1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | 165.4 × 76.9 × 8.4 mm | A23 5G is slightly taller and wider but thinner. Minimal difference in hand feel. |
| Weight | 205g | 197g | A23 5G is slightly lighter, potentially noticeable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in screen size. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2408 | A23 5G has a significantly sharper display; text and images will appear clearer. |
| PPI | 270 | 400 | A23 5G has much higher pixel density, resulting in a noticeably sharper display with more detail. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | PLS LCD | Similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | A23 5G has much smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | No difference in display brightness. Note: Peak brightness is not stated in the spec data. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | A23 5G has a much more powerful and efficient chipset, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 418,000 | A23 5G has significantly higher performance, capable of handling more demanding tasks. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 619 | A23 5G has a more powerful GPU, better for gaming and graphics-intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery life, all else being equal. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 25W fast charging | A23 5G charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | A23 5G offers 'Bypass Charging' which could reduce battery wear over time. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2" sensor, 0.80 µm pixels | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor, 0.64 µm pixels | A23 5G has a slightly higher resolution, wider aperture, but smaller sensor. A23 5G should be better in low-light scenarios |
| Selfie | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | A23 5G has a wider aperture for potentially better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | A12 has a dedicated telephoto lens. |
| Wide Angle | 5MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Similar wide-angle capabilities |
| Depth | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar depth sensing for portrait mode. |
| Macro | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | A23 5G has a dedicated macro lens. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, No stabilization | 1080p@30fps, Yes stabilization | A23 5G has electronic image stabilization for smoother videos. A23 5G also has Slow-motion @ 120fps. |
| DXOMark | 90 (mobile, photo=0, video=0) | Not tested | A12 camera performance has been tested by DxOMark and has a score of 90. |
| Features | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | A23 5G has Optical image stabilization and faster autofocus which results in clearer pictures with better focus |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10, Max version: 12 | Android 12, Max version: 14 | A23 5G has a newer OS out of the box and will receive longer software support |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n, Dual band | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | A23 5G supports newer WiFi standards for faster network speeds. A12 additionally supports dual band. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE, Apt-x | A23 5G has a more efficient and reliable Bluetooth connection. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A23 5G has more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Single SIM | A12 supports using 2 SIMs simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32 GB / 64 GB / 128 GB | Not specified | A12 comes with different storage variants; A23 5G Storage spec is missing |
| RAM | 3 GB / 4 GB / 6 GB | Not specified | A12 comes with different RAM variants; A23 5G RAM spec is missing |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Basic audio features | Both are equal in Audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones use the same side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | A23 5G has a more durable screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | A23 5G has more sensors for advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Telephoto lens: Offers optical zoom capabilities which is absent in the A23 5G.
- Dual SIM support: Allows use of two SIM cards simultaneously.
- Wider variety of storage and RAM options: Comes in different storage and RAM options.
- Lower AnTuTu score: Might be more affordable option for users that do not need much performance power.
- DxOMark Score: The only one tested by DxOMark, making it easier to understand the camera performance
- MAP (Message Access Profile) Bluetooth Support: Support MAP profile for Bluetooth
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: Snapdragon 695 5G chipset offers a massive boost in speed and responsiveness.
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate provide a much better visual experience.
- Faster Charging: 25W charging will charge the device much faster than the 15W of the A12.
- Better Camera Features: Optical image stabilization, wider aperture and Phase Detection Autofocus enhance photo quality.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards provide faster and more stable connections.
- Bypass Charging: Feature that reduces battery wear and heat while playing plugged in.
- More Sensors: Includes Gyroscope, Barometer, and other sensors to add additional functionality.
- Macro Camera: Dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
- More modern OS and Software support: Comes with Android 12 and max android support for 14.
- Corning Gorilla Glass 5: Better protection against scratches and screen damage.
- LE (Low Energy), APT-x Bluetooth Support: Support better audio and power efficiency using Bluetooth.
- QZSS, Galileo GPS support: More precise and stable GPS tracking.
- Better Standard Camera: wider aperture and a better image sensor.
Significant Trade-offs:
- A12: Loses in almost every aspect besides having a telephoto lens and dual sim support, but is generally a lower-performing device.
- A23 5G: Lacks a telephoto lens and dual sim support, which is present on A12.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users who are primarily concerned with cost and only use basic smartphone functions.
- Users needing Dual SIM Functionality: People who travel frequently or need to manage multiple phone numbers on a single device.
- Users Who Take Lots of Photos Using Optical Zoom Users who like taking zoomed photos using an optical lens.
- Users with Basic Needs: Users with very basic usage, like casual web browsing, light social media, and phone calls.
Use Cases:
- Basic communication and calling
- Simple web browsing
- Taking telephoto photos using optical zoom
- Using two different numbers on the same phone
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G Ideal Users:
- Users Seeking Better Performance: Individuals who want smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming.
- Users Who Prioritize Display Quality: People who value a sharp, fluid display for consuming media.
- Users Seeking Better Cameras: People who prioritize image and video quality and versatility.
- Users wanting future-proof phones: Those who prefer a phone with the most modern software.
Use Cases:
- Gaming, multitasking, and running demanding apps
- Streaming video content with better visual clarity
- Taking high-quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions
- Users who prioritize smoother experience and future proofing
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The A12 will likely be the cheaper option, but the value is substantially less.
- How important is performance? If you want a smooth and responsive experience, the A23 5G is the better choice.
- How important is camera quality? While the A12 has a telephoto lens, the A23 5G has better image quality and more features overall.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget User: If you need a basic phone and are very price-sensitive, and need dual SIM support, the Galaxy A12 may be sufficient.
- Scenario 2: Performance User: If you value smooth performance, better gaming, and superior display quality, the Galaxy A23 5G is the much better option.
- Scenario 3: Camera Enthusiast: If you prioritize camera quality, features like OIS, and Macro, the Galaxy A23 5G is the superior choice.
My Choice and Why
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G. While the Galaxy A12 offers a telephoto lens and dual SIM support, the A23 5G provides a vastly superior overall experience. The significantly faster processor, higher-resolution 120Hz display, better camera with OIS and faster charging, plus the more modern software, all combine to make it a much more pleasant phone to use daily. The lack of a telephoto lens is a trade-off I'd be willing to make for the drastic improvements in all other areas. Furthermore, the A23 5G will likely stay relevant for a longer time due to its better performance, software support, and newer technologies. For me, the additional cost for the A23 5G is justified by the vast increase in capabilities and user experience.
