1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Oppo A54s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm | 163.8 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm | Oppo A54s is slightly more compact and thinner, potentially more comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 205g | 190g | Oppo A54s is 15g lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.52" | Virtually identical display size; negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Identical sharpness; both are HD+ displays. |
| PPI | 270 | 269 | Visually the same pixel density, sharpness is similar. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Oppo A54s' IPS LCD may offer slightly better viewing angles and color accuracy compared to the PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Standard 60Hz refresh rate on both, adequate for basic usage, but not ideal for fast-paced gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have the same level of peak brightness. Note that this information seems to be incorrect as both phones will have a brightness level above 0 nits |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Oppo A54s' Helio G35 is slightly faster, leading to smoother performance in everyday tasks and some gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 110,490 | Oppo A54s has about 7% better benchmark performance, suggesting smoother overall performance. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 | Both have same GPU, meaning similar graphics performance, though differences in configurations may cause small variations. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0 | 50MP, f/2.2 | Oppo A54s has slightly higher resolution, but Samsung Galaxy A12 has a wider aperture for potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Oppo A54s has a wider aperture for potentially better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy A12 offers a dedicated zoom lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | Samsung Galaxy A12 allows for wider shots. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy A12 can take dedicated portrait shots with more depth information. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Oppo A54s can take close-up photos. |
| Black & White Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Oppo A54s has a dedicated monochrome lens. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Similar video recording quality for everyday use. |
| Slow Motion | No, 30 fps | Yes, 90 fps | Oppo A54s captures higher framerate slow-motion. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Same battery capacity, likely similar battery life. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | Lithium | Samsung Galaxy A12 offers 15W fast charging, resulting in faster charging times. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Oppo A54s can act as a power bank for other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 11 | Oppo A54s has a newer out-of-the-box OS. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Oppo A54s has newer WiFi standard, offering more robust connection |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 LE | Oppo A54s has Bluetooth Low Energy support, with better audio codecs |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Oppo A54s supports more satellite systems, giving more accurate navigation in certain regions. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32GB/64GB/128GB | 64GB/128GB | Both phones offer 64 and 128 GB variants, Samsung Galaxy A12 has a lower storage 32 GB variant. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB/6GB | 4GB | Samsung Galaxy A12 offers more RAM up to 6GB for better multi-tasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | No expandable storage on either phones, limiting flexibility for growing storage needs. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Basic audio features | Both offer similar basic audio functionality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Similar biometrics for device unlocking. |
| Build | |||
| Screen protection | Unknown | Unknown | Unable to determine the screen protection of either phone. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Magnetometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Oppo A54s offers additional sensors for compass features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Versatile Camera System: Dedicated telephoto, wide-angle, and depth cameras provide more flexibility in photography.
- Faster Charging: 15W fast charging is a welcome feature for those wanting a quicker top-up.
- Potentially more RAM: Higher variant with 6GB RAM is better for multi-tasking.
Oppo A54s Advantages:
- Slightly Better Performance: Marginally better performance with the Helio G35 chipset in benchmarks.
- Superior Display Tech: IPS LCD may offer a better viewing experience compared to PLS LCD.
- Better Connectivity: Supports faster WiFi speeds and more precise GPS for reliable connectivity.
- Additional Lenses: Macro and black & white lenses add creative options, and reverse charging offers some utility.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 11, potentially leading to longer support.
- Lighter: More comfortable to hold for extended periods
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A12: Lacks a macro lens and does not have reverse charging capability.
- Oppo A54s: Lacks telephoto and wide-angle cameras, resulting in less versatility in photography. Also lacks the faster charging speed.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who want a versatile camera system with dedicated zoom and wide-angle capabilities.
- Use Cases:
- Users who enjoy taking various types of photos: landscape, portraits with background blur, and zoomed-in shots.
- Users who prioritize faster battery charging and can benefit from 15W charging.
- Price-to-Value: Good if camera versatility is a top priority, but keep in mind the performance is slightly less than the Oppo A54s.
Oppo A54s:
- Ideal User: Users who want a balance of performance, a good viewing experience, and some extra features like reverse charging and better connectivity at a budget price point.
- Use Cases:
- Users who need a reliable phone for everyday tasks, including web browsing, social media, and light gaming.
- Users who appreciate features like reverse charging for convenience.
- Users who want to maximize connectivity, with faster WiFi and better GPS.
- Users who like having macro lens and slow-motion features for taking different kinds of videos.
- Price-to-Value: A good choice for those seeking better performance, newer software, and an overall slightly better experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Camera Needs: Do you need versatile camera options like telephoto and wide-angle lenses (Samsung Galaxy A12) or a macro lens (Oppo A54s)?
- Performance: Is slightly better overall performance more important than having more camera versatility? (Oppo A54s is marginally better)
- Battery & Charging: Is fast charging speed (Samsung Galaxy A12) or reverse charging (Oppo A54s) more important to you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Photography Enthusiast (Budget): If you value camera versatility and are happy with an ok performance, choose the Samsung Galaxy A12.
- Everyday User (Balanced): If you prioritize a slightly better overall experience including performance and connectivity, choose the Oppo A54s.
- Connectivity Focused User: If faster connectivity is important, choose Oppo A54s.
My Choice and Explanation
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would lean towards the Oppo A54s. While the Samsung Galaxy A12 has a more versatile camera system on paper, the practical implications of the better processor, slightly better display, and better connectivity, in addition to the marginally better camera, all on the A54s make it a better phone for my daily use. The slightly newer OS also adds to the long-term value. I would rather trade the telephoto lens for a better experience in performance and connectivity. The reverse charging is a useful feature that adds to the value proposition.
