1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Honor X7a | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-30 | 2023-01-06 | Honor X7a is a newer device, potentially with longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 167.5 × 76.9 × 8.3 mm | Honor X7a is taller and thinner, while M12 is thicker and has larger volume. The X7a may feel slightly more modern and comfortable |
| Weight | 212g | 196g | Honor X7a is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.75" | Honor X7a offers a slightly larger screen, beneficial for media consumption and browsing. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both have the same resolution; sharpness will be similar. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 260 PPI | Both have very similar pixel density, likely to appear similar to the human eye. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | TFT LCD | Honor X7a’s TFT LCD offers slightly superior display technology in terms of colour reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | Samsung Galaxy M12 provides smoother animations and scrolling, resulting in a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness (0 nits) - this is an unusual specification and may be missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G37 (12 nm) | Honor X7a's chipset is slightly faster based on benchmark scores. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 125,000 | Honor X7a has a marginally better performance for apps and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | PowerVR GE8320 | Different GPUs; Honor X7a shows slightly better performance in benchmarks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5330mAh | Honor X7a has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering marginally longer battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 22.5W Fast Charging | Honor X7a charges faster, allowing for quicker top-ups. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both have non-removable batteries. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Honor X7a’s primary camera has slightly better light gathering capabilities due to the wider aperture. |
| Front Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Honor X7a's selfie camera may perform slightly better in low light due to the wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Both have similar wide-angle lens capabilities. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have similar portrait mode (depth) capabilities. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have similar macro lens capabilities. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Similar video capabilities. |
| Camera Features | PDAF, HDR, etc. | PDAF, CDAF, DIS, HDR, etc. | Honor X7a has additional features: Digital image stabilization, Contrast detection autofocus (CDAF) |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Honor X7a ships with a newer version of Android, likely to provide a more refined user interface and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Honor X7a supports dual-band Wi-Fi and the newer ac standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | Honor X7a has a newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Honor X7a has additional Galileo support for more accurate location. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 128 GB | Honor X7a has one variant with 128GB storage. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 4/6 GB | Both offer similar RAM configurations for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Basic audio features | Both phones are evenly matched in audio capabilities with identical feature scores |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones have similar fingerprint sensor technology. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones have similar screen protection technology - this is an unusual specification and may be missing. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Honor X7a features a compass and gravity sensor in addition to other sensors. |
| Note: Brightness and screen protection specifications are marked as "0 nits" and "Unknown" respectively. This may be inaccurate. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate offers a more fluid experience for scrolling and animations.
- Gyroscope Sensor: The M12 comes with a Gyroscope sensor
- Wider availability Being an older phone, the M12 is available in a variety of regions.
Honor X7a Advantages:
- Newer Device: Launched significantly later, likely with better software support and updates.
- Lighter and Thinner Design: More comfortable for extended use, potentially feeling more modern.
- Marginally Better Performance: Higher AnTuTu score suggests slightly better performance in everyday tasks and gaming.
- Better Main and Selfie Camera Aperture: Better low-light performance due to wider apertures.
- Faster Charging: 22.5W charging is significantly faster than 15W, reducing charging times.
- Larger Battery: Slightly larger battery capacity translates to slightly extended battery life.
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 12, more modern OS.
- Superior Connectivity: Supports dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.1, for faster and more reliable connections.
- Enhanced Location Services: Supports Galileo satellite navigation, offering better location accuracy.
- Additional Camera Features: Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) and Contrast Detection Auto Focus (CDAF).
More Sensors: Comes with a compass and gravity sensor, in addition to other standard sensors. Trade-offs:
Refresh Rate: Samsung Galaxy M12 has a smoother display with 90Hz, while the Honor X7a is limited to 60Hz.
- Physical Size: M12 is thicker and heavier, while the Honor is lighter and thinner.
- Availability: The Honor X7a might be available in fewer regions than the older M12.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious user who values a smooth display experience and is happy with good enough performance.
- Use Cases:
- Casual mobile gaming where a smoother refresh rate can be more important than graphical fidelity.
- General web browsing and social media use.
- Users who prefer the feel of a slightly heavier phone.
- Users who prefer a 90hz refresh rate over other things.
Honor X7a:
- Ideal User: User who wants a newer device with better overall performance and camera, and a longer lifespan, without breaking the bank.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday photography, particularly in low-light conditions.
- Mobile gaming with slightly better performance.
- Users who value a lighter and slimmer phone design.
- Users who want faster charging capabilities.
- Users who prefer the benefits of newer software and technology.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Is a smoother display experience (90Hz) or slightly better performance and newer features more important?
- Is a lighter design and faster charging essential, or are you okay with a slightly heavier phone that has a higher refresh rate display?
- Is access to the latest software important or is an older operating system acceptable?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious with Casual Use: If your main concern is cost and you're primarily browsing the web or using social media, the Samsung Galaxy M12 is sufficient, provided you value the smoother 90hz display.
- Scenario 2: Performance-Oriented on a Budget: If you prefer a slightly more powerful device with better cameras for low-light photography and faster charging, the Honor X7a is the better option.
- Scenario 3: Future-Proofed User: If you value newer software, better connectivity, and a more refined design, the Honor X7a provides a better long-term experience and value for money.
My Choice
Given these two options, I would choose the Honor X7a.
Reasoning:
While the Samsung Galaxy M12's 90Hz display is appealing, the Honor X7a offers a more well-rounded and future-proofed package. The X7a has a newer OS (Android 12 vs 11), a more powerful chipset, a superior camera (especially in low light due to the wider aperture) and faster charging. While the 90Hz display on the M12 is very nice, the practical differences in day-to-day use between a 60hz panel and a 90hz panel are not as significant as the benefits of better performance and a more modern phone. Also, given that the X7a is thinner, lighter and has a marginally better screen, it makes the device more appealing than the M12. Also, the improved connectivity of the X7a and the enhanced sensor suite makes it a better device overall. Therefore the Honor X7a is the better device and what I would choose given these two options.
