Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A12 vs. OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-12-21 | 2022-02-22 | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G is significantly newer, potentially with longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | 160.6 × 73.2 × 7.8 mm | A12 is slightly larger and bulkier, Nord CE 2 5G is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 205g | 173g | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G is noticeably lighter, enhancing comfort during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.43" | Minimal difference; both offer a reasonably large screen for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G has a significantly sharper display, resulting in clearer text and images. |
| Pixel Density | 270 ppi | 409 ppi | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G's higher pixel density provides a more detailed and crisp viewing experience. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G has much better color reproduction, deeper blacks, and potentially better power efficiency. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness is not specified, which is a significant limitation for this comparison. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G uses a more modern and significantly more powerful chipset, ensuring faster performance across all tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 424,800 | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G offers dramatically superior performance, making it suitable for gaming and heavy multitasking. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G68 MC4 | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G's GPU will provide a significantly better gaming experience. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Samsung Galaxy A12 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G can act as a power bank to charge other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/2.0 | 64MP, f/1.79 | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G offers more detail and potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G has a higher-resolution selfie camera. |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Samsung A12 has a telephoto camera. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G has higher resolution for wide angle photography. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Samsung A12 offers a dedicated portrait camera |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G allows for close-up macro photography. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@120fps | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G supports higher quality 4K video, with also more advanced features |
| Features | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | 4K Video, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G provides image stabilization for videos, and has 4K video support, while Samsung A12 has quadruple camera |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to 12 | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G has a newer OS version and will likely have longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (WiFi 6) | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G supports the latest WiFi standards, offering faster and more reliable connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G has a newer Bluetooth version, potentially with better efficiency and range |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G supports more satellite systems, resulting in potentially more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both phones support dual SIM functionality |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128GB | 128 GB | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G offers a larger default storage configuration. |
| RAM | 3/4/6GB | 6/8GB | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G offers much better performance with more RAM capacity. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage options. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio | Noise Cancellation Microphone | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G has better call quality |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Samsung A12 offers more modern side mounted fingerprint |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G has superior screen protection, making it more resistant to scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G provides a more comprehensive sensor suite, which is suitable for a wider range of use-cases. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery may offer slightly longer usage between charges, useful for users who prioritize battery life.
- Telephoto and Depth Camera: Includes dedicated telephoto and depth cameras which allow for greater photographic possibilities.
- Side-mounted fingerprint: More modern fingerprint sensor for secure and easy access.
OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Dimensity 900 chipset and higher AnTuTu score indicate significantly better performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Sharper and More Vibrant Display: The AMOLED screen with higher resolution and pixel density provides a much better viewing experience.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging is much faster than Samsung's 15W, reducing charging time significantly.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution cameras with wider apertures, and additional features like 4K video recording.
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 11 and can be upgraded to 13, potentially longer software support.
- More RAM: Larger RAM capacities ensure better multitasking and app performance.
- Modern Connectivity: Supports newer WiFi standards and Bluetooth versions.
- Reverse Charging: Can act as a power bank, providing an additional layer of convenience.
- Screen Protection: More durable with Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy A12 sacrifices performance, display quality, and charging speed for a slightly larger battery and some dedicated cameras.
- The OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G sacrifices battery capacity for better performance and a more impressive overall feature set.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life over performance and display quality.
- Use Cases: Basic social media browsing, calling, messaging, and media consumption with a focus on long battery life. Those who enjoy some photographic flexibility, thanks to the additional lenses.
- Value: Suitable for basic usage on a tight budget.
OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who value performance, display quality, faster charging, and a more comprehensive feature set.
- Use Cases: Gaming, smooth multitasking, high-quality media consumption, photography and video recording, those who want a more premium experience overall.
- Value: Offers significantly more performance and features for a potentially higher price point, making it a better all-around experience.
4. Decision Framework
Consider these questions when choosing:
- Budget: How important is cost? Are you willing to pay more for better performance and features?
- Performance Needs: Do you need a phone for basic tasks, or do you plan to game and multitask heavily?
- Display Importance: Do you value vibrant colors, high resolution, and smoother scrolling?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you primarily use your phone for basic tasks, prioritize battery, and are on a strict budget, the Samsung Galaxy A12 may be sufficient.
- Scenario 2: If you are a gamer, media enthusiast, and value overall smooth and fast operation, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3: If you want a better display, faster charging, more performance and newer features (including 4K video recording), and are willing to sacrifice some battery capacity, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G is the better option.
My Choice
I would choose the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G. While the Samsung Galaxy A12 has a slightly larger battery and some unique camera lenses, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G's advantages in performance, display quality, charging speed, software, and modern connectivity are too significant to ignore. The faster performance and much better display alone would enhance the overall daily user experience considerably. It is better value and a more modern device that will last longer in terms of both performance and software support.
