1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Oppo A77 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm | 163.8 x 75.1 x 8 mm | Oppo A77 is slightly thinner and lighter, potentially making it more comfortable for extended use and easier to pocket. |
| Weight | 205g | 190g | Oppo A77 feels less bulky and is easier to carry for long periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.56" | Minimal difference in size, the displays are practically the same. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1612 | Both are HD+ displays, sharpness is similar for everyday usage. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 269 PPI | Practically identical sharpness in everyday use. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD in Oppo A77 provides better viewing angles and color accuracy compared to PLS LCD, leading to a superior visual experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Oppo A77's 90Hz display results in smoother scrolling and animations, making the user interface feel more fluid and responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have similar peak brightness which is not ideal for very sunny outdoor conditions. Actual nits rating is missing |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Oppo A77's Dimensity 810 offers significantly more performance, making it faster for daily tasks, app loading and smoother multi-tasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 42,000 | Samsung Galaxy A12 has a significantly higher AnTuTu score, suggesting it would handle more demanding tasks and gaming more easily compared to Oppo A77 |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The GPU difference implies that the Galaxy A12 is potentially a little better for graphics-intensive tasks like gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 48MP | 13MP | Samsung Galaxy A12's higher resolution main sensor captures more detail. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.2 | Samsung Galaxy A12's wider aperture allows more light, leading to better low-light photos. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 8MP | 16MP | Oppo A77 has higher resolution selfie camera, resulting in sharper self-portraits. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | Oppo A77's wider aperture allows for better low-light selfies. |
| Additional Lenses | Telephoto, Wide Angle, Depth | None | Samsung Galaxy A12 offers more versatility with its additional lenses, allowing for more diverse photography. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Similar video quality for standard video recording. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 3200mAh | Samsung Galaxy A12 has a much larger battery, providing longer battery life for most users. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | No fast charging specified | Samsung Galaxy A12 recharges faster due to the support for 15W fast charging, reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Oppo A77 comes with a newer Android version out of the box and will likely receive updates longer than the A12. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/n 5GHz | Oppo A77 has newer WiFi standards, resulting in faster and more stable WiFi performance |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 4.1 | Samsung Galaxy A12 features a newer Bluetooth version with more profiles, allowing for better connectivity and features with compatible devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | Samsung Galaxy A12 supports more satellite systems for potentially more accurate positioning. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128GB | 32/64GB | Samsung Galaxy A12 offers a 128 GB option for users who need more storage; otherwise similar storage options available. |
| RAM | 3/4/6GB | 3/4GB | Samsung Galaxy A12 can be configured with 6 GB of RAM offering better multitasking capabilities |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device allows for expandable storage. |
| Build & Security | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Oppo A77 features Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offering much better screen protection against scratches and breakage. |
| Security Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor | Both devices have similar fingerprint sensor for security. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | Oppo A77 features a compass sensor which may be helpful for specific use cases. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Significant battery capacity (5000mAh) provides longer usage between charges.
- Higher AnTuTu Score: Indicates better processing performance for gaming and resource-intensive apps.
- More Camera Lenses: Offers telephoto, wide-angle and depth sensors for more versatile photography.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Faster and more reliable connectivity with more feature support.
- 15W Fast Charging: Faster recharge time compared to Oppo A77 which doesn't have support for fast charging.
- 6GB RAM Option: Better multitasking capabilities in comparison to Oppo A77.
- Larger Internal Storage Option: 128 GB storage variant for more user storage.
Oppo A77 Advantages:
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 12 and is upgradeable to Android 14, offering more recent software features and security updates.
- Superior Display: IPS LCD offers better color accuracy and viewing angles; 90Hz refresh rate provides smoother animations.
- Faster Chipset: Dimensity 810 is more efficient and powerful for daily tasks, and smooth app experience.
- Lighter Design: More comfortable to hold and carry due to lower weight.
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher resolution and wider aperture for better self-portraits and low light performance.
- Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass 5 provides better scratch and drop protection.
- Compass Sensor: Useful for navigation and AR applications.
- More modern Wi-Fi: Better WiFi connectivity and faster speeds
Trade-offs:
- The Galaxy A12 sacrifices display quality (PLS LCD vs IPS LCD) and a bit of processing power (with respect to daily tasks and multi-tasking) for significantly more battery life, more camera versatility and more RAM (6GB option), as well as fast charging.
- The Oppo A77 gives up some battery capacity for a smoother display, faster chipset, a more premium design, and better software support and screen protection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12 Ideal Users:
- Battery Life Focused Users: Those who prioritize long battery life for extended use without frequent charging.
- Casual Gamers: Users who do not require intense gaming but want to be able to enjoy casual games.
- Budget-Conscious Photographers: Users who desire more versatile camera capabilities on a budget.
- Users wanting more RAM: Users that want smoother multitasking capabilities.
- Users needing more storage: Users who require more internal storage.
Use Cases:
- Daily drivers for users who need long battery life for calls, browsing, and social media.
- Good travel companion due to the long battery life and decent photo capture capabilities.
- Cost effective device for casual gaming and media consumption.
Oppo A77 Ideal Users:
- Display Quality Lovers: Those who prioritize smoother display and more accurate colors for media consumption and web browsing.
- Users Seeking a Smooth Experience: Users who want a generally smoother and faster device for everyday tasks.
- Users wanting more up-to-date software: People who want the latest software and features for the foreseeable future.
- Users who take selfies: Those who prioritize a better selfie camera for social media and video calls.
- Users seeking a light and well protected device: Users who value a light and premium design with better screen protection.
Use Cases:
- Great for users that watch a lot of videos, and browse web content.
- Ideal for users that take selfies and use video calling apps a lot.
- Great daily driver with faster and smoother experience.
Price-to-Value:
- The Samsung Galaxy A12 usually offers a good value for users looking for a budget phone with decent performance and an incredible battery life.
- The Oppo A77 offers more premium features like display, build quality, and a more modern chipset, but it may be at a slightly higher price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is more important to me: long battery life or display quality and a smooth experience?
- Do I take more standard photos or selfies and videos?
- How important is a modern OS to me?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Frequent traveler: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A12 for its superior battery life and fast charging, despite the display being inferior.
- Scenario 2: Social Media Enthusiast: Pick the Oppo A77 for its better selfie camera and a smoother display, though battery life will be a compromise.
- Scenario 3: Casual User on a Budget: The Samsung Galaxy A12 will be a great cost effective option if you require more storage, and the 6GB RAM variant will be better for multitasking. However, the Oppo A77 will be a better overall experience if you don't require much storage or RAM, and offers better screen protection.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would personally choose the Oppo A77. While the Samsung Galaxy A12 has a significant advantage in battery life, I value a better overall user experience that the A77 provides. The 90Hz IPS LCD screen provides better viewing experience, the newer chipset offers more performance, and the newer operating system would give me more software support for the future. The better screen protection and lighter design are also welcome additions. I can always carry a power bank for longer days, and while the AnTuTu score of the A12 is higher, its daily performance is inferior to the A77. The selfie camera on the Oppo A77 is much better which is a bonus.
