1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Nokia G22 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | 165 × 76.2 × 8.5 mm | Similar size, the Nokia G22 is slightly thinner and may feel a bit more comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 205g | 196.2g | Nokia G22 is slightly lighter, which might be noticeable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Identical screen size, providing the same viewing area. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 720 x 1600 | Similar sharpness, but not the most detailed. Suitable for basic use but not for crisp media consumption. |
| PPI | 270 | 270 | Both displays have similar pixel density, meaning neither will appear sharper than the other. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD on the Nokia G22 typically offers slightly better viewing angles and color accuracy. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Nokia G22's 90Hz screen will feel smoother during scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | No information on the maximum brightness, so difficult to know how well they perform in bright light |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | The Nokia G22's Unisoc T606 generally provides superior performance for daily tasks, faster app loading, and better multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 253,300 | Nokia G22 offers significantly higher performance based on benchmark scores, which translates to a much smoother experience. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Nokia G22 has the superior GPU resulting in better graphics in games and other graphically intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Nokia G22 has a slightly higher resolution. Both should be capable of capturing good photos in daylight. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/1.8 | Nokia G22's wider aperture allows for more light to reach the sensor resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/2.76" | Samsung Galaxy A12 has a larger sensor, which may help it in low-light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | Nokia G22 has a wider aperture for better low light performance for selfies. |
| Additional Lenses | Telephoto, Wide Angle, Portrait | Portrait, Macro | Samsung has more lenses. Nokia G22 has the macro lens that the A12 does not. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5050mAh | Practically identical battery capacity, meaning similar battery life under similar usage conditions. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging | Nokia G22 charges faster, reducing downtime when charging. |
| Charger | Non-removable | Non-removable, In-box 10W charger | Nokia G22 includes a charger, this may be a bonus or the 10W is lower than it supports. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 | Nokia G22 comes with a newer version of Android out of the box, potentially offering a better software experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Nokia G22 has an additional Wi-Fi 5GHz support, this results in faster wifi speeds and less congestion. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 LE | Samsung Galaxy A12 has more bluetooth profiles |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Nokia G22 has additional satellite support (Galileo) for better accuracy in more situations. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32GB/64GB/128GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | Nokia G22 has a larger 256GB option, which is better for those who need more storage. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB/6GB | 4GB/6GB | Both devices come in 4 GB or 6 GB options, suitable for moderate multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for extra storage via microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Basic Audio | 2 Microphones | Nokia G22 has two microphones for slightly better audio recording and noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Biometric | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Both have fingerprint scanners for convenient unlocking. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The Nokia G22 has better protection from scratches with Corning Gorilla Glass. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- More Camera Lenses: Includes telephoto and wide angle cameras for more versatility in photography, but the quality of these additional cameras may be basic.
- Wider main sensor: Larger sensor on the main camera might perform slightly better in low-light environments.
Nokia G22 Advantages:
- Better Performance: Significantly higher AnTuTu score suggests much smoother and faster performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate for a more fluid visual experience.
- Faster Charging: 20W charging results in less time plugged in.
- Better Main Camera: Wider aperture for better low-light photos.
- More Storage Options: 256 GB option for users who require a lot of storage.
- Better GPS: Support for the Galileo satellite system for improved location accuracy.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 12 which is a newer version than the A12's Android 10.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for better scratch resistance.
- Macro Camera: Dedicated Macro lens for close up shots.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy A12 offers more camera versatility but struggles in performance, whereas the Nokia G22 has less camera versatility but is much better in performance.
- The Samsung Galaxy A12 has a larger main camera sensor, but the Nokia G22 has a better aperture, leading to better low-light performance.
- Both phones do not allow for expandable storage.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A12:
- Casual photographers who like having multiple camera lenses to play with and are not overly concerned with high performance or a fluid display.
- Users on a strict budget who are looking for the lowest possible cost option, and value camera versatility over performance.
- Users who need a basic device for calls, texts, and light web browsing but are not too fussed about speed and smoothness.
Ideal User for Nokia G22:
- Users who value performance for apps, multi-tasking, and playing games on a budget.
- Users who appreciate a smoother visual experience due to the higher refresh rate display.
- Users who need faster charging for quick power top-ups.
- Users who like to capture good photos in all lighting, especially low-light environments.
- Users who need a good navigation tool, with additional satellite support.
- Users that want a more updated operating system.
Specific Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy A12: Basic social media usage, casual photography in good lighting, calls, and messaging, media consumption, e-reading.
- Nokia G22: Gaming, smoother social media experience, capturing better photos, especially indoors, navigation, and daily multitasking.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Nokia G22 generally offers a better price-to-value ratio due to the significantly improved performance and smoother display. Even if it has fewer cameras, it's a more compelling option for most users.
- If the cost difference is high enough, the Samsung Galaxy A12 becomes a good consideration, but the user should be aware of the significant performance gap.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance for you? If smooth and responsive operation is important, the Nokia G22 is the better choice.
- How important is camera versatility? If you need multiple camera lenses including wide angle and telephoto, the Galaxy A12 will be the better option.
- What is your budget? If the cost of the Nokia G22 is too high, the Samsung Galaxy A12 is a good compromise if performance is not a major concern.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If budget is the main constraint, and your usage is basic, the Samsung Galaxy A12 might be acceptable, but be aware of its performance limitations.
- Scenario 2: Performance-Focused User: If you are a frequent user of social media apps, require smooth navigation, and play games, the Nokia G22 is highly recommended.
- Scenario 3: Photo Enthusiast: If you need flexibility and multiple lenses for photos, the Samsung Galaxy A12 is better suited, but if image quality is paramount especially in low light conditions, the Nokia G22 will perform better.
My Choice
I would choose the Nokia G22.
Reasoning:
While the Samsung Galaxy A12 has more camera lenses, the Nokia G22's overall package is much better suited to modern use. The Nokia G22 has superior performance due to the chipset, which is crucial for smooth day-to-day usage and multitasking. The faster refresh rate is also a noticeable improvement for scrolling and animations. I would also value the faster charging and the superior main camera, especially its low-light performance, as well as the newer software version.
The Nokia G22 also has the benefit of better build quality, as well as the support for more satellite systems, and more internal storage available. For me the better performance, display, and charging are more important than the extra lenses found in the Samsung Galaxy A12. The Nokia G22 offers a more modern and pleasant user experience overall, making it the better choice, despite having a slightly less versatile camera array.
