1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Nokia C22 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-30 | 2023-02-25 | Nokia C22 is newer, potentially having better software support and more up-to-date components. |
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 164.6 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm | M12 is slightly thicker and thus has slightly larger volume. Nokia C22 is more slender and might feel better in hand. |
| Weight | 212g | 190g | Nokia C22 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for longer use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Identical screen sizes offer a similar viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both have the same standard HD+ resolution, sufficient for typical smartphone usage. |
| PPI | 270 | 270 | Similar sharpness; individual pixels may be noticeable to users with very keen eyesight. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD on Nokia C22 typically offers better viewing angles and color accuracy compared to PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | Samsung M12's 90Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and animations compared to the Nokia C22. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have unknown peak brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Exynos 850 (8nm) is more power-efficient and likely performs better in demanding tasks than the Unisoc chip (28nm). |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 109,200 | Samsung Galaxy M12 shows slightly better performance on paper with a 7% higher score, noticeable in gaming and multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 (ARM Mali-G52) | IMG8322 (PowerVR GE8322) | Different GPUs which can mean different performance profiles in gaming, no clear winner given the low-end nature. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life for typical usage. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 10W fast charging, Li-Polymer | Samsung Galaxy M12 will charge faster than Nokia C22, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both phones feature non-removable batteries. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP f/2.0, 1/2", 0.8µm | 13MP, unknown sensor | Samsung Galaxy M12 has a significantly higher resolution primary sensor, implying more detail in photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.2, unknown sensor | 8MP f/2.2, unknown sensor | Similar selfie cameras on both phones. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP f/2.2 | Not Available | Samsung M12 has an additional ultrawide camera for landscape photos. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP f/2.4 | Not Available | Samsung M12 has a dedicated depth sensor for enhanced portrait mode photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Both have a similar macro camera for close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record video at the same standard resolution, good for social media sharing. |
| 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, Dual 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, Front Flash | M12's quadruple camera system allows for a wider variety of photography styles while C22 offers a front flash for better lit selfies. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | Nokia C22 runs a newer version of Android, likely with better features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n, Hotspot, Direct, Display | 802.11b/g/n, Hotspot | Samsung Galaxy M12 has additional Wi-Fi features. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, full profile support | 4.2 LE, A2DP, Low Energy | Samsung Galaxy M12 has a newer Bluetooth version with more comprehensive profile support, potentially better connectivity with peripherals. Nokia C22 prioritizes energy savings with Low Energy. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | Similar GPS capabilities, with minor differences in supported systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM) | Both phones allow two SIM cards with dual standby. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32GB/64GB/128GB | 64GB | Samsung Galaxy M12 can come with more internal storage, allowing for more apps, photos and videos on device. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB/6GB | 2GB | Samsung Galaxy M12 can have up to 6 GB RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable | Not expandable | Not expandable | Neither phone supports expandable storage, potentially a limiting factor for some users. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Basic audio features | Both phones have basic audio capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted sensor on Samsung M12 is generally easier to reach and more convenient than rear mounted. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones use similar screen protection technology. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer | Samsung Galaxy M12 has additional sensors, offering more advanced functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate for a more fluid user experience.
- Superior Performance: More powerful chipset and higher AnTuTu score, leading to better overall responsiveness.
- More Camera Features: Higher resolution main camera with additional wide-angle, and depth sensors offering greater flexibility.
- Faster Charging: 15W charging reduces time spent tethered to a charger.
- More RAM and Storage: Can have more RAM and internal storage which directly impacts the number of apps and files you can keep as well as the fluidity of multitasking.
- More Bluetooth Features: A more recent version of Bluetooth that can support more devices.
- Side Fingerprint Sensor: Generally considered more convenient and ergonomic than rear-mounted sensors.
- Gyroscope Sensor: Allows for use with more advanced sensor applications.
Nokia C22 Advantages:
- Lighter Build: More comfortable for extended use, easier to handle.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 13 out of the box, which can offer new features and better security.
- Better Display Technology: Uses IPS LCD, which typically provides better viewing angles and color accuracy.
- Front Flash: Provides better lit selfies in low light situations.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung M12 offers more performance and camera versatility, but is heavier and less updated in OS.
- The Nokia C22 has a lighter build and more modern software, but has lower performance, and a less capable camera system.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 is ideal for:
- Users who prioritize smoother screen experience: The 90Hz refresh rate is a noticeable upgrade for everyday scrolling.
- Users needing moderate performance: The better chipset allows for faster app loading and gaming.
- Enthusiastic Photographers (on a budget): More versatile camera system with a higher resolution primary sensor and additional wide angle lens.
- Users who prioritize convenient fingerprint sensors: Side-mounted fingerprint reader is generally more convenient.
- Users needing the maximum amount of internal storage: Users that store a lot of apps and files on their phone.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Social media browsing and content consumption.
- Casual gaming.
- Photography and videography of everyday moments.
- Multitasking between apps.
- Users who want to use more advanced gyroscope controlled applications
Nokia C22 is ideal for:
- Users who value a lightweight phone: Comfortable for one-handed use over extended periods.
- Users who want the latest software: Runs the newest version of Android, offering the latest features and security patches.
- Casual users with simple needs: Good for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light browsing.
- Users who prefer a rear fingerprint sensor: Some prefer the rear fingerprint sensor placement
- Users who want the ability to have a flash for the front camera: The front flash is a great feature for taking low light selfies.
Use Cases for Nokia C22:
- Basic smartphone tasks such as calling, messaging, and browsing.
- Reading and content consumption.
- Users who don't need high performance applications.
- Users who like to take low light selfies.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Samsung Galaxy M12: May be a better value if you can get it at a similar price to the Nokia C22 as it offers better performance, a more versatile camera system, more storage and RAM, and a smoother screen.
- Nokia C22: Offers a newer OS and lighter design, it's a good value if you prioritize the software version or comfortable design.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Ask:
- Do I prioritize a smooth user experience? If yes, the Samsung M12's 90Hz display is a clear advantage.
- Is having the latest software important to me? If yes, the Nokia C22's Android 13 is preferable.
- Is photography important, do I want to take better photos? If yes, the Samsung Galaxy M12's versatile camera system may be preferable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you use your phone primarily for social media and gaming, the Samsung Galaxy M12 is the better option due to the smoother display, better chipset, and more versatile camera setup.
- Scenario 2: If you value a lightweight phone that comes with the most updated software and take a lot of low light selfies, the Nokia C22 is a good option.
- Scenario 3: If your use case is basic and you want a phone that will get the job done, either phone is suitable, so you would need to base your decision on pricing and personal preference in other areas.
What I would choose and why!
Given my experience, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy M12. While the Nokia C22 offers a newer OS and a lighter design which are important for overall user experience, the additional benefits of the Samsung Galaxy M12 outweigh those advantages. The 90Hz screen refresh rate and the better performance can make everyday use feel more fluid. Also, the more versatile camera, along with the additional RAM and storage, allows for a better experience in most usage cases.
