1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | 165 × 71 × 8.2 mm | The A12 is slightly wider and thicker, potentially feeling less comfortable in hand for some users compared to the slimmer Xperia 1 IV. |
| Weight | 205g | 185g | The Xperia 1 IV is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use, particularly one-handed operation. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Identical screen size on both phones. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1644x3840 | The Xperia 1 IV has a much sharper display with more detail, ideal for high-resolution media and text. The A12's display appears less sharp. |
| PPI | 270 | 643 | The Xperia 1 IV has a significantly sharper display with higher pixel density, resulting in crisper images and text. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | OLED | The Xperia 1 IV's OLED panel offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, resulting in a more enjoyable viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Xperia 1 IV’s 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations look much smoother and more fluid. The A12 may appear choppy in comparison. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have the same brightness, but this is a missing spec and we should acknowledge we cannot compare. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | The Xperia 1 IV has a vastly more powerful processor, offering significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 1,076,100 | The Xperia 1 IV provides dramatically better overall performance, offering a much smoother and more responsive user experience. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 730 | The Xperia 1 IV's GPU provides significantly better graphics rendering for gaming and visually intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both devices have the same battery capacity which suggests similar battery life. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging, Li-Ion | 30W fast charging, Li-Polymer | The Xperia 1 IV charges faster and uses Li-Polymer tech that could last more charge cycles. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | The Xperia 1 IV's bypass charging can help reduce heat and battery degradation while gaming or using plugged in. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2", 0.8µm | 12MP, f/1.7, 1.8µm | The Xperia 1 IV's larger pixel size (1.8µm) on the standard lens can allow better low-light performance even though it has lower resolution than the A12. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.0 | The Xperia 1 IV should capture slightly brighter images and more detail with the wider aperture and higher resolution. |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 12MP, f/2.3, 1/3.5", 1.0µm | The Xperia 1 IV's telephoto lens offers superior detail and better zoom quality due to higher resolution and larger pixel size. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2 | The Xperia 1 IV captures significantly more detail and has a higher resolution on the wide-angle lens. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | None | Present | The Xperia 1 IV can use the ToF sensor for better depth mapping and potentially improved focus and portrait mode effects. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The Samsung Galaxy A12 has a dedicated lens for portrait mode, which may offer some depth effect and blur. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, no stabilization | Up to 4K@120fps with HDR, OIS, EIS | The Xperia 1 IV offers far superior video recording capabilities, including higher resolution, stabilization and slow-motion options. |
| DxOMark Mobile | 90, Photo: 0, Video: 0 | 105, Photo: 107, Video: 92 | The Xperia 1 IV has higher ratings for both photo and video, indicating overall superior camera performance. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | The Xperia 1 IV has significantly more advanced features like optical zoom, optical image stabilization, and 4K recording, providing a professional experience. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (max 12) | Android 12 (max 13) | The Xperia 1 IV has a newer operating system, offering a more modern user experience and better compatibility with newer apps. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n, Dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display | The Xperia 1 IV supports newer WiFi standards (WiFi 6), offering faster speeds and lower latency compared to the A12. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | The Xperia 1 IV has a newer Bluetooth version, which may provide more stable connections and better energy efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | The Xperia 1 IV can provide more accurate location data with more satellite support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + eSIM) | The Xperia 1 IV supports eSIM, which can be helpful for international travel or switching carriers. The A12 supports 2 physical SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 256/512 GB | The Xperia 1 IV has significantly more storage which may be beneficial for a larger collection of photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 12/16 GB | The Xperia 1 IV has substantially more RAM for smoother multitasking and better overall performance, particularly with demanding apps or games. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The Xperia 1 IV provides a richer and more immersive audio experience, especially through headphones or the stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer similar fingerprint sensor technology for basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Xperia 1 IV's screen is more durable. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Xperia 1 IV provides a comprehensive suite of sensors for advanced features and more accurate data. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Lower price point: The A12 is a budget-friendly option, making it accessible to a broader audience.
- Dedicated depth sensor for portraits: Offers a depth sensor for those who like taking portrait photos with a blurred background effect.
- Dual physical SIM slots: Allows for the use of two physical SIMs simultaneously
Practical Implications: The A12 is a practical choice for users on a tight budget, prioritizing affordability over performance and advanced features. It offers basic smartphone functionalities and might suit older users who are not tech savvy.
Sony Xperia 1 IV Advantages:
- Superior display: Higher resolution, OLED panel, and 120Hz refresh rate for a premium viewing experience.
- Significantly faster performance: High-end processor and abundant RAM for smooth multitasking and demanding applications.
- Advanced camera system: Higher quality lenses, more features, better low-light performance, 4k video, optical zoom, optical image stabilization.
- Better audio experience: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers for enhanced audio quality.
- More modern software: Ships with a newer version of Android.
- More robust build quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection for screen durability.
- More advanced connectivity and location tracking Better WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS.
- Greater storage: Offers significantly more built-in storage.
- Bypass charging: Reduces battery degradation during prolonged use while plugged in.
- eSIM support: Offers more flexibility for carrier selection.
- Comprehensive sensor suite: Offers a wide variety of sensors for advanced use cases.
Practical Implications: The Xperia 1 IV caters to users who demand top-tier performance, high-quality multimedia consumption, and advanced camera capabilities. It is designed for power users and those who value a premium smartphone experience.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Xperia 1 IV's premium features come at a much higher price point, making it inaccessible to budget-conscious buyers.
- The A12 lacks the performance and advanced features of the Xperia 1 IV, making it unsuitable for demanding users.
- Xperia 1 IV does not include the depth sensor for portraits.
- Xperia 1 IV does not support two physical SIM cards simultaneously, requiring the use of a physical SIM and an eSIM for dual SIM functionality.
- Neither phone supports expandable storage, limiting the flexibility in storing media.
- Both phones have missing brightness data, limiting the potential for analysis.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, first-time smartphone buyers, or users with basic needs (calls, texts, social media, light browsing, older users)
- Use Cases:
- Everyday communication and social media.
- Light media consumption (casual video watching).
- Basic mobile games.
- Users who prioritize long battery life over high-end features.
- Price-to-value: Offers good value for the price, providing basic smartphone functionality at a lower cost.
Sony Xperia 1 IV:
- Ideal User: Power users, content creators, multimedia enthusiasts, gamers, and professionals who require top performance and premium features.
- Use Cases:
- High-end gaming and demanding apps.
- Professional photography and videography.
- High-quality media consumption (movies, videos, music).
- Multitasking with many applications open simultaneously.
- Users who need an advanced GPS.
- Price-to-value: Justifies its high price with its superior performance, premium features, and advanced capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone?
- Performance Needs: Do you need a phone for basic tasks or demanding applications?
- Camera Requirements: How important is high-quality photography and videography to you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight budget, basic needs.
- Recommendation: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A12.
- Scenario 2: Moderate budget, everyday use.
- Recommendation: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A12, if budget allows consider a better phone.
- Scenario 3: High budget, top performance and features.
- Recommendation: Choose the Sony Xperia 1 IV.
- Scenario 4: Demanding user, heavy media consumption, professional needs.
- Recommendation: Choose the Sony Xperia 1 IV.
What I would choose and why!
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Sony Xperia 1 IV. While it's significantly more expensive, the performance difference is so vast that it's hard to ignore. As someone who uses a smartphone for more than just basic communication, the Xperia's superior display, camera, and processing power are essential for my workflow.
Specifically:
- Performance Matters: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 on the Xperia would be much smoother for daily use, especially when running multiple apps, playing games, or editing photos and videos. I rely on quick and efficient performance, and the A12 simply wouldn't cut it.
- Display Quality: The OLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate makes a huge difference to the visual experience of videos and media that I engage with regularly. The A12's LCD screen is not a match.
- Camera Versatility: I often use my phone camera for quick photos and videos. The Xperia's advanced camera features, like OIS, 4K recording, and the telephoto lens, would be much better than the A12's basic camera.
- Future-Proofing: The Xperia's powerful processor and newer software offer more longevity and better compatibility with future apps and updates. I prefer a phone that won't become obsolete in the near future.
- Build Quality: The Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on the Xperia adds much-needed peace of mind regarding durability, as I'm not always the most careful with my devices.
- Advanced features and sensors: The wide variety of sensors, higher quality audio, eSIM support and other features are very compelling.
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy A12 is much cheaper, but considering my priorities and use case, the Xperia's high price tag justifies the investment for the superior overall experience.
