1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-12-21 | 2022-09-22 | Sony is significantly newer, likely with more modern features and software support |
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | Sony is more compact and easier to handle; Samsung is bulkier |
| Weight | 205g | 172g | Sony is lighter and more comfortable for prolonged use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.1" | Samsung has a larger screen for media consumption; Sony is more pocketable |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2520 | Sony has a much sharper display with finer details |
| PPI | 270 | 449 | Sony's display is noticeably crisper and clearer |
| Technology | PLS LCD | OLED | Sony offers superior contrast, color accuracy, and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Sony's screen offers smoother animations and scrolling |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness; Actual peak brightness remains unclear |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Sony's chipset is vastly superior, offering much faster performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 1,021,542 | Sony delivers significantly better app loading, multitasking, and gaming |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 730 | Sony offers superior graphics performance for gaming and demanding apps |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 12MP | Samsung's main sensor has higher resolution; however, other factors also impact picture quality |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/1.7 | Sony's wider aperture captures more light, improving low-light performance |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.7" | Sony's larger sensor also contributes to improved low-light and overall quality |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.80 µm | Sony's larger pixel size allows for better light gathering and less noise |
| Front Camera Resolution | 8MP | 12MP | Sony's front camera has higher resolution for clearer selfies |
| Front Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | Sony's wider front camera aperture is better in low light. |
| Telephoto Resolution | 2MP | 12MP | Sony has superior telephoto resolution allowing for more detailed zoomed images |
| Wide Angle Resolution | 5MP | 12MP | Sony has a much higher resolution wide angle lens for better detail and clarity. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP | N/A | Samsung has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode; Sony's quality is unknown |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@120fps | Sony offers vastly superior video recording capabilities with 4K resolution, HDR, and stabilization. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | Sony's video recording is more stable, reduces shakiness |
| Slow-motion video | No | Yes (120 fps) | Sony can record slow motion videos |
| DXOMark Score | Main: 90 | Main: 119, Photo: 121, Video: 113 | Sony has a significantly better overall camera performance and scores |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery sizes, so real world use cases depend on usage patterns |
| Charging | 15W | 30W | Sony charges faster, meaning less time waiting |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Non-removable | Sony offers more battery management options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 | Sony has a newer OS, likely with better features and security |
| Max OS Version | Android 12 | Android 13 | Sony likely has longer support |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Sony supports newer and faster WiFi standards; Sony supports WiFi Display |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Sony has a newer Bluetooth version offering efficiency and features; Sony supports higher quality audio codecs |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Sony has better GPS support for more accurate navigation |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Sony supports eSIM, useful for international travel; Samsung supports dual sim simultaneously |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Sony offers more storage options; Samsung has less entry level storage |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 8 GB | Sony has more RAM, ideal for intensive tasks and multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage; a significant limitation for users requiring vast media storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Sony offers superior audio features, better sound quality for media consumption |
| Security | |||
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic biometric security; Both are similarly placed, making it easy to unlock. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Sony offers superior scratch and drop protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Sony includes more sensors offering more features (e.g., gaming, navigation). |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.5-inch screen is better for those who prefer a bigger view for media consumption.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Provides a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, though its quality is unknown.
- Lower price point: Usually cheaper than the Sony Xperia 5 IV.
Practical Implications: The Samsung Galaxy A12 is more suitable for users on a tighter budget or who value a larger screen for basic tasks, media consumption and prefer the dedicated depth sensor.
Sony Xperia 5 IV Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, OLED technology, and a 120Hz refresh rate for a much better visual experience.
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip ensures much smoother and faster performance.
- Better Camera System: Larger sensors, wider apertures, and a higher DXOMark score, make for higher quality images and video, especially in low-light.
- Advanced Video Capabilities: The ability to record in 4K with HDR and OIS/EIS makes it great for video creation.
- Better Audio: The addition of Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio and Stereo speakers give much better audio output.
- Faster Charging: 30W fast charging helps for faster charging times.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards, as well as additional GPS.
- eSIM support: Great for those who travel internationally and use multiple mobile carriers.
- Better Build Quality: Uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for better screen protection.
- More Sensors: Includes gyroscope, compass, barometer for advanced features.
Practical Implications: The Sony Xperia 5 IV is ideal for users who want a flagship-level experience with excellent performance, camera quality, and overall a more refined experience.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A12: The trade-off is performance for a lower price point. It might feel sluggish compared to the Sony.
- Sony Xperia 5 IV: The trade-off is a higher price and a slightly smaller screen compared to the A12.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, first-time smartphone owners, those needing a basic phone for calls, texts, social media, and light media consumption.
- Use Cases: Basic web browsing, social media, video viewing, basic photo taking, and calls.
- Price-to-Value: Offers basic functionality at a lower price point. It may be suitable for users who don't need a premium smartphone experience.
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Ideal User: Photography enthusiasts, gamers, media creators, users who value a high-end performance, and those seeking a premium Android experience.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, high-quality photo and video capture, media editing, media consumption, and multitasking.
- Price-to-Value: Offers high performance and features, making it valuable for users who need these specific capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a phone?
- Primary Use: What will you use the phone for most often (e.g., media, gaming, social media, work, photography)?
- Feature Importance: Which features are most important to you (e.g., display quality, performance, camera, battery life)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Shopper: If you're on a tight budget and need a basic phone for everyday tasks, the Samsung Galaxy A12 will suffice.
- Performance Seeker: If you need a phone for gaming, video editing, or any intensive use, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is the better choice due to its significantly superior chipset and performance.
- Photography Enthusiast: If you value high-quality photos and videos, the Sony Xperia 5 IV offers a superior camera system, with 4K video capabilities, wider aperture, better sensors, and more advanced features.
- Multimedia Fan: If you enjoy watching videos and movies on your phone, the Sony Xperia 5 IV's OLED display and better sound quality makes for a much better experience.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Sony Xperia 5 IV.
Why? While the Samsung Galaxy A12 has a larger screen, the Sony Xperia 5 IV offers a significantly better overall experience in almost every other aspect that matters to me. The significantly improved performance from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, the superior OLED display, the higher quality camera, better audio and faster charging times make it a much better smartphone for the tasks that I would normally use it for.
