Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A12 vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Z Fold4 offers a unique foldable design, transforming from phone to small tablet. A12 is a standard slab phone. |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm | 155.1 x 130.1 x 6.3 mm (Unfolded) | A12 is taller, narrower, and thicker. Fold4 is much wider when unfolded, offering a larger display. |
| Weight | 205g | 263g | A12 is lighter and more comfortable for extended single-handed use. Fold4 is heavier but more versatile. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 7.6" (Unfolded) | Fold4 offers a significantly larger display, better for media consumption, multitasking, and productivity. A12 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1812 x 2176 | Fold4 has a much sharper display, resulting in crisper text and images. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 373 PPI | Fold4 offers a noticeably clearer and more detailed viewing experience. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | Unknown | A12 uses PLS LCD. The Fold 4's display technology is unspecified, but is expected to be OLED |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Fold4 offers smoother scrolling and animations, making the UI feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits, which is incorrect data and needs clarification. This value is not possible |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Fold4's chipset offers significantly faster processing, better multitasking, and superior gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 1,232,800 | Fold4 is drastically more powerful, able to handle demanding tasks with ease. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 730 | Fold4's GPU enables significantly better graphics performance for gaming and graphics-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP f/2.0 | 50MP f/1.8 | Fold4 has a larger sensor and wider aperture, resulting in better low-light performance and image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.2 | 10MP f/2.2 | Fold4 offers a higher resolution selfie camera, capturing more detailed images. |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 10MP f/2.4 | Fold4 offers a much higher resolution telephoto camera, enabling better zoomed photos. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP f/2.2 | 13MP f/2.2 | Fold4 offers a significantly higher resolution wide-angle lens, capturing more details. |
| Portrait mode (depth) | 2MP f/2.4 | N/A | A12 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode photos. Fold4 uses software processing instead. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@60/240fps, 720p@960fps | Fold4 offers far superior video capabilities, including higher resolution, framerates, HDR, EIS, and slow motion. |
| DXOMark Score | 90 (Mobile) | 124 (Mobile) | Fold4 provides significantly better camera performance across the board. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4400mAh | A12 has a larger battery capacity, likely resulting in longer battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Fold4 charges faster with higher wattage, despite having a smaller battery. |
| Features | Non-removable | Wireless charging (15W), Reverse Wireless (9W), Bypass charging, Reverse Charging | Fold4 offers additional charging features, including wireless and reverse charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 (upgradable to 16) | Fold4 has a newer Android version with longer software update support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Fold4 supports newer Wi-Fi standards, offering faster speeds and better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | Fold4 has a newer Bluetooth version, providing better efficiency and range. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Fold4 offers broader satellite support for more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Fold4 supports eSIM, offering flexibility in carrier management. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128GB | 256/512/1024GB | Fold4 has significantly more storage, allowing for more apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 3/4/6GB | 12GB | Fold4 has much higher RAM, resulting in smoother multitasking and better app performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage via microSD. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Fold4 provides enhanced audio experience with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both devices have the same basic biometric security feature. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Fold4 has superior screen protection, more durable and scratch-resistant. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fold4 includes additional sensors for more advanced features and better positional information. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Lower Cost: The A12 is significantly more affordable, making it accessible to budget-conscious users.
- Lighter: It's lighter and more comfortable for prolonged use.
- Larger Battery: Offers slightly longer battery life due to its larger capacity.
- Dedicated depth sensor: For more reliable portrait mode images
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Unique form factor, providing both phone and tablet functionality.
- Larger & Sharper Display: Significantly larger and higher-resolution display, enhancing media consumption and multitasking.
- Superior Performance: Top-tier chipset provides exceptional speed and performance for all tasks.
- Advanced Camera System: High-quality cameras with advanced features like optical zoom, 8K video recording, OIS and improved low light performance
- Faster Charging: Faster charging capabilities despite smaller battery
- Better Audio Quality: Enhanced audio experience with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers.
- Newer Software: Latest Android version with extended software support.
- eSIM support Allows digital carrier switching and easier travel SIM management
- Additional Sensors: Provides enhanced functionality and better gaming experience
- Superior build quality: More durable screen with Gorilla Glass Victus+
- Wireless Charging: Convenient wireless charging with reverse wireless capabilities
Trade-offs:
- A12: Compromises on performance, display quality, camera features for a lower price and longer battery life.
- Fold4: Significantly more expensive, bulkier and heavier. Its folding nature also makes it less rugged. Smaller battery when compared to A12.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12:
- Ideal Users: Budget-conscious users, first-time smartphone buyers, individuals needing a reliable device for basic tasks and calls.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday communication (calls, texts, emails)
- Basic social media use
- Light web browsing
- Casual photography
- Users seeking extended battery life for daily tasks.
- Price-to-Value: Good value for users who prioritize affordability and basic functionality.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4:
- Ideal Users: Power users, tech enthusiasts, professionals, and individuals looking for a premium mobile experience.
- Use Cases:
- Professional productivity (multitasking, document editing)
- Intensive mobile gaming
- High-quality media consumption
- Content creation
- Users seeking top-of-the-line performance and features.
- Users who can benefit from the multitasking of the larger screen.
- Price-to-Value: High price point justifies premium features and performance for users who need such capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone?
- Primary Use: What will you primarily use your phone for? (communication, media consumption, productivity, gaming)?
- Form Factor & Size: Do you prefer a standard phone or are you interested in the versatility of a foldable device?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Basic Needs: If your budget is very limited and you primarily need a phone for calls, messaging, and light social media, the Samsung Galaxy A12 is the more suitable choice.
- Scenario 2: High Performance, Advanced Features: If you need top-tier performance, a cutting-edge camera, and a unique foldable experience with enhanced multitasking capabilities, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is the ideal option, provided you are willing to pay a premium price.
- Scenario 3: Extended Battery Life Priority: If the primary concern is a phone that lasts as long as possible between charges, then the Samsung Galaxy A12 is the more suitable option, given its larger battery.
- Scenario 4: Unique Form Factor and Multitasking: If you want a device that is both phone and tablet, is more convenient for mobile multitasking and has the added benefit of being a conversation starter, then the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is the better option
My Choice and Explanation:
Given my needs and preferences, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4.
Here's why:
As someone who values performance, camera quality, and a larger screen for productivity and media consumption, the Z Fold4 is the clear winner. While it's significantly more expensive, the unique foldable design, combined with its powerful chipset, superior display, and advanced camera capabilities, justifies the price for me. I also appreciate the added software features that come with such a high-end device. The premium build and additional features like wireless charging and the enhanced audio system also factor into my decision. Although I value battery life, I am willing to sacrifice a small amount of capacity in order to gain all of the features that the Fold 4 offers.
While the A12 is a good budget-friendly option, it simply cannot compete with the Z Fold4 in terms of the overall experience and features it provides for my use case. The versatility of the foldable form factor and the higher processing power are also strong selling points for me, as is the superior screen resolution and refresh rate.
