1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Huawei nova 9 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 164.6 × 75.6 × 7.9 mm | Galaxy M12 is thicker and bulkier, while nova 9 SE is slimmer and feels more modern. |
| Weight | 212g | 191g | nova 9 SE is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and less tiring to hold for long periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.78" | nova 9 SE offers a slightly larger screen for a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2388 | nova 9 SE provides a much sharper and clearer display with significantly more detail and less pixelation. |
| PPI | 270 | 387 | nova 9 SE has a noticeably sharper screen, improving text clarity and image detail. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | nova 9 SE uses superior IPS LCD, offering better viewing angles and colour reproduction compared to PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer a smooth 90Hz display, leading to a more fluid experience while scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness which is 0 nits. This is unexpected and likely an error in the provided data. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 680 is more powerful, providing smoother app operation, and better multitasking compared to the Exynos 850. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 248,000 | nova 9 SE has a significantly higher benchmark score, indicating better overall performance for demanding tasks and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 is generally more capable for graphics-intensive tasks like gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4000mAh | Galaxy M12 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 66W fast charging | nova 9 SE charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | nova 9 SE has reverse charging feature, allowing it to charge other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2" | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" | nova 9 SE captures higher-resolution images with a larger sensor and wider aperture, offering superior low-light performance. |
| Selfie Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.2 | nova 9 SE captures more detailed selfies, with higher pixel counts. |
| Wide Angle | 5MP, f/2.2 | Not available | Galaxy M12 provides a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing expansive scenes. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both phones offer comparable depth sensing capabilities for portrait mode photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both phones offer similar macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Not available | 8MP, f/2.2 | nova 9 SE provides a Wide Angle + Macro lens for more versatile photography. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps with EIS | nova 9 SE offers Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS), and slow motion 960 fps, leading to smoother videos. |
| Features | Basic | 4K Video, Digital image stabilization, Ultra stable video, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, RAW, Night Mode | nova 9 SE provides more additional options for capturing and editing photos and videos. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both ship with Android 11, offering a similar user experience but may have differences in terms of features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | nova 9 SE supports more advanced Wi-Fi standards for faster and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 | Both use Bluetooth 5.0, but have different codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | nova 9 SE has more robust GPS support, for faster location lock-on and better accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both use the same Dual Sim configurations. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | nova 9 SE offers more storage options, accommodating more apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 6/8 GB | nova 9 SE offers higher RAM, leading to better multitasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, which means users are restricted to the internal storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Basic audio features | Both offer basic audio features, no significant difference in audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both have similar fingerprint sensor technology. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones use similar screen protection technology. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Huawei has compass compared to Samsung. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery is a significant advantage for users needing extended battery life.
- Dedicated Wide-Angle Lens: The 5MP wide-angle lens provides greater versatility for landscape and group photos.
Practical Implications: The Galaxy M12 is better for users who prioritize battery life and wide-angle photography. Its larger battery can get you through a full day or two on a single charge, while its wide angle lens gives you more variety in your photography.
Huawei nova 9 SE Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 680 chipset and higher AnTuTu score result in a much faster and smoother user experience.
- Sharper Display: The higher-resolution screen (1080x2388) and pixel density (387 PPI) offer a superior viewing experience.
- Faster Charging: 66W fast charging allows for quicker battery replenishment, reducing downtime.
- Superior Main Camera: The 108MP sensor with a wider aperture captures more detail and performs better in low light.
- More Storage and RAM: Higher RAM and storage options allow for better multitasking and provide more space for apps and media.
- Better Video Recording: Includes EIS for smoother videos, and high frame rate slow motion.
- More Connectivity Options: Supports newer Wi-Fi standards and more GPS systems, leading to better connections and location accuracy.
Practical Implications: The nova 9 SE provides a superior experience in terms of performance, display quality, photography, and convenience (faster charging). The higher performance of the chipset means apps will launch faster and run smoother. The camera system captures more detail and gives you better quality in low light. Finally, the faster charging will save you time waiting for your phone to reach full charge.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Battery vs. Charging: The Galaxy M12 prioritizes a larger battery for longer use, while the nova 9 SE chooses faster charging to mitigate its smaller battery.
- Camera Versatility vs. Quality: The Galaxy M12 offers a dedicated wide-angle lens, while the nova 9 SE has a superior main sensor, wider aperture and extra modes for better overall photo quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 Ideal User:
- Users who need maximum battery life and are willing to accept slower performance and a lower-resolution screen.
- Budget-conscious consumers who value battery life and the versatility of a dedicated wide-angle camera over overall performance.
- Individuals who primarily use their phones for basic tasks like calling, texting, and social media.
Specific Use Cases:
- Extended travel where charging is limited
- Long work days with less access to power outlets
- Casual photographers who want a variety of lens options
Huawei nova 9 SE Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize performance and a high-quality display and camera system
- Users who require a smoother and faster experience when running demanding apps or games
- Users who take a lot of photos and videos and want the best quality
- Individuals who value faster charging times and convenience
Specific Use Cases:
- Mobile gamers
- Social media enthusiasts who value video and photo quality
- Users who frequently multitask between apps
- Users who prioritize premium features, even in a budget phone
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Galaxy M12 is a good value for users primarily concerned with battery life.
- The nova 9 SE offers a superior experience in most areas, which might be a better value for users looking for higher quality experience and performance in their phones.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is battery life? If battery life is paramount and you are willing to trade performance the Galaxy M12 is a good option. If you can charge more often the faster charging of the nova 9 SE may be better for you.
- What is more important, screen sharpness or wide-angle photography? The nova 9 SE excels at display quality and the Galaxy M12 at wide-angle photos.
- How much do you value performance? If you need a phone that can keep up with demanding tasks and games the nova 9 SE is much better choice. If you primarily use the phone for basic tasks, you can save some money with the Galaxy M12.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: A traveler who needs a phone that will last for multiple days without charging should choose the Samsung Galaxy M12.
- Scenario 2: A student who frequently uses their phone for video consumption and mobile gaming would be better off with the Huawei nova 9 SE, which has a better display and performance.
- Scenario 3: A casual user on a tight budget would probably be happy with the Samsung Galaxy M12, since it is more focused on battery and offers a wide-angle lens.
- Scenario 4: A user who values a good display, snappy performance and fast charging times would choose the Huawei nova 9 SE, which excels in these areas.
What I would choose and why!
I would choose the Huawei nova 9 SE. While the Samsung Galaxy M12 offers a larger battery, the nova 9 SE provides a significantly better experience in almost every other area that I consider important for daily use. The superior display, much faster performance, better camera system and quick charging capabilities make it a far more compelling option. I also value the 108MP main camera and faster charging, which will save me time. I also appreciate the more modern and stylish design which is slimmer and lighter. While the larger battery of the M12 is tempting, the combination of these factors is more important to me than having slightly longer battery life.
