1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Honor X6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 163.7 × 75.1 × 8.7 mm | Honor X6 is slightly slimmer and may feel more comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 212g | 194g | Honor X6 is significantly lighter, making it easier to hold for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Identical screen size for both. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both have the same basic HD+ resolution; images might not appear as sharp as higher resolutions. |
| PPI | 270 | 270 | Both have identical pixel density; similar sharpness levels in their displays. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | TFT LCD | Honor X6's TFT LCD typically has better viewing angles, colors and overall display quality compared to PLS LCD on the Galaxy M12. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | Samsung Galaxy M12's 90Hz provides smoother scrolling and animations, making the phone feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have the same brightness which may be insufficient in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Samsung Galaxy M12's chipset should offer better processing efficiency and overall performance for apps and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 100,890 | Samsung Galaxy M12 has a higher benchmark score, indicating slightly smoother overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | PowerVR GE8320 | Samsung Galaxy M12's GPU should offer slightly better graphics performance for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Honor X6 may capture slightly more detail in photos. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/1.8 | Honor X6's wider aperture allows more light, better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 5MP | Samsung Galaxy M12 should produce higher-resolution selfie images. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP | Not available | Samsung Galaxy M12 has more versatility with an additional wide-angle lens for landscapes and group photos. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP | 2MP | Similar depth-sensing capabilities for both. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | 2MP | Similar macro capabilities for close-up photos. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both offer similar standard video recording quality. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Contrast detection autofocus (CDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Samsung Galaxy M12 has an additional wide-angle lens. Honor X6 has digital image stabilization which should offer smoother videos. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar battery life for daily use. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 10W fast charging | Samsung Galaxy M12 recharges faster than the Honor X6. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Honor X6 has a newer version of Android which usually offers improved features, performance and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Honor X6 supports newer Wi-Fi standards (including 802.11ac), for potentially faster connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | Honor X6 has a newer Bluetooth version with LE low energy, which may provide more efficient connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Honor X6 offers additional satellite support (Galileo) for more accurate location services. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 64/128 GB | Both phones offer options for adequate storage. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 4 GB | Samsung Galaxy M12 offers slightly better multitasking with up to 6GB RAM. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither support SD cards for expandable storage. |
| Other | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Basic | Both offer standard audio capabilities. |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer secure biometric unlocking. |
| Build Quality | Unknown screen protection | Unknown screen protection | Screen protection information is not available. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | Samsung Galaxy M12 includes a gyroscope which is beneficial for some motion based gaming apps and augmented reality. Honor X6 includes a compass which could be helpful for navigation applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel noticeably more fluid.
- Better Performance: Exynos 850 chipset and higher AnTuTu score suggests better processing power and smoother app handling.
- More versatile camera: Includes a dedicated Wide-Angle lens offering more versatility when taking photos.
- Faster charging: 15W fast charging will reduce the time required to charge the phone.
- More RAM: Optional 6 GB variant means slightly better multitasking capabilities for moderate users.
- Additional Sensors: Gyroscope offers more functionality for motion based gaming apps and augmented reality.
Honor X6 Advantages:
- Lighter & Slimmer Design: More comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Better Main Camera: Wider aperture (f/1.8) for better low-light photography and may capture slightly more detail with 50MP camera.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 12, providing access to the latest features and security updates.
- Better Connectivity: Supports newer Wi-Fi standards and newer Bluetooth version (5.1 LE).
- More Accurate GPS: Additional support for the Galileo satellite system for improved location accuracy.
- Better Display Technology: TFT LCD provides better overall image quality, viewing angles and colors.
- Digital Image Stabilization: Offers smoother videos.
- Contrast Detection Auto-Focus: CDAF provides better auto focusing capability.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy M12 trades better camera and newer Android OS for smoother display, better performance, and more camera versatility.
- Honor X6 trades smoother display and better performance for better camera features, a newer OS, more modern design, better connectivity, and improved accuracy for satellite locations.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize smooth performance and user interface with some gaming needs.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday social media browsing
- Moderate mobile gaming, especially for games that require motion-based controls
- Users who regularly take wide-angle photos.
- Users who are less concerned about low-light photography and prefer a smoother user interface with faster performance.
Honor X6:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize camera quality, a newer operating system, and are looking for the latest connectivity standards.
- Use Cases:
- Users who want better low-light photography
- Users who rely heavily on GPS and navigation applications
- Users who want a lightweight, slim phone.
- Users who are more focused on taking high quality photos, more modern connectivity options, and the latest operating system.
Price-to-Value:
- Both phones occupy the budget range with similar pricing. The Honor X6 has a slightly better value proposition if you want a better display, camera, more modern connectivity and the latest software, while the Samsung Galaxy M12 is a better value if you are focused on better performance, a smoother user interface and want to take more versatile photos using a wide angle lens.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Do you prioritize a smoother display and slightly better performance? If yes, the Samsung Galaxy M12 may be the better option.
- Do you prioritize camera quality, newer software, and better connectivity? If yes, the Honor X6 is the better option.
- How important is having a wide angle lens on your phone? If you require the wide angle lens then the Samsung Galaxy M12 is the only option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer/Moderate User: If you play graphically intensive games or use lots of different apps at once, the Samsung Galaxy M12, with its higher performance, 90Hz refresh rate and optional 6 GB RAM, is preferable.
- Scenario 2: Camera Enthusiast: If taking better photos (especially in low-light conditions) is more important, and you want a newer OS with the most modern connectivity standards, choose the Honor X6.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious Buyer: Both phones are similarly priced. If you want better performance, a smoother user interface and a wide angle camera then choose the Samsung Galaxy M12, but if you want a better main camera, a more modern display, improved connectivity and a more updated OS choose the Honor X6.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the Honor X6.
Here's why:
- Better Camera: The f/1.8 aperture and 50MP sensor are more appealing to me as I frequently use my phone camera and the wider aperture will allow for better low light photos.
- Newer Android Version: I prefer having the most up-to-date OS for the latest features and better security.
- Modern Design and Connectivity: The slimmer, lighter design is more attractive, and the better Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity are practical advantages. The newer Bluetooth and WiFi standards are important to me as I have many wireless devices.
- TFT LCD screen: The better display technology with a TFT LCD offers better viewing angles, colors and overall display quality.
- Digital Image Stabilization and Contrast Detection Auto Focus: These camera features offer better video and auto focusing capabilities.
- Improved GPS accuracy: The additional Galileo satellite support is helpful as I use navigation apps very regularly.
While the Samsung Galaxy M12 has its merits, the Honor X6's balance of camera quality, modern software and connectivity is more aligned with my priorities. The slightly lower refresh rate and benchmarks are a trade-off I am willing to make for the other advantages.
