Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A12 vs. Nokia C31
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Nokia C31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-12-21 | 2022-09-01 | Nokia C31 is newer, potentially having longer software support and slightly more modern features. |
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | 169.2 × 78 × 8.6 mm | Nokia C31 is slightly larger and thinner; A12 is a bit more compact but thicker. |
| Weight | 205g | 200g | Nokia C31 is slightly lighter, potentially feeling more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.75" | Nokia C31 offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive media consumption and better multitasking. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both have the same HD+ resolution; no noticeable difference in sharpness. |
| PPI | 270 | 260 | Very similar pixel density, so the display sharpness will appear similar to the naked eye. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Nokia C31's IPS LCD generally offers better viewing angles and color reproduction compared to PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Standard refresh rate on both, resulting in similar smoothness. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is unknown, making it difficult to say if one has a more visible screen in bright lighting. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio P35 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | The A12's chipset is slightly more efficient (12nm vs 28nm), but C31 scores slightly higher in benchmarks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 109,200 | Nokia C31 offers marginally better performance for general tasks and apps, but both are on the lower end. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG8322 | Both GPUs are basic and will handle general tasks; the difference in real-world performance is negligible. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5050mAh | Similar battery capacity, both offering decent all-day battery life for average usage. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging, Li-Ion | 10W fast charging, Li-Polymer | Samsung A12 charges faster (15W vs 10W); Li-Polymer is slightly safer and potentially has a longer life cycle over time. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/2.0, 1/2", S5KGM2) | 13MP | Samsung Galaxy A12 has a higher resolution main camera; may result in more detail under ideal lighting conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP (f/2.2) | 5MP (f/2.2) | Samsung Galaxy A12 has a higher resolution front camera, allowing for higher-quality selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | Samsung A12 has a telephoto lens, offering some optical zoom capability. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP (f/2.2) | None | Samsung A12 has a dedicated wide angle lens for taking group pictures. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Both have a dedicated depth sensor for bokeh effect in portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | Nokia C31 has a macro lens for taking close-up pictures of small objects. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both have identical video recording capabilities. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 90 | Not tested | Samsung A12's camera has been evaluated by DXOMark with a score of 90; Nokia C31 is untested. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 | Nokia C31 has a newer OS out of the box and potentially has extended software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n, Dual-band | 802.11b/g/n | Samsung A12 has dual band WiFi, potentially better performance and range. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with multiple profiles | 4.2 LE | Samsung A12 has a newer Bluetooth version with more supported profiles for better connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | Both offer comprehensive GPS options with some differences in satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 64/128 GB | Both have similar maximum storage; Samsung offers 32 GB option for lower-budget consumers. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 4 GB | Samsung A12 has more RAM options, allowing for better multitasking if you choose 6 GB variant. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor on the A12 tends to be more ergonomic and faster than the rear-mounted sensor. |
| Other | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Basic audio features | Both phones have very basic audio capabilities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- More Versatile Camera System: Includes a higher-resolution main sensor, a dedicated telephoto and wide-angle lens, providing greater photographic flexibility.
- Faster Charging: 15W fast charging for quicker refills compared to Nokia C31's 10W.
- Better Connectivity: Newer Bluetooth 5.0, dual-band Wi-Fi, and additional GPS systems offer enhanced connectivity.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Generally faster and more convenient.
- More RAM Option: The 6GB option available is very useful for multitasking.
Nokia C31 Advantages:
- Newer Device: Launched almost two years after the A12 with a newer Android version out of the box.
- Larger Display: A slightly larger display for a more immersive viewing experience.
- Slightly Higher Benchmark Score: Offers slightly better performance for everyday use.
- Macro Lens: Includes a dedicated macro lens for taking close-up photos of small subjects.
- Better Display Technology: IPS LCD offers superior viewing angles and color reproduction than PLS LCD.
- Potentially Longer Software Support: Being a newer device, the Nokia C31 may receive updates for longer.
Trade-offs:
- Camera Quality: While the A12 offers more lenses and higher resolution, the actual quality depends on the user's needs. The C31 might be sufficient for basic photography.
- Charging Speed: Nokia C31 has a slower charging speed, which can be a downside for those constantly on the go.
- Connectivity: Samsung Galaxy A12's more advanced connectivity options are only a major benefit for specific users.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12:
- Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users who want a versatile camera system for basic photography.
- Users who prioritize faster charging speeds.
- Users who prefer side-mounted fingerprint sensors and are OK with the other features.
- Users who prefer a compact design that doesn't feel too big or wide in their hands.
- Use Cases:
- General photography (landscapes, portraits, some zoom shots)
- Occasional video capture
- Social media sharing
- Daily browsing and social media
- General tasks
- Price-to-Value: Good for users who want a decent set of features for a budget price, particularly the camera.
Nokia C31:
- Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a larger screen for media consumption.
- Those who prefer a newer device and potentially longer software support.
- Users who primarily take basic photos and prefer IPS LCDs over PLS LCDs.
- Users who do not mind slower charging speeds.
- Those who need a basic smartphone without over the top features.
- Use Cases:
- Multimedia consumption (videos, social media, games)
- General browsing and social media
- Basic photography with a need for macro shots
- Everyday tasks
- Price-to-Value: Good for users seeking a basic phone with a modern OS and a large, good-quality screen.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Camera Priority: Do you value a more versatile camera setup (telephoto, wide-angle) more, or is a simple main camera sufficient?
- Display Preference: Do you prefer a slightly larger display with IPS LCD technology (Nokia C31) or are you ok with a smaller PLS LCD (Samsung Galaxy A12)?
- Charging Speed: Is faster charging essential for your daily usage patterns or do you prefer more battery life?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Photography Focus): If camera versatility is key (multiple lenses and higher resolution), the Samsung Galaxy A12 is the better choice.
- Scenario 2 (Media Consumption): If a larger screen and better viewing angles are preferred, the Nokia C31 is more suitable.
- Scenario 3 (Budget Conscious & Basic): If having the newest software version and basic smartphone features are important, the Nokia C31 is a good pick.
- Scenario 4 (Faster Charging): For users needing faster charging, the Samsung Galaxy A12 is the more appropriate choice.
My Choice
If I had to pick one, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A12. Here's why:
While the Nokia C31 is a newer device with a slightly larger display and a more modern operating system out of the box, the versatility of the A12's camera system, its faster charging speed, and the ergonomic side-mounted fingerprint sensor make it a more practical choice for my everyday needs. I find a telephoto and wide-angle lens more useful than a macro lens, and I also appreciate faster charging. While the display technology might be less desirable, I find the practical benefits to be more impactful for my use case. Finally, I would likely choose the 6 GB RAM version of the A12 to ensure better multi-tasking performance.
