1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | TCL 40 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-12-21 | 2023-04-04 | TCL 40 SE is significantly newer, potentially benefiting from software updates and newer hardware improvements |
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | 167.9 × 76.5 × 8.5 mm | TCL 40 SE is slightly taller and thinner, Samsung A12 is slightly more compact though thicker. |
| Weight | 205g | 190g | TCL 40 SE is 15g lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and pocketability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.75" | TCL 40 SE has a slightly larger screen, providing a more immersive viewing experience for multimedia and gaming. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both offer the same resolution, meaning similar sharpness. |
| PPI | 270 | 260 | Very similar pixel density, meaning negligible difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | TCL 40 SE's IPS LCD offers slightly better viewing angles and color reproduction. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | TCL 40 SE offers smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall feel of the interface. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | TCL 40 SE is significantly brighter, vastly improving visibility under direct sunlight. Samsung A12 is unlikely to be readable outside on a sunny day. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) | TCL 40 SE's Helio G37 offers better performance for gaming and resource-intensive tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 160,000 | TCL 40 SE offers significantly faster app loading, better multitasking, and a smoother overall experience. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 | Both have the same GPU, but the G37 chipset provides superior performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | TCL 40 SE captures slightly more detailed photos due to the higher resolution sensor. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/1.85 | TCL 40 SE's wider aperture allows more light into the sensor, improving low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | Unknown | Missing sensor size information for the TCL makes direct comparison difficult. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 0.70 µm | Samsung has slightly larger pixels, which can improve light collection per pixel in theory. However, other factors are more important. |
| Front Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | TCL 40 SE's slightly wider aperture results in brighter selfies, especially in low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung A12 has a dedicated telephoto lens, but the low resolution may limit its usefulness. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | Samsung A12 can take wide-angle shots which is better for large group photos and wide scenes. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | TCL 40 SE offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both phones have a similar depth sensor. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both offer the same video capabilities. |
| 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 | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Samsung Galaxy A12 has a Quad camera setup while the TCL has a triple camera. Both have similar features with TCL having Phase Detection Autofocus which is better. |
| DxOMark Score | 90 (Mobile) | Not Available | Only Samsung A12 has been tested on DxOMark, it has an average score. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5010mAh | Both have similar capacity, providing comparable battery life for average use. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging, Li-Ion | 18W fast charging, Li-Polymer | TCL 40 SE offers faster charging, and the Li-Polymer battery might have better longevity. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both have non-removable batteries. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradeable to 12) | Android 13 | TCL 40 SE has a newer operating system, potentially providing access to the latest features, security, and app compatibility. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | TCL 40 SE supports 5GHz Wi-Fi, leading to faster internet speeds on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | TCL 40 SE has a slightly newer Bluetooth version with low energy support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | TCL 40 SE has more support for satellite systems, providing a more accurate positioning. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both have dual sim support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | TCL 40 SE offers more storage, beneficial for users who store a large number of photos, videos, or apps. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 4/6 GB | Similar RAM options, making multitasking similar between phones in most cases. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio | Stereo Speakers | TCL 40 SE's stereo speakers offer a more immersive audio experience for media consumption. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both have side-mounted fingerprint sensors for convenient and fast security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Screen protection is unknown for both phones. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gravity | TCL 40 SE has an additional gravity sensor that might be useful for a few specific apps. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
TCL 40 SE Advantages:
- Significantly better performance: The Helio G37 chipset and higher AnTuTu score result in a much smoother and more responsive experience for everyday tasks and gaming.
- Superior display: The IPS LCD panel with a 90Hz refresh rate offers better viewing angles, color accuracy, and smoother scrolling, and is much brighter in sunlight.
- Better battery charging: Faster 18W charging means less waiting time and the Li-Polymer battery may have better longevity.
- Newer Software: Android 13 provides access to the latest features, security, and app compatibility.
- Superior audio: Stereo speakers offer a more immersive sound experience for media consumption.
- More Storage: Double the base storage, 128GB vs 64GB, allowing for more media, photos, and applications.
- Better GPS: More satellite systems for more accurate location tracking.
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Telephoto and Wide-Angle Lens: It offers a more versatile camera setup for various use cases.
- Potentially better pixel quality in the main sensor: Larger pixel size might have resulted in better light sensitivity, but other factors make the TCL camera better overall.
Trade-offs:
- TCL 40 SE: Lacks a dedicated telephoto and wide-angle lens, which might be a drawback for those who frequently use these features.
- Samsung Galaxy A12: Significantly weaker performance, lower screen quality, and older software, making it less suitable for demanding tasks and modern apps.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for TCL 40 SE:
- Budget-conscious users: People seeking a well-rounded smartphone with strong performance at an affordable price.
- Multimedia enthusiasts: Users who enjoy watching videos, playing games, and listening to music on their phone.
- Social media users: People who want a responsive phone for browsing social media, watching videos, and taking photos.
Practical users: Those needing a phone that is reliable, performant, and has good battery life for everyday tasks.
Use Cases:
- Playing casual games
- Streaming videos and music
- Browsing social media
- Taking photos of everyday life
- Navigating with GPS
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy A12:
- Users needing specific camera versatility: Those who use telephoto and wide angle lenses, not caring about picture quality.
Brand Loyalists: Those who prefer the Samsung brand may consider it, but the TCL is superior in almost every way.
Use Cases:
- Taking a variety of photos and videos, although not with the best quality
- Basic phone usage for calls and text
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- TCL 40 SE: Offers exceptional value for the price, providing a modern and performant experience with a great display. It is the better phone for a similar price
- Samsung Galaxy A12: While it might be cheaper, the performance and features are outdated, making it a less compelling choice overall.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: Do you need a fast and responsive phone for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps?
- Display Quality: Is a good screen with vibrant colors, smooth scrolling, and brightness important for your daily usage?
- Camera Requirements: Do you prioritize a variety of camera lenses (telephoto, wide-angle) or overall photo quality?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-conscious users
- Recommendation: TCL 40 SE. It offers significantly better performance, display, and software at a similar price.
- Scenario 2: Multimedia Enthusiasts
- Recommendation: TCL 40 SE. The larger screen, higher refresh rate, stereo speakers, and better performance make it ideal for media consumption.
- Scenario 3: Casual Photographers
- Recommendation: TCL 40 SE. While it lacks the specific lenses of the Samsung, it has better overall image quality and features like PDAF.
- Scenario 4: Basic Phone Use
- Recommendation: TCL 40 SE. It has better performance, battery, and screen. The Samsung A12 offers no real benefits.
My Choice
I would choose the TCL 40 SE.
Reasoning: The TCL 40 SE is the clear winner in this comparison. It offers a more modern user experience thanks to its newer operating system, superior performance, better display with a 90Hz refresh rate, brighter screen, faster charging, and stereo speakers. While the Samsung Galaxy A12 offers a slightly more versatile camera system with telephoto and wide-angle lenses, its older hardware and lower screen quality make it a less appealing choice in comparison.
The TCL 40 SE is the better option in almost every aspect. It will provide a smoother, more enjoyable experience overall making it the better phone and better value.
