would be enough of a selling point, and that is before considering the benefits of the AMOLED screen.
Additionally, the faster charging, better camera with OIS and 4K, the wider angle lens and the upgraded connectivity options all represent massive upgrades over the Samsung.
While the Samsung is a more affordable device and could be useful as a cheap backup, it just is not in the same class as the Realme. For me, the Realme is not just better, it represents a better use of my money for a device that will perform well for the next few years.
