Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A12 vs. Samsung Galaxy A06
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Samsung Galaxy A06 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm | 167.3 x 77.3 x 8 mm | A06 is taller and wider, but thinner and slightly less bulky. A12 will feel more substantial |
| Weight | 205g | 189g | A06 is lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for long periods. A12 will feel heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | A06 offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing, but it's not a big difference. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both phones offer the same screen sharpness. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 262 PPI | Very similar pixel density; difference is not noticeable in daily use. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | PLS LCD | Both screens will have similar color and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both offer the standard 60Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have the same screen brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | A06 has a significantly faster processor for better app performance, gaming, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 225,154 | A06 will handle demanding apps and games more smoothly than A12. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 | A06 has a more powerful GPU, resulting in better gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0 | 50MP, f/1.8 | A06 has slightly higher resolution and wider aperture (better in low light). |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | A06's wider aperture should improve selfie quality in low-light conditions. |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | A12 has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed shots, which A06 lacks |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | N/A | A12 can capture wider photos with its wide-angle lens, A06 cannot. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar depth sensing for portrait mode. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps | A06 offers 60fps video recording for smoother motion; Both have 1080p recording capability |
| DXOMark Score | Main: 90 | Not Available | A12 has a decent camera performance score, A06 has no available score |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Continuous shooting, White balance, ISO | Dual Camera | A12 has more camera versatility with its quad camera setup, A06 has a more simple dual camera setup |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery life on average. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | A06 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Similar battery build. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 (upgradable to 16) | A06 has a newer OS version with modern features and security updates, while the A12's software is now quite old. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | A06 has newer WiFi standards for faster speeds and greater range. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE | A06 has a newer Bluetooth standard for more efficient connections and features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A06 has more satellite support for accurate location tracking |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 64/128 GB | A06 has a slightly more storage options. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 4/6 GB | A06 offers more RAM options, leading to better multitasking performance |
| Expandable | No | No | Both phones lack expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio Features | Basic Audio Features | Both phones provide similar audio output quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both phones offer the same fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown screen protection for both phones. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Proximity, Accelerometer | A12 has an additional fingerprint sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A06 Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Helio G85 chipset provides a substantial performance boost over the Helio P35 in A12, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming experience.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging is much quicker than the A12's 15W, reducing charging times.
- Newer Software: Runs on Android 14, while A12 is stuck on Android 12, offering the latest features and better security.
- Improved Camera: Although it lacks a telephoto and wide-angle lens, the main camera on the A06 has a wider aperture for better low-light performance.
- More Modern Connectivity: Supports newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards, enabling faster data transfers and more efficient connections.
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Telephoto and Wide Angle Lens: Offers more versatile photography with a dedicated telephoto and wide-angle lens for additional capture options.
- DXO Mark Tested: DXO Mark has tested the A12's camera and produced a score.
Trade-offs:
- A06: Lacks telephoto and wide-angle lens options and DXO Mark score.
- A12: Significantly slower performance, outdated software and slower charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A06 Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious users who prioritize performance and software over the camera versatility of the A12.
- Users who need faster charging and modern software features.
- Users who occasionally play mobile games and require smooth multitasking.
- Users who plan to use their phone for an extended period and want the latest OS features.
Use Cases:
- Everyday social media browsing and content consumption.
- Playing casual games and running basic productivity apps.
- Taking quick photos and videos for sharing online.
- Using maps and navigation regularly.
- A good secondary phone or a phone for a user who doesn't need all the bells and whistles.
Samsung Galaxy A12 Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize having a telephoto and wide-angle lens.
- Users on a tight budget who may find the A12 at a lower price point now than the newer A06.
- Users who aren't concerned with the latest software or the best performance.
Use Cases:
- Basic communication and media consumption
- Capturing photos with its zoom and wide-angle lenses for unique photos
- As a secondary or back up phone
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance and modern software? If performance and the latest Android features are crucial, the A06 is the clear winner.
- How much will you use telephoto or wide angle lenses? If you will use this frequently, the A12 has the advantage here
- Is a faster charging a requirement? If this is a priority, the A06 offers significantly quicker charge times.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance Matters Most: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A06 for its superior processing power, faster charging, and modern software.
- Scenario 2: Camera Versatility is Key: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A12 for its telephoto and wide angle lens, if that is what you need.
- Scenario 3: Budget is the Top Priority: Consider which is more within your budget if price is the only decision-making factor.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A06. While the A12 offers a telephoto and wide-angle camera lens, the A06 provides a superior user experience in almost every other aspect that is more important to me. The significantly faster processor in the A06 ensures smoother app usage, better multitasking, and improved gaming, which is far more important to me than the extra camera lenses of the A12. I prefer the faster charging, the newer software and more up to date bluetooth. While it has no DXO Mark score, if the photos are important to me I can always purchase a separate camera. These upgrades make the A06 a more practical choice for daily use, making the A12 not really competitive. The slightly larger screen and lighter weight are additional benefits. Ultimately, the A06 provides a much more fluid experience with the additional benefit of faster charging.
