1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy M12 and Blackview A96, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Blackview A96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 161.8 × 74.2 × 8.6 mm | Blackview A96 is more compact and easier to handle, especially for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 212g | 193.9g | Blackview A96 is noticeably lighter, improving comfort during prolonged use and portability. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Blackview A96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both offer similar screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2400 | Blackview A96's higher resolution results in significantly sharper visuals, with more detail and clearer text. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 405 | Blackview A96 has a much crisper display, reducing pixelation and enhancing viewing experience. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Blackview A96's IPS LCD typically offers better viewing angles and color accuracy than PLS LCD, enhancing visuals and usability |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Blackview A96 offers smoother scrolling and animations making the phone feel more responsive during general use and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits, meaning their readability under direct sunlight and overall screen visibility are unknown. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Blackview A96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Blackview A96's chipset is significantly more powerful, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 423,393 | Blackview A96 provides dramatically better overall performance, which is noticeable in daily usage with much better responsiveness and less loading times. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Blackview A96's GPU provides better graphics performance which is noticeable in games, and other graphic-intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Blackview A96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP (f/2.0) | 48MP (f/1.6) | Both have 48MP main sensors, but Blackview A96's wider aperture (f/1.6) allows more light for better low-light photos. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP (f/2.2) | 16MP | Blackview A96 takes higher-resolution selfies with better detail. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.4) | Blackview A96 has higher resolution for its wide-angle shots. Samsung Galaxy M12 has a wider aperture in comparison |
| Portrait (Depth) Camera | 2MP | None | Samsung Galaxy M12 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, where Blackview A96 relies more on software processing for similar effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Both phones have comparable macro capabilities. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | Blackview A96 records higher resolution video. Both phones support 30 fps video recording. |
| Additional Camera Features | Quadruple camera | Triple camera, Front Flash | Samsung Galaxy M12 has one extra camera but Blackview A96 has a front-facing flash for low light selfies. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Blackview A96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4380mAh | Samsung Galaxy M12 likely offers longer battery life due to its larger capacity. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 18W fast charging | Blackview A96 charges slightly faster than Samsung Galaxy M12. |
| Removability | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both have non-removable batteries. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Blackview A96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | Blackview A96 has a newer operating system, likely providing better security features, improved performance, and more up-to-date functionality. |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Blackview A96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 256 GB | Blackview A96 offers much more storage which provides better versatility as the user does not need to worry about running out of storage. Samsung Galaxy M12 comes in different storage options. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 8/12 GB | Blackview A96 has significantly more RAM for better multitasking and more fluid operation. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports storage expansion. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Blackview A96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Blackview A96 supports newer WiFi standards, offering potentially faster and more reliable connections. It also supports dual band networks for less interference. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 | Both offer Bluetooth 5.0. Samsung Galaxy M12 has more supported profiles |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Both phones have similar location capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both offer dual sim capabilities |
Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Blackview A96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Quality | Basic audio features | Stereo Speakers | Blackview A96 offers better audio output via stereo speakers providing a richer and more immersive sound experience. |
Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Blackview A96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both feature a convenient and fast fingerprint sensor for security. |
Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Blackview A96 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Blackview A96 has a compass for improved navigation. Samsung Galaxy M12 additionally features a Hall sensor. Both have a comprehensive set of sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Offers a larger 5000mAh battery, likely providing longer battery life.
- Portrait Mode Camera: Includes a dedicated 2MP depth sensor for better portrait photography.
- More supported bluetooth profiles: Supports more bluetooth profiles offering more compatibility and features.
Blackview A96 Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Helio G99 chipset and higher AnTuTu score provide a much faster and smoother experience for everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
- Higher Resolution Display: Offers a sharper and more detailed viewing experience thanks to the 1080x2400 resolution and 405 PPI.
- Smoother Display: Has a 120Hz refresh rate, making the UI more fluid and responsive.
- More RAM: Offers a maximum of 12GB of ram for a more seamless multitasking experience.
- More Storage: Offers more built in storage, making it more versatile.
- Faster Charging: Offers slightly faster 18W charging.
- Better Audio: Offers stereo speakers, improving sound quality.
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher resolution 16MP selfie camera.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 13, meaning more security features and up to date software.
- Wide Angle Lens: Slightly higher 8MP wide angle lens compared to the 5MP lens in the Samsung Galaxy M12.
- Front Facing Flash: Blackview A96 has a front facing flash to take better selfies in low light conditions.
- Better Wifi: Offers more up to date wifi protocols.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy M12 sacrifices performance and display quality for a larger battery and a dedicated depth sensor, while the Blackview A96 sacrifices battery capacity for better overall performance, display quality, and a better camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Prioritizing a lower price point over higher performance.
- Users with basic needs: Primarily use the phone for calls, texts, and light browsing.
- Users needing long battery life: Those who need a phone that can last through a full day without charging.
- Users who prefer a larger battery
- Users who want a dedicated depth sensor
Use Cases:
- Daily communication (calls, texts, social media)
- Light media consumption
- Basic mobile gaming
- Users who value battery life above all else
Blackview A96 Ideal User:
- Performance-focused users: Gamers and users who frequently multitask.
- Users who value display quality: Those who enjoy watching videos and browsing with sharp, vivid visuals.
- Users who want to futureproof their device
- Users who value more storage
- Users who prioritize taking pictures and videos
- Users who prefer a responsive and smooth UI
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming
- Heavy social media use
- Media consumption (high-resolution videos, movies)
- Multitasking with multiple apps
- Users who value a fast and responsive phone experience
- Users who prefer stereo speakers
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help buyers choose:
How important is performance?
- If smooth and fast performance is a priority (gaming, multitasking), choose the Blackview A96.
- If performance is secondary to battery life, the Samsung Galaxy M12 might be acceptable.
How important is display quality?
- If a sharp, clear display is crucial for daily enjoyment (media consumption, reading), choose the Blackview A96.
- If a basic display is sufficient, the Samsung Galaxy M12 is an option.
What is your budget?
- If budget is not a concern, the Blackview A96 is a better phone overall, with some great value included
- If on a tighter budget, the Samsung Galaxy M12 may be more suitable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Gamer: Blackview A96. Offers vastly superior gaming performance and a smoother, higher resolution display.
- Everyday User (Long Battery Life): Samsung Galaxy M12. Its larger battery will likely last longer, but you'll sacrifice performance.
- Media Enthusiast: Blackview A96. Its sharper display, stereo speakers, and better overall performance make it great for media consumption.
- Value Conscious Consumer: Blackview A96 offers more value considering the specs it provides compared to the Samsung Galaxy M12
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Blackview A96. While the Samsung Galaxy M12 does have a slightly larger battery, the performance difference between the two is simply too significant to ignore. The higher resolution display, smoother 120Hz refresh rate, faster processor, significantly higher storage and RAM, better front-facing camera, better audio quality, and newer operating system make the Blackview A96 the clear winner in terms of usability and longevity. While the Samsung Galaxy M12 might appeal to those who prioritize a larger battery above all else, the overall experience offered by the Blackview A96 is much better for most users.
