Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A12 vs. Xiaomi Poco C65
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Xiaomi Poco C65 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-12-21 | 2023-11-06 | The Poco C65 is significantly newer, likely having more up-to-date software and features. |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm | 168 x 78 x 8.1 mm | The Poco C65 is slightly taller and wider but thinner. The A12 might feel more compact in hand. |
| Weight | 205g | 192g | The Poco C65 is slightly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.74" | The Poco C65 offers a larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both have the same resolution, so sharpness will be similar. |
| PPI | 270 | 260 | Both have similar pixel density, resulting in nearly the same clarity. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | The Poco C65's IPS LCD panel typically offers better viewing angles and color reproduction than the A12's PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The Poco C65's 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations look smoother. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness. (Note: This is an unusual specification and may be incorrect. Typically, brightness values would be given in nits.) |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | The Poco C65's Helio G85 is significantly more powerful, offering better performance in apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 237,768 | The Poco C65 has a much higher benchmark score, indicating faster overall performance. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 | The Poco C65's Mali-G52 MC2 is a more capable GPU, providing better graphics performance for gaming and video rendering. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2", Samsung S5KGM2, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64µm | The Poco C65 has a slightly higher resolution and a wider aperture (better low-light performance). The A12 has larger sensor size which can also improve low-light but overall the Poco C65 has slightly better camera. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Both have identical selfie cameras. |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The A12 has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed photos, a feature missing on the Poco C65. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | The A12 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more in a shot, a feature missing on the Poco C65. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Poco C65 has a macro lens for close-up shots, a feature missing on the A12. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, No stabilization, Slow-motion: No | 1080p@30fps, No stabilization, Slow-motion: Yes, 120 fps | Both phones record similar video but the Poco C65 is capable of 120 fps slow motion. |
| DxoMark | Mobile (90), Photo (0), Video (0) | The Samsung Galaxy A12 has been tested while Xiaomi Poco C65 has not. The DxoMark score is an indication of image quality and it scored 90 for mobile overall. | |
| 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 | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | The A12 has a quad-camera setup, while the Poco C65 has a triple camera setup and features RAW shooting and digital image stabilization which provides enhanced options. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, meaning comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging, Li-Ion | 18W fast charging, Li-Polymer, Reverse charging | The Poco C65 charges slightly faster and also has reverse charging capabilities, which can be used to charge other devices. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10, max version 12 | Android 13 | The Poco C65 runs a newer version of Android, offering better features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n, Dual band, Hotspot, Direct | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual band, Hotspot, Direct, Display | The Poco C65 supports faster Wi-Fi standards (802.11ac) and Wi-Fi Display. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE | The Poco C65 features a newer and more power-efficient Bluetooth version, supporting aptX. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | The Poco C65 supports more satellite navigation systems for enhanced accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | The Poco C65 offers larger storage options. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 4/6/8 GB | The Poco C65 has higher RAM options, which will help with multitasking and demanding applications. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Basic audio features | Both phones have similar audio capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones have a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | The Poco C65 has a more comprehensive set of sensors that are useful for various advanced applications and gaming experiences. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Dedicated Telephoto & Wide-Angle Lenses: Offers more versatile camera capabilities with dedicated lenses for zoom and wide-angle shots.
- Slightly higher pixel density: Offers slightly sharper viewing experience (270 PPI).
Xiaomi Poco C65 Advantages:
- Newer and More Powerful Processor: The Helio G85 offers significantly better performance in everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate provides a noticeably smoother visual experience.
- Larger Screen: 6.74-inch display for more immersive media consumption.
- Better standard camera: The main camera has a wider aperature and slightly higher resolution for enhanced image quality
- Newer Android OS: Ships with Android 13, offering updated features, security patches, and a more modern user interface.
- Faster Charging: 18W fast charging vs. 15W.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used to charge other devices.
- More RAM and Storage Options: Higher RAM configurations and storage options
- Additional Sensors: Equipped with a more comprehensive sensor suite.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for close-up shots
Trade-offs:
- The Galaxy A12 sacrifices performance for camera versatility.
- The Poco C65 sacrifices dedicated zoom and wide-angle lenses for better overall performance, modern features and a macro lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12 Ideal User:
- Casual photographers: Users who prioritize having a variety of camera lenses (telephoto and wide-angle) at their disposal.
- Budget-conscious users: Those seeking a very affordable smartphone with a decent camera.
- Users not focused on performance: Those who don't prioritize gaming or heavy multitasking.
- Users who do not care about having the latest features: The A12 has older software and lacks modern features.
Use Cases:
- Everyday social media use and casual photo capture.
- Basic smartphone tasks like calls, messaging, and browsing.
- Capturing photos with different perspectives (wide-angle, zoom).
Xiaomi Poco C65 Ideal User:
- Performance-focused users: Those who want a snappy phone for daily tasks and gaming on a budget.
- Media consumers: Users who enjoy watching videos, browsing social media, and want a smooth visual experience.
- Value seekers: Users who want modern features and better performance without breaking the bank.
- Users that want to future proof: With newer software and hardware, the Poco C65 is a much better choice for longevity.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, app usage, and multitasking.
- Video streaming and social media consumption.
- Long-term usage with more modern features and performance
- Taking macro shots.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important are dedicated zoom and wide-angle camera lenses? If these are critical, the A12 might be preferable.
- How important is performance? If smooth performance and gaming are priorities, the Poco C65 is the better choice.
- How important is having the latest Android OS and feature set? The Poco C65 is the better choice due to its newer software and feature set.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: User wants an affordable phone primarily for taking photos with versatile lenses.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A12, despite its older OS and weaker performance.
- Scenario 2: User wants a smartphone that is fast and smooth with modern features for daily use and gaming.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco C65, due to its superior processor, smoother display, newer features and better sensors.
- Scenario 3: User wants the best value for money phone.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco C65, offering a better overall experience, performance, features and value.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Poco C65. While the Samsung Galaxy A12 has a more versatile camera system with dedicated telephoto and wide-angle lenses, the Poco C65 offers a superior experience in almost every other aspect that I prioritize in a smartphone. The faster processor, smoother 90Hz display, newer Android OS, faster charging, additional sensors and higher storage/RAM options all contribute to a more enjoyable and future-proof experience. The A12's camera advantages are not significant enough to outweigh the performance and modern feature set of the Poco C65, especially considering that the Poco C65 has a macro lens and a better standard camera. The practical benefits of a smoother display and faster performance are more impactful in daily use than having extra camera lenses that won't always be utilized.
