1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Realme 9i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm | 164.4 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm | Realme 9i is slightly thinner and thus might feel more comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 205g | 190g | Realme 9i is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Realme 9i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in screen size; both offer a large viewing area. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2412 | Realme 9i has a much sharper and clearer display, better for viewing text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 400 | The Realme 9i's higher pixel density leads to a more detailed and less pixelated display. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Realme 9i's IPS LCD may offer slightly better viewing angles and color accuracy. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Realme 9i offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness, which is unknown and concerning. This can affect visibility in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Realme 9i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Realme 9i has a more powerful and efficient processor, leading to faster app loading and better multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 216,850 | Realme 9i offers significantly better performance in apps and games. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 | Realme 9i offers better graphics performance for gaming and multimedia. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Realme 9i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Negligible difference in megapixel count; both will take good pictures, however more resolution does not always mean better picture quality. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/1.8 | Realme 9i's wider aperture may perform slightly better in low-light conditions. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/2.76" | Samsung Galaxy A12's larger sensor may offer better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 16MP | Realme 9i offers more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.1 | Realme 9i's slightly wider aperture may offer better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP | No | Samsung Galaxy A12 can zoom without detail loss, but its a basic feature |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP | No | Samsung Galaxy A12 can capture wider scenes. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP | No | Samsung Galaxy A12 can enhance portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | No | 2MP | Realme 9i can take close-up shots of very small objects. |
| Black & White Lens | No | 2MP | Realme 9i can take artistic monochrome shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Similar video recording quality, good for social media sharing |
| Slow-Motion Video | No | Yes, 120 fps | Realme 9i can shoot slow-motion video, adding creative options. |
| DXOMark Score | Main score: 90, Photo score: 0, Video score: 0 | Not available | Samsung A12 DXO score is low and there is no dxomark score for realme 9i, this information is not useful |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Autofocus, Digital zoom, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Triple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Digital zoom, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Both devices have very similar features, with slightly different autofocus technologies. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Realme 9i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery life, good for all-day use with moderate usage. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Realme 9i charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both phones cannot be easily opened to replace the battery. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Realme 9i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Realme 9i comes with a more recent Android version, with possibly more future software support. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Realme 9i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Realme 9i supports faster and more reliable Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 | Similar Bluetooth version, both can connect to modern devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Realme 9i has more GPS satellite support, possibly better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support two SIM cards and dual standby. |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Realme 9i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 32 GB or 64 GB or 128 GB | 64 GB or 128 GB | Both offer ample storage options. |
| RAM | 3 GB or 4 GB or 6 GB | 4 GB or 6 GB | Both offer options for different usage scenarios and app multitasking, with some overlap of options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device has expandable storage so storage must be decided at the time of purchase. |
Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Realme 9i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Realme 9i provides a more immersive audio experience. |
Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Realme 9i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both phones have convenient fingerprint security. |
Build Quality
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Realme 9i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones have unknown screen protection which may make purchasing a screen protector more necessary. |
Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Realme 9i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gravity | Realme 9i has more sensors which may enhance app functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- More Camera Lenses: Includes dedicated telephoto, wide-angle, and depth lenses providing more shooting versatility.
- Larger Camera Sensor: The main camera sensor is larger, which might lead to better low-light performance.
Realme 9i Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, and refresh rate make for a much sharper and smoother viewing experience.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 680 chipset offers much better performance for multitasking and gaming.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging is much faster than the Samsung's 15W charging.
- Better Audio: Features Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers for an enhanced multimedia experience.
- More Modern OS: Ships with a newer version of Android.
- More Sensors: Offers more utility for various applications with more sensors.
- Slow Motion Video: Shoots 120 fps slow motion video.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy A12 has a versatile quad-camera system but suffers in other areas.
- The Realme 9i offers a better overall user experience with its sharper screen and faster performance but has less camera versatility.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12:
- Ideal User: Users primarily interested in a versatile camera system at an affordable price.
- Use Cases: Casual photography, users who want more camera options for everyday shooting.
- Price-to-Value: Offers good value for users who prioritize camera features over other aspects of the phone.
Realme 9i:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a smooth, responsive, and enjoyable daily phone experience, including faster performance and a better display.
- Use Cases: Gaming, heavy social media usage, video streaming, everyday multitasking.
- Price-to-Value: Provides excellent value for users who need strong performance, display quality, and fast charging.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- How important is camera versatility (wide angle, telephoto, depth) to you? If it is essential, the Samsung Galaxy A12 may be preferred.
- How much do you value display quality and overall performance? If you prioritize those, the Realme 9i will provide a superior experience.
- How important is faster charging to you? If having your phone charge faster is important, the realme 9i is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Budget-Conscious Photographer: The Samsung Galaxy A12 is a budget-friendly option, providing versatility to experiment with different lens types.
- For the Performance-Oriented User: The Realme 9i is the clear choice for those wanting a smooth and responsive experience across daily tasks, multimedia, and gaming.
- For the Casual User: The Realme 9i is still a better option due to its better screen, performance, and faster charging, providing a better day to day user experience.
Final Decision
I would choose the Realme 9i. While the Samsung Galaxy A12 offers more camera lenses, the overall experience of the Realme 9i is significantly better. The sharper display, much faster performance, rapid charging, and improved audio quality all contribute to a more enjoyable daily user experience. Unless camera versatility is the only priority, the Realme 9i is the better choice for the average user looking for a well-rounded smartphone.
