1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | 158 × 76.5 × 8.2 mm | A12 is taller and thicker, S23 FE is wider but slimmer. S23 FE is slightly more pocketable and ergonomic in hand. |
| Weight | 205g | 209g | Both feel similar in hand weight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.4" | Very similar screen size, negligible difference in everyday use. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2340 | S23 FE has a much sharper and clearer display, better for reading and viewing detailed content. |
| PPI | 270 | 403 | S23 FE has noticeably sharper text, images, videos. A12 display will appear less crisp. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | S23 FE has superior color reproduction, deeper blacks, better contrast, and superior power efficiency with dark themes. A12 has less vibrant colors, lower contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S23 FE offers smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming, resulting in a more fluid experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Note: Peak brightness is unavailable. Unable to assess visibility in outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) - International | S23 FE will handle demanding tasks and games much smoother and faster. A12 may struggle with intensive apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 1,188,176 | S23 FE offers significantly better day-to-day speed, app loading, gaming, and multitasking performance, future-proofing the device. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Xclipse 920 | S23 FE will provide a superior gaming and graphics performance due to the AMD Xclipse GPU. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | S23 FE main camera will capture slightly more detailed photos. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/1.8 | S23 FE performs slightly better in low light conditions due to the wider aperture. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.57" | S23 FE sensor will capture more light, leading to better low-light performance and less noise. |
| Telephoto Camera | 2MP | 8MP | S23 FE offers better optical zoom, better portraits and versatility. A12 provides less quality telephoto capability. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP | 13MP (Macro) | S23 FE offers wider field of view and macro capabilities, A12 offers standard wide view quality. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 10.8MP | S23 FE offers slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | A12 has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | S23 FE is capable of professional level quality video, with image stabilization. A12 is limited to basic 1080p recording. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 90 | 127 | S23 FE offers a vastly superior camera system with better photos and videos. |
| Camera Features | Basic features | Optical zoom, OIS, Night Mode, RAW | S23 FE has advanced features for better photos and videos. A12 has only basic features. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | A12 has a slightly larger battery that may offer longer battery life. |
| Charging | 15W | 25W | S23 FE charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | 15W wireless charging, Reverse wireless charging, No charger in-box | S23 FE has convenient wireless and reverse charging, but no included charger. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 10 (max 12) | Android 13 (max 17) | S23 FE has a more modern OS with newer features and longer software support. |
| WiFi | 802.11n | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | S23 FE provides faster and more reliable Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE | S23 FE has the most recent version of bluetooth with superior performance and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | S23 FE has more satellite support, for more accurate location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | S23 FE offers much more storage space for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 8 GB | S23 FE offers smoother multitasking due to more RAM. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both have no expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation mic | S23 FE offers more immersive audio experience with better sound quality. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | A12 has a more convenient and faster side mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | S23 FE has significantly better scratch and drop protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity | S23 FE includes additional sensors (compass and gyroscope) for advanced features and more precise orientation tracking. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Potentially Longer Battery Life: Larger battery capacity might result in longer use between charges (although this is dependent on usage).
- More advanced fingerprint sensor: Has a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Potentially Cheaper: As an older, lower-end model, it's likely significantly more affordable.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: Much faster processor and more RAM for smoother operation, multitasking, and gaming.
- Superior Display Quality: Higher resolution, AMOLED technology, and 120Hz refresh rate offer a much richer and smoother visual experience.
- Vastly Better Camera System: Offers better image quality, low-light performance, and advanced features. Capable of taking better photos and videos.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging reduces charging time.
- Wireless Charging: Wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities offer greater convenience.
- Modern Features: Support for Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 LE, and a more advanced set of sensors.
- Dolby Atmos Audio: superior audio quality.
- Superior Build Quality: Includes screen protection.
- More Storage: Available in larger storage configurations and includes a higher ram.
- More Software Updates: A newer OS means longer software support and future upgrades.
Trade-offs:
- A12: Offers a lower overall performance and an outdated feature set compared to the S23 FE, but may provide slightly better battery life and be more affordable.
- S23 FE: Higher price point, slightly less battery capacity (although this may be offset by the power efficient chipset), and no included charger in the box.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A12:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who prioritize affordability over top-tier performance or advanced features.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Individuals who primarily use a phone for calls, texts, browsing, and light social media usage.
- Users with specific battery needs: If maximum battery capacity is the top priority.
- Users who prefer simple devices: If simplicity is key, the A12 would fit the criteria.
Use Cases for Galaxy A12:
- Secondary phone: A reliable backup for basic communication.
- First smartphone for a child/senior: A more affordable option for new users.
- Basic daily driver: Good for everyday light tasks.
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S23 FE:
- Performance-Oriented Users: Those who want a smooth, responsive phone for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
- Multimedia Lovers: Individuals who enjoy watching high-resolution videos, capturing high-quality photos and videos.
- Users Who Value Display Quality: Those who appreciate a bright, vibrant, and sharp screen.
- Users Who Want Wireless Charging and Enhanced Audio: Those who want convenient, modern features.
- Users seeking device longevity: Users who value long-term software support and upgrades
Use Cases for Galaxy S23 FE:
- Gaming: The faster processor and GPU provide a superior gaming experience.
- Photography and Videography: The advanced camera system excels at capturing high-quality photos and videos in various conditions.
- Productivity: Smooth multitasking and ample storage.
- Daily driver with demanding usage: For heavy app usage, frequent photo/video capture and multimedia consumption.
- Users who prefer wireless charging: For people who need wireless charging capabilities and superior sound quality.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Galaxy A12 is a budget-friendly option, but it offers a lower level of performance and fewer features.
- The Galaxy S23 FE offers significantly greater performance, display quality, and camera capabilities and is worth the extra cost if performance and features are a priority.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The A12 will be much more affordable.
- How important is performance? S23 FE has a significant performance advantage.
- What are your primary use cases? Consider if you value photography, gaming, display quality, wireless charging, and software support.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Basic Use
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A12. It handles basic tasks well, is affordable, and has a long battery life.
- Scenario 2: Moderate Budget, Decent Performance
- Recommendation: Still consider the S23 FE. Although this is more expensive, its advanced features are well worth it.
- Scenario 3: Premium User, Demanding Tasks
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. The superior performance, display, camera, and additional features make it the preferred choice.
My Choice and Why
If I were to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. While the A12 offers a slightly larger battery and is likely more budget-friendly, the S23 FE provides a vastly superior overall experience. The difference in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and advanced features is substantial.
My primary reasons for choosing the S23 FE are:
- Performance: The significantly faster chipset and ample RAM would result in a much smoother and more responsive experience for daily use and gaming.
- Display: As someone who watches videos and reads a lot of text, the superior AMOLED screen of the S23 FE, with its higher resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, is a considerable upgrade.
- Camera: The enhanced photo and video quality, especially the inclusion of OIS, a telephoto lens, and 4K video recording capabilities, makes the S23 FE much more versatile and capable for capturing important moments.
- Longevity: The S23 FE's more modern operating system, longer software support, better build quality, and modern connectivity standards would offer greater longevity.
- Features: Wireless charging, enhanced audio and stereo speakers are highly beneficial in day-to-day use.
While the S23 FE is more expensive, I believe the improved user experience and future-proofing capabilities justify the higher cost for most users, especially those who prioritize performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. The S23 FE is the clear winner in terms of overall value for anyone who uses their phone for more than just basic communication.
