Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A12 vs. Samsung Galaxy A04
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | 164.4 × 76.3 × 9.1 mm | Negligible size difference, both feel similar in hand. |
| Weight | 205g | 192g | A04 is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for long use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Identical screen size. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 720 x 1600 | Both have the same pixel density, producing similar visual clarity. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | PLS LCD | Identical display tech, expect similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Standard refresh rate for both, neither offer smoother scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have the same brightness, so performance in sunlight is expected to be similar, however, this is an uninformative value. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Identical chipsets, but A04 shows better performance in benchmarks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 124,000 | A04 shows 20% performance improvement in benchmark scores, indicating better handling of demanding apps. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 | Identical GPUs, both deliver similar graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0 | 50MP, f/1.8 | A04 has slightly higher resolution and wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | A12 has higher resolution for sharper selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not Present | A12 allows for basic optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | Not Present | A12 offers wider perspective shots. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Identical depth sensors, offering comparable background blur in portrait mode. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record standard HD video. |
| DXOMark Score | 90 (Mobile) | Not Tested | A12 provides a reference for camera capabilities. |
| Camera Features | Quad Camera | Dual Camera | A12 offers more camera options with additional telephoto and wide lenses. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | Standard Charging | A12 charges faster. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both have non-replaceable batteries. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | A04 has a newer base OS version, meaning better security features, better app compatibility, and longer software support |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n | 802.11 b/g/n/ac | A04 supports newer Wi-Fi 5 (ac) standard offering faster speeds. A12 additionally supports Dual band. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 LE | A12 provides wider range of bluetooth profiles; A04 offers lower energy usage with Bluetooth LE. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | A12 offers better location tracking with additional Beidou support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both phones support dual sim functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 32/64/128 GB | Both have similar storage options. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 3/4/6 GB | Both offer a range of RAM options for multitasking, but similar. |
| Expandable Storage | Not Supported | Not Supported | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic Features | Basic Features | Both offer similar basic audio capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Features | A12 has a fingerprint sensor for more secure unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both use similar protection; Specific type is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Proximity, Accelerometer | A12 has fingerprint sensor for additional biometric security. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- More versatile camera system: Includes dedicated telephoto and wide-angle lenses, offering greater flexibility for different shooting scenarios.
- Faster charging: 15W fast charging reduces battery recharge time.
- Fingerprint sensor: Provides convenient and secure biometric unlocking.
- Wider range of Bluetooth profiles: Better for advanced audio applications
- More satellite systems: Beidou for better GPS tracking.
Samsung Galaxy A04 Advantages:
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 12 (upgradable to 13), providing a more up-to-date software experience and potentially longer support.
- Slightly Better Performance: Marginally improved performance due to the 20% better AnTuTu score.
- Slightly Lighter: 13g lighter, potentially more comfortable for prolonged use.
- Newer Wifi Standard: Supports newer and faster Wifi 5 (ac) standard.
- Wider Aperture: Better low-light photos on the main camera due to wider aperture f/1.8.
- Bluetooth LE: More efficient Bluetooth connection.
Trade-offs:
- The A12 provides a more versatile camera system but the A04 has a better main camera.
- The A12 offers faster charging but the A04 has a newer OS.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious photographers: Users who desire multiple lens options for diverse shooting experiences on a budget.
- Users prioritizing security and convenience: Those who prefer a fingerprint sensor for secure and quick unlocking.
- Users needing faster battery recharge: Users who need their phones to charge quickly.
- Users needing better GPS: Users who need a precise location.
Use Cases for A12:
- Capturing landscapes and group photos with the wide-angle lens.
- Taking detailed close-ups using the telephoto zoom.
- Quickly unlocking the phone with the fingerprint sensor.
- Charging the device quickly during short breaks.
Samsung Galaxy A04 Ideal User:
- Users wanting a newer operating system: Those seeking up-to-date software with the latest features and security.
- Users looking for a balance between price and performance: Those who want a good overall experience without breaking the bank.
- Users wanting slightly better performance: Users that desire a slightly snappier experience.
Use Cases for A04:
- Everyday usage with modern apps.
- Users who want long software support for longer device usage.
- Users that want slightly better performance
- Users who need a lighter phone
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Both phones are in the budget segment. The A12 offers more versatile camera setup, while the A04 offers a better performing chipset and newer software. Both provide good value based on different use cases. The A04 is generally the slightly better value device overall, due to it's performance and newer operating system.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important are camera versatility and features? If you value multiple lenses (wide-angle, telephoto), the A12 is a better fit. If you only want a better main camera and a better selfie camera is not important, the A04 is better.
- How important is having the latest Android OS? If up-to-date software and longer support is crucial, the A04 is the better choice.
- How important is fast charging? If you need to charge quickly, the A12 is a better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual Photographer on a Budget:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A12. The diverse lens options make it more versatile for various shooting situations.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User Prioritizing OS:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A04. The newer Android version offers better security and long-term support.
- Scenario 3: User desiring the best performance on a budget:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A04. With the better performing chipset, it will provide better performance for the same use cases.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A04. While the Galaxy A12 offers a more versatile camera system and faster charging, the A04’s newer Android OS and improved benchmark performance offer a better long-term and overall experience. Although I might enjoy the extra camera lens, the A04 has a better main camera lens for everyday use, making it a better choice for the modern user. Additionally, the A04 has a slightly lighter design and newer Wifi Standard, further solidifying my preference. The faster charging and fingerprint sensor on the A12 is nice to have, but the A04 provides the better overall user experience.
