1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Nokia G21 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 164.6 × 75.9 × 8.5 mm | Nokia G21 is slightly thinner and may feel more comfortable in hand |
| Weight | 212g | 190g | Nokia G21 is noticeably lighter, better for prolonged use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Identical screen size |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both offer similar sharpness for daily use |
| PPI | 270 | 270 | Identical pixel density |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD usually offers better viewing angles and color reproduction than PLS LCD |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer a smoother experience compared to 60Hz displays |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness information is missing, limiting comparison. Peak brightness affects outdoor visibility |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Nokia G21's chipset has a significantly higher benchmark score suggesting better day to day performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 253,300 | Nokia G21 is expected to be significantly faster for app loading, multitasking, and gaming |
| GPU | Mali-G52 (ARM Mali-G52) | Mali-G57 MP1 (ARM Mali-G57) | Nokia G21's GPU is expected to handle graphics-intensive tasks slightly better, though both are budget GPUs |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Nokia G21 has a slightly higher resolution which may result in more detail in photos |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/1.8 | Nokia G21 has a wider aperture allowing more light, potentially better low-light performance |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/2.76" | Samsung Galaxy M12 has larger sensor for potentially better light capture |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | Nokia G21's selfie camera lets in slightly more light |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP | Not available | Samsung Galaxy M12 offers an additional ultra-wide lens for more versatile photography |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP | 2MP | Both phones have the same resolution for depth sensing |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | 2MP | Both phones have same resolution for macro photography |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both offer similar video recording capabilities |
| Camera Features | PDAF, Quadruple camera | Triple camera, Front Flash | Samsung M12 has faster focus but G21 has front flash |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5050mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity for all-day use depending on usage |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Nokia G21 charges faster, reducing downtime |
| Charger Included | No | Yes(10W) | Nokia G21 includes a charger in box, Samsung M12 does not |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Nokia G21 offers better long term software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Dual Band | Nokia G21 offers dual-band WiFi, for better speeds and less congestion on 5GHz networks |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with more features | 5.0 LE with low energy | Samsung has more advanced audio profiles, Nokia has low energy for better battery consumption |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Nokia G21 is more accurate at locating you |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 64/128 GB | Both phones offer a 64GB or 128GB storage option |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 4/6 GB | Both come in 4GB and 6GB RAM options for multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for additional storage |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | 2 microphones | Nokia G21 may offer better voice recording, especially in noisy environments |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both use fingerprint sensors for basic security |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Hall | Accelerometer, Proximity | Samsung Galaxy M12 has more sensors that may be required for more advanced apps and games |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Wider Field of View Photography: Offers a dedicated 5MP wide-angle lens, allowing for more versatile photography.
- More comprehensive Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0 offers a wider array of audio profiles for different applications
- Potentially more sensors: Includes a Gyroscope and Hall sensor which are important for games.
- Larger Sensor in Main Camera: Has a slightly larger main sensor (1/2") which may result in better low-light images compared to the Nokia G21.
Nokia G21 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Much higher AnTuTu score indicates significantly better performance for apps, multitasking, and gaming.
- Better Display Technology: Utilizes IPS LCD, typically offering better viewing angles and color accuracy than PLS LCD.
- Faster Charging: Supports 18W fast charging, reducing charging time.
- Longer Software Support: Confirmed upgrade to Android 13, offering more software updates compared to Samsung Galaxy M12.
- Dual-band WiFi: Supports dual-band WiFi, allowing for faster and more reliable wireless connections.
- More accurate GPS: Supports Galileo for better accuracy
- Includes a charger in the box
- Slightly lighter: 22g lighter
- Slightly better Main Camera Aperture: f/1.8 aperture is better than Samsung M12's f/2 aperture for low light performance
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy M12: Trades performance and long term software support for a more versatile camera setup and more sensors.
- Nokia G21: Sacrifices the ultrawide lens for superior performance, better display, and long-term software support
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 Ideal User:
- Casual Photographer: Users who value having an ultra-wide lens for capturing landscapes and group photos.
- Budget-Conscious Buyer: Users who need a functional phone at the lowest price point and are less concerned with performance.
- Casual User: Users who don't use the phone heavily for resource intensive apps and games
Use Cases:
- Social media content creation with varied shots.
- Basic everyday use (calls, messaging, browsing).
- Users who prefer a slightly heavier phone
- Mobile gamers who require specific sensors
Nokia G21 Ideal User:
- Performance-Oriented Budget Buyer: Users who prioritize speed and responsiveness over camera features.
- Long-Term User: Those who value long-term software updates and support.
- Everyday User: Users who use their phone for general productivity and want a fast device.
Use Cases:
- Smooth app switching and multitasking.
- Playing games and watching videos more regularly
- Users who want a good value device that charges quickly and is easy to hold.
Price-to-Value: Both phones are positioned as budget-friendly options. The Nokia G21 offers more overall performance for the price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is overall performance? If smooth multitasking and fast app loading are critical, the Nokia G21 is the better choice.
- Do I need an ultra-wide lens? If versatile photography with an ultrawide lens is a priority, the Samsung M12 is the only option.
- How important is long term software support? If receiving future Android updates is crucial, the Nokia G21's guaranteed upgrade to Android 13 is a big advantage.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Casual Use, Basic Photography): If you are mainly using the phone for basic tasks and only care for the most basic photography, the Samsung Galaxy M12 is sufficient.
- Scenario 2 (Performance, Daily Use): If you need smooth multitasking, faster app loads and better long term support then the Nokia G21 is the better choice.
- Scenario 3 (Photography, Content Creation): If having a wide angle lens is crucial and performance is secondary, the Samsung Galaxy M12 is better.
My Choice
I would choose the Nokia G21. While the Samsung Galaxy M12 offers a wide angle lens, the superior performance, display quality, faster charging, and confirmed software updates of the G21 are more crucial for a better overall user experience. The Nokia G21 is faster in day to day use, has better long term support, and offers similar main camera quality, making it a well-rounded budget phone.
