1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Huawei nova 8i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.9 x 9.7 mm | 161.9 x 74.7 x 8.6 mm | The M12 is slightly taller, wider, and thicker, making the nova 8i more pocketable and comfortable for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 212g | 190g | The nova 8i is significantly lighter, which is more comfortable for prolonged use and less fatiguing. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Huawei nova 8i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | The nova 8i offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive media consumption and gaming, but it is a very minor difference. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2376 | The nova 8i's higher resolution will result in sharper images and text, and is more pleasant for daily use. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 391 | The nova 8i offers a noticeably sharper display, making text and images look much crisper and more detailed. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | The nova 8i's IPS LCD technology typically provides better viewing angles and colour reproduction compared to the M12's PLS LCD, although both are standard LCD panels. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | The M12's higher refresh rate makes scrolling and animations smoother, although the difference may be minor for casual users. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness according to the provided data, meaning they will perform similarly in bright sunlight conditions (assuming 0 nits isn't a data error). |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Huawei nova 8i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | The nova 8i's Snapdragon chipset performs better in benchmarks and general use. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 201,000 | The nova 8i offers significantly better overall performance, which means faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming experience |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Adreno 610 | The Adreno 610 in the nova 8i generally offers better graphics performance compared to the Mali-G52, especially for gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Huawei nova 8i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP (f/2.0) | 64MP (f/1.9) | The nova 8i's higher resolution and wider aperture could result in slightly more detailed and better low-light shots. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP (f/2.2) | 16MP (f/2.0) | The nova 8i's higher resolution and wider aperture should provide sharper and better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera Resolution | 5MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2) | The nova 8i has slightly higher resolution for wide-angle shots. |
| Portrait Camera Resolution | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Both have the same resolution for portrait mode. |
| Macro Camera Resolution | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Both have similar macro capabilities. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, No Slow-motion | 1080p@30fps, 120 fps Slow-motion | Both phones offer the same main video quality, however, the nova 8i is capable of shooting slow-motion video |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, PDAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, PDAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | The nova 8i has the advantage of digital image stabilization which means video will be smoother and clearer. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Huawei nova 8i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4300mAh | The M12 has a larger battery, suggesting longer battery life between charges. |
| Charging | 15W | 66W | The nova 8i's 66W fast charging will replenish the battery much faster compared to the M12's 15W, meaning less time plugged in. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages
- Larger Battery: The M12 has a larger battery capacity (5000mAh vs 4300mAh), potentially offering longer battery life, making it better for users who value endurance without needing frequent recharges.
- Smoother Display (90Hz Refresh Rate): Offers a slightly smoother visual experience while scrolling or browsing, though not a game-changer for most users.
- Wider range of Bluetooth features: Supports more features.
- More RAM Variants: Comes in 3 GB, 4 GB, and 6 GB versions, offering a cheaper option.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 11 while the Nova 8i ships with Android 10.
Huawei nova 8i Advantages
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 662 and higher AnTuTu score provide significantly better performance for daily tasks, multitasking, and gaming, meaning it is generally faster and more responsive.
- Sharper Display: The higher resolution and pixel density display make for a noticeably crisper and more detailed viewing experience, which is significantly better for most types of content.
- Faster Charging: The 66W fast charging can quickly replenish the battery, minimizing downtime.
- Better Main Camera: The wider aperture and higher-resolution sensor mean potentially better low light photos and more detail.
- Better Selfie Camera: The wider aperture and higher-resolution sensor mean potentially better low light selfies and more detail.
- Better Audio Features: The nova 8i provides noise cancellation microphones, stereo speakers and has an extra microphone resulting in better audio quality during calls, music listening and improved voice recording.
- Additional Camera Features: Includes Digital Image Stabilization.
- Better GPS: Supports more satellite systems (including Galileo), for potentially higher location accuracy.
- Better Wifi: Supports faster wifi standards.
Trade-offs
- The M12 prioritizes battery life and has a newer Android version, while the nova 8i excels in performance, display quality and charging speed. The M12 also comes in more storage and RAM configurations.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 Ideal User
- Budget-conscious users: Who prioritize longer battery life over performance, ideal for less demanding tasks, such as social media and browsing.
- Users who value newer Android versions: It comes with Android 11, which is a newer version than the Nova 8i.
- Users who prefer having more memory and storage options: The M12 comes in 3 RAM configurations (3GB, 4GB, and 6GB) as well as 3 storage configurations (32GB, 64GB, and 128GB), while the Nova 8i is only available in one 6GB of RAM and 128GB of Storage configuration.
- Users needing a reliable device for basic tasks: Calling, texting, light social media use, and basic navigation.
Huawei nova 8i Ideal User
- Users who value performance and responsiveness: Ideal for multitasking, gaming, and smoother overall usage.
- Users who prefer a sharper, more vibrant display: Enjoy higher-resolution video streaming and enhanced text quality for reading.
- Users who need fast charging: Spend less time plugged in, and quickly replenish battery.
- Users who want better audio quality: Enjoy listening to music or video on the phone.
- Mobile photographers: They should take advantage of the better camera features.
- Users who want a premium look and feel: The nova 8i is thinner and lighter, potentially making it feel more premium.
Use Cases
- M12: A great secondary phone for travel or outdoor activities where a longer-lasting battery is critical or ideal for users who are less demanding.
- Nova 8i: Ideal as a primary device for day-to-day use, gaming, media consumption, and photography and is ideal for users who want high performance on their phone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider
- What is your primary use case for a smartphone? (Basic communication vs. gaming/media consumption)
- How important is fast charging vs. longer battery life to you? (Do you prioritize convenience or runtime?)
- How much do you value display quality? (Are you sensitive to screen sharpness and color reproduction?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations
Scenario 1: Long battery life is paramount. If you need a phone that lasts all day on a single charge and don't do a lot of gaming or intense tasks, then the Samsung Galaxy M12 may be better for you.
Scenario 2: Performance and display quality are priorities. If you prioritize faster performance, sharper screen quality, better cameras and quicker charging times, the Huawei nova 8i is the superior choice.
Scenario 3: Balanced use with an emphasis on value for money. If you desire a balance between battery life and speed, and desire a cheaper phone, then the Samsung Galaxy M12 may be better for you.
What I would choose and why
I would choose the Huawei nova 8i.
Here's why:
- Performance Matters: My primary usage involves multitasking, occasional gaming, and frequently using social media apps. The superior performance of the Snapdragon 662, as indicated by its significantly higher AnTuTu score, would offer a much more responsive and enjoyable experience.
- Display Quality: The difference in display sharpness (391 PPI vs 270 PPI) is very noticeable, especially when browsing text, watching videos, or looking at photos. The nova 8i's higher resolution screen would be better for my eyes.
- Faster Charging: I value convenience, and the 66W fast charging on the nova 8i would be a significant time-saver compared to the slower 15W charging on the M12. I would prefer the extra charging speed over the longer-lasting battery life.
- Camera Quality: I would prefer the better cameras, especially for selfies. The Huawei Nova 8i has higher resolution cameras with a wider aperture for its main and selfie cameras.
- Audio Quality: I enjoy listening to music on my phone. The inclusion of stereo speakers on the nova 8i is a major advantage for immersive sound when compared to the M12.
- Premium Feel: The nova 8i is lighter and thinner than the M12. It would feel better to handle and better to carry in my pocket.
While the M12 has a larger battery and newer Android version, the significant performance advantage of the nova 8i, along with its superior display, camera capabilities, faster charging, and audio features, make it the better overall choice for my needs. The trade off in battery is acceptable for my use case.
