Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A12 vs. Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | A12 is larger and bulkier; S21 5G is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 205g | 169g | S21 5G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.2" | A12 has a slightly larger screen; S21 5G is more compact. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | S21 5G has much sharper and clearer image quality. |
| PPI | 270 | 421 | S21 5G provides a significantly more detailed display. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | S21 5G has superior color reproduction, deeper blacks and better contrast than A12's LCD panel, making media consumption more enjoyable, also more power efficient. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S21 5G offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | S21 5G has significantly better visibility in bright outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | S21 5G offers much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance due to its more powerful processor. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 749,100 | S21 5G provides a vastly superior overall performance. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G78 MP14 | S21 5G has a significantly more powerful GPU, resulting in better graphics performance in demanding games and apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4000mAh | A12 has a larger battery, potentially offering better battery life, though real-world usage may vary due to differences in efficiency. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 25W fast charging | S21 5G charges faster, though it does not include a charger in the box. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W, Non-removable | S21 5G has advanced features like wireless and reverse charging, making it more versatile. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 12MP | A12 has higher megapixel count, but S21 5G has larger pixel size for better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/1.8 | S21 5G captures more light for brighter photos especially in low light conditions. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.76" | S21 5G sensor gathers more light, leading to better image quality. |
| Additional Rear Cameras | 2MP Telephoto, 5MP Wide Angle, 2MP Portrait | 64MP Telephoto, 12.2MP Wide Angle + Macro | S21 5G features superior sensor quality and versatile options including a telephoto lens, while the A12 includes a macro and depth sensor. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 10MP | S21 5G has slightly higher resolution for selfies. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps | S21 5G offers much higher video resolution, advanced stabilization, and slow-motion capabilities. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 90 | 111 | S21 5G has a much higher overall camera score. |
| DxOMark Selfie Score | Not tested | 132 | S21 5G provides high quality selfie experience |
| Camera Features | Basic features | Advanced features including OIS, 8K and 4K video, RAW, and night mode | S21 5G has features that result in much better picture and video quality with a wide range of options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 | S21 5G is launching with newer operating system that it also get longer support |
| Max OS Version | 12 | 15 | S21 5G will be supported with updates longer |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | S21 5G supports newer WiFi standards for faster speeds and improved performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 LE | S21 5G has more advanced Bluetooth features for improved device connectivity |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | S21 5G offers more precise GPS with more satellite support for better location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both phones support dual SIM cards. |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | S21 5G has more storage options. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 8 GB | S21 5G has more RAM, resulting in better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation mic | S21 5G provides much better audio output quality due to better audio technologies and stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic | A12 has a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor; S21 5G has fingerprint sensor integrated to the display. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | S21 5G has much better screen protection for preventing scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | S21 5G has more advanced sensor suite. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life, especially for basic usage.
- Potentially More Affordable: The A12 is positioned as a budget-friendly device.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Scanner: Might be more convenient to access for some users.
- Quadruple Camera: More variety of camera lenses.
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate, high resolution and brightness for better clarity, color reproduction and smoothness.
- Much Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers significantly better performance in all areas.
- Advanced Camera System: Better sensor, wide aperture, OIS, and versatile lenses result in superior image and video quality.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Features: 25W charging, wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities increase its convenience and versatility.
- Premium Build Quality: Better screen protection and overall more premium feel.
- More RAM and Storage: Higher RAM and internal storage for better performance and more space for apps and data.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos provide better audio quality for multimedia consumption.
- Advanced Connectivity: Features such as WiFi 6, Bluetooth LE and more precise GPS make it more future proof.
Trade-offs:
- A12: Compromises significantly on performance, display quality, and camera capabilities to be more budget friendly.
- S21 5G: Smaller battery capacity (though more efficient) and no expandable storage while costing significantly more.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12 - Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Those who need a functional smartphone at the lowest possible price.
- Basic smartphone users: Those who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, browsing, and social media.
- Users prioritizing battery life: Those who need a long-lasting device with minimal gaming or resource intensive tasks.
- Users who are less concerned about high-end features: Not concerned about camera quality, screen quality, etc.
Samsung Galaxy A12 - Specific Use Cases:
- Basic communication (calls, texts, emails)
- Light social media browsing
- Simple navigation
- Casual music listening
- Long hours of use for basic needs, without needing to charge frequently
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G - Ideal User:
- Performance-oriented users: Those who demand smooth and responsive performance for multitasking, gaming, and intensive apps.
- Multimedia enthusiasts: Those who prioritize high-quality display and audio for consuming videos and music.
- Photography enthusiasts: Those who desire advanced camera features and capabilities for capturing high-quality photos and videos.
- Users wanting a premium device: Those willing to pay a premium for a better experience with better quality device.
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G - Specific Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming
- Professional-quality photography and videography
- Demanding app usage and multitasking
- Content consumption with superior screen quality
- Heavy use without battery anxiety
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? If you are highly budget-constrained, the A12 is an option. But if you can afford to invest in a better phone, S21 5G can offer much better experience.
- What do I prioritize in a smartphone? Are you looking for a basic smartphone or a phone with premium features?
- What are my primary use cases? Will you mostly use the phone for calls and texts or demanding tasks such as mobile gaming or content creation?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget and Basic Usage: If you need a phone for basic communication and casual usage and your budget is highly restricted, the Samsung Galaxy A12 may be the only viable option.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Multimedia: If you want a great multimedia experience with top-tier performance for gaming and photography, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Use with Moderate Budget: If budget is not the main limiting factor, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers a much more balanced package with its superior display, performance, camera, and features.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While the A12 is a budget friendly option, the S21 5G offers significantly better user experience in almost every way. The superior display alone, with its higher resolution, AMOLED technology, and 120Hz refresh rate, makes a massive difference in daily use, improving media consumption and overall phone interaction. Furthermore, the powerful chipset, the advanced camera system and fast charging makes it much more appealing. Although battery capacity is smaller, the efficient processor should provide reasonable battery life. The premium features also make the S21 5G more future-proof. While the price difference is significant, the overall experience is worth the extra investment for a person looking for a better experience with their smartphone.
