1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Nokia G100 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-12-21 | 2022-10-01 | Nokia G100 is newer, likely with more up-to-date software and features. |
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | 166.6 × 76.7 × 8.9 mm | Nokia G100 is slightly taller and wider, which might be negligibly noticeable. |
| Weight | 205g | 195.1g | Nokia G100 is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.52" | Negligible size difference, essentially the same screen size. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Identical resolution; both offer basic HD viewing. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 269 PPI | Virtually identical sharpness, visual experience will be almost the same. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD (Nokia G100) generally offers better viewing angles and color accuracy compared to PLS LCD (Samsung A12). |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have standard 60Hz refresh rate, suitable for daily use. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Note: This seems to be an incorrect reading or missing information, typical smartphone will have above 400nits at least. Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Snapdragon 662 (Nokia G100) is more powerful, offering faster performance and better multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 201,615 | Nokia G100 has significantly higher performance; noticeably snappier for apps and gaming. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 (Nokia G100) is more powerful, allowing for better graphics performance in games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 13MP | Samsung Galaxy A12 has a higher resolution main camera for more detailed photos. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.0 | Both have same aperture, good for low light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor | Samsung S5KGM2 1/2" | Not Available | Samsung A12 has a larger main sensor size, capturing more light. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 8MP | Both have same selfie resolution. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | Samsung Galaxy A12 has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better low light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP | None | Samsung Galaxy A12 has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoom functionality. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP | 5MP | Both phones have the same ultrawide camera. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP | 2MP | Both phones have same portrait camera. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both phones offer standard 1080p video recording at 30fps. |
| Slow Motion | No | Yes, 120 fps | Nokia G100 has the capability for slow-motion video recording. |
| DxOMark Score | 90 (Mobile) | Not Available | Samsung A12's camera has been tested by DxOMark; Nokia's G100 does not. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Digital zoom, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Triple camera, Digital zoom, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | Nokia G100 includes night mode and digital image stabilization. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, offering similar battery life. |
| Charging | 15W | 15W | Both support 15W fast charging. |
| Removable | No | No | Batteries are not user-replaceable in either model. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 | Nokia G100 has a more up-to-date Android version and is generally more future-proof for software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Nokia G100 supports newer ac standard, offering faster Wi-Fi speeds where available. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 LE | Both have Bluetooth 5.0, but Samsung A12 supports more protocols, while Nokia G100 uses LE (Low Energy). |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | Samsung A12 supports Beidou for more accurate positioning. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128GB | 32/128GB | Both have similar storage options, with a 128GB max. |
| RAM | 3/4/6GB | 3/4GB | Samsung A12 has an option for more RAM (6GB) for better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage, limiting storage capacity. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | 2 Microphones | Nokia G100 has dual microphones for better voice capture, beneficial for calls and recordings. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both use similar, convenient fingerprint sensors for security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Nokia G100 has better screen protection with Gorilla Glass 3. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | Nokia G100 has more sensors, potentially allowing for more advanced functions. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: The 48MP main camera captures more detail, useful for those who print or crop photos.
- Telephoto Lens: Offers optical zoom for capturing distant objects.
- Wider Selfie Aperture: The slightly wider f/2.2 selfie aperture helps capture brighter selfies in low light.
- More RAM options: With a 6GB option, multitasking is smoother.
- More GPS Systems: Support for Beidou helps with location accuracy.
- More Bluetooth Protocols: Offers better connectivity for specific Bluetooth devices and scenarios.
- DxOMark Score: Provides an objective rating for the main camera (though photo and video scores are 0)
Nokia G100 Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Snapdragon 662 chipset and higher AnTuTu score translate to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Superior Display Technology: IPS LCD offers better viewing angles and color accuracy compared to PLS LCD.
- Night Mode: Improves low-light photo quality.
- Digital Image Stabilization (DIS): Helps reduce blur in videos.
- Slow-Motion Video: Records slow-motion video for creative filming.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 12, potentially offering better security and more features out of the box and longer support.
- Corning Gorilla Glass 3: Provides better screen protection from scratches and accidental drops.
- Dual Microphones: Improves audio quality during calls and recordings.
- Additional sensors: Includes a Gyroscope and Barometer for potentially better sensing and compatibility.
- Newer Wi-Fi Standard: Supports the "ac" standard for faster speeds.
- Bluetooth LE: Support for the lower energy version of Bluetooth
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy A12 sacrifices overall performance for a higher-resolution main camera and an extra telephoto lens.
- The Nokia G100 prioritizes overall performance, better display technology, and updated features, over main camera resolution, telephoto lens and some Bluetooth protocols.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12 is ideal for:
- Casual photographers: Users who prioritize higher resolution in a main camera and who need a telephoto lens for zoom.
- Budget-conscious users: Users who seek a phone with decent camera capabilities at a lower price point.
- Users of Beidou GPS: Those who need the best location accuracy.
- Users who want more RAM: The 6GB RAM option provides better multitasking.
Specific Use Cases:
- Capturing detailed landscape photos using the high-resolution main camera.
- Taking zoomed-in shots of distant objects using the telephoto lens.
- Casual social media posting and sharing.
- Navigating in areas with Beidou GPS signal.
Nokia G100 is ideal for:
- Users who value performance: Those who prioritize a fast and responsive phone experience.
- Users who value display quality: Those who value color accuracy and viewing angles.
- Users who want a newer device: Those looking for newer features, more up-to-date security and software.
- Users who want a more durable screen: Those who want better protection from scratches and accidental drops.
- Users who like night mode Those who take low-light images more frequently.
- Users who like to shoot videos: Those who want better video quality with digital image stabilization and the ability to record slow motion.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing games and running apps smoothly due to the faster processor.
- Enjoying multimedia content with better colors and wider viewing angles.
- Capturing better low-light photos and videos using night mode and DIS.
- General smartphone use where smooth performance is key.
- Recording video for vlogs or social media.
- Those who prefer the latest version of Android, and value a longer support for security patches and other OS updates.
- Those who want better microphone quality for calls and recording audio.
- Users who need a more durable screen.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Do you prioritize camera quality, or performance? The Samsung A12 has higher camera specs with telephoto, the Nokia G100 has much better overall performance.
- How important is screen quality and durability? Nokia G100 has better screen protection and a better display type.
- How much do you value the latest software and features? Nokia G100 has a newer OS out of the box and better software features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "Budget Photographer" - If camera specs (higher resolution main camera, telephoto) are the priority, choose the Samsung Galaxy A12.
- Scenario 2: "Power User on a Budget" - If smooth performance, a better display, and updated features are more important, choose the Nokia G100.
- Scenario 3: "General Use with Multimedia" - If you need a phone for daily tasks with good display and overall smooth experience, the Nokia G100 offers better value.
My Choice and Why
I would choose the Nokia G100.
While the Samsung Galaxy A12 has a higher resolution main camera, the Nokia G100 offers a much better overall experience, with its superior performance, screen quality, and newer software. The significant difference in performance, as demonstrated by the AnTuTu scores, is a game-changer for general use. The inclusion of night mode, digital image stabilization, slow-motion recording, and more modern features like Bluetooth LE and updated WiFi standards make it a better all-around device in the long run. The addition of Gorilla Glass 3 makes it more durable as well, and the 2 microphones are a nice improvement for quality audio capture. While the camera on the Galaxy A12 may have slightly higher resolution photos in good lighting conditions, the performance increase and other features on the G100 are more valuable for a variety of use cases. The Nokia G100 represents a more well-rounded package that caters to a broader range of user needs and expectations. The higher performance also means the device will feel newer for longer, and won't be outdated as fast.
