Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 vs. Samsung Galaxy M12
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | A52 is more compact and slimmer, likely feeling more comfortable in hand. M12 is taller and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier. |
| Weight | 189g | 212g | A52 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and pocket-friendly. M12 is noticeably heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both have the same screen size, which is generally good for media consumption and daily use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | A52 has a much sharper display, meaning text, images, and videos will appear clearer and more detailed compared to the M12's less sharp screen. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 407 | 270 | A52's higher pixel density results in a visibly crisper display, with more detail. M12's lower PPI will result in softer images and less sharp text. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | A52 offers better color reproduction, deeper blacks, and superior contrast, leading to a more vibrant viewing experience, especially in dark scenes. M12 offers a decent but less vivid visual experience |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both provide smoother scrolling and animations compared to standard 60Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Neither have specified brightness levels, making it impossible to know about their outdoor visibility potential |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | A52's Snapdragon 720G is significantly more powerful than M12's Exynos 850, leading to faster app loading, better multitasking, and superior gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 117,341 | A52 offers dramatically better performance, noticeable in responsiveness and resource-intensive tasks like gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G52 | A52's Adreno 618 provides superior graphics performance, allowing for smoother gameplay at higher settings. M12's Mali G52 is adequate for basic tasks but can struggle with high-demanding apps or 3D games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 48MP | A52 has the higher resolution sensor, capturing more detailed images with more cropping potential. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/2.0 | A52's wider aperture allows for better low-light performance and shallower depth of field. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.7" | 1/2" | A52's larger sensor captures more light, improving image quality, especially in low-light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 8MP | A52 has significantly higher resolution, resulting in sharper, more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Resolution | 12MP | 5MP | A52 captures much more detail when using the ultrawide angle camera, ideal for landscapes and large groups. |
| Portrait Camera Resolution | 5MP | 2MP | A52 allows for better quality bokeh effects and better background seperation due to higher depth lens resolution. |
| Macro Camera Resolution | 5MP | 2MP | A52 captures sharper close up details due to its higher resolution macro sensor. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps (with EIS) | 1080p@30fps | A52 supports higher video resolution, with EIS for stabilisation, offering better video quality for casual shooting and vlogging. M12 only shoots 1080p with limited stabilisation. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | M12 has a larger battery, likely offering better battery life per charge, especially for heavy users. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 15W fast charging | A52 charges faster, reducing the time spent plugged into the wall. M12 takes longer to charge fully. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 14 | Android 11 | A52 will get longer software support and will have access to newer features, UI changes and system optimisation. M12 will most likely only get a couple of os upgrades, if any, at the time of this analysis. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (ac) , Dual-band | Wi-Fi 4 (n) | A52 supports faster Wi-Fi standards, potentially offering better download and upload speeds. M12 has older wifi standard. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 (LE, A2DP, EDR, HID, ANT+) | Bluetooth 5.0 (A2DP, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, MAP, PAN, OPP, PBAP/PAB, HOGP) | Both offer Bluetooth 5.0. Both support A2DP and HID. M12 supports a much wider range of profiles. A52 also supports low energy and EDR features but lacks a wider array of compatibility profiles. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | A52 has access to additional GPS satellites, providing more accurate location tracking in difficult environments (e.g., urban canyons) |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both support dual nano SIMs with dual standby functionality |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 32GB or 64GB or 128GB | A52 offers higher maximum storage, providing more space for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB or 8GB | 3GB or 4GB or 6GB | A52 offers up to 8 GB of ram which allows it to multitask more efficiently and keep more apps in memory. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither of these phones have expandable storage options. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | A52 has better audio output quality for content consumption. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | M12's fingerprint sensor might be more convenient and faster for unlocking the phone. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | A52 has superior protection against scratches and minor impacts on the screen. M12's screen protection is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | A52 features more sensor capabilities, suitable for more advanced features and gaming |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED display with higher resolution and pixel density provides a much better viewing experience.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 720G chipset offers significantly better performance for everyday tasks, multitasking, and gaming.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution sensors, wider aperture, and larger sensor size result in better photo and video quality, especially in low light. It also supports higher resolution video recording and extra video stabilisation.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging compared to 15W on the M12 significantly reduces charging time.
- Superior Audio: Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus, result in a richer sound experience.
- Longer Software Support The A52 is confirmed to be updated to Android 14, meaning it will get more features, UI changes and security updates for longer than the M12.
- Screen Protection The A52 has Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for added peace of mind.
- More GPS Satellites The A52 has access to Galileo in addition to all of the M12's supported satellites, which makes location data more reliable and precise.
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Slightly larger battery (5000mAh vs 4500mAh) may offer longer battery life, but will likely be negated by the more power-hungry screen and CPU.
- Potentially Better Fingerprint Sensor: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor may be more convenient for some users.
- More Bluetooth Profiles: The M12 supports more Bluetooth profiles which might allow for better compatibility with certain headphones and accessories.
- Lower Price: The M12 is the cheaper of the two, making it accessible for lower budgets
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Galaxy A52 sacrifices battery capacity for performance, display quality, and camera capability, though with the more power efficient AMOLED, the battery might not be as bad as initially thought.
- The Galaxy M12 sacrifices screen quality and performance for price accessibility and a larger battery.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 - Ideal for:
- Users who prioritize a high-quality display for media consumption.
- Gamers or power users who need a phone that can handle demanding apps.
- Photography enthusiasts who want better image quality and more features.
- Users looking for a premium experience in the midrange price bracket.
Specific Use Cases:
- Streaming movies and videos with vibrant colors and sharp details.
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
- Multi-tasking and switching between apps smoothly.
Samsung Galaxy M12 - Ideal for:
- Users who need a basic phone for everyday tasks and want good battery life.
- Budget-conscious buyers who want a large screen and a decent camera system.
- Users who aren't very picky about display quality, performance, and camera capabilities
- Users who value battery life over everything else.
Specific Use Cases:
- Making calls and sending messages, browsing social media, and watching short videos.
- Casual photography and video recording.
- Long battery life for users who are often away from a power source.
- Users who need a smartphone for basic tasks, such as calling and messaging.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy A52 offers better value for users looking for a balance of high-end features and performance. It's more expensive but offers a substantially better user experience in key areas.
- The Samsung Galaxy M12 offers good value for those on a very tight budget, sacrificing several key components to achieve the lower price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is display quality for you? (If you value a vivid and detailed display, the A52 is the better choice.)
- Do you need a phone that can handle demanding tasks and games? (If yes, the A52's Snapdragon processor is a much better option.)
- Is battery life the most important thing for you? (If so, the M12 might be the better choice, though its screen and CPU combination means that the benefit might be minimal)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-conscious user: If you are on a very tight budget and need a basic phone for calls, messaging, and some casual browsing, the M12 is the better option.
- Scenario 2: Everyday User: If you watch videos, use social media, and play light games, the A52 is recommended for a much more enjoyable experience.
- Scenario 3: Gamer or Power User: If you need a phone for playing demanding games and running multiple apps simultaneously, the A52 will deliver a vastly superior performance.
- Scenario 4: Photography Enthusiast: If you want a better camera and video quality for photography, the A52 is the recommended choice.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A52.
While the M12 offers a larger battery and a lower price, the A52 provides a vastly superior user experience in almost every other aspect that is important to me. The significantly better display, performance, and camera capabilities of the A52 make it the clear choice for me, as those are the areas that I use the most. The faster charging also mitigates the slightly smaller battery. While the M12 is a perfectly adequate smartphone, the A52 elevates the user experience to a much higher level and is therefore the better choice for my use case, while being worth the extra cost. The added future proofing also makes the A52 a more sensible buy.
