1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Nokia G100 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-30 | 2022-10-01 | Nokia G100 is newer, potentially benefiting from newer software and technologies. |
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 166.6 × 76.7 × 8.9 mm | Nokia G100 is slightly taller and thinner, potentially feeling more comfortable in the hand for some users. The M12 is slightly smaller overall but thicker. |
| Weight | 212g | 195.1g | Nokia G100 is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and portability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.52" | Negligible difference in size; both offer a standard large display experience. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both offer the same basic HD+ experience; not ideal for sharp viewing or high detail. |
| PPI | 270 | 269 | Practically identical pixel density; both offer similar screen clarity. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD offers better viewing angles and color reproduction than PLS LCD, resulting in a superior viewing experience for the Nokia G100. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | Samsung M12's 90Hz display is noticeably smoother for scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both devices have identical peak brightness, which is not ideal in direct sunlight. (Note: Brightness value is likely missing) |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Nokia G100's Snapdragon 662 is generally faster and more efficient for everyday use and gaming than the Exynos 850. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 201,615 | Nokia G100 offers significantly better performance, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming experience. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Adreno 610 | Nokia G100's Adreno 610 offers better gaming and graphics performance than the Mali-G52 found in the Galaxy M12. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 48MP | 13MP | Samsung Galaxy M12's 48MP main sensor captures more detail in well-lit conditions. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.0 | Same light gathering ability on main sensor, however the difference in resolution will effect image quality |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | Unknown | Samsung M12's larger sensor should theoretically have better low-light performance. Sensor size information is missing for the Nokia G100. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | Samsung Galaxy M12's slightly wider aperture allows more light, potentially resulting in better selfies in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens Resolution | 5MP | 5MP | Both offer the same resolution for wide shots. |
| Portrait Lens Resolution | 2MP | 2MP | Both offer the same resolution for depth sensing. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | Samsung M12 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both offer similar recording quality for social media. |
| Slow-Motion Video | No | Yes (120fps) | Nokia G100 supports slow-motion video capture, while Samsung Galaxy M12 does not. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple Camera, PDAF, etc | Triple Camera, Digital Image Stabilization, Night Mode | Samsung M12 has PDAF for faster focusing. Nokia G100 provides digital image stabilization and a night mode for low-light conditions. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have large batteries for all-day usage. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | Both phones offer the same fast charging capability. |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Both technologies are very similar in modern smartphone batteries. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Nokia G100 has a newer version of Android, potentially offering better security and features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Nokia G100 supports newer WiFi standards, including 802.11ac, enabling faster speeds and more reliable connections. Dual band is also supported. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 LE | Both support Bluetooth 5.0. Samsung Galaxy M12 supports multiple profiles. Nokia G100 supports Low Energy connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | Samsung Galaxy M12 supports more satellite systems for potentially improved location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both offer dual SIM support for managing two phone numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 32/128 GB | Both offer up to 128GB of internal storage, which is enough for many users, but also offer 32GB as a lower cost option. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 3/4 GB | Samsung Galaxy M12 offers 6GB of RAM for better multitasking on certain models. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio Features | 2 Microphones | Nokia G100 likely has better voice recording with dual microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both phones offer convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 3 | Nokia G100 has the advantage of screen protection through Gorilla Glass 3. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | Nokia G100 provides more sensor data via an inclusion of a barometer. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Smoother Display: Offers a 90Hz refresh rate display, resulting in a better experience when navigating and scrolling.
- Higher Resolution Primary Camera: Features a 48MP main camera, capturing more detail in good lighting than the Nokia G100.
- Macro Lens: Includes a macro lens for close-up photography.
- More Satellite Navigation Systems: Supports Beidou, in addition to GPS and GLONASS for potentially better location accuracy.
- More RAM Variants: Available with up to 6GB RAM (depending on the model), potentially better for multitasking.
- Additional Bluetooth Profiles: Supports a wider range of Bluetooth profiles for greater compatibility.
Nokia G100 Advantages:
- Better Performance: The Snapdragon 662 chipset and Adreno 610 GPU provide superior performance than the Exynos 850.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 12 out of the box, potentially offering better security and features, and more future-proofing.
- Superior Display Technology: Uses an IPS LCD panel for better color reproduction and viewing angles.
- Lighter: Weighs 17g less, making it more comfortable to hold.
- Slow-motion video recording: The Nokia G100 supports slow-motion video recording at 120fps.
- Dual Microphones: Offers improved voice capture with two microphones.
- Screen Protection: Features Corning Gorilla Glass 3 screen protection, providing better durability.
- Barometer: Has a barometer sensor which is useful for applications that measure atmospheric pressure.
- Wi-Fi: Supports dual-band Wi-Fi and 802.11ac for faster wireless networking speeds.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung M12: Sacrifices raw performance for a smoother display and higher camera resolution.
- Nokia G100: Offers a better overall experience, but is not as strong in the camera specs.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who value a smoother display for everyday browsing and content consumption, casual photographers who want a higher megapixel camera, and those needing accurate location information.
- Use Cases:
- Scrolling through social media feeds and web browsing.
- Taking general photos in good lighting conditions.
- Using navigation apps regularly.
- Some multitasking on the higher RAM models.
- Price-to-Value: Good for users prioritising display refresh rate and a larger main sensor while remaining budget-conscious.
Nokia G100:
- Ideal User: Users who want a phone with reliable performance, a good display, longer support period, and general durability.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday smartphone usage including social media, communication and web browsing.
- Casual gaming and some multitasking.
- Recording video and viewing content.
- Users wanting a better audio capture from the dual microphone.
- Users needing a more durable screen.
- Price-to-Value: Better all-round package with a slightly better build quality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance or Display Smoothness?: Do you prioritize raw processing power and smooth performance (Nokia G100) or a smoother display experience (Samsung M12)?
- Camera Versatility or Detail?: Do you prefer a versatile set of camera features such as slow motion and night mode (Nokia G100) or higher resolution main camera and close-up photography (Samsung Galaxy M12)?
- OS Version & Durability: Do you need the latest OS with screen protection and durability (Nokia G100) or is the older OS and potentially less protection acceptable (Samsung M12)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User: If you just want a reliable, everyday phone for communication and basic usage, the Nokia G100 is the better choice due to its improved performance and newer OS version.
- Scenario 2: Social Media & Light Gaming: The Nokia G100 is the better choice for a combination of general usage, light gaming and social media due to it's newer OS, faster performance, screen protection and better display.
- Scenario 3: Camera Focused: If you value higher resolution in primary camera and macro lens the Samsung Galaxy M12 is the better choice, however, keep in mind that it will be inferior in the other aspects.
- Scenario 4: Budget First: If you are on a strict budget, consider the cheapest variant of either phone, but note that the Nokia G100 offers better performance and a better display.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Nokia G100. While the Samsung Galaxy M12 offers a smoother 90Hz display, the overall package of the Nokia G100 is more compelling. The Nokia's Snapdragon 662 chipset provides significantly better performance, the IPS LCD display technology offers superior viewing quality, and the device runs on a more up-to-date version of Android, which is likely to be supported for longer. Furthermore, the additional durability provided by the Gorilla Glass 3 screen and better audio recording with dual microphones give it a slight edge in practical day-to-day usage. The better connectivity and inclusion of a barometer also makes it a more versatile device. The slightly higher megapixel camera on the Samsung is not enough to sway my decision as the overall experience on the Nokia G100 is superior. Therefore, while the Samsung Galaxy M12 has a single advantage, the Nokia G100 provides a better all-round experience.
