Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A12 vs. Nokia C32
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Nokia C32 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-12-21 | 2023-02-25 | Nokia C32 is a newer model, likely with updated software and design trends. |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm | 164.6 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm | Very similar size; Samsung A12 is slightly thicker (0.3mm), which is barely noticeable. |
| Weight | 205g | 199.4g | Nokia C32 is slightly lighter (5.6g), may feel more comfortable during long usage sessions. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Identical screen size; both are good for media consumption and browsing. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both have a basic HD+ resolution, suitable for general use but not as sharp as higher-resolution screens. |
| PPI | 270 | 270 | Both have the same pixel density, meaning no difference in image sharpness. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD on Nokia C32 should offer slightly better viewing angles and color accuracy than PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Standard refresh rate; both provide smooth enough performance for everyday tasks. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | No available data for either phone's brightness, making screen visibility comparison under bright sunlight impossible. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio P35 (12nm) | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22nm) | Helio P35 (12nm) should be more efficient than Unisoc SC9863A1 (22nm) due to its smaller transistor size. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 109,200 | Nokia C32 shows marginally better performance in benchmarks; may be slightly faster for everyday tasks. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG8322 | Different GPUs indicate slight variations in graphics processing capabilities, but in this class of phone there will not be any noticeable difference in usage. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP f/2.0 | 50MP | Nokia C32 has a slightly higher resolution; may capture more detailed images in good lighting conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.2 | Similar front-facing cameras, which should yield comparable selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | N/A | Samsung Galaxy A12 offers a telephoto camera, allowing for optical zoom, which is not present on Nokia C32. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP f/2.2 | N/A | Samsung Galaxy A12 provides a wider field of view with its ultrawide lens, ideal for landscape photos. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | N/A | Samsung Galaxy A12 features a dedicated depth sensor for better bokeh effects, which is not present on Nokia C32. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP f/2.4 | Nokia C32 has a macro camera for close-up shots of small objects. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record Full HD video, which is good for social media use. |
| DXOMark Score | 90 (Mobile) | N/A | Samsung Galaxy A12 has a DXOMark score, showing that its photos are acceptable for every day use. Nokia C32 has no available data. |
| Camera Features | Quad, Digital zoom, AF, Touch Focus, Continuous, Geo, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance, ISO, Exp Comp, Scene, Self-timer | Dual, Digital zoom, AF, Touch Focus, PDAF, Continuous, Geo, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance, ISO, Exp Comp, Scene, Self-timer, Front Flash | Samsung Galaxy A12 has a quad camera system, while Nokia C32 has a dual camera system. Nokia C32 also has PDAF and front flash for better low-light pictures. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Identical battery capacities, suggesting comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | 10W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | Samsung A12 charges faster (15W vs 10W), reducing charging time. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 13 | Nokia C32 has a newer operating system, providing the latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n | 802.11 b/g/n | Samsung Galaxy A12 supports dual-band WiFi, while Nokia C32 is limited to 2.4GHz, meaning the Samsung A12 can use faster 5GHz networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 4.2 LE | Samsung A12 offers more modern Bluetooth technology with more advanced features and a potentially more stable connection than Nokia C32. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | Both have standard GPS, Samsung A12 also supports Beidou and Nokia C32 supports SUPL and Galileo for more accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both support dual SIMs, allowing for easy management of two phone numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 64/128 GB | Both offer similar storage options; with the max being 128GB. The minimum storage on Nokia C32 is 64GB while it is 32GB on the Samsung A12. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 3/4 GB | Samsung Galaxy A12 offers a 6GB RAM variant, which would be more suitable for moderate multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, limiting the amount of photos, videos, and files a user can store on the device. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Basic audio features | Both phones offer a basic audio experience; no significant differences in audio capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both have side-mounted fingerprint sensors for device security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Protection of the screen of both devices is not specified, it can be assumed that both devices use similar generic hardened glass. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Proximity, Accelerometer | Samsung A12 has additional Fingerprint scanner. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- More Camera Lenses: Features a quad-camera setup (including telephoto, ultrawide, and depth lenses) for more versatile photography options.
- Faster Charging: 15W charging provides shorter charging times, which can be a significant benefit for users.
- More RAM Option: 6GB RAM configuration is beneficial for smoother multitasking.
- Dual Band Wifi: Dual band Wifi support provides faster speeds on 5Ghz networks.
- More Bluetooth Features: Supports Bluetooth 5.0, offering more advanced features compared to the Bluetooth 4.2 LE of Nokia C32.
- More Sensors: Fingerprint scanner as well as the proximity and accelerometer.
Nokia C32 Advantages:
- Newer Android OS: Ships with Android 13, ensuring the latest features and security updates.
- Slightly Higher Benchmarks: Marginally better AnTuTu score, which may result in smoother everyday performance.
- Macro Camera: Dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
- Front Flash: Front flash for taking pictures in low-light conditions.
- Lighter: Slightly lighter in weight than the Samsung A12.
- Slightly Higher Main Camera MP: Main camera with 50MP (vs 48MP) which may result in better quality pictures in good lighting conditions.
- Newer Release Date: Launched more recently, possibly benefiting from newer technology and design choices.
- IPS LCD Screen: Has IPS LCD screen which is slightly superior to PLS LCD in terms of viewing angles and color accuracy.
Trade-offs
- Samsung A12: Offers a more versatile camera system with telephoto and ultrawide lenses but is older and has slower charging.
- Nokia C32: Provides a newer OS, a macro lens and front flash, and is lighter, but lacks a telephoto and ultrawide lens and has slower charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users who value camera versatility, and faster charging, but can compromise on software updates.
- Users who take various types of photos (wide, zoomed, portrait).
- Users who need a phone for general usage and light multitasking.
- Users looking for a phone that has a good benchmark score and enough RAM for their needs.
Nokia C32 Ideal User:
- Users seeking a phone with the latest Android version for updated features and security.
- Those who prioritize lightweight design and comfortable use.
- Users interested in close-up macro photography and selfies in low-light conditions.
- Users who are ok with just general photography with the main lens.
- Users who want the newest device for the longest support lifespan.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Do you prefer more camera versatility or the latest Android OS? If you take a lot of different types of photos, then the Samsung A12 is a better choice. If you want the latest software and security updates, the Nokia C32 is better.
- Is fast charging or a lightweight design more important? If you prefer a lighter phone and don't mind slightly slower charging the Nokia C32 is better, otherwise the Samsung A12's faster charging is better.
- Do you prefer telephoto and ultrawide lenses or macro lens and front flash for better photos? If you take a lot of pictures with zoom and wide angle, then the A12 is better, otherwise the macro lens and front flash of the C32 are better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Frequent Traveler: If you travel frequently and take a lot of wide shots and zoom photos, and need fast charging, the Samsung A12's quad camera setup and faster charging are more useful than the Nokia C32.
- Scenario 2: Social Media Enthusiast: If you post selfies regularly, then the Nokia C32 is better due to the front flash.
- Scenario 3: Casual User: If you just want a basic phone with no need for complex functions, then either of these phones are good, although Nokia C32 has a newer OS.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Nokia C32. The slightly better benchmark, macro lens and front flash, and latest OS provide a better balance for my needs. While the Samsung Galaxy A12's telephoto and wide-angle lenses and faster charging are appealing, the Nokia C32's lighter weight, newer OS, slightly better main camera sensor, front flash, and macro lens are better suited for my regular use. The inclusion of a macro lens is more relevant than the inclusion of the ultrawide lens in this case and is enough to push me in that direction. Additionally, a phone with a newer OS means better long-term support and security.
