1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | 164.7 × 76.7 × 9.1 mm | Very similar physical size, negligible difference in hand feel. |
| Weight | 205g | 195g | A04s is slightly lighter, may feel less tiring during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Identical screen sizes provide the same viewing area. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Similar sharpness; both are acceptable for everyday use but not the sharpest available. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 270 PPI | Similar image detail; no noticeable difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | PLS LCD | Similar color reproduction and viewing angles; may not be as vibrant as AMOLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | A04s will provide smoother scrolling and animations; makes the experience feel slightly more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have similar brightness. Note: Brightness data is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | A04s's Exynos 850 is more efficient and performs better, leading to smoother app operation and better overall responsiveness. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 117,300 | A04s has a higher benchmark score, translating to better performance in everyday tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 | A04s's Mali-G52 GPU will handle graphics-intensive tasks slightly better. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0 | 50MP, f/1.8 | A04s has a higher resolution and wider aperture, which allows more light for better low-light photography. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | A12 offers higher resolution for selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | A12 has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoom capabilities, which A04s lacks. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | A12 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing expansive scenes, which A04s lacks. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have similar depth sensors for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | A04s has a macro lens for close-up photography, which A12 lacks. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps; No Slow Motion | 1080p@30fps; Yes Slow Motion | Both record at same resolution, but A04s offers slow-motion video capabilities, with different frames. |
| Camera Features | Quad, Digital Zoom, etc. | Triple, Digital Zoom, PDAF, etc. | A12 offers more lens options, while A04s offers PDAF for faster focusing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Identical battery sizes will offer similar battery life under comparable usage. |
| Charging | 15W | 15W | Similar charging speeds, takes relatively longer to charge. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | A04s has a newer Android version out of the box, meaning it will have more modern features and slightly longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | A04s supports Wi-Fi ac for faster speeds on compatible networks. A12 supports Dual band. A04s supports Wi-Fi display. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 with more features | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | A12 has more Bluetooth features but A04s offers Low Energy for improved battery usage. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A04s has more satellite system support for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 32/64/128 GB | Similar storage options; sufficient for basic apps and media. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 3/4 GB | A12 offers an optional 6GB RAM variant for better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | No option for expandable storage. |
| Other | |||
| Security | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both have a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick unlocking. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Ultrasonic virtual proximity | Similar sensors configuration for various tasks. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- More versatile camera system: Includes dedicated telephoto and wide-angle lenses, offering greater flexibility in different shooting scenarios.
- Higher resolution selfie camera: 8MP front-facing camera for sharper selfie shots, which can appeal to users who frequently use the front camera.
- Optional 6GB RAM: Available with a 6GB RAM variant, which can handle more demanding tasks and provide better multitasking than the 4GB variant on A04s.
- More Bluetooth features: Supports a wider array of Bluetooth profiles.
Samsung Galaxy A04s Advantages:
- Newer chipset: Exynos 850 offers improved performance and energy efficiency over the A12's Helio P35.
- Higher refresh rate: 90Hz display for smoother scrolling and animations, providing a slightly better user experience.
- Better main camera: 50MP main camera with a wider f/1.8 aperture for better low-light photos.
- Macro lens: Offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 12, offering more modern features out-of-the-box and longer software support.
- Better GPS: Better accuracy with more satellite system support.
Trade-offs:
- A12: Sacrifices performance and display smoothness for a more versatile camera system and potentially more RAM.
- A04s: Trades some camera versatility and a higher resolution front camera for better general performance and a smoother display.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A12:
- Casual photographers: Those who prioritize having multiple lens options (telephoto and wide-angle) for diverse shooting situations.
- Selfie Enthusiasts: Users who frequently use the front-facing camera and prefer higher resolution selfies.
- Moderate multitaskers: Those who may occasionally use multiple apps at the same time and want more RAM (6GB variant).
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- General users: Those who prioritize general usage performance over camera versatility.
- Users who prefer smooth display: Those who want a smoother experience with less screen lag.
- Users who like macro photography: Those who prefer close-up photography.
- Users who want a newer OS: Those who want a more modern operating system.
- Budget-conscious buyers: Those looking for the best value in performance at a lower price point.
Use Cases:
- A12: Taking family photos, capturing landscapes, social media sharing that requires zoom, or group photos.
- A04s: Daily social media browsing, light gaming, streaming videos and general usage, close-up photography.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prefer a versatile camera system or faster overall performance? (A12 favors camera flexibility, A04s prioritizes performance)
- Do you prioritize a smoother display or a higher-resolution front-facing camera? (A04s has a smoother display, A12 has a better selfie camera)
- Are you looking for a phone with newer software with a longer support life? (A04s ships with a newer Android OS).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Social Media Content Creator (Photos and Videos):
- Recommendation: If you need a good variety of camera lens and are not a heavy multitasker, the Galaxy A12 may be slightly better due to more versatile camera system.
- Recommendation: If you prioritize smooth scrolling, the Galaxy A04s should be your option.
- Scenario 2: Daily General Use (Browsing, Apps, Light Gaming):
- Recommendation: Galaxy A04s offers better performance with its more efficient chipset and smoother 90Hz display.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious buyer:
- Recommendation: Galaxy A04s is a newer phone and performs slightly better in benchmarks.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A04s. The primary reason for this is the balance of features it offers at its price point. While the A12 offers a more versatile camera system with its dedicated telephoto and wide-angle lenses, the A04s makes up for it by having better general performance, better low-light camera, a smoother 90Hz display, a dedicated macro lens, and a newer OS. The more efficient Exynos 850 chipset and the 90Hz display on the A04s will result in a noticeably better user experience for the vast majority of everyday tasks and usage, including light gaming. Also, the fact that it has a newer version of Android means a longer software support. For a casual user, the A04s will provide a better day-to-day experience than the A12. While both phones provide a similar battery life, the A04s has a better energy efficiency.
