Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. Nokia G42
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Nokia G42 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-30 | 2023-06-28 | Nokia G42 is significantly newer, likely with better software support. |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.9 x 9.7 mm | 165 x 75.8 x 8.6 mm | Nokia G42 is slightly thinner and more pocketable; M12 is bulkier. |
| Weight | 212g | 193.8g | Nokia G42 is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for long use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.56" | Virtually identical screen sizes. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1612 | Very similar sharpness, sufficient for everyday use; not the sharpest available. |
| PPI | 270 | 269 | Negligibly different; visual experience will be similar. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Nokia G42 may offer slightly better viewing angles and color accuracy. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smoother scrolling compared to 60Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is not provided, making a brightness comparison impossible. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | Nokia G42 has a much more powerful chipset with 5G support, allowing for faster performance and better future-proofing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 380,000 | Nokia G42 offers significantly better performance for gaming, multitasking, and app loading. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Adreno 619 | Nokia G42's GPU is more powerful, better for graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP f/2.0 | 50MP f/1.8 | Nokia G42 main camera has a wider aperture, better low-light performance; Slightly higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.0 | Nokia G42's selfie camera performs better in low light due to a wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP | None | Samsung Galaxy M12 allows for wider perspectives. |
| Portrait/Depth | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Similar depth effects on both phones |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Similar macro capabilities on both phones |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record similar quality video, adequate for social media. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, PDAF, Continuous shooting, Face detection, etc. | Triple camera, Autofocus, touch focus, etc. | M12 offers more camera features but less advanced; G42 is simpler but more versatile in low light. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life, adequate for a full day of moderate use. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging | Nokia G42 charges faster, reducing charging times. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, No charger in box | Nokia G42 doesn't include a charger. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 (Upgradable to 14) | Nokia G42 has a newer OS and will get future updates, providing improved performance, security and features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Nokia G42 supports faster Wi-Fi standards, offering improved network performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | Nokia G42 has a slightly newer Bluetooth version, offering better energy efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Nokia G42 has more satellite systems for improved location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Single SIM | Samsung Galaxy M12 has dual SIM support, enabling easier use of multiple carriers. |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 128 GB | Nokia G42 has a higher storage capacity as standard. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 4/6 GB | Both have similar options suitable for moderate multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | 2 microphones | Nokia G42 provides clearer voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Similar biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Nokia G42 has improved screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Nokia G42 has a Compass. Samsung Galaxy M12 has a Hall Sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Wider camera feature set: Quadruple camera, digital zoom, PDAF, continuous shooting, and face detection offer more creative shooting options.
- Dual SIM Support: Convenient for users who need two phone numbers.
- Hall Sensor: Useful for detecting the presence of a magnetic field.
- Available in multiple storage configurations: 32/64/128 GB variants.
Nokia G42 Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 480+ 5G chipset offers a much smoother user experience and future-proofing.
- Faster Charging: 20W charging is noticeably quicker than 15W.
- Better Main and Selfie Camera: Wider aperture cameras perform better in low-light.
- Newer OS and future updates: Android 13 with upgrade to Android 14 versus Android 11, which would mean better features and security.
- Better Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Newer standards for better network and device connectivity.
- Improved Build Quality: Gorilla Glass 3 protection provides greater screen durability.
- More accurate GPS: Galileo support enhances location accuracy.
- Better Audio: Dual microphones provide clearer voice capture.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy M12 has more camera features, but the Nokia G42 has better overall camera performance, especially in low light.
- The Nokia G42 does not have a wide-angle lens like the Samsung Galaxy M12.
- Samsung Galaxy M12 has Dual-Sim capabilities, the Nokia G42 only supports one sim.
- Nokia G42 does not come with a charger in the box.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Users on a very strict budget needing a functional device with a wide-angle camera.
- Users who need dual SIM functionality.
- Users who don't heavily rely on performance or gaming.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Basic social media browsing and communication.
- Casual photography where a wide angle lens is needed.
- Everyday tasks with less need for processing power.
- Using multiple SIMs for different needs.
Ideal User for Nokia G42:
- Users seeking better performance for gaming, multitasking, and smoother overall experience.
- Users who value long-term software support and updates.
- Users who need a better camera for low-light situations.
- Users who value faster charging and battery life.
Use Cases for Nokia G42:
- Smooth app usage and multitasking.
- Demanding mobile gaming or media consumption.
- Photography in various light conditions.
- Users who want future proof technology.
- Travel navigation with greater location accuracy.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance and future software updates to me?
- Do I need a dual SIM phone?
- Is a wide-angle camera or low-light performance more important to me?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If budget is the primary constraint and performance is not a priority, the Samsung Galaxy M12 is an option.
- Performance-Oriented User: If performance, future-proofing, and good camera quality are important, the Nokia G42 is significantly better.
- Camera-Focused User: If a wide angle camera is a necessity the Samsung Galaxy M12 could be considered, otherwise the Nokia G42 has a better main and selfie camera.
- Frequent Traveller: The Nokia G42's GPS system, better battery life and performance would make it more useful.
- Dual Sim Requirement: The Samsung Galaxy M12 has Dual-Sim capabilities, the Nokia G42 only supports one sim.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Nokia G42.
Reasons:
Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 480+ 5G chipset in the Nokia G42 offers a much more fluid and responsive experience for everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking. The difference in AnTuTu score (380,000 vs. 117,341) shows a significant leap in performance. This means faster app loading, smoother transitions, and a more enjoyable user experience overall, leading to long-term user satisfaction.
Better Camera (in practice): While the Samsung Galaxy M12 has a wide-angle lens and more features, the wider aperture of the Nokia G42's main and selfie cameras translates to better low-light performance, which is crucial for taking pictures in various conditions. The main camera performance is generally better in the Nokia G42 because of the sensor and aperture.
Future Proofing: The Nokia G42 comes with a newer version of Android (13, upgradable to 14), while the Samsung Galaxy M12 is stuck on Android 11, this means future updates, enhanced security, and long-term software support.
Faster Charging: The 20W fast charging on the Nokia G42 is more convenient in practice, as it gets the device up to a decent percentage in a shorter time.
Improved Build Quality: The Gorilla Glass 3 protection is a bonus, improving long-term screen durability.
Better Connectivity: Faster Wi-Fi standards and Bluetooth offer a more smooth experience.
Although the Samsung Galaxy M12 has a few extra camera features and dual-SIM support, the overall performance, camera quality, software, and long-term value of the Nokia G42 make it the more compelling choice. The Nokia G42 also has slightly improved audio with dual microphones and more accurate GPS. In real-world use, the Nokia G42 would offer a noticeably smoother and more enjoyable experience.
