1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Nokia C31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-30 | 2022-09-01 | Nokia C31 is newer, potentially having slightly longer software support |
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 169.2 × 78 × 8.6 mm | Nokia C31 is taller and wider, Samsung Galaxy M12 is thicker. May impact pocketability and one-handed use |
| Weight | 212g | 200g | Nokia C31 is slightly lighter, which might be noticeable during extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.75" | Nokia C31 has a slightly larger screen for more immersive media consumption |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both have the same resolution, so image sharpness is similar |
| PPI | 270 | 260 | Both have similar pixel density; perceived sharpness is roughly the same |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD on Nokia C31 generally offers slightly better viewing angles and color reproduction |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | Samsung Galaxy M12 offers smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have similar peak brightness, impacting outdoor visibility equally. This information is incomplete. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Exynos 850 is more power-efficient and should offer slightly better everyday performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 109,200 | Samsung Galaxy M12 is slightly faster, which may be noticeable in app loading and multitasking |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | IMG8322 | Samsung Galaxy M12's GPU should provide slightly better graphics performance in games |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5050mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life |
| Charging | 15W | 10W | Samsung Galaxy M12 charges faster, reducing downtime |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0 | 13MP | Samsung Galaxy M12 is likely to capture more detailed photos in good lighting |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Samsung Galaxy M12 will take sharper selfies |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | Samsung Galaxy M12 allows for wider shots, capturing more of the scene |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer similar depth effects for portrait shots |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both capture close-up shots with similar quality |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record Full HD video at 30 frames per second |
| Camera Features | Quad camera, PDAF, HDR, Panorama, etc. | Triple camera, PDAF, HDR, Panorama, Front Flash | Samsung has more lenses, Nokia C31 has a front-facing flash for better selfies in the dark |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Nokia C31 has a newer OS version out of the box, potentially receiving further updates for longer |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display | 802.11b/g/n, Wi-Fi Hotspot | Samsung Galaxy M12 offers additional WiFi Direct and WiFi Display functionality |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 4.2 LE | Samsung Galaxy M12 has newer Bluetooth, offering better range and power efficiency |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | Nokia C31 has Galileo, Samsung has Beidou; both offer accurate location services |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both phones support Dual SIM functionality |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 64/128 GB | Both offer 64GB or 128GB storage variants |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 4 GB | Samsung Galaxy M12 has an option for up to 6GB RAM, which is better for multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Basic | Both have basic audio capabilities |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side fingerprint sensor on Samsung may be preferred by some for quick access |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer | Samsung includes additional Gyroscope sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones have unknown screen protection type. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate offers a more fluid experience compared to the Nokia C31's 60Hz.
- Better Performance: The Exynos 850 chipset performs better in benchmarks, leading to slightly faster app loading and overall snappier usage.
- Superior Camera System: The 48MP main camera and additional wide-angle lens offer more versatility and higher image quality.
- Faster Charging: 15W charging is noticeably faster than 10W, reducing charging times.
- More RAM Options: Up to 6GB of RAM is offered
Nokia C31 Advantages:
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 12, which is a newer and may receive updates longer.
- Larger Display: 6.75" screen offers a larger viewing area for media consumption.
- Slightly Lighter: A difference of 12g might be noticeable for some users
- Potentially Better Display Quality: IPS display may have better colors and viewing angles
- Front-facing Flash: This will be beneficial for selfies in low light conditions
Trade-offs:
- The Nokia C31 sacrifices refresh rate and main camera performance for a larger screen, and more recent OS.
- The Samsung Galaxy M12 has a better main camera but falls behind in OS and screen size
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, smooth scrolling, and good main camera performance without breaking the bank.
- Use Cases:
- Social media users who frequently scroll through feeds.
- Mobile gamers on a budget.
- Photography enthusiasts who want versatile camera options.
Nokia C31:
- Ideal User: Users who value a larger screen, a more recent Android version, and long battery life.
- Use Cases:
- Users who consume a lot of video content.
- Users who want a more recent Android version.
- Individuals who prioritize longer battery life.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize a smoother display and overall performance, or do you need a larger screen and a newer Android version?
- How important is camera versatility and quality for your use case?
- Do you value faster charging or prefer the slightly newer OS and a front-facing flash?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Social Media User & Occasional Gamer
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy M12. The 90Hz display will improve the experience, and the better GPU and main camera are beneficial.
- Scenario 2: Media Consumption & Basic Usage
- Recommendation: Nokia C31. The larger display and newer Android OS would improve the user experience.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious User
- Recommendation: Evaluate based on camera needs, as both are in the same price range. If photo quality is important choose the Samsung if OS matters more choose the Nokia.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would personally pick the Samsung Galaxy M12. While the Nokia C31 offers a slightly larger screen and a newer OS, the smoothness of the 90Hz display and the better performance offered by the Exynos 850 chipset is more beneficial for my personal usage which involves a lot of scrolling and occasional gaming. The camera versatility is also a key advantage for me. While a newer OS would be nice, the benefits of the M12 are more compelling for my use case.
