Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. Apple iPhone 15 Plus
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Apple iPhone 15 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.9 x 9.7 mm | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm | M12 is taller and thicker, while iPhone 15 Plus is wider; M12 has a larger overall volume, affecting pocket comfort. |
| Weight | 212g | 201g | iPhone 15 Plus is slightly lighter, which might be noticeable in extended use, less fatigue. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | iPhone 15 Plus offers a slightly larger viewing area for multimedia and gaming. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1290 x 2796 | iPhone 15 Plus has a significantly sharper display, leading to crisper text and images. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 460 PPI | iPhone 15 Plus has much higher detail and clarity, especially noticeable when viewing images and videos. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | OLED | iPhone 15 Plus has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | Samsung M12 will feel slightly smoother in scrolling and animations, even if limited in clarity |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | iPhone 15 Plus offers vastly superior outdoor visibility, making it easy to see in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) | iPhone 15 Plus offers dramatically faster performance, resulting in smoother operation and better app performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 1,470,000 | iPhone 15 Plus is significantly faster, providing better multitasking and gaming experiences. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Apple 5-core GPU | iPhone 15 Plus has a much more powerful GPU, enabling high-end mobile gaming at much higher fidelity. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2", 0.80µm | 48MP, f/1.6, 1/1.5", 1.00µm | iPhone 15 Plus captures brighter and higher-quality images in most conditions with wider aperture and larger sensor. |
| Selfie Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, | 12MP, f/1.9, 1.12µm | iPhone 15 Plus captures clearer selfies with higher resolution and better low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | Samsung Galaxy M12 allows for wide-angle shots |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy M12 provides depth sensing for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy M12 provides a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 12MP, f/2.4 | iPhone 15 Plus has a single lens for both wide-angle and macro shots, offering a different versatility in capture |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps, HDR | iPhone 15 Plus captures much higher quality video with HDR, allowing for high quality recordings. |
| DXOMark Score | Not Available | Main: 145, Photo: 147, Video: 153 | iPhone 15 Plus's camera is significantly superior, verified by DXOMark scores. |
| Camera Features | Basic set | Advanced, Pro features | iPhone 15 Plus has many advanced features such as Cinematic mode, Pro video mode, OIS for improved photos and videos. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4383mAh | Samsung M12 has a slightly larger battery which might offer longer endurance; real world impact might vary greatly |
| Charging | 15W | 20W, 15W MagSafe Wireless | iPhone 15 Plus charges slightly faster with wired charging and offers wireless options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | iOS 17 | iPhone 15 Plus has access to Apple's ecosystem with long-term support, while M12 will likely have fewer updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11n | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | iPhone 15 Plus supports a newer, faster WiFi standard which provides better internet speeds and latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE | iPhone 15 Plus has a newer, more power-efficient Bluetooth version, offering better connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo | iPhone 15 Plus supports more satellite systems for more precise location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | iPhone 15 Plus offers more flexibility with eSIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256/512 GB | iPhone 15 Plus has greater internal storage options. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 6 GB | iPhone 15 Plus offers sufficient RAM for most applications and multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both do not offer expandable storage, making storage selection important at purchase. |
| Audio | Basic | Stereo Speakers, 3 Mics | iPhone 15 Plus has superior audio output, microphone quality, and noise cancellation. |
| Security | Side Fingerprint | Basic | M12 has a convenient fingerprint sensor for quick unlocking. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Barometer | iPhone 15 Plus includes a Barometer for environmental sensing, and M12 has a fingerprint sensor for more security |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Potentially longer battery life for users who prioritize endurance.
- 90Hz Refresh Rate: Slightly smoother scrolling and animations compared to the iPhone 15 Plus.
- Dedicated Macro and Wide-Angle Lenses: Offers more versatility in photography.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Provides a convenient and reliable biometric security option.
Apple iPhone 15 Plus Advantages:
- Superior Display: Sharper OLED screen with much higher brightness and contrast.
- Much Faster Performance: Significantly more powerful processor for smoother operation and gaming.
- Superior Camera: Better image and video quality, with more advanced features like Cinematic Mode.
- Better Audio Quality: Stereo speakers and noise cancellation microphone greatly improve call quality and media consumption
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: Offers both faster wired and convenient wireless charging options.
- More Modern Connectivity: Supports newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards, providing faster data speeds and better efficiency.
- Long-Term Software Support: Offers longer and more consistent software updates compared to the Galaxy M12.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy M12: Sacrifices performance, display quality, and camera capabilities for a lower price.
- Apple iPhone 15 Plus: Higher price point, not as long battery life, and lack of expandable storage compared to M12's SD card option.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 - Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious consumers: Those who want a smartphone with good battery life for daily use and can accept some performance limitations.
- Casual users: Individuals who prioritize basic smartphone functions, like calls, texts, browsing, and don't need high-end gaming capabilities.
- Users who want a dedicated fingerprint sensor and wide-angle/macro camera versatility.
Those not invested in a specific ecosystem.
- Use Cases: Basic social media browsing, long hours of media consumption, everyday calls and messaging, basic photography.
Apple iPhone 15 Plus - Ideal Users:
- Power users: People who need a phone with top-tier performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and professional use.
- Photography enthusiasts: Those who value high-quality photos and videos, especially in low light.
- Users invested in the Apple ecosystem: Those who appreciate the seamless integration between Apple devices and services.
- Those who value display quality: Users who want the best possible screen for viewing media.
- Use Cases: High-end mobile gaming, professional photography and video editing, creating content, heavy multitasking, users who need an always reliable device
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The M12 is significantly more affordable than the iPhone 15 Plus.
- What do you use your phone for most? Basic tasks or demanding performance?
- Do you prioritize image and video quality, or battery life?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Limited Budget, Basic Needs
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy M12. This phone provides basic functionality, longer battery life at a lower price.
- Scenario 2: Gaming & Performance, High-Quality Display.
- Recommendation: Apple iPhone 15 Plus. The A16 Bionic chip, superior display and features make it suitable for gaming and high-performance tasks.
- Scenario 3: Focus on Photography & Videography
- Recommendation: Apple iPhone 15 Plus. Superior camera features and higher video capabilities, even if it costs more.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Apple iPhone 15 Plus. While it's significantly more expensive, the drastic improvements in processing power, display quality, and camera capabilities make it the superior device for my needs. I value the smooth performance, crisp OLED screen, and excellent camera for daily use, content creation and casual gaming. I am also invested in the Apple ecosystem, making integration with my other devices a priority. The better connectivity, modern features, and long-term software support justify the higher price point for me and will ensure the phone lasts longer. Even though the battery is smaller on paper, software optimization can often make up for it and I am willing to sacrifice a bit of battery life for better overall performance and experience.
