1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Google Pixel 6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.9 x 9.7 mm | 158.6 x 74.8 x 8.9 mm | M12 is slightly larger & thicker, potentially less comfortable in small hands, Pixel 6 is more compact |
| Weight | 212g | 207g | Negligible weight difference; Pixel 6 slightly lighter |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.4" | Similar screen size, negligible difference for most users |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2400 | Pixel 6 has a much sharper display, text and images will be significantly clearer. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 411 PPI | Pixel 6 offers a visibly sharper image. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | Pixel 6 has deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and better viewing angles. More power efficient with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both provide smoother scrolling than standard 60Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness, no practical difference. Note: Peak brightness is usually not 0 nits. This is likely an error. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8nm) | Google Tensor (5nm) | Pixel 6 is significantly faster. Expect quicker app launches, smoother multitasking and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 721,000 | Pixel 6 is drastically more powerful for demanding apps & games. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G78 MP20 | Pixel 6 has much better graphics performance for gaming & GPU intensive tasks |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4600mAh | M12 may have slightly longer battery life due to larger capacity, but it will also depend on the efficiency of the chipset |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 23W Fast Charging | Pixel 6 charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, Wireless 21W | Pixel 6 offers convenient wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.85, 1/1.31" | Pixel 6's larger sensor & wider aperture capture more light, resulting in better low-light images. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/2.8" | Pixel 6 has a wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.9" | Pixel 6 captures more detail & wider scenes. |
| Portrait Mode Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | M12 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, while Pixel 6 relies on software. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | M12 has a dedicated macro camera for extreme close-up shots, Pixel 6 lacks this. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@60fps, OIS, EIS | Pixel 6 offers significantly better video quality & stabilization. |
| DXOMark | N/A | Mobile: 126, Selfie: 129 | Pixel 6's camera performance is objectively rated, Samsung M12 has no ratings to compare against. |
| Features | Quad camera, PDAF, etc. | Dual camera, OIS, LAF, RAW | Pixel 6 offers more advanced features such as OIS, LAF, and RAW capture. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Pixel 6 offers a newer Android version with more features and longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11n | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | Pixel 6 has faster, more reliable Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | Pixel 6 has a newer Bluetooth version with improved power efficiency and audio quality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, etc. | GPS, A-GPS, etc., QZSS, Galileo | Pixel 6 provides more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Pixel 6 supports the use of eSIM in addition to nano sim, providing more flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Pixel 6 has higher minimum storage and a larger maximum option. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 8 GB | Pixel 6 allows smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, limiting storage for large media libraries |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Stereo Speakers | Pixel 6 provides better audio quality with stereo sound. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Both offer biometric security, M12's side-mounted sensor may be more ergonomic to some. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus | Pixel 6's screen is much more scratch and impact resistant. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint, Barometer, Magnetometer | Pixel 6 offers more comprehensive sensor suite. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Potentially Longer Battery Life: Slightly larger battery capacity (5000mAh vs 4600mAh) might result in marginally longer use, although this is not guaranteed.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Cameras: Offers a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode and a macro lens for close-up shots, which are absent on the Pixel 6.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Offers a more ergonomically convenient placement of the fingerprint sensor.
Google Pixel 6 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with significantly higher resolution (1080p vs 720p) and pixel density, resulting in a much sharper and more vibrant visual experience.
- Significantly Better Performance: Google Tensor chipset offers dramatically faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming capabilities.
- Superior Camera System: Larger sensors, wider apertures, and superior image processing provide better low-light performance, image quality, and video recording.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: 23W fast charging and wireless charging offer greater convenience.
- Newer Software: Ships with a newer version of Android (12 upgradable to 14) with a longer support lifecycle.
- Better Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi standards and Bluetooth technology resulting in faster and more efficient performance.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers provide better audio separation for more immersive experiences.
- Better Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus screen offers much better protection against damage.
Trade-offs:
- The Galaxy M12's slightly larger battery is unlikely to compensate for its lower overall performance, while the Pixel 6 offers faster charging to offset the slightly smaller battery.
- While the M12 features a macro lens and depth sensor, the Pixel 6's higher-quality main and ultrawide cameras are likely to produce better overall results in most scenarios.
- The Samsung Galaxy M12 has no official DXOMark Score whereas the Google Pixel 6 has a great Mobile (126) and Selfie (129) score.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 - Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Those looking for the most affordable option with acceptable basic features.
- Users focused on battery: Prioritizing a large battery above all else.
- Users who value Macro lens and dedicated depth sensor: Those who frequently take close-up photos and/or take portrait photos with a depth of field effect.
Use Cases:
- Basic smartphone use (calls, texts, browsing).
- Occasional photography in good lighting conditions.
- Users who need a basic phone as a secondary device.
Google Pixel 6 - Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize excellent photo and video quality and features like OIS and RAW capture.
- Performance Seekers: Users who need a snappy device for gaming and demanding apps.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who value the latest software, features, and build quality.
- Users who value a great display: Those who want sharp text, vibrant colours and great viewing experience.
Use Cases:
- High-quality photography & videography
- Playing demanding mobile games
- Running multiple apps smoothly
- Long-term software support
- Streaming movies and video content
- Productivity tasks with multiple apps open
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is my budget? The Galaxy M12 is significantly more affordable, but sacrifices a lot in terms of performance and display.
- How important are camera quality and performance? The Pixel 6's camera system and overall performance are far superior to the Galaxy M12.
- What are my specific usage needs? The M12 is suitable for basic use cases, while the Pixel 6 is ideal for more demanding users.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic use and budget priority - If you need a basic phone for calls, texts, and light browsing, and your budget is very tight, the Samsung Galaxy M12 will suffice.
- Scenario 2: Camera & performance is the priority - If you value great camera quality, performance, and long-term software support and your budget is not limited, the Google Pixel 6 is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3: Balance between price and performance - If you're on a budget, but still want a reasonable performance, the Samsung Galaxy M12 might be okay, but consider looking for better budget-oriented options. However, the Pixel 6's performance will still be significantly better even on a tight budget.
- Scenario 4: A user who needs a dedicated macro and depth sensor - If you specifically need a dedicated macro lens and a depth sensor for portrait mode, the Samsung Galaxy M12 is the only choice of the two.
What I would choose and why
Given the specifications, I would choose the Google Pixel 6. While the Samsung Galaxy M12 is likely more budget-friendly, the Pixel 6 offers a far superior user experience in almost every aspect that matters to me.
My reasons:
- Display Quality: The AMOLED screen with its higher resolution and pixel density is a significant upgrade, providing a much more enjoyable viewing experience for everyday use, content consumption, and gaming.
- Performance: The Google Tensor chip makes the Pixel 6 significantly faster and more responsive, crucial for smooth multitasking, app loading, and gaming. I prioritize responsiveness when using a smartphone.
- Camera: As an avid user of my phone's camera, I would benefit significantly from the larger sensors, wider apertures, optical stabilization, and Google's image processing. The photos and videos produced by the Pixel 6 will be much better than those produced by the M12. The additional video features like 4K capture at 60fps and stabilization are highly desirable. The lack of a macro lens and dedicated depth sensor are a trade-off that I can accept given the other major upgrades in the camera.
- Software and Updates: The newer version of Android and guaranteed updates for longer periods on the Pixel 6 ensure that the phone will remain up-to-date and secure.
- Build Quality: The addition of Gorilla Glass Victus provides more confidence in the phone's build quality.
While the slightly smaller battery might be a concern for some, the Pixel 6's faster charging and efficient chipset make this a minor trade-off. Additionally, the Pixel 6 has better connectivity options and a better quality audio experience.
In summary, the Pixel 6 delivers a much more premium experience, and it is well worth the price difference compared to the M12 for anyone who values performance, display quality, camera capabilities and long-term software support.
