1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Realme C61 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-12-21 | 2024-07-25 | Realme C61 is significantly newer, likely with more modern features and software. |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm | 167.3 x 76.7 x 7.8 mm | Realme C61 is slightly taller and thinner, possibly feeling more sleek in hand. A12 is thicker, might feel bulkier. |
| Weight | 205g | 188g | Realme C61 is lighter, making it more comfortable for long use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.74" | Realme C61 offers slightly more screen real estate for viewing content. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both offer the same standard HD+ resolution, suitable for everyday tasks. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 260 PPI | Both have similar pixel density, visual sharpness will be nearly identical. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Realme C61's IPS LCD generally provides better viewing angles and color accuracy compared to PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Realme C61 offers smoother animations and scrolling, a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is unknown, both phones have the same 0 nit spec. Cannot compare brightness of the devices. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 | Unisoc Tiger T612 | Realme C61’s chipset is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app loading and better overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 252,597 | Realme C61 has dramatically higher benchmark scores, implying smoother multitasking and gaming experience. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Realme C61's GPU will handle graphics-intensive tasks and games much better. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0 | 32MP, f/1.8 | Samsung A12 has higher resolution but Realme C61 has a wider aperture, may perform better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.0 | Samsung A12 has higher resolution but Realme C61 has a wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung A12 has telephoto capabilities, allowing for zoomed images. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | Samsung A12 can take wide angle pictures. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have similar capabilities for portrait mode. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both phones can record videos at the same resolution. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 90, Photo: 0, Video: 0 | N/A | Samsung A12 has been tested by DXOMark, and it scored a 90 overall for its mobile camera, and 0 for both its video and photo. |
| Camera Features | Quad, Digital Zoom, etc | Dual, Digital Zoom, etc | Samsung A12 has Quad Camera while Realme C61 has Dual Camera. Both have other useful features |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity, suggesting similar battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | Realme C61 charges significantly faster, saving valuable time. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Both phones have non-removable batteries. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 | Realme C61 has a more recent operating system, with the latest Android features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Realme C61 supports 802.11ac for faster Wi-Fi speeds on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Both have Bluetooth 5.0; Samsung A12 has broader profile support but Realme C61 is optimized for low-energy usage. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Both have GPS capabilities, but different additional satellite system support. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both phones support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128GB | 64/128/256GB | Realme C61 offers more storage options, including a 256GB variant. |
| RAM | 3/4/6GB | 4/6/8GB | Realme C61 offers more RAM for better multitasking and smoother app switching. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | Basic Audio | Stereo Speakers | Realme C61 offers stereo sound for a more immersive audio experience. |
| Security | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones use side-mounted fingerprint sensor for security. |
| Build Quality | N/A | N/A | Both phones have unknown screen protection tech. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Proximity, Accelerometer | Samsung A12 includes an additional Fingerprint sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Telephoto and Wide Angle Lens: Offers more camera versatility with telephoto and wide angle lenses for different shooting scenarios, which is useful for users who like to experiment with different photo compositions.
- More Camera Features: Samsung Galaxy A12 has more camera features, with a Quadruple camera, Continuous shooting and other options.
- Broader Bluetooth Profile Support: Supports a wider array of Bluetooth profiles, potentially offering more compatibility with diverse devices.
- More Sensors: Includes more sensors such as the Fingerprint sensor.
Realme C61 Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: Much more powerful chipset and GPU, leading to better app loading, multitasking and gaming capabilities.
- Faster Charging: 45W charging greatly reduces charging time compared to the 15W of the Samsung A12.
- Superior Display: IPS LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals.
- More Modern OS: Ships with Android 14, providing access to the latest features and security updates.
- More Storage: Offers up to 256GB of internal storage.
- Better Audio: Includes stereo speakers, which offer an enhanced audio experience.
- Lighter Design: The device is lighter which could mean a more comfortable long term use.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung A12 sacrifices performance and features for wider camera versatility while Realme C61 favors performance and a more modern user experience at the cost of Telephoto and Wide Angle camera lenses. The choice comes down to preference in feature priorities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12:
- Ideal User: Users who need a basic smartphone experience with versatile camera setup, with the ability to capture photos and videos from different perspectives. Those who prioritize having a full camera set over other aspects.
- Use Cases: Casual photography, social media sharing, basic media consumption, users who prefer wider connectivity options and additional sensors.
- Price-to-Value: Given its age and specifications, it might be a more budget-friendly option in the second-hand market.
Realme C61:
- Ideal User: Users seeking a smoother, faster smartphone experience with a focus on performance, modern features, and a better visual experience.
- Use Cases: Gaming, multitasking, video streaming, heavy app use, users who want a newer device with better charging capabilities.
- Price-to-Value: Offers better value for its features, more up-to-date software, and improved performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The price difference between older and newer models can be a big factor. If budget is a priority, older models can be considered but this means a sacrifice on performance, software and other specs.
- How important is camera versatility? If having telephoto and wide angle lens is important to you, the Samsung Galaxy A12 is the better option. However if better photos in low-light conditions is a priority, the Realme C61 has a wider aperture that would suit this need.
- How much performance is needed? If heavy use and gaming is a high priority, then Realme C61 is the better choice due to a much more powerful chipset and GPU. However if you only intend to use the device for basic tasks, both will be comparable in performance.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget Conscious): If you are on a very tight budget, the Samsung A12 on the second-hand market, is the better option. However, it's important to be aware of the limitations of the old processor and software.
- Scenario 2 (Balanced Usage): For users who want a smooth and modern user experience with better overall performance for a reasonable price, the Realme C61 is the better option.
- Scenario 3 (Camera Focus): If you prioritize having a versatile set of cameras, then the Samsung Galaxy A12 is suitable, despite having other drawbacks.
- Scenario 4 (Performance Focused): For users who play games or need better performance, the Realme C61 is recommended due to its significantly better chipset, GPU, and RAM.
What I Would Choose and Why!
If I had to choose between the two, I would choose the Realme C61. My primary reason is the vastly superior performance offered by its chipset and GPU, which directly translates to a better and smoother user experience. I also value the newer operating system, the faster charging speed, the improved display, and the stereo speakers. While the Samsung Galaxy A12 offers a more versatile camera setup with the additional telephoto and wide angle lenses, the overall benefits of having better performance, a more modern system, and a fluid user experience make the Realme C61 the preferable choice for me. The real-world benefits of this device, in everyday tasks and long-term usability, far outweigh the extra camera lenses of the Samsung A12.
