Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho vs Samsung Galaxy A15 5G - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date August 9, 2021 December 16, 2023
Release Year 2021 2023

Physical

Volume 110.64 cm³ 103.28 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.17 "/g 3.25 "/g
Weight 205 g 200 g
Height 164 mm 160.1 mm
Width 75.8 mm 76.8 mm
Thickness 8.9 mm 8.4 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Red
  • Blue
  • Brave Black
  • Optimistic Blue
  • Magical Blue
  • Personality Yellow

Display

Screen Size 6.5 " 6.5 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 1080 x 2340
Aspect Ratio 20:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 82.1 % 84.3 %
Pixel Density 270 PPI 396 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 800 nits
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 118.34 mAh/in² 118.34 mAh/in²
Battery Density 45.19 mAh/cm³ 48.41 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Exynos 850 (8 nm) Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Mali-G52 Mali-G57 MC2

Connectivity

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

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 14
Maximum OS Version 13 17

Comparison Summary

Alright, let's break down the Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho and the Galaxy A15 5G. We'll look at the specs, figure out what they really mean for you, and then help you decide which one is the better fit.

Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho vs. Samsung Galaxy A15 5G: A Deep Dive

Here's a detailed breakdown, focusing on what matters in the real world:

1. Specifications Breakdown

FeatureSamsung Galaxy A12 NachoSamsung Galaxy A15 5GReal-World Implications
Design
Dimensions164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm160.1 x 76.8 x 8.4 mmA15 5G is slightly smaller and thinner, might feel more comfortable in hand.
Weight205g200gNegligible difference.
Display
Size6.5"6.5"Identical screen real estate.
Resolution720x16001080x2340A15 5G is noticeably sharper. Text and images will be clearer.
Pixel Density (PPI)270396Higher PPI on A15 5G means a much crisper image.
TechnologyPLS LCDAMOLEDA15 5G has superior colors, contrast, and viewing angles. Blacks are deeper, and it's more power-efficient with dark themes.
Refresh Rate60Hz90HzA15 5G feels smoother during scrolling and animations.
Brightness0 nits (spec error)800 nitsA15 5G is much easier to see outdoors in bright sunlight. The A12 Nacho's brightness is likely significantly lower.
Performance
ChipsetExynos 850 (8 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm)A15 5G is significantly faster. Apps load quicker, multitasking is smoother.
AnTuTu Score117,300442,500A15 5G is much more powerful, handling demanding apps and games with ease. The A12 Nacho will feel sluggish in comparison.
GPUMali-G52Mali-G57 MC2A15 5G offers better graphics performance for gaming and video editing.
Camera
Main Camera48MP, f/2.050MP, f/1.8A15 5G captures slightly more detailed images, especially in low light, due to the wider aperture.
Selfie Camera8MP, f/2.213MP, f/2.0A15 5G takes better selfies, with more detail and brighter images.
Ultrawide Camera5MP, f/2.05MP, f/2.2Similar Quality
Portrait ModeYesNoA12 Nacho has a dedicated depth sensor
Macro Lens2MP, f/2.42MP, f/2.4Similar Quality
Video Recording1080p@30fps1080p@30fps with EISA15 5G offers electronic image stabilization (EIS) for smoother videos.
Battery Life
Capacity5000mAh5000mAhSimilar battery life expected.
Charging15W25WA15 5G charges significantly faster.
Software
OSAndroid 11, up to 13Android 14, up to 17A15 5G has a more modern OS and will receive updates for longer.
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 5, Dual-bandSimilar.
Bluetooth5.05.2A15 5G has a slightly newer Bluetooth version.
5G SupportNoYesA15 5G supports 5G - can be important based on your area and needs
Storage
Internal32/64/128GB(Data Missing)Advantage to A12 as we don't know A15 Storage
RAM3/4/6GB(Data Missing)Advantage to A12 as we don't know A15 RAM
ExpandableNoNoNeither supports MicroSD.
Audio
QualityDolby Atmos2 microphonesA12 provides better overall sound quality
Security
Fingerprint SensorSide-mountedSide-mountedBoth have convenient side-mounted fingerprint readers.
SensorsProximity, AccelerometerAccelerometer, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtualA15 5G has a gyroscope, useful for gaming and VR.

2. Key Insights

  • Samsung Galaxy A15 5G Dominates in Key Areas: The A15 5G is a clear upgrade in display quality (AMOLED, higher resolution, 90Hz refresh rate, brightness), performance (chipset, AnTuTu score), camera (especially selfie camera), charging speed, and software (Android 14).
  • A12 Nacho's Edge (Potentially): The A12 Nacho has a portrait mode and the benefit of having a confirmed internal and RAM offering - that we do not know for the A15.
  • The Display Difference is Massive: Moving from a PLS LCD to an AMOLED display is a game-changer. Colors pop, blacks are deep, and it's easier to see outdoors. This alone is a compelling reason to choose the A15 5G.
  • Performance Matters: The A15 5G's superior chipset makes a tangible difference in how quickly apps load, how smoothly you can multitask, and how enjoyable gaming is. The A12 Nacho can feel slow and frustrating in comparison.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

  • Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho is Best For:
    • Users on an extremely tight budget where saving every penny is crucial.
    • Those who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light browsing.
    • People who don't care about display quality or performance.
    • Need a dedicated Depth (Portrait) Mode
  • Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is Best For:
    • Users who value a good display, smooth performance, and a decent camera.
    • Those who want a phone that will last for several years and receive software updates.
    • Gamers and media consumers who appreciate a better visual experience.
    • Want to take advantage of 5G capabilities.

4. Buying Decision Framework

Here are three questions to help you decide:

  1. How much does display quality matter to you? If you watch a lot of videos or browse social media, the A15 5G's AMOLED screen is worth the extra cost.
  2. Do you need a fast and responsive phone? The A15 5G's superior performance makes a noticeable difference in everyday tasks.
  3. How long do you plan to keep the phone? The A15 5G's newer software and 5G capabilities mean it will stay relevant for longer.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Student on a tight budget.
    • Recommendation: If your budget is extremely limited, the A12 Nacho might be the only option. But if you can stretch your budget even a little, the A15 5G is a significantly better value.
  • Scenario 2: Casual user who wants a decent all-around phone.
    • Recommendation: The A15 5G is the clear winner. It offers a much better user experience for everyday tasks.
  • Scenario 3: Mobile gamer or media enthusiast.
    • Recommendation: The A15 5G is the only choice. The display and performance are essential for an enjoyable gaming and viewing experience.

My Choice

If I were choosing between these two phones, I would definitely pick the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G. The improvements in display quality, performance, and software longevity are simply too significant to ignore. While the A12 Nacho is cheaper, the A15 5G provides a much better overall experience that is worth the extra cost. Especially if I care about 5G, then the choice is a no-brainer.

Alex Griffin
Alex Griffin

Technology analyst specializing in mobile devices and consumer electronics.

Core Expertise

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Consumer electronics evaluation
  • Technical specification interpretation
  • User experience insights

Professional Mission Empowering readers to make informed technology decisions by transforming intricate specifications into understandable, practical guidance.

Demystifying technology, one device at a time.