1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm | 161.8 x 75.3 x 8.9 mm | Poco M3 Pro 5G is slightly shorter, both have similar width and thickness |
| Weight | 205g | 190g | Poco M3 Pro 5G is lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both have the same screen size |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2400 | Poco M3 Pro 5G has a much sharper display with more detail |
| PPI | 270 | 405 | Poco M3 Pro 5G offers significantly clearer text and images |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Poco M3 Pro 5G generally has better viewing angles and color reproduction |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Poco M3 Pro 5G screen feels smoother, especially when scrolling |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have the same unspecified brightness, we cannot provide real impact without specific nits |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm) | Poco M3 Pro 5G has a more powerful and efficient processor |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 379,761 | Poco M3 Pro 5G is significantly faster for apps, games, and multitasking |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Poco M3 Pro 5G has better graphics for gaming and visually intensive apps |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have similar battery life |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | 18W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | Poco M3 Pro 5G charges slightly faster and has a potentially longer battery lifespan |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Poco M3 Pro 5G can act as a power bank for other devices, if needed |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2", Samsung S5KGM2 | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Omnivision OV48B | Poco M3 Pro 5G has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better in low light |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4", Omnivision OV8856 | Poco M3 Pro 5G has a slightly wider aperture, better in low-light selfies |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung A12 has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoom shots |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | Samsung A12 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for landscape photography |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", GalaxyCore GC02M1 | Both offer depth sensors for portrait mode |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", Hynix HI-259 | Poco M3 Pro 5G has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, No slow-mo, No stabilization | 1080p@30fps, Yes slow-mo (960fps), No stabilization | Poco M3 Pro 5G offers slow motion recording |
| DXOMark Score | Main: 90 Photo:0, Video:0 | Not Tested | Samsung A12 has a tested score but the photo and video scores are zero, making the overall score unhelpful. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple Camera, Continuous shooting, Panorama | Triple Camera, Digital Image Stabilization, Night Mode | Both offer different camera mode options |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 11 | Poco M3 Pro 5G has a more recent Android version out of the box |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n, Dual Band, Hotspot, Direct | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual Band, Hotspot, Direct, Display, MIMO | Poco M3 Pro 5G has faster and more reliable Wi-Fi |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | Poco M3 Pro 5G has a more efficient Bluetooth connection |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Poco M3 Pro 5G has better location accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support dual SIM |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128GB | 64/128GB | Both offer comparable storage options, though the A12 has a base variant of 32 GB |
| RAM | 3/4/6GB | 4/6GB | Poco M3 Pro 5G has a minimum of 4 GB RAM, better for multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports storage expansion |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Hi-Res Audio | Poco M3 Pro 5G offers improved audio quality |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both have a side fingerprint scanner |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Poco M3 Pro 5G has better scratch and impact resistance |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Poco M3 Pro 5G has more comprehensive sensor suite suitable for advanced features and gaming |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Dedicated Telephoto and Wide Angle Lenses: Offers more flexibility in photography.
- Slightly Larger Size: May be preferred by users who prefer a bigger footprint.
Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Dimensity 700 chipset offers much faster performance in all tasks.
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, better color reproduction and higher refresh rate makes the display much nicer for general usage and media consumption.
- Faster Charging and Reverse Charging: More convenient charging capabilities.
- Hi-Res Audio: Improved audio quality for audiophiles.
- 5G Connectivity: Faster mobile data speeds for users with compatible networks.
- More Modern OS: Ships with Android 11.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
- More Comprehensive Sensors: Has gyroscope and compass for better gaming and navigation.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A12 has a telephoto and wide-angle camera but suffers from weaker performance, a lower-resolution display, and slower charging.
- Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G sacrifices dedicated telephoto and wide angle lens, but gains much better performance, display and other key features
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize camera versatility, particularly the telephoto and wide-angle lens, over raw performance and display quality.
- Use Cases: Users who take a lot of varied photos where dedicated lens are crucial, those who need basic smartphone functions, less demanding mobile gamers and users with a preference for Samsung's UI.
- Price-to-Value: Provides basic features at an entry-level price, but is relatively low in overall value when compared to the Poco M3 Pro.
Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, display quality, and future-proofing with 5G connectivity.
- Use Cases: Mobile gamers, users who multitask heavily, those who consume a lot of video content, and those who want a modern, smoother experience.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a better price-to-value ratio due to significantly superior performance and features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance? If smooth multitasking and gaming are a priority, the Poco M3 Pro 5G is clearly superior.
- How crucial are telephoto and wide-angle lenses? If these are must-haves, the A12 has the advantage.
- What is the budget? If the budget is really tight, the A12 may be a good option, but the Poco M3 Pro 5G offers much better value at a slightly higher price
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Heavy User): If you use your phone for demanding tasks, gaming, and media consumption, the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G is the better option due to its superior performance, display and features.
- Scenario 2 (Casual User): If your primary focus is on general use, basic photography, and a low price point, the Samsung Galaxy A12 may suffice. However, the Poco M3 Pro 5G's improved experience will be noticeable even for casual usage, if your budget allows.
- Scenario 3 (Photography Focused): If you need diverse photo capabilities using telephoto and wide-angle lenses, the Samsung Galaxy A12 is the only option of the two to provide this feature, however it would still lose to a higher end phone even with this feature.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G. While the Samsung A12's telephoto and wide-angle lens are unique for this comparison, the overall user experience offered by the Poco M3 Pro 5G is significantly superior. The superior processor, higher-resolution display, faster charging, 5G connectivity, and more comprehensive sensor suite make it the better choice for most users, even those who take photos occasionally. The trade-off of not having a wide-angle or telephoto is worth it, and that feature will likely be provided by better smartphones with good quality cameras. The vastly superior performance and a more smooth user experience is a more crucial everyday usage than telephoto or wide-angle, making the Poco M3 Pro 5G the clear winner.
