Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A12 vs. ZTE nubia Flip
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | ZTE nubia Flip | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-12-21 | 2024-04-23 | ZTE nubia Flip is significantly newer, likely with more modern components and software. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | ZTE nubia Flip offers a larger screen in a more compact form when folded; Samsung Galaxy A12 is a standard, non-folding phone. |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm | 170 x 75.5 x 7 mm | ZTE nubia Flip is slightly taller and thinner; Galaxy A12 is a bit wider when unfolded. ZTE nubia Flip is more pocketable when folded. |
| Weight | 205g | 214g | Galaxy A12 is slightly lighter; the difference is minimal, unlikely to be a major factor in daily use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.9" | ZTE nubia Flip provides a larger viewing area for media consumption and productivity. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1188x2790 | ZTE nubia Flip has a significantly sharper display with much more detail. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 439 | ZTE nubia Flip's higher PPI results in clearer text and images. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | - | Both use similar LCD tech; ZTE nubia Flip's tech is unknown |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | ZTE nubia Flip offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits, which is concerning and likely an error in the data |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7450-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm) | ZTE nubia Flip's chipset is much more powerful, leading to significantly faster app loading, better multitasking, and improved gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 690,000 | ZTE nubia Flip has dramatically superior performance, suitable for demanding tasks and future-proofing. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 644 | ZTE nubia Flip's GPU will offer much better graphics performance, especially for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4310mAh | Galaxy A12 has a larger battery which likely translates to longer battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | ZTE nubia Flip charges significantly faster, which can be convenient for users in a hurry. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | ZTE nubia Flip can be used to charge other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Standard | 48MP, f/2.0 | 50MP, f/1.7 | ZTE nubia Flip has slightly higher resolution and a wider aperture, potentially better low light performance. |
| Front Selfie | 8MP, f/2.2 | 16MP | ZTE nubia Flip's selfie camera captures more detailed images. |
| Rear Telephoto | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Galaxy A12 has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed shots; the impact is limited by the low resolution. |
| Rear Wide Angle | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | Galaxy A12 can capture wide angle shots. |
| Rear Depth | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both phones have a 2MP depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - | Galaxy A12 supports 1080p video recording, while recording resolution for ZTE nubia Flip is unknown |
| Slow Motion | 30 fps | 120 fps | ZTE nubia Flip offers higher frame rate slow-motion videos. |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | 90 | - | Only Galaxy A12 has been tested, with a fairly low score |
| 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, Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | ZTE nubia Flip has more advanced features like 4K video and night mode |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 10, upgradable to 12 | Android 13 | ZTE nubia Flip has a more recent OS with access to the newest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (WiFi 6) | ZTE nubia Flip supports newer WiFi standards, offering faster speeds and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | ZTE nubia Flip features a newer Bluetooth version with lower energy consumption. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2) | ZTE nubia Flip has more advanced GPS systems for enhanced location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | ZTE nubia Flip offers the flexibility of using an eSIM alongside a physical SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 256/512 GB | ZTE nubia Flip offers substantially more internal storage. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 8/12 GB | ZTE nubia Flip has significantly more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Other | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic Audio | Basic Audio | Both phones offer basic audio capabilities. |
| Security | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones have the same fingerprint sensor tech. |
| Build Quality | Unknown Screen Protection | Unknown Screen Protection | Both phones lack information on screen protection |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | ZTE nubia Flip has more sensors, supporting augmented reality and enhanced gaming features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
ZTE nubia Flip Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Offers a large screen in a more compact form factor, enhances portability and provides a unique user experience.
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset provides significantly better speed and responsiveness compared to the Helio P35.
- Significantly Sharper Display: Higher resolution and PPI makes for a much more pleasant visual experience.
- Faster Refresh Rate: 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations much smoother and more responsive.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging enables quicker recharge times, especially useful when on the go.
- Newer Operating System: Android 13 provides access to the latest features and security patches.
- Advanced Connectivity: WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 offer faster and more stable wireless connections.
- More Internal Storage and RAM: Ensures more space for files and smoother multitasking.
- Better Camera Features: Including 4K Video, digital image stabilization and night mode for more flexible photography.
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Offers potentially longer battery life thanks to its larger 5000mAh capacity
- Telephoto and Wide Angle lens: Provides more flexible camera options than the nubia Flip
- Lower Price: The Galaxy A12 will be much more affordable.
Trade-offs:
- ZTE nubia Flip: Trades a smaller battery for a foldable design, higher performance, and faster charging. It's significantly more expensive.
- Samsung Galaxy A12: Trades performance and display quality for a larger battery and a lower price. It offers fewer modern features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for ZTE nubia Flip:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who enjoy cutting-edge technology and innovative designs.
- Power Users: Users who need fast performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Media Consumers: Users who frequently watch videos or browse content and appreciate the larger, high-quality screen.
- Users who value portability: The foldable design makes it a great choice for users who want a larger screen without sacrificing portability.
Use Cases for ZTE nubia Flip:
- Mobile Gaming: The powerful chipset and smooth display make it great for demanding games.
- Multi-tasking: Running multiple apps with smooth performance and ample RAM.
- Media Consumption: Enjoying a large, high-resolution display for movies and videos.
- On-the-go productivity: The foldable design and processing power make it useful for work.
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy A12:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users who need a functional smartphone at a lower cost.
- Basic Users: Users who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, and light browsing.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Users who need a phone that can last a full day without needing to charge.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A12:
- Everyday Communication: Making calls, sending messages, and browsing social media.
- Basic Photography: Taking casual photos.
- Basic Navigation: Using maps for getting around.
- Long battery life: For users who might not have access to reliable charging.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a new smartphone?
- Performance: What are your performance needs? (Basic tasks vs gaming and heavy multitasking)
- Features: Do you value cutting-edge features like a foldable design or a better display over a more affordable price and simpler features?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you have a limited budget and prioritize long battery life: The Samsung Galaxy A12 is the better option.
- If you need a compact smartphone with a large screen, high performance and advanced features: The ZTE nubia Flip is the better choice.
- If you want the best possible performance and features regardless of the cost: The ZTE nubia Flip is the clear winner.
- If you need more camera flexibility like telephoto and wide angle lens: The Samsung Galaxy A12 is the better option.
My Choice and Explanation
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the ZTE nubia Flip. My reasoning is as follows:
While the Samsung Galaxy A12 has the advantage of a larger battery, the ZTE nubia Flip offers a vastly superior experience in almost every other aspect. I value the following:
- Foldable Design: The ability to have a large screen that folds into a pocketable size is a significant advantage for my use cases.
- Performance: I often use my smartphone for tasks that require good performance, like browsing the web, social media, playing games and using apps, which is where the ZTE's superior chipset would shine.
- Display Quality: I prefer a high-resolution, high refresh rate screen for a smoother, more enjoyable visual experience.
- Software and Connectivity: The ZTE's more modern OS, faster WiFi, and better Bluetooth connectivity are important for future-proofing and ensure a smooth experience.
- Advanced Features: I appreciate the faster charging, which is very useful in a busy day, and the additional sensors the nubia Flip offers which improves the overall phone experience.
Although I acknowledge that the Samsung Galaxy A12 has a lower price point, for me, the benefits offered by the ZTE nubia Flip outweigh the extra cost. The foldable design, superior performance, display, and advanced features make it a much more compelling choice.
