1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Nokia G10 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | 164.9 × 76 × 9.2 mm | Nokia G10 is slightly thicker (0.3mm) but similar overall size; may have a minor impact on in-hand feel. |
| Weight | 205g | 194g | Nokia G10 is slightly lighter (11g), which might be noticeable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.52" | Negligible difference in size; both are large enough for comfortable media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both have similar lower resolution displays. Expect less sharpness compared to higher-resolution screens. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 269 PPI | Virtually identical; visual sharpness would be similar |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD generally offers better viewing angles and color accuracy compared to PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Standard refresh rate; will be adequate for most users but lacks the smoothness of higher refresh rates. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have similar peak brightness, which may be an issue under direct sunlight. Actual screen brightness is missing from the data. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Helio P35 is slightly more powerful and may handle multitasking slightly better than Helio G25. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 102,700 | Similar performance in everyday tasks. Differences will likely not be noticeable. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 | Identical GPU; gaming performance would be similar, generally suitable for light to moderate gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5050mAh | Very similar battery capacity; expect comparable battery life for typical daily usage. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging, Li-Ion | 10W fast charging, Li-Polymer | Samsung Galaxy A12 charges faster, reducing waiting time. Battery technology difference is not likely to cause significant difference. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Samsung Galaxy A12 has a higher resolution main camera and wider aperture, which may allow for better image quality in low light and more detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP | Both offer comparable selfie camera quality. |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy A12 has a dedicated telephoto lens, which the Nokia G10 lacks. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | Samsung Galaxy A12 has an ultrawide lens for capturing wider shots. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP | Both have a 2MP sensor for depth sensing in portrait mode |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP | Nokia G10 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Similar video quality capabilities; both record 1080p at 30fps. |
| DxoMark Mobile | 90 | Not Available | Samsung Galaxy A12's camera performance is slightly better according to DxoMark. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10, upgrade to 12 | Android 11, upgrade to 13 | Nokia G10 has a newer OS out of the box and is upgradable to Android 13, likely receiving longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n, Dual band, Direct | 802.11b/g/n, Hotspot | Samsung Galaxy A12 supports dual-band Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct, offering slightly better connectivity options. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, multiple profiles | 5.0 LE, A2DP | Samsung Galaxy A12 supports more Bluetooth profiles and will likely offer better connectivity to various accessories. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Nokia G10 has support for Galileo, offering potentially better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32GB/64GB/128GB | 32GB/64GB | Samsung Galaxy A12 is available with up to 128GB storage, offering more space for apps and media. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB/6GB | 3GB/4GB | Samsung Galaxy A12 is available with up to 6GB of RAM for better multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. Users will need to rely on internal storage and cloud storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Basic audio features | 2 microphones | Nokia G10 has dual microphones for better voice clarity. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both offer similar fingerprint security, convenient and quick access. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Better Main Camera: Higher 48MP resolution with a wider f/2.0 aperture results in potentially better low-light performance and more detailed shots.
- Additional Lenses: Offers a telephoto and wide-angle lens for greater versatility in photography.
- Faster Charging: 15W fast charging compared to 10W for the G10.
- More Storage and RAM: Available with up to 128GB storage and 6GB RAM, which offers more storage space for your apps, photos, and videos and improves multi-tasking capabilities.
- More Bluetooth Profiles: Supports a wider array of Bluetooth profiles, potentially improving compatibility with various devices.
Nokia G10 Advantages:
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 11 out of the box, upgradable to Android 13.
- Better Screen Technology: Uses IPS LCD technology, which generally offers better viewing angles and color accuracy.
- Macro Lens: Includes a dedicated 2MP macro lens for close-up photography.
- GPS with Galileo: Support for Galileo adds to the GPS, enhancing location accuracy.
- Dual Microphones: Offers better audio recording with its dual microphone setup.
- Lighter: Slightly lighter at 194g compared to the A12 at 205g.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A12: Offers a more versatile camera system and faster charging but lacks the newer OS and potential audio recording quality of the Nokia G10.
- Nokia G10: Has a newer OS and potentially better audio and location tracking but is lacking in camera versatility and charging speeds.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12 Ideal User:
- Casual Photographer: Users who prioritize camera versatility and want the flexibility of a wide-angle, zoom and telephoto lens.
- Media Consumers: Users who need ample storage for apps, photos, videos and enjoy browsing media.
- Power Users: Users who value fast charging and are likely to use the phone heavily.
Use Cases:
- Capturing diverse landscape and group photos.
- Storing a large library of photos, videos, and apps.
- Quickly charging the phone during short breaks or commutes.
- Connecting to a wide range of Bluetooth accessories.
Nokia G10 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users looking for the latest OS and value software updates.
- Audio Recording Needs: Users who prioritize better voice recording for calls or quick memos.
- Navigation Enthusiasts: Those who need accurate location services with added Galileo support.
- Macro Photography Enthusiasts: Users who enjoy taking close up photographs with the dedicated macro lens.
Use Cases:
- Long-term software support with the latest Android versions.
- Taking clear voice recordings, especially in noisy environments.
- Using navigation apps with accurate location tracking.
- Capturing fine details in macro shots.
- Users who prioritize better color accuracy and viewing angles.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is camera versatility and low-light performance? If very important, the Samsung A12 may be a better choice due to its additional lenses and wider aperture.
- Do you need the latest Android version with the prospect of longer updates? If yes, the Nokia G10, with Android 11 upgradeable to 13, is preferred.
- Is internal storage and quick charging a priority? If yes, the Samsung A12 with its 128 GB option and 15W charging is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography Enthusiast on a budget - Choose the Samsung Galaxy A12 for the additional lenses and better main camera with the wider aperture.
- Scenario 2: Users seeking the latest Android experience and location accuracy - Select the Nokia G10, which has a newer operating system and better location services.
- Scenario 3: Heavy smartphone user who values fast charging and storage space: Go with the Samsung A12 for better charging speeds and its available 128GB storage option.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would lean towards the Samsung Galaxy A12. While the Nokia G10 has some advantages, such as a newer OS and better location tracking, the A12 offers a more compelling overall package for my needs. The camera versatility of the A12 with the main camera's wider aperture, and the additional wide-angle and telephoto lenses is a significant advantage. I would prefer having the option for different perspectives and better low-light performance, which is what the A12 offers. In addition, the quicker 15W charging and larger storage size option on the A12 is beneficial to my use case. Although it's running an older Android version, I think the trade off in the camera performance, charging speeds and greater storage options outweighs the advantages of the Nokia G10 for my needs.
