Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A12 vs. Tecno Spark Go 2023
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Tecno Spark Go 2023 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm | Very similar size, both will feel comparable in hand. |
| Weight | 205g | 0g (Likely incorrect, assume similar or slightly lower) | Tecno Spark Go 2023 appears lighter based on provided data, potentially more comfortable for prolonged use. Note: Tecno weight is likely a data error. Assuming similar weight, minor differences will not be noticeable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Negligible size difference, both will provide a similar viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Identical sharpness, both screens will appear similar in clarity. |
| PPI | 270 | 267 | Practically the same pixel density; screen sharpness will be almost identical. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD generally offers better viewing angles and color reproduction than PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Standard smoothness, both will handle animations and scrolling the same. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Note: Brightness is likely a data error. Both probably have similar brightness levels, though exact value is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | P35 chipset in A12 is slightly more powerful, leading to slightly better app performance and multitasking |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 92,140 | A12 offers better overall performance for daily tasks and light gaming. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 (IMG PowerVR GE-class GPU) | Similar graphics capabilities; both can handle basic gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Camera (Main) | 48MP, f/2.0 | 13MP, f/1.85 | A12 captures much more detailed images, while Tecno performs better in low light (due to wider aperture). |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.0 | A12's front camera captures better detailed selfies; Tecno has slightly better low-light selfie performance due to wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | A12 has telephoto capability for optical zoom (though limited), Tecno does not. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | A12 can capture wider shots, Tecno lacks this capability. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | A12 has portrait mode capabilities, Tecno does not. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Similar video recording capability, both suitable for basic videos. |
| DXOMark Score | 90 (Mobile) | Not Tested | A12's camera quality has been rated as decent, Tecno is untested. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Identical capacity, expect comparable battery life for typical usage. |
| Charging | 15W | 10W | A12 charges faster, reducing time spent plugged in. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 | Tecno comes with a newer OS, meaning better support and features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n (dual-band) | 802.11b/g/n | A12 supports dual-band for faster speeds; Tecno only 2.4ghz for single band. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 4.2 LE | A12 supports a newer Bluetooth standard and a greater range of profiles. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Tecno supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128GB | 64GB | A12 offers more storage choices; the 128GB variant can hold more media. |
| RAM | 3/4/6GB | 3GB | A12 has more RAM options, better for multitasking; its highest RAM configuration makes it a better option for power users. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows adding more storage. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted sensors are more ergonomic and easy to access, especially when on a desk. |
| Other | |||
| Audio | Basic | Basic | Similar audio quality and features on both. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Stronger Performance: The Helio P35 chipset and higher AnTuTu score provide a noticeably smoother experience in day to day usage, app loading and multitasking.
- Superior Camera System: The quad-camera setup, with its higher resolution main sensor, additional telephoto, wide, and depth sensors, offers more versatility for various photography needs (more detail and versatility).
- Faster Charging: 15W charging will get the phone juiced up more quickly.
- More Storage and RAM Options: More storage and RAM options means users have more choices to buy a model that better fits their needs.
- Better Connectivity: More modern Bluetooth 5.0 support means a more robust connectivity experience with other devices.
Tecno Spark Go 2023 Advantages:
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 12 out of the box, providing better security and features (potentially more software updates in the future).
- Potentially Lighter: While the weight discrepancy seems like an error in the data, if it is lighter this could lead to a slightly more comfortable experience.
- Slightly Wider Camera Aperture: The main camera has a slightly wider aperture of f/1.85 for marginally better low-light performance, but trades detail for this ability.
- More GPS Systems: Supports Galileo for potentially improved location accuracy.
- Slightly better screen technology: IPS LCD will give better viewing angles than PLS LCD.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy A12 offers a better all round experience but is an older phone with an older operating system.
- The Tecno Spark Go 2023 has a more modern OS but lacks the overall performance, camera versality and faster charging of the A12.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12 Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize overall performance and want a smoother multitasking experience on a budget.
- Users who enjoy taking photos and need a versatile camera system.
- Those who appreciate faster charging and need less time charging their phone.
- Users who want a phone with more storage space and RAM for their media and apps.
Use Cases:
- Everyday multitasking: running multiple apps, browsing, social media.
- Casual photography: capturing everyday moments, landscapes, portraits.
- Users who use bluetooth devices frequently for calls or music.
Tecno Spark Go 2023 Ideal User:
- Users on a very tight budget who want the latest Android OS version, especially if that is their only priority.
- Users who need better battery life from more modern software optimisations
- Users who rarely take photos and primarily use their phone for communication and basic tasks.
- Users who need more location tracking precision.
Use Cases:
- Basic communication: calls, texts, light social media.
- Navigation with GPS using additional location tracking satellites.
- Users who want a basic phone with a modern operating system for future app support.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance for everyday use? (Do you frequently multitask or run demanding apps?)
- How important is camera quality and versatility? (Do you need a good camera for photos and videos?)
- Is having the latest Android version or the best performance more important to you? (Do you prioritize having the latest OS or raw performance?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance and Photography are Key: If you need a phone that performs well and has good camera capabilities, the Samsung Galaxy A12 is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Latest Software is the Priority: If you're on a very tight budget and having the latest Android OS is more important than performance or camera features, the Tecno Spark Go 2023 is the better option.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Approach: If you want a phone that has a good balance of features but are primarily looking for a good everyday use phone, the Samsung Galaxy A12 will be a better phone for its superior performance and versatile camera.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would opt for the Samsung Galaxy A12. While the Tecno Spark Go 2023 has a more modern Android version, the A12's better performance and significantly more versatile camera system make it a better choice for my needs. The camera, especially with its additional lenses, is a huge advantage for those who want to capture a variety of photos, plus the faster charging is a convenience that is important for daily usage. Although both devices are low powered smartphones, the A12 will be smoother to use daily. Also, due to it's better bluetooth version, pairing is much more reliable and the connection more stable.
While the latest OS is a big benefit to the Tecno Spark, the performance and versatile camera make the Samsung the better phone.
