Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A12 vs. Tecno Spark Go 2024
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Tecno Spark Go 2024 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-12-21 | 2023-12-07 | Tecno is significantly newer, likely with newer software and features |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm | 163.7 x 75.6 x 8.6 mm | Similar size; Tecno is slightly thinner, which might feel better in hand. |
| Weight | 205g | 0g | Data discrepancy: Tecno weight is likely incorrect. Assuming Tecno is lighter given the trend. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Similar screen size, minimal real-world difference. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1612 | Identical pixel count for everyday usage. |
| PPI | 270 | 267 | Similar pixel density, negligible difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD generally offers better viewing angles and color reproduction. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | 90Hz will appear smoother when scrolling or playing supported games, a noticeable difference. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Data discrepancy: Both appear to have faulty or missing information regarding screen brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Tecno's chipset has significantly better benchmark scores, indicating faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 249,000 | Tecno is almost 2.5x faster, noticeable performance difference |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Tecno's GPU will offer better graphics performance in apps and games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP, f/2.0 | 13MP, f/1.9 | Samsung captures more detail; Tecno's wider aperture may perform slightly better in low light. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | N/A | Samsung's larger sensor usually allows for better light capture and reduced noise in images. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.12 µm | Tecno's larger pixels may capture more light in low-light environments, improving clarity and reducing noise. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Identical specs suggest similar selfie performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Samsung has an extra telephoto lens for zoomed images. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | N/A | Samsung has an extra wide-angle lens for wider perspective shots |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Samsung has a dedicated depth sensor for bokeh effect |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Similar video recording, though Tecno has slow motion. |
| Slow-motion | No, 30fps | Yes, 120fps | Tecno can record smoother slow-motion video |
| DXOMark Score | 90 (Mobile), 0 (Photo), 0 (Video) | N/A | Samsung's camera has a better overall score but photo/video was not tested. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple Camera | Dual Camera, PDAF, Front Flash | Samsung has more versatile camera system, Tecno has faster focus and a flash on the front for better selfies in low light. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer the same battery capacity for all-day usage for most users. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | 10W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | Samsung charges quicker. Battery material might have a small impact on lifespan. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10, upgradeable to 12 | Android 13 | Tecno has a newer version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n, Dual band | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Dual band | Tecno supports 5GHz Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Display for faster connection and screen mirroring. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with various profiles | 5.0 LE | Samsung has more audio profiles. Tecno has low-energy usage |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS | Samsung has more satellite systems for more precise location. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Identical support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128GB | 64/128GB | Tecno does not have the 32GB option. |
| RAM | 3/4/6GB | 3/4GB | Samsung has a 6 GB option. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports microSD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Tecno has enhanced audio features for a more immersive experience |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Identical biometric options. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Missing information. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Proximity, Compass | Tecno has more sensor capabilities |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- More Versatile Camera System: Offers a dedicated telephoto and wide-angle lens in addition to a depth sensor for portrait mode which Tecno lacks.
- Faster Charging: 15W fast charging, slightly quicker than Tecno's 10W.
- More precise GPS: GLONASS and Beidou support provides better location accuracy than just GPS and A-GPS
- 6GB RAM Option: Available with 6GB RAM, potentially allowing more moderate multitasking than Tecno
Tecno Spark Go 2024 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster processor and GPU, resulting in a smoother overall experience.
- 90Hz Display: Smoother animations, better responsiveness, and a more fluid experience when scrolling and gaming.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 13 out of the box, likely receiving future software updates for longer support.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers with DTS technology provides a more immersive audio experience.
- Better Connectivity: 5GHz WiFi and WiFi Display offer faster speeds and easier screen mirroring.
- Slightly Wider Aperture Main camera with a slightly wider aperture might be negligibly better in low light
- Front Flash: Selfie camera with front facing flash for better selfies in low light
Trade-offs:
- Samsung's Versatile Camera comes at the cost of overall lower performance and older software.
- Tecno's superior performance comes with the loss of a telephoto and wide angle camera and slightly slower charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12:
- Ideal User: A user who prioritizes camera versatility and wants a wider range of lenses. Users who don't heavily multitask or play graphically demanding games. A user who does not mind older software.
- Use Cases: Casual photography, users who want to capture a variety of shots (close-ups, wide landscapes, portraits), users who don't need the latest software, light social media browsing, and basic productivity tasks.
- Price-to-Value: Likely cheaper due to its age, making it a good option for budget users who want a wider range of camera lens options.
Tecno Spark Go 2024:
- Ideal User: Users who want the best performance at a budget price point, better software, and are interested in gaming and media consumption. A user who wants more immersive audio experience,
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming (casual), heavy social media use, streaming media content, users who want a smoother overall experience, and need the latest version of Android.
- Price-to-Value: Delivers impressive performance at the budget price point, making it a good choice for performance-conscious users on a budget.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is camera versatility (telephoto, wide-angle)? If these features are essential, the Samsung is the better choice, however at the cost of performance and having older software.
- How important is overall performance and software smoothness? If performance and software are paramount, Tecno is the clear winner.
- What is the primary use case (gaming, media, photography)? Tecno excels at performance and multimedia, while Samsung is better at camera versatility.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget Photography Enthusiast - Choose Samsung. You will be able to take a wider variety of shots thanks to its versatile lens options. However, you must be ok with older software, lower overall performance, and slower charging.
- Scenario 2: Budget Mobile Gamer or Heavy Media User - Choose Tecno. The significantly better performance and 90Hz display provide the smoother user experience essential for mobile gaming and media consumption, and you'll be getting a newer version of Android.
- Scenario 3: General User on a Tight Budget - Choose Tecno, unless you want more lenses on your camera. Tecno will offer a more modern experience with its superior performance, better screen, and newer version of Android.
My Choice
I would choose the Tecno Spark Go 2024.
While the Samsung Galaxy A12 has the advantage of a more versatile camera setup, the Tecno Spark Go 2024 offers a more compelling experience for most users due to its significantly better performance, smoother 90Hz display, and newer Android version. The increase in processing speed and graphics performance provided by the Tecno will be noticeable in daily usage. The enhanced audio features and better connectivity of the Tecno makes it a better all round media and entertainment device. Furthermore, the newer version of Android ensures future support which is always valuable.
