Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Google Pixel 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-30 | 2024-09-09 | Pixel 9 Pro is significantly newer, with potentially longer software support and updated features. |
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm, 212g | 152.8 × 72 × 8.5 mm, 199g | M12 is larger and heavier, while the Pixel 9 Pro is more compact and lighter, offering better ergonomics and portability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.3" | M12 has a slightly larger screen, which some may find better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1280x2856 | Pixel 9 Pro offers significantly sharper and clearer images and text, making the display much more enjoyable to view. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 495 | Pixel 9 Pro has a much higher pixel density, resulting in crisper images and text with reduced pixelation. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | OLED | Pixel 9 Pro offers deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors, resulting in a superior viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Pixel 9 Pro provides smoother scrolling and animations, which is especially beneficial for gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 3000 nits | Pixel 9 Pro has drastically higher peak brightness, making it much more visible under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) | Pixel 9 Pro's chip offers much faster processing speeds, leading to quicker app loading, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding applications and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 1,148,512 | Pixel 9 Pro has significantly superior performance, handling intensive tasks effortlessly compared to the M12. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G715 MC7 | Pixel 9 Pro's GPU offers superior graphics processing capabilities, which translates to a much better gaming experience. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.69, 1/1.3", 1.2µm | Pixel 9 Pro captures more detailed images, especially in low light due to a larger sensor, wider aperture and larger pixels. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP, f/2.2 | 42MP, f/2.2 | Pixel 9 Pro offers significantly higher resolution for sharper and more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 48MP, f/2.8 | Pixel 9 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities, while the M12 relies on digital zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | M12 has a wide angle lens for capturing wider scenes, Pixel 9 Pro lacks this feature. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | M12 includes a depth sensor for portrait shots, Pixel 9 Pro lacks this feature. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | M12 features a macro lens, allowing users to capture detailed close-up shots while Pixel 9 Pro lacks this feature. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 48MP, f/1.7 | Pixel 9 Pro has a wide angle lens that also doubles as a macro lens. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Pixel 9 Pro offers professional-grade video quality and various recording options, including higher resolutions and frame rates. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes (OIS, EIS) | Pixel 9 Pro provides more stable and smooth video recordings due to optical and electronic stabilization. |
| Slow-Motion | No | Yes (Up to 240fps) | Pixel 9 Pro offers slow-motion video recording, which is not available on the M12. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4700 mAh | M12 has a slightly larger battery, but differences in chipset efficiency and screen tech might result in similar real-world battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 27W Fast Charging | Pixel 9 Pro charges significantly faster, which means less time plugged in. |
| Features | Non-removable | Wireless charging 21W, Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Pixel 9 Pro offers more versatile charging options, including wireless and reverse charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Pixel 9 Pro will likely receive more software updates and newer features, while the M12 runs an older OS. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be | Pixel 9 Pro supports newer WiFi standards, offering faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded networks, access to 6GHz band and reduced interference. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE | Pixel 9 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version, providing improved connectivity and lower energy consumption. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), NavIC System, GNSS | Pixel 9 Pro supports more satellite systems, offering better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Pixel 9 Pro offers eSIM capabilities for digital carrier switching, and both phones have a dual sim feature. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256/512/1024 GB | Pixel 9 Pro has significantly more storage options, allowing users to store more apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 16 GB | Pixel 9 Pro has substantially more RAM, making multitasking smoother and more efficient. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone, 3 microphones | Pixel 9 Pro offers better audio quality with stereo speakers and noise cancellation for clearer calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Samsung Galaxy M12 has a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor than the standard fingerprint sensor in Google Pixel 9 Pro. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Pixel 9 Pro features superior screen protection, making it more resistant to scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer | Pixel 9 Pro has a more comprehensive sensor suite, including barometer and magnetometer for more advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Larger Display: Slightly larger screen (6.5") might be preferable for some users for media consumption.
- Battery: Marginally larger battery (5000mAh) might offer slightly longer battery life, although it would depend on use.
- Wide Angle, Macro and Portrait Lenses: The inclusion of a wide angle, macro and portrait camera offers greater flexibility in photography, capturing wider shots and close-up details.
- Cost: The M12 is a budget-friendly phone, making it accessible to those on a tight budget.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: More advanced design
Google Pixel 9 Pro Advantages:
- Display Quality: Significantly superior OLED display with much higher resolution (217% more pixels), refresh rate, and peak brightness provides a far better visual experience.
- Performance: The Google Tensor G4 chip provides drastically better performance (879% higher benchmark score), resulting in significantly faster processing and smoother multitasking.
- Camera Capabilities: Superior main sensor, telephoto lens, and much higher resolution selfie camera provides greatly improved image quality and versatility.
- Video Quality: Significantly better video capabilities, up to 8K recording with stabilization and slow-motion capabilities.
- Battery Technology: Faster 27W charging and wireless charging, with reverse charging capabilities for convenience.
- Software Support: Newer Android version with a longer lifespan of software updates.
- Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions providing faster and more reliable connections.
- Storage and RAM: Offers more storage and RAM for better multitasking and storing more data.
- Audio: Stereo speakers and noise cancellation microphones for higher quality audio experience.
- Build Quality: Higher-grade screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
- eSIM Support: Enables digital carrier switching for better flexibility.
- Sensor Suite: More sensors that enhance features such as gaming and enviromental readings
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy M12 offers slightly larger display and a larger battery but falls short on every other category in comparison to the Google Pixel 9 Pro. The Google Pixel 9 Pro is a powerhouse in comparison.
- The Google Pixel 9 Pro is significantly more expensive than the Galaxy M12.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious User: Those who need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing on a very limited budget.
- Basic User: Users who prioritize battery life over performance or advanced features.
- Occasional Photographer: Users who need basic photo and video capabilities but are not overly concerned with image quality.
- Users needing a wide angle, macro or portrait lens: Users who are looking for unique camera lenses to capture specific perspectives in the photograph
Specific Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Daily communication and basic web browsing.
- Occasional use for navigation or social media.
- Media consumption.
- Basic photography.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Ideal User:
- Power User: Individuals who need top-tier performance for multitasking, gaming, or demanding applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want high-quality images and video, especially in low-light conditions.
- Multimedia Lovers: Those who prioritize a vibrant and sharp display for watching videos and playing games.
- Tech Savvy User: Users who are early adopters of the latest technology and features, including up to date software.
- Professional Content Creators: Users who need high-quality audio and video to record professional videos
Specific Use Cases for Google Pixel 9 Pro:
- Mobile gaming and running resource-intensive applications.
- Professional-quality photography and videography.
- High-quality media consumption and gaming.
- Reliable daily use with fast charging and wireless charging.
- Traveling and needing reliable GPS
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy M12 is a very affordable entry level smartphone that offers basic features, which is suitable for budget conscious users.
- The Google Pixel 9 Pro is a premium, high-end smartphone with top-of-the-line features and capabilities, justifying its higher price for power users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? If budget is a major concern, the Samsung Galaxy M12 may be the only viable option.
- What are my primary use cases? If the primary use cases are basic tasks like calling, texting and light browsing the M12 will suffice. However, if the user wants top of the line performance and features the Pixel 9 Pro is the best choice.
- How important is camera and video quality? If a user wants high quality images and video recording the Pixel 9 Pro is the best choice. If the user wants a wide angle, macro or portrait lens the M12 is the better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget User): If you are primarily concerned with basic smartphone functions and have a very tight budget, the Samsung Galaxy M12 is suitable.
- Scenario 2 (Performance User): If you need a phone for high performance tasks like gaming, video editing or prefer the best possible performance the Google Pixel 9 Pro is the best choice.
- Scenario 3 (Photography Enthusiast): If you value high quality photos and videos and want top of the line camera technology, the Google Pixel 9 Pro is the better choice. However, if you require specific lenses such as wide angle, macro and portrait lenses the Samsung Galaxy M12 is the better choice.
- Scenario 4 (Multimedia Lover): If you value a higher quality viewing experience for media consumption the Google Pixel 9 Pro is the best choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would select the Google Pixel 9 Pro. While the Samsung Galaxy M12 offers a lower price point, the Pixel 9 Pro provides a vastly superior user experience in almost every significant category. The difference in display quality, performance, camera capabilities, and overall build quality is immense. The Pixel 9 Pro offers a future-proof experience with its powerful processor, advanced camera system, and up-to-date software, while the M12 feels outdated and lacking in most key areas. I would prefer investing more upfront for a device that excels in all aspects of performance, imaging and user experience, ultimately delivering a much more satisfying long-term ownership experience.
