Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A12 vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | 162.3 × 79 × 8.6 mm | A12 is slightly taller and thicker, S24 Ultra is wider. May impact one-handed use and pocket comfort. |
| Weight | 205g | 232g | S24 Ultra is noticeably heavier; A12 is more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.8" | S24 Ultra offers slightly more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1440x3120 | S24 Ultra has a much sharper display; images and text will look significantly clearer. |
| PPI | 270 | 505 | S24 Ultra's higher pixel density results in a more detailed and crisp visual experience. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | Both use LCD-based display technology. Lack of info on S24 Ultra screen tech limits the comparison. | |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S24 Ultra provides much smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming; A12 might feel sluggish in comparison. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2600 nits | S24 Ultra is dramatically better for outdoor use in bright sunlight. A12 is not suitable for outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM8650-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | S24 Ultra's chipset is significantly more powerful for demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 1,814,869 | S24 Ultra offers vastly superior performance; apps load much faster and the phone is far more responsive. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 750 (1 GHz) | S24 Ultra's GPU is much more capable for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 48MP | 200MP | S24 Ultra's main sensor captures significantly more detail and allows for more cropping and editing flexibility. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/1.7 | S24 Ultra's wider aperture allows for better low-light performance. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.3" | S24 Ultra has a larger sensor for improved low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | N/A | 50MP | S24 Ultra provides dedicated telephoto and portrait capabilities for versatile photography. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 12MP | S24 Ultra takes higher quality selfies |
| Telephoto Lens Resolution | 2MP | 10MP | S24 Ultra's telephoto lens allows for more detailed zoomed-in shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens Resolution | 5MP | 12.2MP | S24 Ultra captures wider, more detailed scenes. |
| Portrait mode (depth) | 2MP | N/A | A12 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots. S24 Ultra uses other techniques. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps | S24 Ultra records much higher resolution videos, with better stabilization and features. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | S24 Ultra has video stabilization while A12 doesn't |
| Slow Motion | No, 30 fps | Yes, 240fps | S24 Ultra offers significantly better slow motion recording. |
| DXOMark Main Score | 90 | 144 | S24 Ultra has much superior camera performance in both photo and video. |
| Camera Features | Basic | Advanced (Night Mode, OIS, RAW) | S24 Ultra offers more versatile and advanced photography features. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same capacity. Real-world battery life will depend on usage. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | S24 Ultra charges significantly faster. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Non-removable, 15W wireless charging, 4.5W reverse wireless charging | S24 Ultra has additional features such as wireless charging and reverse charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | S24 Ultra is running a much newer version of Android with updated features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11n | WiFi 6E | S24 Ultra has faster and more stable Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 LE | S24 Ultra has a newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | Basic | Advanced (dual-band) | S24 Ultra has better GPS accuracy and supports more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | S24 Ultra supports eSIM for easy carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32GB/64GB/128GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | S24 Ultra has significantly more storage capacity. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB/6GB | 12GB | S24 Ultra has a higher amount of RAM making multitasking much smoother. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation | S24 Ultra offers a more immersive audio experience and clearer calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor is a more advanced security feature |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Armor | S24 Ultra's screen is more durable and scratch-resistant. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | S24 Ultra features additional sensors for advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Lower Cost: The A12 is significantly more affordable.
- Lighter: More comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: A more advanced way to unlock your phone
- Depth Sensor: Has an extra camera for better portrait shots
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Much faster chipset, more RAM, and better GPU result in a much smoother and faster user experience.
- Significantly Better Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and brightness result in a stunning display that is usable in all conditions.
- Much Better Camera System: Offers a versatile camera system with much higher photo and video quality and advanced features, including various lenses and modes.
- Faster Charging: Charges significantly faster and supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Newer Software: Comes with a newer version of Android, ensuring more recent features and security updates.
- More Storage: Offers substantially more internal storage, eliminating the need to worry about running out of space.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Supports newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards for faster and more reliable connectivity.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers and noise cancellation provide much more immersive audio experience.
- More Robust Build: Corning Gorilla Glass Armor provides enhanced protection against scratches and impacts.
- Additional Sensors: Has additional sensors for advanced features and gaming
Trade-offs:
- Price: The S24 Ultra comes at a premium price.
- Weight: The S24 Ultra is heavier, which may be a drawback for some users.
- Side Fingerprint Sensor: The S24 Ultra does not come with the side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which some users may prefer
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who need a basic smartphone for calls, messages, and simple browsing.
- Use Cases:
- Primary phone for basic communication.
- Secondary phone for travel or work.
- Smartphone for older adults or younger users who don't need demanding features.
- Users who prefer a lighter phone.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra:
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts, content creators, gamers, and power users who demand the best possible performance, camera, and display.
- Use Cases:
- Professional-grade photography and videography.
- Mobile gaming.
- Demanding productivity tasks.
- Media consumption on a high-quality display.
- Users who want a future-proof phone.
Price-to-Value:
- The A12 offers good value for budget-conscious users who need basic smartphone functionality.
- The S24 Ultra is a premium device with a premium price, but it provides top-of-the-line features, performance, and quality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The S24 Ultra is significantly more expensive than the A12.
- What are your primary use cases? Do you need high performance, a great camera, or are basic functions sufficient?
- How important is display quality and performance? Do you require a smooth display and fast performance or is acceptable good enough?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is the primary concern. Choose the Samsung Galaxy A12. It is a basic smartphone that will get the job done and is affordable.
- Scenario 2: A good phone for basic use is needed. Choose the Samsung Galaxy A12. It is a good phone for basic communication, browsing, and media consumption.
- Scenario 3: You prioritize performance, camera quality, and display. Choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. It is a top-tier smartphone that offers the best features, performance, and camera quality.
- Scenario 4: You need a great camera for photos and videos. Choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. It offers superior camera performance for both photos and videos.
- Scenario 5: You are a gamer, or need fast processing. Choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. It has a powerful chip set, making it ideal for gaming and fast processing.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. While it is significantly more expensive, the leap in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and overall user experience is massive. As a power user who relies heavily on my phone for various tasks, including mobile gaming, photography, and productivity, the S24 Ultra's top-tier features and future-proofing make it the clear winner for my needs. Although the A12 is a functional device, the difference in functionality between it and the S24 Ultra is simply too large for me to ignore, and the S24 Ultra would provide a far better experience in my day-to-day usage. The higher price would be an investment in a much more capable device that would last longer and perform much better.
