Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. Nokia G22
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Nokia G22 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-30 | 2023-02-25 | Nokia G22 is significantly newer, likely with more recent software and potentially better long-term support. |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.9 x 9.7 mm | 165 x 76.2 x 8.5 mm | Galaxy M12 is slightly thicker (1.2 mm) but has an identical height and width. Nokia G22 feels slimmer and lighter in hand due to thickness (difference of 1.2 mm) and weight reduction. |
| Weight | 212g | 196.2g | Nokia G22 is noticeably lighter (15.8g), making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both phones offer the same screen real estate, good for media consumption and daily tasks. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both have HD+ resolution, which is adequate for daily use but not the sharpest. |
| PPI | 270 | 270 | Identical pixel density means similar visual clarity. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Nokia G22's IPS LCD typically offers better viewing angles and color reproduction compared to PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both have smooth scrolling and animations, which makes the user experience more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | The peak brightness of both displays is not specified. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Nokia G22's Unisoc T606 has a much higher AnTuTu score which translates to significantly better performance in daily tasks and gaming. Galaxy M12 uses older chipset technology (8nm vs 12nm). |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 253,300 | Nokia G22 offers significantly faster app loading and multitasking capabilities. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Nokia G22's GPU provides better graphics processing for gaming and other intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 48MP | 50MP | Nokia G22 has slightly higher resolution for potentially more detailed photos. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/1.8 | Nokia G22's wider aperture allows for better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/2.76" | Samsung Galaxy M12 has a larger sensor for potentially better light capture, but that doesn't always translate to better photos depending on other factors like image processing. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | Nokia G22's wider aperture allows for better low-light selfies |
| Wide Angle Lens | Yes (5MP) | No | Galaxy M12 allows for wide-angle photos. |
| Portrait/Depth Lens | Yes (2MP) | Yes (2MP) | Both phones have a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | Yes (2MP) | Yes (2MP) | Both phones have a macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both phones record Full HD video at a standard 30 frames per second, good for casual use and social media sharing. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, PDAF | Triple camera, Front Flash | Samsung Galaxy M12 offers Phase detection autofocus (PDAF) for faster focusing; Nokia G22 offers Front Flash for better low light selfies. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5050mAh | Both phones offer similar battery life; capacity difference is negligible. |
| Charging | 15W | 20W | Nokia G22 charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| In Box Charger | No | Yes (10W) | Nokia G22 includes a charger in the box, while the Samsung Galaxy M12 does not. |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Different battery chemistry, but no major impact on daily use |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Nokia G22 has a more recent OS with potentially more features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n, Direct | 802.11a/b/g/n, Dual-band | Nokia G22 supports faster 5 GHz networks, while both offer similar features such as Wi-Fi Hotspot and Wi-Fi Display |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with full profile support | 5.0 LE | Samsung Galaxy M12 offers more audio features; Nokia G22 offers low energy bluetooth |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Nokia G22 has better location tracking thanks to Galileo support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM cards, allowing for multiple lines. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 64/128/256 GB | Nokia G22 has a larger maximum storage option which is better for users who need more space. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 4/6 GB | Both phones offer similar RAM for moderate multitasking and app handling. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external memory cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | 2 microphones | Nokia G22 offers better voice capture for calls and voice recording. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both phones have fingerprint sensor on the side. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Nokia G22 has better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Samsung Galaxy M12 has more sensors for potentially wider functionality, such as better gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Wider Camera Sensor: Larger main camera sensor (1/2") may capture more light, although this doesn't guarantee better image quality in real world conditions.
- Wide Angle Camera: Includes a dedicated 5MP wide-angle lens.
- Gyroscope: Includes gyroscope sensor for improved motion detection which might be useful for gaming and VR/AR applications.
- Full Bluetooth Feature set: includes many more Bluetooth profiles which might be useful for pairing with many different Bluetooth devices.
- Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF): provides faster autofocus for photos.
- Hall sensor: Enables the phone to detect when a smart cover is closed.
Nokia G22 Advantages:
- Newer Device: Launched almost two years later with potential advantages in software and long term updates
- Significantly Better Performance: Much higher AnTuTu score, meaning significantly better daily performance in apps, gaming and multitasking.
- Slimmer and Lighter Design: More comfortable to hold and carry.
- Better Display Technology: IPS LCD offers superior viewing angles and color accuracy.
- Faster Charging: 20W charging significantly reduces charging time compared to 15W.
- Wider Aperture Camera: The f/1.8 aperture lets in more light, improving low-light performance.
- Front Flash : Improves selfie camera performance in low light.
- More Modern OS: Comes with Android 12, offering newer features and security patches.
- Better Location Tracking: Includes Galileo for more accurate GPS.
- Larger Maximum Storage Capacity: Offers up to 256 GB of storage, better for users with a lot of media.
- Corning Gorilla Glass 3: Improves screen protection against scratches.
- Dual Microphones: Provides better audio quality when making phone calls or recording.
- In Box Charger: Includes a charger in the box.
- Bluetooth Low Energy: Offers longer battery life for bluetooth connections.
Trade-offs
- The Samsung Galaxy M12 has a wider angle lens and gyroscope while the Nokia G22 has a better performing and more modern chipset, faster charging, better display technology and a bigger main camera aperture.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users looking for a basic phone with a wide-angle camera.
- Users who value the wider angle photography option, but don't prioritize high performance or the most modern features.
- Users who might have older Bluetooth devices, and require full Bluetooth Profile support.
- Users who occasionally play games that benefit from the gyroscope sensor.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Basic social media, browsing, and communication.
- Taking occasional wide-angle landscape photos.
- Basic gaming that utilizes a gyroscope.
Nokia G22 Ideal User:
- Users looking for better performance, a more responsive experience.
- Users who prioritize a better display, with better viewing angles and color reproduction.
- Users who value faster charging to reduce downtime.
- Users who need more storage space for photos, videos, and apps.
- Users who want a more modern Android experience with a newer OS.
- Users who want a more durable phone, with screen protection provided by Gorilla Glass.
- Users who care about audio recording quality, thanks to the phone's dual microphones.
- Users who want a phone with all included accessories: The Nokia G22 has an in box charger.
Use Cases for Nokia G22:
- Everyday multitasking, app usage, and media consumption.
- Gaming with smoother frame rates and responsiveness.
- Taking photos in low-light situations.
- Longer usage without having to worry about frequent charging.
- Taking selfies in the dark thanks to the front flash.
- Making phone calls or recording voice thanks to dual microphones.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Performance Priority: Do you need a phone that can handle more demanding tasks and games smoothly, or is basic usage enough?
- Camera Needs: How important are low-light photos and a wide-angle lens, or the front facing flash?
- Budget: How much are you willing to pay?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious with Casual Use:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy M12 if a wide-angle lens is important.
- Reasoning: The M12 is a more affordable option that has a wider camera sensor and wide angle lens. However, be aware that you'll be making a considerable trade-off on performance and other features for that benefit.
Scenario 2: Balanced User with Gaming Needs:
- Recommendation: Nokia G22
- Reasoning: The G22 offers significantly better performance in games and apps, and the faster charging will be more convenient for regular use.
Scenario 3: Camera Enthusiast on a Budget:
- Recommendation: Nokia G22 for its wider aperture and front facing flash.
- Reasoning: While the Samsung Galaxy M12 has a bigger sensor and a wide angle lens, the G22's wider main camera aperture and front facing flash will allow for better low light performance. The G22 is also a more modern phone that offers a significantly better user experience.
Personal Choice
If I had to choose, I would personally select the Nokia G22. Although the Samsung Galaxy M12 has a few advantages in terms of the camera system and sensors, the Nokia G22's significantly superior performance due to its higher AnTuTu score and more modern chipset makes it the clear winner for me. The G22 also has a more modern OS, better screen protection, a better quality display and offers faster charging. These are key features that significantly improve the daily user experience. The Nokia G22 is the phone that offers the best value for the price.
