Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A12 vs. TCL 50 SE
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | TCL 50 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-12-21 | 2024-04-08 | TCL 50 SE is significantly newer (over 3 years), likely benefiting from updated software and features. |
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | 168.2 × 75.5 × 8.1 mm | TCL 50 SE is taller and thinner, potentially feeling more modern and comfortable in hand. A12 is slightly wider but also thicker |
| Weight | 205g | 195g | TCL 50 SE is slightly lighter, which can be more comfortable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.78" | TCL 50 SE offers a slightly larger screen, which provides a more immersive viewing experience for media and gaming. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2460 | TCL 50 SE has a much sharper display, resulting in clearer text, images, and videos. |
| PPI | 270 | 396 | The higher pixel density of the TCL 50 SE makes the display look significantly less grainy and more detailed. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | TCL 50 SE's IPS LCD typically offers better viewing angles and color accuracy than PLS LCD on the Samsung A12. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | TCL 50 SE has smoother scrolling and animations, making the user experience feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | TCL 50 SE is much brighter, making it easier to see the screen in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) | TCL 50 SE’s Helio G88 is much more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking and overall better performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 250,000 | TCL 50 SE has a significantly higher benchmark score, indicating much better performance capabilities. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 | TCL 50 SE’s GPU is better for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8 | TCL 50 SE's wider aperture might perform better in low light, while also boasting a higher resolution |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12 µm pixel size | TCL 50 SE’s wider aperture and larger pixel size on the selfie camera can potentially capture more light, resulting in slightly better selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy A12 has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | Samsung Galaxy A12 includes a dedicated wide angle lens for more versatile photos. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy A12 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixel size | TCL 50 SE includes a dedicated macro lens for close up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both offer the same video recording capabilities. |
| DXOMark Score | 90 (Mobile) | N/A | Samsung Galaxy A12 has been tested by DXOMark while TCL 50 SE hasn't. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5010mAh | Battery capacity is virtually the same, suggesting similar battery life for average use. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | TCL 50 SE charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Battery type is different. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 | TCL 50 SE has a newer operating system, offering better features and potentially longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | TCL 50 SE supports faster Wi-Fi standards (802.11ac) for potentially better wireless performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | TCL 50 SE has a newer Bluetooth version, which could offer more efficient connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | TCL 50 SE supports additional satellite systems (Galileo), potentially offering better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | TCL 50 SE offers higher storage options, which is beneficial for users with lots of photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 4/6 GB | Both offer similar RAM configurations that are suitable for moderate multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither support expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio | Stereo Speakers | TCL 50 SE offers a more immersive audio experience through stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both phones use a convenient side-mounted fingerprint scanner for security. |
| Other | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gravity | TCL 50 SE has a gravity sensor for additional use. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Telephoto Lens: Offers a dedicated telephoto camera for zoom capabilities.
- Wide Angle Lens: Provides a wide-angle lens for more versatile photography.
- Portrait Mode: Includes a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode effect.
Practical Implications: The A12’s additional cameras offer flexibility in different scenarios for users who prioritize photographic versatility.
TCL 50 SE Advantages:
- Significantly Newer: Launched over 3 years later, likely with better software and components.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density for clearer visuals.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate for more fluid user experience.
- Brighter Display: Higher brightness for better visibility in direct sunlight.
- Superior Performance: Much more powerful chipset for faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging is significantly quicker than 15W, reducing wait time.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 14 for the latest features and longer support.
- Stereo Speakers: Enhanced audio experience with better sound separation.
- More Storage: Offers larger internal storage options.
- Macro Lens: Includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots.
- Wi-Fi & Bluetooth: Newer standards.
- GPS: Supports additional satellite systems
Practical Implications: The TCL 50 SE offers a substantially better user experience, with improved performance, display, software, audio and battery charging.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A12 offers more camera versatility with telephoto, wide-angle, and depth lenses at the expense of overall performance and display quality.
- TCL 50 SE sacrifices some camera versatility to provide significant upgrades in performance, display, and software.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Prioritize cost over top-tier performance.
- Users who value camera versatility: Want different lenses for different shooting situations.
- Users not requiring latest software: Satisfied with Android 12 or older OS.
Use Cases:
- Basic photography needs.
- Everyday social media usage.
- Casual browsing and messaging.
TCL 50 SE Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize performance: Want a smooth, responsive experience.
- Media consumers: Enjoy watching videos, playing games and browsing with a better display.
- Users who value modern software: Want the latest features and longer updates.
- Users who want faster charging: Needs faster charging times.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming.
- Watching movies and shows on the go.
- Multitasking between apps.
- Frequent usage in bright outdoor conditions.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Given the significant differences in performance, display, software, and battery charging, the TCL 50 SE provides a much better price-to-value ratio for most users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? (If budget is extremely tight, A12 is cheaper, but TCL 50 SE offers significant upgrades for a small price increase)
- How important is performance for me? (TCL 50 SE offers much better performance for smoother usage).
- Do I require a more versatile camera setup or a better overall display and performance? (A12 has more lenses, but TCL 50 SE has a much better screen and performance)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Photography focused, tight budget): If you absolutely need a telephoto and wide-angle camera on a very tight budget, the Samsung Galaxy A12 is the more versatile option in this comparison.
- Scenario 2 (General use and entertainment): For most users who prioritize a smooth, fast experience and enjoy watching videos or playing games, the TCL 50 SE is the superior choice.
- Scenario 3 (Gaming and Multi-tasking): If you want the best performance for gaming and running multiple apps smoothly, the TCL 50 SE is significantly better.
- Scenario 4 (Long-term use): Due to its newer software, faster charging, superior performance and better display, the TCL 50 SE is likely to be a better long-term device and is therefore a more cost-effective solution in the long term.
My Choice
I would choose the TCL 50 SE. While the Samsung Galaxy A12 offers slightly more camera versatility with its telephoto, wide-angle and depth lenses, the TCL 50 SE provides a vastly superior experience in almost every other category. The significantly better display (higher resolution, refresh rate and brightness) , significantly improved performance and faster charging, combined with the newer software (Android 14), more modern design, superior speakers, more storage options and newer connectivity standards make the TCL 50 SE the obvious choice for me. For most users, the trade-off in camera lenses is a worthwhile sacrifice in exchange for a much more enjoyable and capable smartphone.
