Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A12 vs. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly taller (1.1mm) but similar in width and thickness. Negligible difference in hand feel. |
| Weight | 205g | 227g | A12 is significantly lighter (22g), more comfortable for extended use and pocketability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.8" | S21 Ultra offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for multimedia consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1440x3200 | S21 Ultra has a dramatically sharper display, much better clarity for text, images and videos |
| PPI | 270 | 515 | S21 Ultra has significantly higher pixel density, resulting in crisper visuals. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | S21 Ultra's AMOLED provides deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors and better power efficiency in dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S21 Ultra offers smoother scrolling and animations, a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | S21 Ultra is much better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight, but the A12's brightness is not available |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | S21 Ultra's chipset is significantly more powerful, enabling faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 749,000 | S21 Ultra offers dramatically better overall performance, more future-proof and smoother operation |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G78 MP14 | S21 Ultra's GPU provides significantly better graphics processing, leading to superior gaming and graphical performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Rear Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2" sensor | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" sensor | S21 Ultra's main camera has higher resolution, wider aperture, and larger sensor, resulting in better low-light performance and more detailed photos. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | Not Available | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" sensor | S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens, enabling optical zoom and improved portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" sensor | S21 Ultra's selfie camera has much higher resolution and larger sensor, resulting in significantly sharper selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" sensor | S21 Ultra offers significantly better telephoto capabilities with higher resolution and sensor, but a smaller aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | Not Available | A12 offers a dedicated wide-angle lens, while S21 ultra does not. |
| Portrait mode (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | A12 offers a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait shots, while S21 Ultra does not. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Not Available | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor | S21 Ultra has a dedicated ultrawide with macro capabilities. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@960fps | S21 Ultra offers much higher video recording capabilities, including 8K recording and higher frame rates. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 90 | 115 (photo:121, video:100) | S21 Ultra has superior overall camera performance based on DXOMark scores. |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | Not Available | 135 (photo:133, video:140) | S21 Ultra has a high-quality selfie camera that is not available on the A12. |
| Camera Features | Basic set | Advanced features like OIS, Laser AF, RAW, Night Mode | S21 Ultra has a vastly more comprehensive set of features, more advanced photo and video capabilities |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, expected similar battery life with different usage patterns. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging, Li-Ion | 25W fast charging, Li-Polymer | S21 Ultra charges faster, with better battery technology |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Wireless charging, No charger in-box | S21 Ultra has more advanced features like reverse charging and wireless charging while the A12 does not. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to 12 | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | S21 Ultra has a newer OS and longer support, receiving more updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | S21 Ultra supports the latest WiFi standard, offering faster and more stable connection. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | S21 Ultra has a newer version of Bluetooth, offering better performance and battery efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS(L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | S21 Ultra supports more satellite systems, improving location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256/512 GB | S21 Ultra offers more internal storage options. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 12/16 GB | S21 Ultra has significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | Not Available | Not Available | Neither device supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Noise Cancellation, Stereo Speakers | S21 Ultra provides higher audio fidelity and an immersive sound experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint | A12 has a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint scanner. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | S21 Ultra has vastly superior screen protection, more durable and less prone to scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Proximity, Barometer, Fingerprint | S21 Ultra provides more advanced sensors for enhanced functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Lighter: Easier to handle for extended periods.
- Wider Angle and Portrait Lens: Has a wider angle and portrait lens while the S21 Ultra does not.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient access.
- Lower Price: Significantly more budget-friendly
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Much higher resolution, AMOLED technology, smoother refresh rate, and higher brightness.
- Significantly Better Performance: Faster chipset, more RAM, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Much Better Camera: Higher resolution sensors, larger sensor, telephoto lens, wide-macro lens, vastly superior photo and video features, significantly higher DXOMark scores.
- Advanced Features: Wireless charging, reverse charging, much better screen protection, and enhanced audio features.
- Better Connectivity: Latest WiFi and Bluetooth standards, better GPS accuracy.
- More Storage/Ram Options: Higher storage and RAM configurations for heavy users.
- Better Video Recording: 8k recording, HDR.
- Longer Software Support: Newer OS and longer support cycle, getting more updates
Significant Trade-offs:
- Galaxy A12: Sacrifices performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and many advanced features for a lower price.
- Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G: Significantly higher price tag and is heavier. No wide angle or depth lens camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12 - Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Prioritize affordability over top-tier specs.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Need reliable calling, texting, web browsing, and social media.
- Users who need Wide-Angle and Portrait lens: The S21 Ultra does not have these lenses.
- Those who value lightness: Users who find larger, heavier phones cumbersome.
- Minimalist Users: Do not require demanding applications or extensive camera capabilities.
Use Cases:
- Basic communication
- Casual social media browsing
- Media consumption with less stringent visual requirements
- Everyday photography for basic documentation
- Users who need a lighter phone
- Users who value a side mounted fingerprint scanner
- Users who need a dedicated wide angle and depth lens
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G - Ideal User:
- Power Users: Need top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Prioritize high-quality images and versatile camera features.
- Multimedia Lovers: Value a vibrant, sharp display for consuming video content.
- Users who use the phone in bright environments: The screen brightness is much better than the A12.
- Those who value the latest technology: Want the best performance, connectivity, and features.
- Users who care about better audio and video recording.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming at high settings
- Professional photography and video production
- Extensive multitasking and productivity
- Immersive media consumption
- Users who want all the features available in one phone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone? Is a lower price point an absolute priority, or are you willing to pay more for better specs?
- Primary Use: What are your primary uses for a smartphone (basic communication vs. demanding applications and photography)?
- Feature Importance: Which features are most important to you: display quality, camera capabilities, performance, or battery life, and does it justify the cost?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is the primary concern - Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A12. It offers adequate performance for basic tasks at a significantly lower price.
- Scenario 2: High-quality display and multimedia consumption is the primary concern - Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. The superior AMOLED display and stereo speakers create a significantly better multimedia experience.
- Scenario 3: Photography and videography is key - Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Its versatile camera system and features enable high-quality photos and videos.
- Scenario 4: Need for a light phone - Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A12. It weighs less than the S21 Ultra.
- Scenario 5: Need for wide angle and portrait lens - Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A12. The S21 Ultra does not have these lenses.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. The significantly superior display, camera system, and overall performance make it worth the extra cost. As someone who uses their phone for media consumption, photography, and productivity tasks, the S21 Ultra would provide a far better experience. The enhanced audio and more future-proof features also tip the scales in its favor. While I do appreciate the lighter weight and side-mounted fingerprint sensor of the A12, the S21 Ultra's advantages in key areas are too significant to ignore. The added benefits of better screen protection, wireless charging, and longer software support add up to make the S21 Ultra my preferred device.
