Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. Asus ROG Phone 7
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Asus ROG Phone 7 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-30 | 2023-05-01 | ROG Phone 7 is significantly newer, with more modern features and likely better software support. |
| Dimensions | 164x75.9x9.7mm | 173x77x10.3mm | ROG Phone 7 is larger and bulkier, less pocketable. M12 is more compact and lighter. |
| Weight | 212g | 239g | M12 is lighter, easier to handle for extended periods, less fatigue. ROG Phone 7 is heavier, potentially making it feel more robust but less comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.78" | ROG Phone 7 has a slightly larger screen, which can be more immersive for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2448 | ROG Phone 7 has a significantly sharper and clearer display, better for reading, watching videos, and displaying fine details. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 395 PPI | ROG Phone 7's higher pixel density results in much sharper text and images, making the display appear less pixelated. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | ROG Phone 7 has superior colors, deeper blacks, higher contrast, and better power efficiency when using dark mode, enhancing the viewing experience, while M12 has a more basic display technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 165Hz | ROG Phone 7 offers a much smoother and more fluid visual experience, especially noticeable during fast-paced games and scrolling, whereas M12 provides good refresh rate for general use. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | ROG Phone 7 is dramatically brighter, making it much easier to see in direct sunlight, a crucial advantage for outdoor visibility. The lack of brightness info for M12 suggests a basic performance in this area. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) | ROG Phone 7 has a significantly more powerful and efficient processor, leading to much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. M12 has a basic processor for day to day tasks, but cannot handle demanding tasks smoothly. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 1,603,292 | ROG Phone 7 offers far superior performance for demanding applications and games, while M12 is designed for basic usage. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Adreno 740 | ROG Phone 7 has a significantly more powerful GPU, resulting in dramatically better graphics for gaming and other graphically intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6000mAh | ROG Phone 7 has a larger battery, which usually translates to longer battery life but depends on usage and optimization, giving it a potential edge over M12. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | ROG Phone 7 charges much faster, reducing downtime and providing more convenience, compared to the M12's slower charging. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging, Non-removable, USB Power Adapter | ROG Phone 7 provides more advanced charging features like Bypass Charging for gaming, Reverse Charging and USB Adapter. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res. | 48MP (f/2.0) | 50MP (f/1.9) | ROG Phone 7 has slightly higher resolution and wider aperture, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Main Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.56" | ROG Phone 7 has a larger sensor, which can capture more light, resulting in better image quality, particularly in low light. |
| Selfie Res. | 8MP (f/2.2) | 32MP (f/2.5) | ROG Phone 7 has dramatically higher resolution for sharper selfies. |
| Wide-Angle Res. | 5MP (f/2.2) | 13MP (f/2.2) | ROG Phone 7 has a higher resolution wide-angle camera, capable of capturing more detailed and wider shots. |
| Macro Res. | 2MP (f/2.4) | 5MP (f/2.4) | ROG Phone 7 has a higher resolution macro camera, which may result in more detailed macro photography. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | M12 has a dedicated depth sensor, useful for enhanced portrait mode. ROG Phone 7 relies on software for depth effects. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps, 720p@480fps | ROG Phone 7 has much more advanced video capabilities, supporting 8K, 4K recording at higher frame rates, and slow-motion capabilities, making it more versatile for video recording. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera | Triple Camera, 4K, 8K, Night Mode, RAW, Digital Image Stabilization | ROG Phone 7 offers advanced features and functionalities compared to M12 |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 (Upgradable to 15) | ROG Phone 7 has a newer version of Android, offering improved features, security updates, and potential future software upgrades. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ad/ax/be, Dual Band, Wi-Fi MiMO | ROG Phone 7 supports newer Wi-Fi standards, resulting in faster and more stable wireless connections, superior for online gaming and streaming. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 with APT-x, LDAC, AAC | ROG Phone 7 has a newer Bluetooth version with additional codec support, leading to better audio quality with compatible devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | ROG Phone 7 supports more satellite systems, resulting in better location accuracy, which can be crucial for navigation apps and location-based services. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 256/512 GB | ROG Phone 7 has much larger storage options, suitable for storing large games, videos, and other data, while the M12's storage is quite limited and may require regular management. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 8/12/16 GB | ROG Phone 7 has much more RAM, leading to smoother multitasking and better performance for memory-intensive applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio | DTS/DTS X, Hi-Res Audio, Noise Cancellation, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | ROG Phone 7 has superior audio with immersive and high-quality listening experience with premium features such as Stereo speakers and noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic | M12 has side mounted fingerprint sensor whereas the ROG phone features a basic one |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | ROG Phone 7 has stronger protection against scratches and minor impacts, enhancing screen durability. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | ROG Phone 7 features a Compass which enhances navigation capabilities |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Lower Price: The M12 is a budget-friendly option, significantly cheaper than the ROG Phone 7.
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and more portable for everyday use, fitting more comfortably in a pocket.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: A more advanced security feature when compared to ROG phone's basic sensor
- Dedicated depth sensor: Enhances portrait mode by separating the subject from the background better.
Asus ROG Phone 7 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Cutting-edge chipset, GPU, and RAM, making it ideal for gaming, heavy multitasking, and future-proofing.
- High-Quality Display: AMOLED screen with higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness provides an exceptional visual experience for media and gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher-resolution sensors, advanced video capabilities, and features provide superior image quality and flexibility.
- Larger Battery and Faster Charging: Longer battery life and quicker charging, more convenient for power users.
- Superior Audio: Premium quality with DTS, hi-res audio, and stereo speakers.
- Newer Software: Android 13 with confirmed upgrade, providing up-to-date features, security patches and overall better user experience.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides robust protection.
- Compass: ROG phone 7 features a compass which enables it to be used for more navigation purposes
Trade-offs:
- The ROG Phone 7 is significantly more expensive than the Galaxy M12.
- The ROG Phone 7 is much larger and heavier, which might not be suitable for all users.
- The M12 provides a more basic user experience overall.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users who need a basic smartphone for daily tasks.
- Users who prioritize portability and comfort.
- Users who do not engage in heavy gaming or resource-intensive tasks.
- Users who prefer a simple user interface and are not looking for advanced features.
- Users who mainly use their phones for social media, calls, and light web browsing.
Use Cases:
- Everyday communication, including calling and messaging.
- Browsing social media and the web.
- Basic photography for casual use.
- Light multimedia consumption.
- Users who prefer an easily portable and lightweight phone
Asus ROG Phone 7 Ideal User:
- Mobile gamers seeking top-tier performance and an immersive gaming experience.
- Tech enthusiasts wanting cutting-edge features and power.
- Users who prioritize camera quality, advanced video capabilities, and content creation.
- Users who heavily multitask and need a fast, responsive phone.
- Users who consume a lot of multimedia and want a high-quality display and audio experience.
- Users who are willing to pay a premium for the best possible performance and features.
Use Cases:
- High-performance mobile gaming.
- Professional photography and videography.
- Heavy multitasking and productivity.
- Immersive multimedia consumption.
- Users who need the fastest device with the most features
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The price difference is significant, is the price jump worth the extra features?
- What are your primary use cases? Do you need a high performance gaming phone or just a phone for day to day tasks?
- How important are screen quality, performance, and advanced features?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Budget User: If budget is the primary concern, and you only need basic smartphone functionality for calls, social media, and light browsing, the Samsung Galaxy M12 is the more sensible option.
Casual User: If you are a casual user that mostly uses your phone for social media and streaming, but appreciate a good display and basic camera, the Samsung Galaxy M12 is ideal for basic usage.
Gaming & Power User: If you are a serious mobile gamer or power user needing top-tier performance, the most advanced features, highest video quality, and best screen, the Asus ROG Phone 7 is the clear choice, despite its significantly higher cost.
Photography Enthusiast: If you need a high quality camera for pictures and videos, the Asus ROG Phone 7 is a better choice with higher resolution sensors and advanced features.
My Choice:
I would choose the Asus ROG Phone 7. While the Samsung Galaxy M12 is an adequate budget phone, the ROG Phone 7 offers a significantly superior experience in almost every aspect. I often multitask with apps, consume a lot of multimedia, and occasionally play games on my phone. The ROG Phone 7's vastly better performance, display, audio, and camera would significantly enhance my overall user experience and the enhanced longevity, which is something I value. While the price jump is significant, the ROG Phone 7 offers much greater value to me, due to the features and quality it provides, thus making it worth the investment.
