Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A12 vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | 254.3 × 165.8 × 6.5 mm | Tab S9 FE is much larger; A12 is more pocketable |
| Weight | 205g | 523g | A12 is significantly lighter, easier to hold and carry for long periods |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 10.9" | Tab S9 FE offers a much larger viewing area, better for media consumption, multitasking |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1440x2304 | Tab S9 FE provides much sharper images, less pixelation, better for detailed content |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 249 | A12 has slightly more pixel density which won't be noticeable to the naked eye |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Tab S9 FE should have better color accuracy and viewing angles |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Tab S9 FE provides smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness, but the missing value limits brightness comparison |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | Tab S9 FE provides significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 507,000 | Tab S9 FE is much more powerful, handles demanding tasks with ease; A12 will struggle with intensive applications |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G68 MP5 | Tab S9 FE has a more powerful GPU, important for graphics-intensive tasks like gaming |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0 | 12MP, f/2.0 | A12 has higher resolution; however, sensor size and software processing also affect image quality, which is not provided for the Tab S9 FE. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP | Both have the same resolution; image quality depends on sensor quality which is not provided for both. |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | A12 has a telephoto lens for optical zoom, a feature not present on Tab S9 FE |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | A12 includes a wide-angle lens, which Tab S9 FE lacks |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | A12 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photos, not found on Tab S9 FE |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | Tab S9 FE allows for higher quality video recording at 4K, offering more flexibility for video recording and editing |
| Slow Motion Video | No, 30fps | Yes, 60fps | Tab S9 FE is capable of slow motion video capture |
| DxoMark Score | Mobile: 90, Photo: 0, Video:0 | Not Tested | Only the A12 has been tested. No rating can be given for the Tab S9 FE. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 8000mAh | Tab S9 FE offers significantly longer battery life due to larger capacity, though actual endurance is also impacted by the device's power efficiency |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 45W fast charging | Tab S9 FE can charge much faster, reducing downtime |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | Tab S9 FE's bypass charging allows for the tablet to be powered directly via the charging cable without charging the battery during operation |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 13 (upgradable to 17) | Tab S9 FE has a more recent version of Android, which means better software support, and access to the latest features |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Tab S9 FE supports faster WiFi standards, resulting in faster network speeds and better performance |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Tab S9 FE has a more recent version of Bluetooth, enabling a more stable and efficient wireless connection to devices |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS | A12 has better location accuracy with more satellite systems |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | None | A12 allows you to use two SIM cards simultaneously, Tab S9 FE does not have a SIM card slot |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Tab S9 FE provides larger built-in storage options |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 6/8 GB | Tab S9 FE has higher RAM, resulting in smoother multi-tasking and faster overall performance |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device has the ability to expand storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Tab S9 FE offers a more immersive audio experience with richer, high-quality audio |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both use similar biometric authentication methods |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Both offer a similar sensor suite |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Lighter and more pocketable: Much lighter at 205g vs 523g, making it easier to carry around all day.
- More versatile camera system: Includes a telephoto, wide-angle and depth lens, offering greater flexibility for photography.
- Better GPS: Supports more satellite systems for more accurate location tracking.
- Dual SIM Support: Allows for the use of two SIM cards simultaneously, useful for users who need to manage multiple lines.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Advantages:
- Much larger and sharper display: 10.9" screen with higher resolution (1440x2304) offers better viewing for media consumption and productivity tasks.
- Significantly more powerful performance: The Exynos 1380 chipset and Mali-G68 MP5 GPU offers vastly better processing and graphics performance, improving the overall user experience.
- Longer Battery life and faster charging: 8000mAh battery with 45W fast charging provides much more battery life and faster recharge times.
- More up-to-date software: Comes with a newer version of Android, Android 13, which means better security and access to the latest features.
- Superior Audio Quality: Features Dolby Atmos and Stereo Speakers, providing better sound for music, video, and gaming.
- More RAM and Internal Storage: Provides more RAM and more base storage, which means better multitasking and file storage.
- Faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Has Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 for faster and more reliable wireless connections.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Portability: The Tab S9 FE, while offering a larger display, is significantly less portable than the A12 due to its size and weight.
- Camera Versatility vs Video quality: The A12 provides a more versatile camera system, while the Tab S9 FE excels in video recording quality with its 4K capability.
- Single Sim: The lack of a sim card slot on the Tab S9 FE might be an issue for users that need connectivity on the go without WiFi.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy A12:
- Budget-conscious users: Those seeking a basic smartphone for everyday tasks without breaking the bank.
- Users who prioritize portability and light weight: Users who need a phone that's easy to carry in their pockets and doesn't weigh them down
- Users who need dual SIM support: Individuals who require two lines in a single device.
- Users who value versatile camera system: Those who prefer a diverse set of lenses for photos.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A12:
- Basic web browsing and social media.
- Simple photography and everyday pictures.
- Basic gaming, without graphically intensive games.
- On-the-go communication with dual SIM functionality.
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE:
- Media consumers: Users who frequently watch videos, movies, and TV shows
- Productivity-focused users: Users that need the extra screen space for work or multitasking
- Gamers: Those looking for a device that can handle graphics-intensive games smoothly.
- Users who prioritize a premium audio experience: Those who value immersive sound and high-quality audio playback.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE:
- Watching movies and TV shows on the larger, sharper display.
- Playing graphically intensive games.
- Multitasking with multiple apps simultaneously.
- Creative tasks, such as digital drawing and editing.
- Work-related tasks, such as document editing and email management.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Galaxy A12: Offers good value for basic use cases at a low price point.
- Galaxy Tab S9 FE: Provides exceptional performance and features but comes at a higher cost. The value is higher for users that will fully utilize its power and features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case? (Basic communication and casual use vs. intensive media consumption and productivity.)
- How much am I willing to spend? (Budget-oriented vs. premium)
- What is more important: Portability or performance? (Easy to carry and light vs power and better user experience).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic User on a Tight Budget: If you primarily need a phone for calls, texts, basic social media, and you are on a very tight budget, the Samsung Galaxy A12 is suitable.
- Scenario 2: Media Enthusiast: If you primarily watch videos, movies, or TV shows on your phone and you prioritize battery life, higher resolution, faster charging, and good audio, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: User who values Versatility: If you want a phone that offers many lenses and dual sim functionality, and don't mind sacrificing the processing power of the device, then the Samsung Galaxy A12 is your choice.
- Scenario 4: Productivity focused User: If you are focused on productivity with a need for a large screen, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is more suitable for multitasking and document editing due to its size and performance.
Final Decision
If I had to choose between the two, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE. While the Samsung Galaxy A12 is a decent budget-friendly phone, the Tab S9 FE offers a dramatically superior user experience that I value more. The larger, high-resolution screen is perfect for media consumption, the improved processing power ensures smooth multitasking, and the long-lasting battery means I won't need to constantly worry about charging.
While I appreciate the portability of the A12, I am willing to sacrifice it for the overall improvement in user experience that the Tab S9 FE provides. Additionally, the superior audio, faster WiFi, and newer Bluetooth are features that I personally value. Even though the camera system is less versatile in the Tab S9 FE, the 4K video recording more than makes up for it for my personal use. Ultimately, the Tab S9 FE aligns better with my priorities, which is a device that excels in performance and features over a simple, budget-friendly option.
