Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. Google Pixel 6 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Google Pixel 6 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 163.9 × 75.9 × 8.9 mm | M12 is slightly thicker, affecting pocketability and feel; overall volume difference is negligible |
| Weight | 212g | 210g | Both feel similarly weighted in hand |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | Pixel 6 Pro provides a slightly larger viewing area for media and multitasking |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1440x3120 | Pixel 6 Pro offers a much sharper display, resulting in clearer text, images, and videos |
| PPI | 270 | 512 | Pixel 6 Pro provides significantly higher pixel density, making images and text appear far more detailed |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | Pixel 6 Pro's AMOLED has deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors, and power efficiency with dark themes |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Pixel 6 Pro's display offers smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Unable to compare brightness due to missing data. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Google Tensor (5 nm) | Pixel 6 Pro offers significantly faster performance for all tasks, from app loading to gaming |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 721,000 | Pixel 6 Pro provides a much faster and smoother overall experience, especially for demanding apps and games |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G78 MP20 | Pixel 6 Pro provides superior graphics performance for gaming and GPU-intensive apps |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should offer similar battery endurance |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Pixel 6 Pro charges significantly faster, reducing wait times |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse, Wireless, Non-removable | Pixel 6 Pro can charge other devices wirelessly and offers wireless charging, adding more convenience |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.85, 1/1.31" | Pixel 6 Pro's camera has a larger sensor, wider aperture, and higher pixel count, leading to better low light and dynamic range |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.93" | Pixel 6 Pro captures better detailed selfies with larger sensor |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 48MP, f/3.5, 1/2" | Pixel 6 Pro offers zoom capabilities, absent on the M12 |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.9" | Pixel 6 Pro's ultrawide lens captures more detailed shots |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP Depth Sensor | None | M12 has a dedicated depth sensor but Pixel 6 Pro may use software for similar effects |
| Macro Lens | 2MP Macro Lens | None | M12 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, while Pixel 6 Pro lacks one |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@60fps with OIS, EIS | Pixel 6 Pro captures much higher resolution, smoother video with advanced stabilization |
| DXOMark | Not Tested | Mobile: 134, Selfie: 138 | Pixel 6 Pro has much better overall camera quality per DXOMark scores |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Pixel 6 Pro has a newer OS and longer software support, including Android 14 |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Pixel 6 Pro supports newer WiFi standards for faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded networks |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | Pixel 6 Pro has a newer Bluetooth standard offering better energy efficiency and codec support |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1) | Pixel 6 Pro has more satellite systems for better location accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Pixel 6 Pro supports eSIM, offering additional flexibility for carrier switching |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Pixel 6 Pro offers more storage space in all configurations |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 12 GB | Pixel 6 Pro provides much better multitasking capabilities |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Features | Stereo Speakers, 3 mics | Pixel 6 Pro provides better audio quality with stereo speakers and improved microphones |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | M12 has a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor; |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus | Pixel 6 Pro has a much more durable screen |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer | Pixel 6 Pro has additional sensors, allowing for more advanced features and environmental tracking |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Allows for close-up photography.
- Depth Sensor: Dedicated depth sensor might provide better bokeh than software implementations.
- Potentially Lower Price: Typically targets the budget-friendly market.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: May be preferred by some users
Google Pixel 6 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, AMOLED technology, and a faster refresh rate offer a vastly better viewing experience.
- Much Faster Performance: The Google Tensor chip provides significantly better app loading, multitasking, and gaming performance.
- Better Camera System: Larger sensors, better lenses, and additional features (like a telephoto lens and 4K video) deliver superior image and video quality.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: Charges much faster and offers wireless charging with reverse charging.
- More Storage & RAM: Offers more storage and RAM for better multitasking and future-proofing.
- Better Software: Newer OS with longer software support.
- Advanced Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards.
- Better Build Quality: Superior screen protection
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy M12: Sacrifices performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and some convenient features for affordability.
- Google Pixel 6 Pro: Significantly more expensive, may be overkill for basic usage, does not have a macro lens or depth sensor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 Ideal User:
- Users on a tight budget who need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like browsing, calls, and social media.
- Users who prioritize a long battery life over advanced features.
- Users who appreciate dedicated macro and depth cameras.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Basic everyday communication
- Casual social media browsing
- Long battery life needs without intense performance requirements
- Macro photography enthusiasts
Google Pixel 6 Pro Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize camera quality, display performance, and overall speed.
- Users who engage in heavy multitasking, mobile gaming, and media consumption.
- Users who want a premium smartphone experience and access to the latest Android updates.
Use Cases for Google Pixel 6 Pro:
- Professional photography and videography on the go.
- Mobile gaming and other performance-intensive tasks.
- Demanding multitasking and productivity.
- High-quality media consumption and content creation.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Samsung Galaxy M12: Offers good value for those on a limited budget.
- Google Pixel 6 Pro: Offers a high-end premium experience justified by its better performance, screen, and camera capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The Pixel 6 Pro is significantly more expensive.
- How important are camera quality and performance? The Pixel 6 Pro is superior for both.
- What do you use your phone for the most? Basic tasks vs. demanding apps?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Basic Use: The Samsung Galaxy M12 is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Moderate Budget, Camera Matters: The Google Pixel 6 Pro is the better choice if camera quality and performance are important to you, and you are willing to pay a premium.
- Scenario 3: Power User, No Compromise: The Google Pixel 6 Pro is the clear winner for power users who need top-tier performance and features.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Google Pixel 6 Pro. While it is considerably more expensive, the improvements in display quality, processing power, and camera capabilities are significant and will greatly impact my day-to-day usage. As someone who values taking high-quality photos and videos and needs a phone that can handle demanding tasks smoothly, the Pixel 6 Pro's advantages outweigh its higher cost. The sharper screen, faster performance, better camera system, and more future-proof software are a worthwhile trade-off for me. I would also miss the wireless charging, which is a huge convenience factor. Although I would miss the macro lens, I value the overall camera system of the Pixel 6 Pro more.
