1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Realme 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm | 165.7 x 76 x 8.1 mm | Realme 11 is slightly taller and noticeably thinner, potentially feeling more modern and sleek, with a slightly smaller overall volume. Samsung is thicker, which might make it feel more substantial. |
| Weight | 205g | 190g | Realme 11 is 15g lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.72" | Realme 11 offers a slightly larger screen, providing a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Realme 11 has a significantly sharper display with much more detail, resulting in better image quality. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 392 | Realme 11 will show much clearer text and images, and smoother curves. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Realme 11 offers better color accuracy and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 11 provides much smoother animations and scrolling, resulting in a more responsive feel. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Realme 11 is dramatically brighter, leading to much better outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight. Samsung's brightness is not provided, making it difficult to compare, but it will certainly not be as bright as Realme. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | Realme 11's chipset is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 389,600 | Realme 11's benchmark score is substantially higher, indicating a vastly superior overall performance. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Realme 11's GPU is much more capable, providing better graphics performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 64MP | Realme 11 captures more detail due to higher megapixel count. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/1.79 | Realme 11's wider aperture allows it to capture more light, resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor | Samsung S5KGM2 1/2" | Omnivision OV64B 1/2" | Both phones have same sensor sizes but different technologies, making it hard to compare directly. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | Realme 11 takes brighter selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP | None | Samsung A12 has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, which Realme does not have |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP | None | Samsung A12 has a dedicated wide angle lens which Realme does not have |
| Depth Camera | 2MP | 2MP | Both have depth sensors for portrait mode. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record in 1080p at 30fps; Both phones support video stabilization; Realme 11 offers 120fps slow-motion. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Realme 11 charges more than twice as fast, reducing charging time. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Realme's Li-Polymer battery type is more modern and often offers better long-term performance. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 13 | Realme 11 comes with a newer version of Android, with improved features, security, and updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Realme 11 supports newer Wi-Fi standards, resulting in faster and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Realme 11 has a newer version of Bluetooth, offering better energy efficiency and improved audio quality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Realme 11 has access to more satellite systems, offering better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage Options | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Realme 11 offers much more storage space, better for users with lots of photos, videos, or apps. |
| RAM Options | 3/4/6 GB | 8/12 GB | Realme 11 has significantly more RAM, resulting in smoother multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Other | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Realme 11 is much more durable against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Realme 11 has more advanced sensors, allowing for more advanced apps, games, and other features. |
| Audio | Basic audio features | Basic audio features | Both have similar basic audio features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Dedicated Telephoto Lens: The A12 has a dedicated 2MP Telephoto lens that is absent in Realme 11, allowing for optical zoom, a very rare feature at this price point
- Dedicated Wide-Angle Lens: The A12 has a dedicated 5MP Wide-Angle lens that is absent in Realme 11.
Realme 11 Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Dimensity 6100+ chipset offers a much higher level of performance in daily usage, gaming, and multitasking, compared to the Helio P35.
- Superior Display: The higher resolution, pixel density, and 120Hz refresh rate results in a sharper, smoother, and more vibrant visual experience. It's also brighter for better outdoor visibility
- Faster Charging: The 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging time compared to 15W of the Samsung.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 13, meaning it'll be more future proof and have more security.
- More Storage and RAM: The base model has 128 GB of storage and the highest spec comes with 256GB, along with 8/12 GB of RAM, which translates to better multitasking.
- Modern Features: Better screen protection, more sensors, newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards make the phone much more modern overall.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A12 has the advantage of having a telephoto lens, while Realme doesn't.
- Samsung Galaxy A12 has the advantage of having a wide-angle lens, while Realme doesn't.
- Realme 11 has a much better screen, performance, and fast charging, along with modern specs, while Samsung has the advantage of a telephoto and wide angle lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: It is a very cheap device for people with a very limited budget.
- Casual Smartphone Users: Users who primarily use their phones for basic tasks like calling, messaging, and browsing.
- Users Who Need a Telephoto and Wide-Angle Lens: People who specifically need these lenses at a very low cost
Use Cases:
- Primary phone for basic communication and social media consumption.
- Backup device or secondary phone for basic tasks.
- Ideal for those on a very tight budget where a wide-angle and telephoto camera are needed
Realme 11 Ideal User:
- Performance-Oriented Users: Those who want a smooth and responsive smartphone for gaming, multitasking and daily tasks.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who prioritize a better display for video watching, browsing and social media.
- Users Seeking a Modern Device: People who prefer a new smartphone with advanced features and technology.
Use Cases:
- Daily driver for users who need to multitask and use various apps smoothly.
- Gaming on a budget with a large, smooth display and good performance.
- Enjoying media consumption with high-quality visuals and fast charging.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy A12 offers a very low price-to-value for people on a very tight budget, with the advantage of a telephoto and wide-angle camera.
- The Realme 11 offers a much better price-to-value for performance-oriented users, multimedia consumers, and users seeking a modern device at a budget price
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? If budget is the absolute primary concern, the A12 could be the better option.
- How important is performance and screen quality to you? If you prioritize a smooth display and performance, go for the Realme 11. If performance is secondary, the Samsung could be a good option
- Do you need a telephoto and wide angle lens? If these are important features, the Samsung could be a better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic User on a Tight Budget: If your budget is absolutely tight and you need a functional phone for basic use and telephoto/wide-angle lens, the Samsung Galaxy A12 might be suitable.
- Scenario 2: Performance-Oriented User: If you prioritize performance, a smooth display, a modern device, and fast charging, the Realme 11 is the better option.
- Scenario 3: User Looking for Specific Lenses: If you need a telephoto and wide angle lens, the Samsung Galaxy A12 is the better option.
My Choice
I would choose the Realme 11.
Reasons:
- Significantly Better Performance: The performance difference is substantial. The Realme 11's chipset provides a much smoother experience in daily use, multitasking, and gaming.
- Superior Display: The screen is much better with a higher resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and higher brightness. This is a significant upgrade over the A12's screen.
- Fast Charging: The 33W fast charging is a major convenience, reducing downtime for charging.
- Modern Features: The Realme 11 has a much newer Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, a more modern battery, and a much newer android version, making it a more future-proof device.
- Better Value: While the A12 is cheaper, the improvements in performance, screen, and charging on the Realme 11 provide a much better value for the price.
While the telephoto and wide-angle lens is great, the Realme 11 is a much more balanced option, providing a significantly better overall experience.
