1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 162.1 × 75.5 × 8.5 mm | Mate 50 Pro is slightly smaller and thinner, potentially feeling more comfortable in hand. M12 is taller and thicker, leading to a bulkier feeling. |
| Weight | 212g | 205g | Mate 50 Pro is slightly lighter; difference may be noticeable during prolonged use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard (non-folding) phones |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.74" | Mate 50 Pro has a slightly larger screen, offering a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1212x2616 | Mate 50 Pro's higher resolution results in significantly sharper and more detailed visuals. |
| Pixel Density | 270 ppi | 428 ppi | Mate 50 Pro's higher pixel density offers a clearer and crisper image quality. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | OLED | Mate 50 Pro's OLED provides superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, a more premium display |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Mate 50 Pro's 120Hz refresh rate results in smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical brightness, although the lack of info makes it impossible to compare |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4 nm) | Mate 50 Pro's newer chip offers vastly superior performance for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing; M12's chipset is basic. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 1,022,043 | Mate 50 Pro demonstrates significantly faster performance in benchmarks, resulting in quicker app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 (ARM Mali-G52) | Adreno 730 (Qualcomm Adreno 730) | Mate 50 Pro’s GPU will provide superior graphics performance for gaming and other visually intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2", 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.56", 1.00µm | Mate 50 Pro's larger sensor, wider aperture, and larger pixels result in better low-light performance and image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.4 | Mate 50 Pro has higher resolution but slightly narrower aperture; final image quality will depend on multiple factors. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2", 0.70µm | Mate 50 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, offering better flexibility in photography, while the M12 has no telephoto lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2 | Mate 50 Pro’s wide-angle lens has a higher resolution, likely resulting in higher-quality wide shots. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | M12 includes a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, which the Mate 50 Pro lacks. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | M12 includes a dedicated macro lens, which the Mate 50 Pro lacks. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps w/ HDR, EIS, extensive slow-motion options | Mate 50 Pro offers significantly higher video recording capabilities including higher resolution, HDR and stabilization for better video quality. |
| DXOMark | Not Available | Mobile: 149 (Photo: 152, Video: 141); Selfie: 145 (Photo: 147, Video: 143) | Mate 50 Pro's DXOMark scores indicate significantly higher image and video quality compared to the unrated M12. |
| Camera Features | Basic, Quad camera | Advanced, Triple camera, OIS, Optical zoom, RAW, Night Mode | Mate 50 Pro offers more advanced features and greater flexibility, while the M12 offers basic options with a depth and macro lens. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4700mAh | M12 has a slightly larger battery, potentially providing marginally longer battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast | 66W Fast | Mate 50 Pro charges much faster, saving time and reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, 50W Wireless, 7.5W Reverse Wireless | Mate 50 Pro offers more battery flexibility, including the ability to wirelessly charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Not Specified | M12 runs Android 11; the Mate 50 Pro operating system is unspecified, making comparisons difficult |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Wi-Fi 6, Dual band, MiMO | Mate 50 Pro provides faster Wi-Fi with newer standards, better performance in congested networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Mate 50 Pro features newer Bluetooth version, with advanced audio codecs for higher quality audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Mate 50 Pro supports more satellite systems for more precise location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Dual Standby (Nano) | Dual SIM, Dual Standby (Nano) | Both phones support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 256/512 GB | Mate 50 Pro offers significantly more internal storage capacity. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 8 GB | Mate 50 Pro has more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio | Stereo Speakers | Mate 50 Pro provides better audio quality with stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint | M12 features a more practical side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Mate 50 Pro has more sensors for advanced functionality and gaming; M12 provides basic motion and proximity detection |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Screen protection specifications are missing, making comparisons impossible |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Battery: Offers a slightly larger battery capacity which may translate to marginally longer usage times.
- Dedicated Portrait and Macro Lenses: Includes additional lenses for portrait and macro photography, which are not available on the Mate 50 Pro.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint: Offers a more ergonomic side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which can be more convenient for some users.
- More Affordable: Likely to be significantly cheaper than the Mate 50 Pro.
- Wider selfie camera aperture: Allows slightly better light intake for selfies.
Practical Implications for M12:
- Good for basic photography and some level of creativity, while its battery may last longer for basic use.
- The fingerprint sensor may be more convenient than a rear-mounted or in-display sensor.
Huawei Mate 50 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Offers a significantly sharper, more vibrant display with OLED technology and a 120Hz refresh rate.
- Much Higher Performance: Features a flagship-level Snapdragon chipset for superior performance in gaming, multitasking, and overall speed.
- Superior Camera System: Includes a high-resolution main sensor, a telephoto lens for optical zoom, advanced video capabilities, and better low-light performance.
- Significantly More Storage and RAM: Offers more internal storage and RAM for smoother performance and storage.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: Has much faster wired charging and the added convenience of wireless charging, including reverse wireless charging.
- Advanced Connectivity: Supports newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards, along with advanced GPS systems.
- Higher DXOMark score: Significantly better camera performance according to DxOMark
- Stereo Speakers: better audio experience with stereo output
Practical Implications for Mate 50 Pro:
- Ideal for users who prioritize a premium visual experience, and smooth performance.
- Offers professional-level photography and videography capabilities.
- Significantly faster charging and the convenience of wireless charging make it a better choice for demanding users.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy M12: Sacrifices performance, display quality, and camera capabilities for a lower price, making it suitable for more casual use.
- Huawei Mate 50 Pro: Offers premium features and performance at a likely premium price, which may be unaffordable for budget-conscious buyers.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Budget-conscious buyers: Users seeking an affordable smartphone for basic tasks.
- Casual users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for social media, browsing, and basic photography.
- Users prioritizing battery life: Those who need a device with a longer battery for day-to-day use.
Specific Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Daily browsing, social media, and communication.
- Casual photography and occasional macro/portrait shots.
- Reliable basic phone for those who need it for work.
Ideal Users for Huawei Mate 50 Pro:
- Power users: Users who demand the highest performance for gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
- Photography enthusiasts: Individuals who want a high-quality camera with telephoto capabilities and advanced features.
- Users prioritizing a premium experience: Those who want a superior display, build quality, and cutting-edge technologies.
Specific Use Cases for Huawei Mate 50 Pro:
- High-end mobile gaming.
- Professional-level photography and videography.
- Demanding multitasking and productivity applications.
- Media consumption with a high-quality display and audio.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy M12 provides good value for users on a strict budget, offering basic functionalities at a lower cost.
- The Huawei Mate 50 Pro offers a premium experience with its high-end features, but at a likely higher price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? Are you looking for a budget-friendly option or willing to pay for premium features?
- How important is performance? Do you need a phone for demanding tasks like gaming, or will basic usage suffice?
- How important are camera quality and features? Do you need advanced camera capabilities and flexibility or is basic photography acceptable?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If you are on a very tight budget and only need basic functionality, the Samsung Galaxy M12 is the more appropriate option.
- Casual User: For those who want a reliable daily driver with a good battery and some photography, the Samsung Galaxy M12 will suffice.
- Power User: If you need the best possible performance, display, and camera quality for demanding tasks, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro is the clear choice.
- Photography Enthusiast: If you prioritize high-quality camera capabilities and want advanced features like telephoto zoom and night mode, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro is the better option.
My Choice and Why:
Given the vast differences in performance, camera quality, display, and overall feature set, I would choose the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. While the Samsung Galaxy M12 has the advantage of a slightly larger battery and dedicated portrait/macro lenses, the Mate 50 Pro provides a much superior user experience across the board.
The significantly higher performance from the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip means that the Mate 50 Pro would feel snappier and more responsive in everyday use. The higher resolution OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate offers a vastly superior viewing experience, making media consumption, browsing and gaming a lot more enjoyable. The camera system on the Mate 50 Pro is also leaps and bounds ahead of the M12, with better image quality, more features, and flexibility.
The Mate 50 Pro's faster charging, wireless charging, and increased storage and RAM, all contribute to an experience that justifies its likely higher price. Although I am a big fan of the side-mounted fingerprint on the Samsung, it does not outweigh the premium experience offered by the Huawei.
While the M12 is a decent budget phone, the Mate 50 Pro is in a different league, and for me, the extra cost is worth the overall superior features and user experience.
