Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. Apple iPhone 15
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed breakdown of the specifications, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Apple iPhone 15 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 147.6 × 71.6 × 7.8 mm | M12 is larger and bulkier, less comfortable for one-handed use and smaller pockets; iPhone 15 is more pocketable and ergonomic. |
| Weight | 212g | 171g | iPhone 15 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods and less tiring to carry around. |
| Build | Screen Protection Unkown | Screen Protection Unkown | Screen protection is unkown for both phones. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Apple iPhone 15 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.1" | M12 has a larger screen, better for media consumption and multi-tasking, but it can be less comfortable for one-handed usage. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1179 x 2556 | iPhone 15's much higher resolution results in significantly sharper text and images; clearer display for detailed content and photos. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 461 PPI | iPhone 15's higher pixel density offers a noticeably crisper and more detailed viewing experience; individual pixels are harder to discern. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | OLED | iPhone 15's OLED provides superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors; better for viewing HDR content and dark mode usage. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | M12's higher refresh rate results in slightly smoother scrolling and animations. iPhone 15 is less smooth. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | iPhone 15 is much brighter, allowing for better visibility under direct sunlight; easier to view the screen in outdoor conditions. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Apple iPhone 15 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) | iPhone 15's much more powerful chipset provides significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 1,470,000 | iPhone 15 provides vastly superior overall performance, a difference that would be readily apparent in everyday use (1153% increase). |
| GPU | Mali-G52 (ARM Mali-G52) | Apple GPU (5-core) | iPhone 15's GPU offers considerably better graphics processing for demanding games and graphically intensive applications. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Apple iPhone 15 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 3877 mAh | M12 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life, depending on usage patterns. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging | iPhone 15 charges faster; 15W on the M12 is slower. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, 15W MagSafe Wireless Charging, 7.5W Qi Wireless Charging | iPhone 15 offers wireless charging capabilities, a feature not found on M12. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Apple iPhone 15 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2" sensor, 0.8µm pixels | 48MP, f/1.6, 1/1.5" sensor, 1.00µm pixels | iPhone 15's larger sensor and wider aperture generally result in better low-light performance and image quality; bigger pixels help capture more light. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/1.9, 1.12µm pixels | iPhone 15's selfie camera offers better low-light, more detail and wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | M12 offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing broader scenes while the iPhone 15 doesnt have that option as a dedicated lens, it is instead combined with the Macro lens. |
| Portrait (Depth) Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | M12 has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode shots; iPhone 15 doesn't have a dedicated depth camera. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | M12 offers dedicated macro lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 12MP, f/2.4 | iPhone 15 offers Wide Angle + Macro lens combo, while M12 doesn't have this option. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, various options, slow-motion up to 1080p@240fps | iPhone 15 can record much higher-quality video with more features like HDR and slow-motion capabilities; better for videography and cinematic content creation. |
| DxOMark Score | Not Tested | Mobile: 145 (Photo 147, Video 153) | iPhone 15 has been tested on DXOMARK, showing great results on camera and video. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, PDAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, WB settings, ISO, Exposure comp., Scene mode, Self-timer | Cinematic Mode, Noise reduction, Face unlock, Pro Video Mode, 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Dual camera, OIS, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous AF, Manual focus, PDAF, Dual PDAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, WB settings, ISO, Exposure comp., Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | iPhone 15 offers more advanced camera features like Cinematic mode, Noise Reduction, OIS, RAW capture, and Night mode for more control and flexibility in photography and videography. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Larger Screen: 6.5-inch screen for more immersive media consumption.
- Larger Battery: 5000 mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life.
- 90Hz Refresh Rate: Provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations.
- Lower Cost: Is much more affordable, offering budget-friendly option.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Sensors: Offers a wider variety of camera options
- Fingerprint Sensor: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor for biometric security.
Apple iPhone 15 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, OLED technology, higher brightness for a significantly better visual experience.
- Far Superior Performance: Much faster chipset for smoother multitasking and demanding tasks.
- Better Camera System: Larger sensor, wider apertures, and advanced features like OIS, Night Mode, RAW capture result in superior image and video quality.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: Support for faster wired charging and wireless charging capabilities.
- More Storage Options: Comes in 128 GB, 256 GB and 512 GB options vs the limited 32 GB, 64 GB and 128 GB of the Galaxy M12.
- Better Build Quality and Materials: Typically utilizes higher-quality materials and tighter tolerances.
- Longer Software Support: Generally, iPhones receive software updates for longer periods than Android devices.
- Better Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions offer faster and more reliable wireless connections.
- More Advanced Features: Pro video mode, Cinematic mode, Noise reduction capabilities, optical zoom and dual camera setup.
- Improved Audio: Offers better sound quality with noise cancellation and better speaker setup
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy M12: Sacrifices processing power, display quality, and overall camera performance for affordability and larger battery and screen.
- Apple iPhone 15: Comes at a much higher price point, is smaller, and has smaller battery.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious individuals, those who prioritize battery life and a larger screen, and basic smartphone users who may not need the top of the line features.
- Use Cases: Media consumption, basic gaming, long days away from a charger, browsing, those who like a big screen.
Apple iPhone 15:
- Ideal User: Those who value performance, camera quality, display technology, and a premium overall experience.
- Use Cases: Photography and videography, mobile gaming, demanding apps, professional use, those who want the most premium experience.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help a buyer decide:
What is your budget? The Galaxy M12 is a budget phone, while the iPhone 15 is a high-end phone with a significant price difference.
What features are most important to you?
- If battery life and a larger screen are your priority, the M12 might suffice.
- If a high-quality display, fast performance, and excellent camera capabilities are critical, the iPhone 15 is the better option.
What is your typical use case?
- For basic day-to-day tasks like calls, texts, web browsing, and social media, the M12 is sufficient.
- For more demanding tasks like mobile gaming, photography, and videography, the iPhone 15 is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1 (Budget User): If you are on a tight budget and need a large screen and good battery life, the Samsung Galaxy M12 is a reasonable choice.
Scenario 2 (Performance Seeker): If you prioritize fast performance, a top-tier camera, and a premium display experience, the Apple iPhone 15 is the clear winner.
Scenario 3 (Balanced User): If you need a good balance of features and performance, and are not on the tightest budget, the iPhone 15 is the better choice, provided you can afford it.
My Choice
Given the choice, I would pick the Apple iPhone 15. Although the Samsung Galaxy M12 has a larger screen and bigger battery, the iPhone 15's strengths in display technology, processing power, camera capabilities and overall user experience are far superior. For my personal use, which includes photography, demanding apps and fast multitasking, the iPhone 15's advantages are well worth the higher cost. While the M12 is more affordable, the iPhone 15 provides better future-proofing and a much more pleasant daily experience due to its vastly superior performance and features. The better camera is also a huge plus for me.
