1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Realme C65 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | 164.6 × 76.1 × 7.6 mm | Realme C65 is noticeably thinner (1.3mm) and will feel more modern and potentially more comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 205g | 185g | Realme C65 is 20g lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use, especially one-handed. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Realme C65 has slightly more screen real estate, making content consumption and gaming a tad more immersive. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1604 | Both have similar HD+ resolutions. Image sharpness will be comparable, not ideal for crisp text. |
| PPI | 270 | 264 | Similar pixel density, visual difference won't be noticeable. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Realme C65's IPS display likely offers better viewing angles and more accurate colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Realme C65's 90Hz refresh rate will provide a smoother scrolling and animation experience compared to the A12's 60Hz. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is not provided, so outdoor visibility cannot be compared. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | Realme C65's Helio G85 is significantly more powerful, leading to faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 225,154 | The C65 demonstrates substantially better performance; the A12 may struggle with demanding tasks. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Realme C65 has a more capable GPU, which is essential for smoother graphics in games and video playback. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Marginal difference in resolution, but actual image quality depends more on the sensor and software processing. |
| Rear Main Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/1.8 | Realme C65's wider aperture allows more light, which should lead to slightly better low-light photos. |
| Rear Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/2.76" | Samsung Galaxy A12's larger sensor captures more light potentially resulting in better detail and less noise in images |
| Rear Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80µm | 0.64µm | Samsung Galaxy A12 has larger individual pixel size resulting in better light capture, while the Realme C65 may use pixel binning to achieve larger effective pixels. |
| Rear Camera Features | Quadruple camera | Dual Camera | Samsung Galaxy A12 has a dedicated Telephoto and Wide Angle lens while the Realme C65 lacks those. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | Realme C65's wider selfie aperture should result in slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, No Slow-motion | 1080p@30fps, 120fps Slow-motion | Realme C65 offers slow-motion video recording which is missing on the A12, adding creative video options |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, implying similar battery life; actual usage can vary depending on tasks. |
| Charging | 15W | 45W | Realme C65 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 | Realme C65 has a significantly newer Android version, providing access to newer features, security patches, and app compatibility. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n/n 5GHz | Both have similar Wi-Fi capabilities; Realme C65 supports the 5GHz band for potentially faster Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 LE | Both support Bluetooth 5.0, but Realme C65's LE version is more energy efficient. The A12 supports more profiles |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Realme C65 supports more satellite systems, potentially leading to more precise and reliable location data. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Realme C65 offers more internal storage, with a higher base option of 128GB compared to the 32GB base for the A12 |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 6/8 GB | Realme C65 comes with more RAM for smoother multitasking and better app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, which is a drawback for users with large media libraries. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both use the same type of sensor, so no real-world difference. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | Realme C65 includes a compass, which is useful for mapping and navigation apps. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Larger Main Camera Sensor: The 1/2" sensor size may result in better light capture leading to better image quality.
- Telephoto and Wide Angle Lens: The A12 has both lenses for more flexibility in taking photos.
- More Bluetooth Profiles: The A12 supports a wider range of Bluetooth profiles
Practical Implications:
- The Galaxy A12's camera system is more versatile with a dedicated telephoto and wide angle lens.
- The broader Bluetooth profile support on A12 might offer a bit more compatibility with older or specific peripherals.
Realme C65 Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Helio G85 chipset provides a much snappier user experience.
- Smoother Display: The 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations appear smoother.
- Faster Charging: The 45W fast charging greatly reduces charging time.
- Newer Android OS: Comes with Android 14, providing access to new features and better security.
- More Storage and RAM: Comes with a minimum of 128GB Storage and 6GB of RAM, a great improvement over the A12
- More Efficient Bluetooth Uses Bluetooth 5.0 LE (Low Energy).
- Additional GPS support: Supports Galileo and QZSS systems for more accurate location data.
Practical Implications:
- The Realme C65 will feel significantly faster and more responsive in daily use, including gaming.
- The faster charging will minimize battery anxiety and device downtime.
- The newer OS ensures better security and compatibility with the latest apps.
- The additional GPS support can lead to more accurate mapping and navigation.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Realme C65 does not have dedicated telephoto and wide angle lens, but benefits from a faster processor, better refresh rate and charging.
- The Samsung Galaxy A12 has a better main camera sensor size and more bluetooth profiles, but suffers from a much older OS, less RAM and storage as well as a weaker processor
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12 Ideal User:
- Users on a tight budget: The A12 may be available at a lower price point.
- Users who need the telephoto and wide angle lens: The A12 is better equipped for users who want to experiment with different perspectives while taking photos.
- Users who need wider compatibility with older accessories: The wider range of bluetooth profiles might be needed for more niche use cases.
Use Cases:
- Basic smartphone use (calling, texting, light browsing)
- Casual photography with flexibility to use telephoto and wide angle
- Users who need wider bluetooth compatibility
Realme C65 Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize performance and speed: The better processor and RAM will deliver a smoother experience.
- Users who value a smooth display: The 90Hz refresh rate is a nice-to-have for more fluid scrolling.
- Users who need quick charging: The 45W charging will charge the phone quickly.
- Users who want a modern OS The Realme C65 comes with Android 14 out of the box.
Use Cases:
- Smooth everyday use for browsing, social media, and app usage.
- Mobile gaming
- Users who prefer a modern Android experience.
Price-to-Value:
- Based on specs alone, the Realme C65 is offering much better value for the price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
How important is performance to you? If you need a smooth and fast experience for multitasking and gaming, the Realme C65 is significantly better. If you mainly use a phone for basic tasks, the A12 may suffice.
How important is having a dedicated telephoto and wide angle camera? If these lenses are crucial for your photography, the A12 is better. If not, the C65's main camera is adequate.
How important is fast charging? If you dislike waiting for your phone to charge, the Realme C65 is far superior.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget User): If the price difference is substantial and basic usage is the primary need, then the Galaxy A12 might be acceptable. However, the experience will not be as good as the Realme C65
- Scenario 2 (Performance & Modernity): If you want a smoother, faster phone with a modern OS and fast charging, the Realme C65 is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3 (Photography Flexibility): If having telephoto and wide-angle capabilities is a priority, the A12 should be considered, but be prepared to compromise on everything else.
My Choice
I would choose the Realme C65. While the Samsung Galaxy A12 has a slightly larger main camera sensor and two extra camera lenses (telephoto, wide angle) that give it more flexibility, the Realme C65's advantages in performance, display refresh rate, charging speed, newer OS, more RAM and storage and additional GPS systems make it the overall better device. The faster processor and 90Hz display of the C65 contribute greatly to the user experience, whereas the A12's main advantages are mostly in its camera. The speed of the C65 is something that the A12 simply cannot compete with, and this speed is what you will see when using the phone every day. The Realme C65 provides a far better price-to-value ratio overall.
