1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | 162.6 × 75 × 8 mm | A12 is slightly taller and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier in hand. Nord 4 is more compact. |
| Weight | 205g | 199.5g | Nord 4 is negligibly lighter, may be slightly more comfortable for long use. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard, non-folding smartphones. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.74" | Nord 4 offers slightly more screen real estate for media and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1240x2772 | Nord 4 provides significantly sharper visuals with much higher pixel density. |
| PPI | 270 | 450 | Nord 4's display looks noticeably crisper, with finer details. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | Nord 4 has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to the A12, especially noticeable in dark mode and for viewing HDR content. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Nord 4 provides a much smoother user experience, especially with scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2200 nits | Nord 4 will be much more visible in bright, outdoor conditions. A12's brightness is not defined. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7675 Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4 nm) | Nord 4 has a significantly more powerful processor, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| Antutu Score | 103,000 | 1,366,982 | Nord 4 demonstrates a massive performance lead, offering a much faster user experience. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 732 | Nord 4's GPU will provide much better graphics processing for gaming and visually intensive apps. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Nord 4 provides slightly higher resolution for potentially more detailed images. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/1.8 | Nord 4's wider aperture gathers more light, improving low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 16MP | Nord 4 captures more detailed selfies due to higher resolution |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | A12 has a slightly wider aperture, which may result in marginally better low-light performance for the selfie camera. |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP | Not Available | A12 can take zoomed shots, but quality will be limited by the low-resolution sensor. Nord 4 lacks this. |
| Wide Angle Lens Resolution | 5MP | 8MP | Nord 4 captures wider scenes with better detail due to higher resolution. |
| Portrait (Depth) Lens | 2MP | Not Available | A12 can capture images with depth effects. Nord 4 lacks a dedicated depth sensor. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps with EIS | Nord 4 offers significantly higher quality video recording, including 4K options with electronic image stabilization for smoother footage. |
| Slow Motion | No | Yes, 240 fps | Nord 4 supports slow-motion video capture. A12 does not. |
| Stabilization | No | EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization), OIS | Nord 4's stabilization is expected to produce much more stable, shake-free videos. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5500mAh | Nord 4 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | Nord 4 charges much faster, allowing you to quickly replenish the battery. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Nord 4 has better battery technology in terms of safety and longevity. |
Software and Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 10, Upgradable to 12 | Android 14, upgradable to 18 | Nord 4 has much newer Android version and will get more updates, making it more future proof and feature-rich. |
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n, Dual Band, Hotspot, Direct | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Hotspot, Direct, Display, MIMO | Nord 4 has faster WiFi and a more stable connection. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, MAP, PAN, OPP, PBAP, HOGP | 5.4, A2DP, aptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Nord 4 provides a more stable and efficient connection to Bluetooth devices with support for modern audio codecs |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), QZSS (L1 + L5) | Nord 4 is expected to offer superior and faster location accuracy. |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Nord 4 has significantly more storage options for users with large media libraries. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 8/12/16 GB | Nord 4 allows for smoother multitasking, especially for demanding applications and games. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio | Basic audio features | Stereo speakers, 2 microphones | Nord 4 provides better sound quality for media consumption and clearer voice capture. |
| Security | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | A12's side mounted sensor might be more convenient for some users. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones have similar screen protection, but it's unknown which ones they are using. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Gravity, Geomagnetic | Nord 4 has a more comprehensive sensor suite that is useful for gaming and augmented reality apps. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Dedicated Telephoto Lens & Depth Sensor: Offers basic zoom and portrait effects, which are missing on the Nord 4.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Could be preferred by users who prefer this placement of the fingerprint sensor.
- Lower Price: Typically significantly more affordable.
OnePlus Nord 4 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Larger, higher resolution AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate and much higher brightness offers a much better viewing experience.
- Massive Performance Boost: The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset provides far better performance, resulting in smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Better Camera Capabilities: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, wider aperture for better low-light performance, and support for 4K video recording with EIS, alongside slow-motion capture.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: Offers both a longer battery life and much faster charging speeds.
- Newer Software: Comes with a more recent version of Android and is expected to receive updates for longer.
- Superior Connectivity: Supports more advanced Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards, as well as more satellite positioning systems.
- Higher quality audio: Offers stereo speakers and two microphones.
- Better overall user experience: The features it offers significantly enhance the overall user experience compared to the Samsung A12.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A12: While cheaper, it compromises heavily on performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and overall user experience. Its main advantages are the dedicated zoom and depth cameras, which might appeal to some users who do not prioritize other features.
- OnePlus Nord 4: A higher price point makes it a more significant investment. It lacks a dedicated telephoto and depth camera and might not be as ideal for users who want those specific features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious individuals, those new to smartphones, users who need a basic phone for calls and social media, and those who value having a dedicated telephoto and depth camera.
- Use Cases: Basic communication, social media browsing, occasional photo and video capture in good light, and a phone for everyday use without intensive tasks.
- Price-to-Value Ratio: Suitable for users with strict budget constraints, but it's essential to acknowledge the performance and feature limitations.
OnePlus Nord 4:
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts, gamers, those who want a great display and camera performance, and users looking for a powerful phone for demanding tasks.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, high-quality photography and videography, demanding multitasking, media consumption with vibrant visuals and stereo sound, and users who want the latest software and connectivity.
- Price-to-Value Ratio: Offers great value for the price, providing a flagship-like experience without the top-tier price tag.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? If price is a major concern, the A12 might be the only option, but be ready for compromises.
- How important is performance? If you need smooth multitasking and gaming, the Nord 4 is a must.
- What are your main use cases? If your main use case is basic communication and occasional photos, the A12 may suffice. For intensive tasks, media consumption and photography, Nord 4 is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Limited Budget, Basic Needs - Choose the Samsung Galaxy A12. It's adequate for calls, texts, and simple social media use, if you are willing to make significant sacrifices in other areas.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Features at Mid-Range - Choose the OnePlus Nord 4. This is the ideal choice for someone who wants a powerful phone with a great display, camera and fast charging.
- Scenario 3: Photography and Video Enthusiast - Choose the OnePlus Nord 4. It offers superior video recording capabilities and better low-light performance, and while it lacks a dedicated zoom and depth sensor, it offers a far better main camera.
What I would choose and why
I would choose the OnePlus Nord 4 without hesitation. While it's a more expensive device, the improvements it provides are significant and would have a substantial impact on my day-to-day usage. The superior display with a 120Hz refresh rate and AMOLED technology is much more enjoyable for media consumption. The vastly superior performance provided by the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chip will result in a much more fluid and responsive user experience overall. Additionally, the vastly superior camera capabilities, from higher video recording quality to better low light performance, is something I highly value. The significantly faster charging time would also make daily life more convenient.
While the A12 does have a telephoto and depth lens, the overall quality of the camera system is much lower and this trade-off doesn't outweigh the significant benefits of the Nord 4. I'd rather have a better main camera than a lower quality camera and a telephoto lens. For me, the OnePlus Nord 4 offers a superior experience for its price and is an easy choice.
