Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra
1. Specifications Comparison
Design & Build
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | Similar height/width; M12 slightly thicker, may feel bulkier. |
| Weight | 212g | 224g | Zenfone 11 Ultra is slightly heavier, noticeable during long use. |
| Build Material | Unspecified | Unspecified | Missing Info: Impact on durability and in-hand feel cannot be assessed. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.78" | Zenfone 11 Ultra's display is slightly larger; better for media, gaming, multi-tasking. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Zenfone 11 Ultra significantly sharper; crisper text, images, and videos. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 388 | Zenfone 11 Ultra is much sharper; reduced pixelation, more detail. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | Zenfone 11 Ultra has superior contrast, deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and better power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 144Hz | Zenfone 11 Ultra is smoother; fluid animations, better gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | Zenfone 11 Ultra has vastly better outdoor visibility in sunlight. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Zenfone 11 Ultra likely has superior resistance to scratches and drops. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Zenfone 11 Ultra has drastically higher performance for all tasks, especially demanding apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 1,532,000 | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Adreno 750 | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a superior GPU for graphics-intensive tasks and gaming. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB/6GB | 12GB/16GB | Zenfone 11 Ultra provides much smoother multitasking with more apps running in the background. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2" sensor | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56" sensor | Zenfone 11 Ultra captures better low-light photos, sharper images, and slightly better details with a larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.5, 1/3.2" sensor | Zenfone 11 Ultra has significantly sharper, more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP, f/2.4 | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers optical zoom capabilities for detailed zoomed-in photos. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixel size | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a much more detailed and useful wide-angle lens. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | M12 allows depth effect for portraits (blur background), but likely lower image quality compared to software processing of Zenfone. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | M12 allows close-up shots, typically lower quality. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS, multiple options | Zenfone 11 Ultra has much higher quality videos with stabilization, slow-motion, and various options. |
| DXOMark Score | Not Available | Mobile: 125 (Photo: 131, Video: 115) | Zenfone 11 Ultra scores well in professional camera analysis; M12 is not comparable. |
| Camera Features | Basic features, PDAF | Digital stabilization, OIS, Gimbal, RAW | Zenfone 11 Ultra has advanced features for professional and high-quality images/videos. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5500mAh | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a slightly larger battery for longer usage. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 65W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, 10W reverse | Zenfone 11 Ultra charges much faster and offers convenient wireless charging capabilities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages
- Potentially Lower Cost: The M12 is an older, budget-friendly phone and is usually a lot cheaper, making it a basic entry-level phone.
- Slightly Lighter: A minor advantage, but it might feel a bit more comfortable for some users.
- Dedicated Depth & Macro Lens: Provides basic capabilities for portrait and macro photography.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Advantages
- Superior Display: Larger, higher resolution, AMOLED panel with a higher refresh rate and brightness, leading to much better viewing experience.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset offers vastly superior processing power for all tasks.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher resolution sensors, telephoto lens, OIS, 8K video recording. Significantly better image and video quality.
- Faster Charging: 65W wired charging and 15W wireless charging offer much faster replenishment.
- Larger RAM/Storage: More RAM for multitasking and ample storage for apps, media.
- Better Connectivity: Support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.
- Hi-Res Audio Improved audio experience for music and calls.
- Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for improved resistance to scratches and drops.
Trade-offs
- Samsung M12
- Significantly lower performance and camera quality than the Zenfone 11 Ultra.
- Basic display with a lower resolution, brightness and PLS LCD technology.
- Much slower charging speeds.
- Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra
- Potentially much higher price due to being a flagship phone.
- Slightly heavier and bulkier than the M12.
- No dedicated macro and depth camera lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 Ideal User
- Budget-conscious: Users needing a functional smartphone for basic tasks at a low price.
- Light Users: Those primarily using their phone for calls, texts, and light social media browsing.
- First-time Smartphone Owners: A simple, easy-to-use device for beginners.
- Secondary Phone: Users that need a cheap, reliable phone for secondary use.
Use Cases:
- Basic communication, web browsing, occasional social media.
- Simple app usage, like music playback, basic navigation.
- As a backup device, with secondary sim capabilities.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Ideal User
- Performance Seekers: Users needing high processing power for gaming, content creation, and multitasking.
- Camera Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize high-quality photography and videography.
- Media Consumers: Users who frequently watch videos, movies, and play games.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want the latest features, like wireless charging and a high refresh-rate display.
- Professional Use: Suitable for content creators, mobile gamers, or business users.
Use Cases:
- High-end gaming and mobile performance.
- Professional photography and videography.
- Extensive multitasking and productivity.
- Immersive media consumption and long-form content.
- Everyday usage with superior performance and long-lasting battery.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- What is your budget? The price difference between the phones is very substantial.
- What will you primarily use the phone for? Basic use vs. demanding tasks should be considered.
- How important are display quality and camera performance? The Zenfone 11 Ultra outperforms the M12 in both of those aspects.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
Scenario 1: Tight budget, basic needs. If your budget is the primary concern, and your usage is limited to basic communication, then the Samsung Galaxy M12 could be enough.
Scenario 2: Moderate budget, some demanding use. If you are using the phone for basic tasks but you also want a decent display for social media, and take a couple pictures, then the Samsung M12 is not the best option as it is not the best in display or camera.
Scenario 3: Premium experience, no compromises. If you want a phone with the best performance, display, and camera, and are willing to pay for it, the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is the way to go.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. While the price difference is significant, the Zenfone 11 Ultra offers a vastly superior experience in almost every aspect:
- Display: The high-resolution AMOLED screen with a 144Hz refresh rate is a game-changer for media consumption, gaming, and general usage. The increased brightness makes it much better in daylight usage.
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip is a huge leap over the Exynos 850. The Zenfone 11 Ultra handles demanding apps and games with ease, ensuring a smooth and responsive experience.
- Camera: The improved camera system with OIS, 8K video recording, and the telephoto lens are compelling features for anyone who takes photos regularly.
- Charging: 65W fast charging is incredibly convenient and the inclusion of wireless charging is a plus.
- Future-Proofing: The more powerful chipset and latest connectivity standards make it a more future-proof device.
Although the M12 is much cheaper, the massive differences in user experience that the Zenfone 11 Ultra provides are worth the extra money for me. The M12 is functional for the very basic usage, but it would not provide a good experience for anything else. Therefore, despite the higher cost, I believe the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra offers better overall value due to its premium features and superior performance.
