1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Huawei nova 9 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | 164.6 × 75.6 × 7.9 mm | Nova 9 SE is slightly thinner and less bulky, might feel more premium in hand. |
| Weight | 205g | 191g | Nova 9 SE is lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.78" | Nova 9 SE has a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2388 | Nova 9 SE has a much sharper display, noticeably clearer text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 387 | Nova 9 SE provides a more detailed and crisp visual experience. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Nova 9 SE’s IPS LCD offers better viewing angles and color reproduction. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Nova 9 SE provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical, and unspecified, peak brightness. The "0 nits" indicates the data is missing/unspecified and not that the screen is not capable of any brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Nova 9 SE has a more modern and efficient chipset, leading to snappier performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 248,000 | Nova 9 SE offers significantly better performance, smoother app loading, and improved gaming experience. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 | Nova 9 SE's Adreno 610 is better for graphics-intensive tasks and gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4000mAh | A12 has a larger battery; potential for longer battery life; actual performance depends on optimization. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | Nova 9 SE charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Nova 9 SE has the ability to charge other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 108MP | Nova 9 SE captures much more detailed images. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/1.9 | Nova 9 SE might perform slightly better in low light due to its wider aperture. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.52" | Nova 9 SE has a physically larger sensor, which can capture more light and detail. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 16MP | Nova 9 SE’s front camera captures higher resolution images. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes (2MP) | No | A12 can achieve optical zoom to a small extent with a dedicated sensor. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Yes (5MP) | No | A12 can capture wider scenes with the dedicated sensor. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP | 2MP | Both have similar capabilities for portrait mode background blur. |
| Macro Lens | No | Yes (2MP) | Nova 9 SE can capture extreme close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | No | Yes (8MP) | Nova 9 SE offers the added flexibility of an ultra wide-angle macro lens. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps with EIS | Nova 9 SE has Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS), which helps capture smoother videos. |
| Slow Motion | No, 30 fps | Yes, 960 fps | Nova 9 SE allows for much slower and more dramatic slow motion footage. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 11 | Nova 9 SE ships with a newer OS version, potentially longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Nova 9 SE offers faster Wi-Fi speeds and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 (various profiles) | Bluetooth 5.0 (APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC) | Both use Bluetooth 5.0 but support different audio codecs; Nova 9 SE is more suitable for high fidelity wireless audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Nova 9 SE offers more satellite systems, providing better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Nova 9 SE offers higher base storage and an additional variant with even more storage, more space for apps and files. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 6/8 GB | Nova 9 SE has more RAM, for better multitasking performance and smoother operation. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows additional storage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Nova 9 SE features additional compass and gyroscope sensors, important for gaming and advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery offers potentially longer usage between charges, a plus for users who prioritize endurance over fast charging.
- Dedicated Telephoto and Wide-Angle Lenses: While lower resolution, the inclusion of a dedicated telephoto and wide-angle lens provides more versatility in camera shots without relying purely on digital zoom.
Huawei nova 9 SE Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 680 offers a much better chipset, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density offer a significantly clearer and more detailed visual experience.
- Faster Charging: 66W charging is a huge advantage, topping up the battery in a fraction of the time compared to the A12's 15W.
- Better Main Camera: The 108MP sensor, with a larger size and wider aperture, allows for more detailed photos and improved low-light performance.
- Additional Camera Features: The inclusion of a macro lens, and a wide angle + macro lens, along with ultra-stable video recording and slow-motion options, provides a much more flexible creative toolkit for photography and videography.
- Newer OS & More Modern Connectivity: Ships with a newer version of Android and has improved WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities, which translate to better future-proofing and more robust connections.
- More RAM and Storage Options: The Nova 9 SE offers a larger RAM base configuration and maximum storage option.
- Extra Sensors: The addition of a compass and gyroscope adds to the usability of the phone and enables more functionality.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Galaxy A12: While its larger battery is a plus, it lacks in performance, display quality, charging speed, and camera versatility compared to the nova 9 SE.
- Nova 9 SE: The smaller battery capacity is a trade-off for the significantly faster charging. Its main disadvantage compared to the A12 is its lack of dedicated Telephoto and Wide-Angle cameras.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Primarily focused on basic functionality and longer battery life at the lowest price.
- Users with limited tech needs: Requires a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use.
- Users needing telephoto/wide angle capability at lowest price. The dedicated lens offers zoom and wider shots not offered in the competitor.
Use Cases:
- Everyday basic communication and browsing.
- Users who prioritize long battery life over performance.
- Users who desire a dedicated telephoto and wide angle lens at an entry level price.
Huawei nova 9 SE Ideal User:
- Performance-focused users: Wants smooth multitasking, faster app loading, and moderate gaming capabilities.
- Photography enthusiasts: Appreciates better image quality and more camera features.
- Users who value fast charging: Don't want to spend a lot of time waiting for their phone to charge.
- Users who value a better display and more modern connectivity.
Use Cases:
- Social media posting and content creation.
- Moderate mobile gaming.
- Media consumption (streaming, browsing).
- Users who want higher quality images and fast charging.
- Users who want better display and modern connectivity features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your priority? Do you value battery life (A12) more, or performance, display and camera quality (Nova 9 SE)?
- What is your budget? Consider both initial cost and long-term value when making your decision.
- How do you primarily use your phone? (e.g. heavy gaming, media, communication) This dictates which features will most benefit you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic usage, long battery life - Choose the Samsung Galaxy A12 if you prioritize battery life and simple functionality at a low cost.
- Scenario 2: Media, social media, casual gaming - The Huawei nova 9 SE is significantly better for media consumption and basic photography with its better display, performance, and camera features.
- Scenario 3: Photography/Videography - The Huawei nova 9 SE is a more flexible camera phone with better image quality and advanced video features. The A12 does have dedicated wide angle and zoom lens but is not a match in quality for the main camera.
My Choice
I would choose the Huawei nova 9 SE. While the Samsung Galaxy A12 has a larger battery, the trade-offs in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities are too significant. The Nova 9 SE provides a much smoother and more enjoyable user experience, with noticeably better performance for multitasking and daily usage. The faster charging is also a massive convenience. The camera system is also much better, providing higher resolution, a wider range of shooting modes, and better low light performance. In most scenarios, the benefits of the Nova 9 SE far outweigh the larger battery capacity of the A12, especially for users seeking a more feature-rich experience. The better screen, more modern features, and greatly improved performance is worth the trade off in battery capacity.
