Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A12 vs. ZTE Axon 40 Ultra
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-12-21 | 2022-05-13 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is significantly newer, likely with more modern software and hardware. |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm | 163.3 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm | A12 is slightly wider and thicker, but both are similar in size. |
| Weight | 205g | 204g | Both have very similar weight, so it won't be a significant difference in handling. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.8" | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has a slightly larger screen for more immersive media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1116x2480 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra's higher resolution results in sharper text, images, and videos. |
| PPI | 270 | 400 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra's higher PPI makes the screen look crisper and less pixelated, especially noticeable in small text. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra's AMOLED display offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to A12's PLS LCD, which impacts viewing quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra's 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations look smoother, leading to a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is much brighter, making it easier to see the screen in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio P35 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra’s chipset is significantly more powerful, leading to much faster app loading, better multitasking, and superior gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 1,061,300 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra provides dramatically better performance, enabling smoother operation across all tasks. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 730 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra's GPU handles complex graphics significantly better for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have same battery capacity, but real world battery life depends heavily on software, usage and other factors. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Li-Polymer batteries tend to be more stable and safer than Li-Ion batteries. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Standard | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2" | 64MP, f/1.6, 1/1.72" | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has better main camera specs, likely capturing more detail, light, and better low-light performance. |
| Selfie | 8MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.0 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has higher resolution and wider aperture for better selfies and video calls. |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2" | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has a significantly better telephoto lens for zooming. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | Samsung Galaxy A12 has a wide-angle lens, which is missing in the Axon 40 Ultra. |
| ToF 3D sensor | None | 0.3MP | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has a ToF 3D sensor for depth sensing, which is missing in the A12. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy A12 has a dedicated portrait mode lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 64MP, f/2.3, 1/1.72" | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has a versatile wide angle + macro lens, missing in A12. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps; No; No | Up to 8K@30fps with HDR, EIS; Yes; Yes | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers significantly better video recording capabilities with 8K, HDR, and advanced stabilization; |
| DXOMARK Score | 90 | Not tested | Only Samsung Galaxy A12 was tested by DXOMARK, with an overall score of 90. |
| Camera Features | Basic | 4K Video, 8K Video, Optical zoom, Digital image stabilization, OIS, PDAF, LAF, Under display camera, RAW, Night Mode | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has much more advanced camera features, offering more creative control and better image quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (up to 12) | Android 12 (up to 13) | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has a newer OS out of the box, potentially providing better features and longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11n | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra supports faster and more stable WiFi connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has a newer Bluetooth version for more efficient connections. |
| GPS | Basic | Advanced | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra provides more accurate location tracking thanks to support for additional satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both devices support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256/512/1024 GB | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers significantly more storage, accommodating more apps, media, and files. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 8/12/16/18 GB | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers significantly more RAM, allowing for more efficient multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has a better audio experience with stereo speakers, multiple microphones for clearer calls and advanced audio features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Samsung Galaxy A12 offers a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor, while the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has a basic fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Neither has specific screen protection listed. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint, Gyroscope, Gravity, Hall | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has more sensors, which is suitable for advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Wide Angle Lens: Offers a dedicated wide-angle camera for capturing expansive scenes.
- Portrait Mode: Has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photography.
- Lower Price: Likely to be significantly more affordable than the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra.
Practical Implications: The A12 is a budget-friendly option with some essential camera features, suitable for everyday casual use and users with basic needs.
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel, higher resolution, higher refresh rate, and much higher brightness offers a vastly superior visual experience, especially for media consumption.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset provides much smoother performance for gaming, multitasking, and all day-to-day tasks.
- Much Better Camera System: Offers higher resolution sensors, better low-light performance, a better telephoto lens, wide-angle + macro lens, ToF 3D sensor and advanced video recording capabilities.
- Faster Charging: Significantly reduces charging time.
- More Storage & RAM: Provides better future-proofing and smoother performance with more RAM.
- Modern Connectivity: Supports faster WiFi and a newer Bluetooth version.
- Better Audio: Includes Stereo speakers, advanced sound features and multiple microphones for clear calls.
- Advanced Features: Has features like under display camera, Optical zoom, OIS and many more.
Practical Implications: The Axon 40 Ultra excels in all key areas, providing a premium user experience suitable for demanding users who prioritize performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra trades a dedicated wide-angle camera for a versatile wide-angle + macro lens and lacks a dedicated portrait sensor.
- The Samsung Galaxy A12's lower price point comes with a trade-off in performance, display, and camera quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who need a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light browsing.
- Casual Photographers: Users who occasionally take pictures and don't require top-tier camera quality.
- Users Needing A Wide-Angle Camera: Users who prefer wide angle shots over other kinds of shots.
- Users needing Portrait mode: Users who need portrait mode for capturing photos with bokeh effect.
Specific Use Cases:
- Everyday communication and basic app usage.
- Casual media consumption and social media browsing.
- Taking basic photos and videos.
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who demand high performance for gaming, video editing, and intensive apps.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who want a high-quality display for watching videos, playing games, and enjoying visual content.
- Mobile Photographers: Those who need a versatile and high-quality camera system for capturing detailed photos and videos.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the latest and greatest in mobile technology.
Specific Use Cases:
- High-performance gaming and demanding app usage.
- Professional-grade photography and videography.
- Immersive multimedia consumption and content creation.
- Smooth multitasking and seamless operation across all applications.
Price-to-Value:
- The Samsung Galaxy A12 offers good value for its low price, but it's limited in performance and features.
- The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra provides premium features and performance, justifying its higher price for users who can afford it and require such features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? If your budget is tight, the Galaxy A12 might be a suitable choice, but note its compromises.
- How important is performance? If you need a smooth experience for demanding tasks, the Axon 40 Ultra is a must.
- How crucial is display quality? If you watch videos or play games frequently, the Axon 40 Ultra's AMOLED screen is a significant advantage.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic User: If you need a cheap phone for calls, texts, and basic browsing, the Samsung Galaxy A12 is sufficient.
- Scenario 2: Media Consumer: If you prioritize display quality for watching movies, or videos, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is a much better choice.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Photographer: If you need high-quality photos and videos, and a flexible camera system, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra excels.
- Scenario 4: Heavy Gamer/Power User: If you want a phone that can handle demanding tasks and gaming, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is far superior.
My Choice
Given the specifications and use cases, I would choose the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. Here's why:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset is significantly more powerful, ensuring smooth performance in all scenarios. As someone who uses their phone for a variety of tasks, including some gaming, this is crucial.
- Better Display: The AMOLED display with higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness would significantly enhance my viewing experience for media consumption.
- Advanced Camera System: The multiple 64MP cameras would offer exceptional versatility, allowing for much better image quality. The enhanced video recording capabilities are also very attractive.
- Future Proofing: The newer chipsets, RAM, faster charging, and enhanced connectivity features mean it would remain usable for much longer.
While the price of the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is considerably higher, the value for money is better. The Samsung Galaxy A12 would not meet my performance, display, or photography needs.
