1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-30 | 2022-10-13 | Pixel 7 Pro is significantly newer, likely with longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 162.9 × 76.6 × 8.9 mm | M12 is slightly taller and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier. |
| Weight | 212g | 212g | Both phones have similar weight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | Pixel 7 Pro offers a slightly larger viewing area. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1440x3120 | Pixel 7 Pro has a much sharper and clearer display. |
| PPI | 270 | 512 | Pixel 7 Pro has noticeably crisper text and images. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | Pixel 7 Pro offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Pixel 7 Pro has slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | Pixel 7 Pro is significantly more visible in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) | Pixel 7 Pro is much faster and more responsive, handling demanding tasks with ease. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 831,716 | Pixel 7 Pro offers dramatically better performance in apps and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G710 MP7 | Pixel 7 Pro provides significantly better graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.85, 1/1.31" | Pixel 7 Pro captures more detailed and brighter photos with a larger sensor and wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 10.8MP, f/2.2 | Pixel 7 Pro has a higher resolution front camera for sharper selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 48MP, f/3.5, 1/2" | Pixel 7 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.3" | Pixel 7 Pro captures wider and more detailed landscapes. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | M12 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | M12 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps, HDR, OIS, EIS | Pixel 7 Pro captures higher-resolution videos with stabilization. |
| DXoMark | N/A | Mobile: 147, Selfie: 142 | Pixel 7 Pro has excellent camera quality as verified by a trusted benchmark. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacity for daily usage. |
| Charging | 15W | 23W wired, 23W wireless | Pixel 7 Pro charges faster and supports wireless charging. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Non-removable, Wireless, No charger | Pixel 7 Pro can charge other devices and supports wireless charging, but doesn't come with a charger. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 (upgradeable to 14) | Pixel 7 Pro offers a newer and more feature-rich OS with longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (WiFi 6) | Pixel 7 Pro offers faster and more reliable Wi-Fi with newer standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | Pixel 7 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version with more features and better power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1) | Pixel 7 Pro offers more precise location tracking with additional satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Pixel 7 Pro supports eSIM for digital carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32GB/64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | Pixel 7 Pro offers much larger storage options, which is beneficial for power users. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB/6GB | 12GB | Pixel 7 Pro has significantly more RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Noise Cancellation, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | Pixel 7 Pro has better audio output and recording capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic | M12 has a more accessible side-mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Pixel 7 Pro has superior screen protection from scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer | Pixel 7 Pro has additional sensors for more functionalities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Lower Price: Likely significantly more affordable, making it accessible for budget-conscious users.
- Dedicated Macro & Depth Sensors: Offers dedicated lenses for macro and portrait photography, which are absent in the Pixel 7 Pro, appealing to users who enjoy these.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Some users may find the side-mounted sensor more convenient.
Practical Implications of M12 Advantages:
- The M12 is a budget-friendly option for users seeking essential smartphone features and not wanting to pay premium price.
- The dedicated macro and depth cameras can be useful for close-up shots and creating bokeh effects.
- A side mounted sensor may be preferred for some users.
Google Pixel 7 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Sharper, brighter, more vibrant display with a higher refresh rate.
- Significantly Better Performance: Much faster processor and GPU, making it suitable for demanding tasks like gaming.
- Better Camera System: Superior main camera, telephoto lens, and wide-angle lens, resulting in higher-quality photos and videos.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: Quicker charging and wireless charging capabilities enhance convenience.
- More RAM and Storage Options: Offers significantly more memory and storage space for power users.
- More Advanced Software: Newer version of Android with longer software support.
- Better Audio: Includes stereo speakers, noise cancellation microphone, and three mics.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, Bluetooth 5.2, and more satellite navigation systems.
- Higher Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection adds durability.
- Additional Sensors: Includes additional sensors, making it suitable for advanced features and gaming.
Practical Implications of Pixel 7 Pro Advantages:
- The Pixel 7 Pro is ideal for users who prioritize a premium display, smooth performance, and excellent camera quality.
- The advanced camera system is great for capturing high-quality photos and videos in various scenarios.
- Faster charging and wireless charging makes it very convenient for busy users.
- It excels in multitasking and playing demanding games due to more RAM and a powerful chipset.
- Longer software support is valuable for users who want to keep their phones for many years.
- The additional sensors enhance its functionality for gaming, navigation, and other specific tasks.
Trade-Offs:
- Price: The Pixel 7 Pro is significantly more expensive than the Galaxy M12.
- Lack of Macro & Depth Sensor: The Pixel 7 Pro lacks dedicated macro and depth sensors.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12:
Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious users who need a basic smartphone for everyday tasks.
- Users who prioritize battery life and need a device for essential communications and media consumption.
- Users who are not too demanding in terms of performance and are satisfied with essential camera features.
Use Cases:
- Web browsing, social media, basic app use.
- Longer phone calls and texting
- Casual photography and videography
- Basic gaming and entertainment
- Everyday tasks like email, and scheduling
Google Pixel 7 Pro:
Ideal Users:
- Power users who demand top-tier performance, the latest software, and a premium experience.
- Photography enthusiasts who want a great camera with advanced features.
- Users who regularly watch videos, play graphics-intensive games, and multitask heavily.
- Users who prefer a phone with frequent software updates.
Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming and graphic-intensive applications.
- Professional photography and video creation.
- Extensive multitasking and heavy app usage.
- Viewing high-resolution content (videos, movies, etc.)
- Users who need fast, and reliable connectivity.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Budget: What is your maximum budget for a smartphone?
- Primary Use: How will you primarily use your phone (e.g., social media, gaming, photography)?
- Performance Requirements: Do you need high performance for demanding tasks or are you content with basic smartphone capabilities?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Basic Needs: If you are on a tight budget and need a phone for basic tasks, long battery life, and you're satisfied with basic camera capabilities, the Samsung Galaxy M12 is a reasonable choice.
- Scenario 2: Performance & Photography: If you prioritize top-tier performance, excellent camera quality, and a premium display, and are willing to pay more, the Google Pixel 7 Pro is the better option.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Experience: If you are somewhere in the middle, consider that the Pixel 7 Pro is better in every aspect except for the presence of macro and depth cameras, and that its price will reflect its better performance. The Galaxy M12 is still great for its budget.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Google Pixel 7 Pro. While the Samsung Galaxy M12 is a decent budget option, the Pixel 7 Pro's significant advantages in display quality, performance, camera capabilities, and software support are compelling. I value a smooth and responsive user experience, top-tier photography, and having access to the latest software features. While it comes at a higher price point, the Pixel 7 Pro would offer me a significantly better overall experience in the long run, making it worth the investment. I also value the superior screen protection, and better performance of the pixel. The missing macro and depth sensors are features that I would not personally miss.
