1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Realme 12x | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-12-21 | 2024-04-07 | Realme 12x is a significantly newer device, likely with more up-to-date features and software. |
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | 165.6 × 76.1 × 7.9 mm | Realme 12x is slightly taller and thinner, which may feel more modern in hand. |
| Weight | 205g | 190g | Realme 12x is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Realme 12x offers slightly more screen real estate for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1604 | Both phones offer similar visual clarity; differences are negligible. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 264 PPI | Both have comparable sharpness; not very noticeable in daily usage. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Realme 12x's IPS LCD offers potentially better viewing angles and color accuracy. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12x provides noticeably smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have an unknown peak brightness, limiting visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | Realme 12x has a much more powerful and efficient processor, resulting in faster app loading and better overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 442,599 | Realme 12x is significantly faster and more capable, especially for gaming and multitasking. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Realme 12x has a much more powerful GPU, providing a smoother experience in graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life for a typical day of usage. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging, Li-Ion | 15W fast charging, Li-Polymer | Charging times will be similar, but Li-Polymer might have slightly longer lifespans. |
| Removable | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both phones are non-removable making battery replacement by the user impossible. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2", Samsung S5KGM2, 0.80 µm | 50MP, f/1.8 | Realme 12x has a slightly higher resolution sensor and a wider aperture, which might result in slightly better low light and sharper images. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.1 | Realme 12x offers slightly better low light selfies with wider aperture |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy A12 allows slight optical zoom |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | Samsung Galaxy A12 captures wider scenes |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", Omnivision OV02B1B, 1.75 µm | Both offer similar quality depth sensing for portrait mode. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, No Stabilisation, No slow-motion | 1080p@30fps, No Stabilisation, Slow-motion 120fps | Realme 12x offers slow-motion video capabilities at 120 fps while the other doesn't. |
| DXOMark Score | 90 (Main), 0 (Photo), 0 (Video) | Not Tested | Samsung Galaxy A12 has been tested, but the Realme 12x has not. |
| Features | Quadruple camera, Digital zoom, Autofocus... | Dual camera, Digital zoom, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus... | Samsung A12 has an extra telephoto and ultrawide lens. Realme 12x has digital image stabilization, useful for video |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 | Realme 12x runs on a newer version of Android, offering access to the latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Realme 12x supports the newer Wi-Fi ac standard, offering faster Wi-Fi speeds and better range. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | Realme 12x has a newer Bluetooth version, potentially offering better power efficiency and connection reliability. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Realme 12x has additional satellite support, which may improve location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both support Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 256/512 GB | Realme 12x offers significantly more storage space. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 12 GB | Realme 12x has significantly more RAM, allowing for better multitasking and smoother app performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Realme 12x offers a more immersive audio experience with better quality and stereo separation. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer similar fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones have unknown screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Realme 12x has a more comprehensive sensor suite suitable for more advanced applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 12x Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Dimensity 6100+ chipset provides vastly superior performance compared to the Helio P35, offering a smoother user experience, faster app loading, and better gaming capabilities.
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate screen provides a much more fluid visual experience compared to the 60Hz display on the Samsung Galaxy A12.
- More Storage and RAM: With up to 512GB of storage and 12GB of RAM, the Realme 12x offers significantly more space for files and better multitasking performance.
- Newer Software: Android 14 on the Realme 12x offers the latest features and security updates.
- Better Audio: The Realme 12x has Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers, offering better sound quality and immersion
- Improved Connectivity: The device features newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards, potentially offering faster connection speeds and better battery life.
- More comprehensive sensors: The device includes a compass, gyroscope, and magnetometer, useful for advanced applications such as gaming.
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Telephoto and Wide Angle Camera: The phone has an extra telephoto and ultrawide camera which can provide some optical zoom and wide-angle capture.
- Established Brand Samsung is more known in the mobile phone space
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy A12 has an extra telephoto and wide-angle lens, which the Realme 12x lacks. However, the main sensor of the Realme 12x is slightly better.
- The Realme 12x lacks a known screen protection, same as the Samsung Galaxy A12
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A12:
- Basic Smartphone User: Someone who uses their phone primarily for calling, texting, and simple browsing.
- Budget-Conscious Buyer: A user looking for the most affordable option from a known brand that covers basic needs.
- Camera-Centric Buyer: User who will benefit from the multiple camera sensors, including telephoto and ultrawide.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A12:
- Everyday communication and light social media use
- Basic photo and video recording for personal use
- Simple navigation and map usage
- Simple gaming and basic mobile usage
Ideal User for Realme 12x:
- Performance-Oriented User: Gamers, power users, and individuals who require quick app loading, smooth multitasking, and a responsive user interface.
- Media Consumer: Users who enjoy watching videos, browsing social media, and playing games, and would prefer better refresh rate and display.
- Future-Proof Buyer: Someone who wants a phone that will remain relevant for a longer period of time due to its better performance, software, and connectivity.
- Audio-Focused User: Someone who wants better sound quality and immersion
Use Cases for Realme 12x:
- Gaming and demanding mobile applications.
- High-quality video streaming and media consumption.
- Multitasking with many applications open at the same time
- Extensive social media use and content creation.
- GPS navigation
- General, long-term usage due to its newer technology
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case for the phone? If it's just basic communication, either might be okay. If you're gaming, the Realme 12x is superior.
- How important is performance and fluidity? If you value smoothness, the Realme 12x is the clear winner.
- How important are extra camera sensors vs better main sensor performance? If you'd benefit from the telephoto and wide angle camera, the Samsung Galaxy A12 is better. If not, the Realme 12x performs better on its main sensor.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic User on a Strict Budget: If you just need a phone for basic communication and are on a tight budget, the Samsung Galaxy A12 may suffice.
- Scenario 2: Performance-Focused User: If you prioritize performance, smoothness, and a better all-round experience for gaming and day-to-day usage, the Realme 12x is the better option despite the loss of extra camera lenses.
- Scenario 3: Camera-First User If you prioritize different camera angles above main camera quality, Samsung Galaxy A12 is better
My Choice
I would choose the Realme 12x. Although both phones target budget users, the Realme 12x offers a superior overall experience thanks to its significantly better performance, smoother display, larger storage and RAM, newer software, better audio quality, and improved connectivity. The Samsung Galaxy A12's telephoto and wide angle lenses are nice additions, but the enhanced performance of the Realme 12x would be more beneficial for daily usage and ensure the phone remains relevant for longer. For me, the improvement in performance is worth the loss of camera lenses in favor of a better main sensor.
