Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. OnePlus Nord 3
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-30 | 2023-07-11 | OnePlus Nord 3 is significantly newer, implying more up-to-date technology |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.9 x 9.7 mm | 162 x 75.1 x 8.2 mm | Nord 3 is slightly smaller, thinner, and likely more pocketable; M12 is bulkier |
| Weight | 212g | 193.5g | Nord 3 is lighter, making it more comfortable to hold and use for extended periods |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.74" | Nord 3 offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1240x2772 | Nord 3 has a much sharper display, resulting in clearer text, images, and videos |
| PPI | 270 | 451 | Nord 3 has a significantly higher pixel density, making the display appear crisper |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | Nord 3 has superior display technology, offering better blacks, contrast, colors, and power efficiency for dark themes |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Nord 3 provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1450 nits | Nord 3 is significantly brighter, providing much better visibility in outdoor, bright conditions |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 9000 (4 nm) | Nord 3 has a much more powerful processor, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 1,103,441 | Nord 3 is significantly faster, suitable for more demanding tasks; M12 is suitable for basic tasks |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G710 MC10 | Nord 3 has a much more powerful GPU, resulting in superior gaming performance |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life, though real-world usage varies |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 80W fast charging | Nord 3 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime and improving convenience |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP f/2.0 1/2" sensor | 50MP f/1.8 1/1.56" sensor | Nord 3 has a slightly higher resolution and larger sensor, potentially resulting in better image quality, especially in low light |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.2 | 16MP f/2.4 | Nord 3 captures higher-resolution selfies |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.2 | Nord 3 has higher resolution wide-angle shots |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP f/2.4 | N/A | M12 includes a depth sensor for portrait mode; Nord 3 relies on software for depth effect |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Similar macro capabilities, suitable for close-up photos |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@60fps, 1080p@120fps | Nord 3 can record much higher resolution videos at higher frame rates, resulting in better video quality and slow-motion options |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes, EIS, OIS | Nord 3 offers superior stabilization for smoother videos |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 (upgradable to 16) | Nord 3 has a more recent OS with more features and longer support lifecycle |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Nord 3 supports faster and more modern WiFi standards, resulting in better connectivity |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE | Nord 3 has a newer Bluetooth version, potentially offering improved efficiency and stability |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | A-GPS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Nord 3 has more satellite systems for potentially more accurate location data |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both support dual SIM cards |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Nord 3 offers higher storage options; M12 comes with smaller base storage |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 8/16 GB | Nord 3 has considerably more RAM, leading to better multitasking and smoother performance |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Nord 3 offers superior audio features, including Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and Stereo Speakers |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic fingerprint sensor | M12 has side mounted sensor; Nord 3 has a basic sensor - likely under-display, but the location isn't specified |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Gravity, Geomagnetic, SensorCore | Nord 3 has more sensor options than M12 |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Depth Sensor: Dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode photography.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: A more convenient fingerprint sensor placement.
OnePlus Nord 3 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Larger, higher resolution AMOLED display with a higher refresh rate and significantly better brightness.
- Massive Performance Upgrade: The Dimensity 9000 chipset offers vastly better performance for gaming, multitasking, and overall responsiveness.
- Faster Charging: 80W fast charging is a major convenience, drastically reducing charging times.
- Enhanced Camera System: Better main sensor with larger pixels, higher resolution selfie and wide-angle lenses and superior video capabilities with OIS.
- More RAM and Storage Options: Higher RAM and larger base storage provide more space for apps and files and better multitasking.
- Modern Software & Connectivity: Newer Android version and modern WiFi and Bluetooth standards.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio and Stereo Speakers
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy M12 is much more affordable than the OnePlus Nord 3.
- OnePlus Nord 3 lacks a dedicated depth sensor.
- The side-mounted fingerprint sensor might be preferred by some instead of a basic fingerprint sensor that the Nord 3 has
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users needing a basic smartphone for everyday tasks like calling, texting, and light browsing.
- Use Cases:
- Basic social media browsing and communication
- Casual photography and video recording
- Streaming music
- General productivity and organization tasks
- Price-to-Value: Good option for those with a tight budget and basic needs.
OnePlus Nord 3:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, display quality, and camera capabilities, willing to pay a premium.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming and demanding app usage
- High-quality content creation (photos & videos)
- Immersive video and media consumption
- Heavy multitasking and productivity
- Users who need a bright screen for outdoor use
- Price-to-Value: Excellent value for those who need the performance and display benefits of a premium mid-range smartphone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone? The Nord 3 is a significant price increase.
- Performance Needs: Will you primarily use your phone for basic tasks or demanding apps and games?
- Display Priority: Do you prioritize a sharp, vibrant display for media consumption and outdoor visibility?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is the Primary Constraint: Choose the Samsung Galaxy M12. It offers the basic functionality at a lower cost.
- Scenario 2: Need a Reliable Daily Driver for Basic Use: Choose the Samsung Galaxy M12. The battery is good enough to get through the day and its camera is decent for general use.
- Scenario 3: Heavy Mobile User Who Prioritizes Performance & Display: Choose the OnePlus Nord 3. Its powerful processor, high-quality display, fast charging, and enhanced camera system make it ideal for demanding tasks.
- Scenario 4: Need a good camera with good video stabilization: Choose the OnePlus Nord 3 as it has better overall camera performance compared to the M12.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would pick the OnePlus Nord 3. While the price is higher, the performance improvements, superior display, significantly faster charging, and better camera system make it a much better long-term investment. As a heavy mobile user who values smooth performance, high-quality visuals, and fast charging, the Nord 3 perfectly aligns with my needs. The Samsung Galaxy M12, while budget-friendly, simply doesn't offer the level of performance and features that I require for daily use. The massive performance difference is what ultimately sets these phones apart. I prefer having a good camera and battery as well and the Nord 3 has a better main camera and offers the same battery as the M12 with considerably faster charging.
