Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho vs Sony Xperia 1 III - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date August 9, 2021 August 25, 2021
Release Year 2021 2021

Physical

Volume 110.64 cm³ 96.06 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.17 "/g 3.49 "/g
Weight 205 g 186 g
Height 164 mm 165 mm
Width 75.8 mm 71 mm
Thickness 8.9 mm 8.2 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Red
  • Blue
  • Frosted Black
  • Frosted Gray
  • Frosted Purple

Display

Screen Size 6.5 " 6.5 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 1644 x 3840
Aspect Ratio 20:9 21:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 82.1 % 84.2 %
Pixel Density 270 PPI 643 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 118.34 mAh/in² 106.51 mAh/in²
Battery Density 45.19 mAh/cm³ 46.84 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 4500 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Exynos 850 (8 nm) Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Mali-G52 Adreno 660

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.1
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0 USB Type-C 3.1, OTG, Video Output

Software

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

Comparison Summary

Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho and the Sony Xperia 1 III. This isn't just about spec sheets; it's about understanding how these differences translate into your daily life. I will structure the analysis as requested:

1. Specifications Breakdown

Here's a detailed look at the specs, with a focus on what they mean for you:

FeatureSamsung Galaxy A12 NachoSony Xperia 1 IIIReal-World Implications
Design
Dimensions164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm, 205g165 x 71 x 8.2 mm, 186gXperia 1 III is slimmer and lighter, making it more pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use.
Build QualityUnknown Screen ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass VictusXperia 1 III offers significantly better screen protection against scratches and drops.
Display
Size6.5"6.5"Both have the same screen size.
Resolution720x16001644x3840Xperia 1 III's higher resolution means sharper images, clearer text, and a more immersive viewing experience.
Pixel Density (PPI)270643Xperia 1 III will have a much crisper and detailed image.
TechnologyPLS LCDOLEDXperia 1 III's OLED display provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast.
Refresh Rate60Hz120HzXperia 1 III's 120Hz refresh rate results in smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsAssuming this is an error, brightness is a major factor. We need to compare this in real-world testing.
Performance
ChipsetExynos 850 (8nm)Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm)Xperia 1 III offers significantly faster processing power for demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking.
AnTuTu Score117,300889,100A massive performance difference; Xperia 1 III is much faster.
GPUMali-G52Adreno 660Xperia 1 III's GPU handles graphics-intensive tasks and gaming much better.
RAM3/4/6 GB12 GBXperia 1 III will handle significantly more apps running in the background.
Camera
Main Camera48MP, f/2.012MP, f/1.7Xperia 1 III's wider aperture allows more light, potentially better low-light performance.
Telephoto LensNo12MP, f/2.2Xperia 1 III offers optical zoom capabilities.
Ultrawide Lens5MP, f/2.012MP, f/2.3Xperia 1 III's ultrawide lens captures more detail.
Selfie Camera8MP, f/2.28MP, f/2.0Xperia 1 III's wider aperture may result in slightly better selfies.
Video Recording1080p@30fps4K@120fpsXperia 1 III records much higher quality video with stabilization and more frame rate options.
Battery Life
Capacity5000mAh4500mAhA12 Nacho has a slightly larger battery.
Charging15W30WXperia 1 III charges significantly faster.
FeaturesNon-removableBypass Charging, Non-removableXperia 1 III can be used while plugged in without directly charging the battery, reducing heat and wear.
Other
Storage32/64/128GB256/512GBXperia 1 III offers significantly more internal storage.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither phone supports expandable storage.
AudioDolby AtmosDolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo SpeakersXperia 1 III offers a superior audio experience with high-resolution audio support and stereo speakers.
ConnectivityWi-Fi 5, BT 5.0Wi-Fi 6, BT 5.2Xperia 1 III has newer, faster wireless connectivity standards.
SensorsFingerprint, Accelerometer, ProximityFingerprint, Accelerometer, Proximity, Compass, Gyroscope, BarometerXperia 1 III offers more sensors for advanced functionality and gaming.

2. Key Insights

Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho:

  • Strengths: The A12 Nacho has a larger battery capacity and a lower price point, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life.
  • Competitive Advantages: Its affordability is its biggest selling point.
  • Trade-offs: You're sacrificing performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and overall user experience compared to the Xperia 1 III.

Sony Xperia 1 III:

  • Strengths: The Xperia 1 III excels in almost every area: display quality, performance, camera capabilities, audio quality, and build quality. Its 4K OLED 120Hz display is stunning, the Snapdragon 888 delivers top-tier performance, and the camera system is versatile and capable.
  • Competitive Advantages: It targets users who demand the best in mobile technology and are willing to pay a premium.
  • Trade-offs: It is more expensive, and its battery capacity is slightly smaller.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

  • Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho: Best suited for users who need a basic smartphone for everyday tasks like calling, texting, browsing, and light social media use, and who prioritize affordability above all else. Excellent as a first phone for a child or a backup device.
  • Sony Xperia 1 III: Ideal for enthusiasts, content creators, and power users who want a top-of-the-line smartphone experience. It's perfect for photography, videography, gaming, and media consumption. Also good for users who consume a lot of multimedia content on the go.

4. Buying Decision Framework

Here are three questions to help you decide:

  1. What's your budget? If you're on a tight budget, the A12 Nacho is the obvious choice.
  2. What do you use your phone for most? If it's mostly basic tasks, the A12 Nacho will suffice. If you need performance for gaming, photography, or video, the Xperia 1 III is worth the investment.
  3. How much do you value display quality and camera performance? If you appreciate a stunning display and a versatile camera system, the Xperia 1 III is the clear winner.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Student on a Budget: Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho.
  • Photography Enthusiast: Sony Xperia 1 III.
  • Mobile Gamer: Sony Xperia 1 III.
  • Casual User: Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho.

My Choice

If I were making the decision for myself, I would choose the Sony Xperia 1 III. While the price difference is significant, the overall experience is in a different league. The superior display, performance, camera, and audio quality make it a worthwhile investment for someone who uses their smartphone extensively for media consumption, content creation, and productivity. As someone who values high-quality visuals and a smooth, responsive user experience, the Xperia 1 III is the clear winner.

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.