Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. Google Pixel 8
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Google Pixel 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 150.5 × 70.8 × 8.9 mm | Pixel 8 is smaller and easier to handle one-handed; M12 is bulkier. |
| Weight | 212g | 187g | Pixel 8 is noticeably lighter, improving comfort for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.2" | M12 has a marginally larger screen for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Pixel 8's higher resolution offers a much sharper and clearer viewing experience. |
| PPI | 270 | 428 | Pixel 8's higher pixel density results in much crisper text and images. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | OLED | Pixel 8's OLED provides superior colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Pixel 8 has slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | Pixel 8 offers far better outdoor visibility under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) | Pixel 8's chipset offers vastly superior performance for apps, games, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 876,512 | Pixel 8 provides a much faster user experience - from opening apps to running demanding software. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Pixel 8's GPU delivers significantly better graphics performance, beneficial for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4575mAh | M12 has a slightly larger battery, but real-world difference depends on usage, Pixel 8 has a very efficient chip. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 27W fast charging | Pixel 8 charges significantly faster, reducing waiting time. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Pixel 8 can wirelessly charge other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.69, 1/1.31" | Pixel 8's sensor captures better photos, especially in low light, thanks to wider aperture and larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 10.8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | Pixel 8 selfie camera has higher resolution with bigger pixel size, resulting in better quality selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 12MP f/2.2 (Wide + Macro) | M12 has a dedicated wide-angle camera, while Pixel 8 includes a combined wide-angle and macro lens, offering more versatile photography options. |
| Portrait (Depth) Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not available | M12 has a dedicated portrait mode lens, while Pixel 8 relies on software for portrait effects, with better quality. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not available | M12 has a dedicated macro lens, while Pixel 8 includes a combined wide-angle and macro lens, with better quality. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps w/ HDR, OIS, EIS | Pixel 8 records significantly higher quality videos with advanced stabilization. |
| DxoMark | N/A | Mobile: 148 (Photo: 152, Video: 148) | Pixel 8 is much better tested with higher quality camera performance. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, PDAF | Dual camera, OIS, EIS, LAF, NPU AI Engine, RAW, Night Mode | Pixel 8 offers a wider array of features and produces higher quality images with better results. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Pixel 8 has a much newer OS, offering the latest features, security and potentially longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be | Pixel 8 supports the latest WiFi standards, ensuring faster speeds and better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE | Pixel 8 has a newer, more energy-efficient Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1) | Pixel 8 provides more accurate and faster location tracking with support for additional satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Pixel 8 offers the flexibility of eSIM, while M12 uses Dual physical SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128GB | 128/256GB | Pixel 8 has larger storage options to accommodate more apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 3/4/6GB | 8GB | Pixel 8 provides smoother multitasking and handles demanding apps with more RAM. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio | Noise cancellation mic, Stereo Speakers, 3 mics | Pixel 8 offers superior audio recording and playback quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | M12 includes side mounted sensor. Both phones provides basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Pixel 8 offers superior screen protection against scratches and cracks. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Proximity, Barometer, Fingerprint | Pixel 8 provides more sensors for advanced features, location tracking and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Battery: May offer marginally longer battery life.
- Dedicated Wide Angle, Portrait and Macro Lens: Offers dedicated hardware for different photography needs.
- Physical Dual SIM Slots: Allows for using two physical SIM cards simultaneously.
- Lower Price Point: Generally available at a more budget-friendly price.
Google Pixel 8 Advantages:
- Superior Display: High resolution, OLED technology, high refresh rate, and brightness for a much better viewing experience.
- Significantly Better Performance: Much faster chipset, with better overall performance for any usage scenario, from browsing to gaming.
- Much Better Camera System: Superior image quality, low-light performance, and advanced video features.
- Faster Charging: Charges significantly quicker than the M12.
- Newer Software & Features: Comes with the latest Android version and offers advanced features, AI capabilities, and longer software support.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers and noise cancellation microphones.
- Better Connectivity: Supports the latest WiFi and Bluetooth versions.
- eSIM support For digital carrier switching.
- More sensors: Barometer, Thermometer and Magnetometer.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection.
Trade-offs:
- Battery Life: Samsung M12 might offer slightly better battery life due to a larger capacity, but Pixel 8 has a more efficient chip and faster charging.
- Price: The Pixel 8 is considerably more expensive than the M12.
- Camera versatility: Although the M12 includes dedicated sensors for portrait and macro photography, Pixel 8's combined ultra-wide/macro lens, combined with computational photography, delivers higher-quality results.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize a large screen and decent battery life over top performance or advanced features.
- Use Cases: Basic daily tasks (browsing, social media), media consumption, users who prefer physical dual-SIM.
- Price-to-Value: Good value for the low price point; performs well for basic tasks.
Google Pixel 8:
- Ideal User: Users who demand high performance, a top-tier camera, a premium display, and the latest software and features, are willing to pay a premium price.
- Use Cases: Photography and videography enthusiasts, gaming, demanding apps, users who value a premium and fast mobile experience.
- Price-to-Value: High price, but justified by the exceptional performance, camera, display, and software.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: What's your maximum budget for a new smartphone?
- Primary Use: What will you primarily use the phone for? (e.g., casual browsing, photography, gaming)?
- Performance Needs: How much performance do you need from your device? (e.g., simple tasks vs. demanding games)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Basic Needs: If your budget is very limited and you only need basic smartphone functions like calling, texting, and light browsing, the Samsung Galaxy M12 is a more suitable choice.
- Scenario 2: Moderate Budget, Good All-Arounder: If you have a moderate budget and require a decent device, but do not require top tier performance or camera, the Samsung Galaxy M12 is a reasonable option.
- Scenario 3: Premium Experience, Photography Focused: If you are willing to spend more for top-tier performance, an excellent camera, a beautiful display and the latest software experience, the Google Pixel 8 is clearly the superior choice.
My Choice
I would choose the Google Pixel 8. While the Samsung Galaxy M12 is a budget-friendly option, the Pixel 8 offers a vastly superior user experience in almost every aspect. The significantly better performance, stunning display, top-tier camera system, faster charging, latest Android version, better build quality, and enhanced audio features are worth the higher price. For me, the Pixel 8 delivers a premium experience that makes daily use much more enjoyable and efficient, and that is what I value most in a smartphone. If budget was absolutely the main concern, then I would have to consider the M12, but as I value performance, camera and user experience I cannot justify the trade-offs.
