Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A12 vs. Samsung Galaxy S24+
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm, 205g | 158.5 × 75.9 × 7.7 mm, 196g | S24+ is more compact and lighter, making it easier to handle and carry. A12 is noticeably thicker. |
| Build Quality | Unknown Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S24+ offers significantly better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | S24+ provides a slightly larger viewing area, enhancing media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1440x3120 | S24+ offers a much sharper display with significantly more detail, enhancing image and text clarity. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 513 PPI | S24+ has noticeably sharper and clearer visuals; text and images are crisper. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | Missing Spec | S24+ likely offers better color accuracy and contrast, but we cannot say for sure. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S24+ provides smoother scrolling and animations, offering a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2600 nits | S24+ display is significantly brighter and more readable in direct sunlight. A12 is unsuitable for bright outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM8650-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | S24+ is significantly faster and more powerful, leading to smoother app loading, multitasking, and gaming. A12 is budget level. |
| Antutu Score | 103,000 | 1,639,695 | S24+ offers far superior performance for demanding tasks and games. A12 struggles with intensive applications. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 750 (1 GHz) / Xclipse 940 | S24+ offers significantly enhanced graphics performance for gaming and demanding applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" sensor | S24+ captures more detailed images with better low-light performance due to larger sensor and wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2 | S24+ captures more detailed selfie images. |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9" sensor | S24+ captures significantly more detailed telephoto images, better zoom range. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor | S24+ captures more detailed wide-angle shots with a wider field of view. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP Depth Sensor | Missing | A12 offers depth sensing for portrait mode, while S24+ relies on software processing for bokeh effect. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps, with stabilization | S24+ provides vastly superior video quality, supports higher resolutions and advanced stabilization for smoother videos. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4900 mAh | Both phones offer similar battery capacity. |
| Charging | 15W | 45W | S24+ charges much faster, allowing for quick top-ups when needed. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass, Reverse, Wireless Charging | S24+ offers extra charging flexibility with wireless and reverse wireless charging, plus bypass for gaming while charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 (upgradable to 21) | S24+ offers a newer OS with better features, performance, and security, and is more future-proof with longer updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/6e | S24+ supports faster and more reliable WiFi with newer standards and better performance in congested environments. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE | S24+ has a newer version with improved efficiency and features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | S24+ offers more precise positioning with support for additional satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano/eSIM + Nano/eSIM) | S24+ offers eSIM support for more flexible carrier options; Both phones support using two SIMs simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 256/512 GB | S24+ provides significantly more storage for media and apps; A12 has limited space for large files. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 12 GB | S24+ offers superior multitasking performance and smoother app switching. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Noise cancellation mic, stereo speakers | S24+ has better audio recording quality and immersive playback. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | A12 offers a more advanced sensor, but S24+ security system is still very effective. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | S24+ has more sensors, offering additional functionality for gaming, navigation, and other apps. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Lower Price: The most significant advantage is its affordability.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: It has a slightly more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Depth Sensor: A dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode.
Practical Implications:
- The A12 is a budget-friendly option suitable for basic smartphone users who need a device for calls, messaging, and light media consumption.
Samsung Galaxy S24+ Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Far superior chipset, RAM, and GPU offer significantly better speed, smoother multitasking, and excellent gaming.
- Vastly Superior Display: Higher resolution, higher pixel density, 120Hz refresh rate, and dramatically higher brightness provide an exceptional visual experience.
- Superior Camera System: Much better image quality and versatility with larger sensors, wider apertures, and advanced features.
- Faster Charging: 45W fast charging allows for quicker battery top-ups.
- Advanced Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, bypass charging.
- Latest Software: Android 14 with guaranteed future upgrades.
- Better Connectivity: Newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards offer faster and more reliable connections.
- More Storage: Significantly more internal storage (256/512GB vs 32/64/128GB).
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers and noise cancellation mic for superior audio quality.
- Build Quality: Screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for greater durability.
- Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Includes compass, gyroscope, and barometer for advanced functionality.
Practical Implications:
- The S24+ is designed for users who demand high performance, a premium display, advanced camera capabilities, and cutting-edge features.
Trade-offs:
- The A12 is much cheaper but makes significant compromises in all other key areas.
- The S24+ is significantly more expensive but offers a premium experience in almost every aspect.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, first-time smartphone owners, or individuals who only require basic functionality.
- Use Cases:
- Basic calls and messaging.
- Casual social media browsing.
- Simple web browsing.
- Light media consumption.
- Basic photography and videos.
Samsung Galaxy S24+:
- Ideal User: Power users, photography enthusiasts, mobile gamers, and professionals who need a high-performing and feature-rich device.
- Use Cases:
- Demanding mobile gaming.
- High-resolution video recording and editing.
- Professional-grade photography.
- Heavy multitasking.
- Extensive media consumption.
- Use of productivity applications.
- Outdoor use in bright sunlight.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The A12 provides basic smartphone functionality at a very low price point.
- The S24+ offers significantly greater value with its premium features, but at a much higher cost.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone? The A12 is a budget option, while the S24+ is a premium device with a much higher price.
- Performance Requirements: What will you use your phone for? Basic tasks or demanding applications like gaming and video editing?
- Desired Features: How important are features like high-quality camera, fast charging, and premium display?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Basic Needs: If your primary concern is affordability and you only need a basic smartphone for calls, messaging, and casual browsing, the Samsung Galaxy A12 is suitable.
- Scenario 2: Need for Performance and Features: If you are looking for a high-performance smartphone with a great display, excellent camera, and fast charging, the Samsung Galaxy S24+ is the better option, budget permitting.
- Scenario 3: Balance of Value and Performance: If you need a phone that will handle daily tasks reliably and be enjoyable to use without breaking the bank, you should explore other options closer to the S24+ that come at a lower price point, as the A12 will likely feel slow and outdated for most users.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two devices, I would absolutely choose the Samsung Galaxy S24+. The difference in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and overall user experience is night and day. While the A12 might be suitable for someone with the absolute tightest budget who literally only needs to make calls and send text messages, the S24+ provides a far superior experience that's worth the investment for most people looking for more than just basic functionality. The faster processor, the dramatically better screen with 120Hz and high brightness, the far more capable camera setup, and the significantly faster charging make it a better option in almost all scenarios. The modern features like wireless charging are also quite useful.
The S24+ offers a much more future-proof and enjoyable smartphone experience. The A12, while functional, feels outdated and underpowered in comparison.
