Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. Oppo A57 4G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Oppo A57 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 163.7 × 75 × 8 mm | Oppo A57 4G is thinner and slightly more compact; Samsung M12 is noticeably thicker and bulkier |
| Weight | 212g | 187g | Oppo A57 4G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.56" | Practically identical screen sizes; negligible difference for users |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1612 | Both have similar HD+ resolution, expect similar sharpness |
| PPI | 270 | 269 | Both offer similar pixel density and visual clarity |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD (Oppo A57) generally offers better viewing angles and color reproduction than PLS LCD (Samsung M12) |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | Samsung M12 has smoother scrolling and animations due to higher refresh rate |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is the same; performance in direct sunlight likely comparable. No values were given so this information is useless |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G35 (12 nm) | Exynos 850 is slightly more efficient and offers marginally better performance; however both chips are similar in performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 110,000 | Samsung M12 performs slightly better in benchmarks, indicating a modest performance advantage |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | PowerVR GE8320 | Different GPUs, but real-world impact is minor for typical use; both are entry-level GPUs |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Samsung M12 captures more detailed photos and performs better in low light due to the higher resolution and wider aperture |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Oppo A57 4G captures brighter selfies due to the slightly wider aperture |
| Wide Angle | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | Samsung M12 can capture wider landscape photos |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both produce similar quality depth effects for portrait mode |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer similar basic macro photography capabilities |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record 1080p video at 30fps; Oppo A57 4G does offer better slow motion at 120fps |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, resulting in similar battery life |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Oppo A57 4G charges much faster, reducing downtime |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradeable to 14) | Oppo A57 4G has a newer OS out of the box and will receive an extra major update |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Oppo A57 4G supports newer WiFi standards and offers dual band support |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | Oppo A57 4G has newer Bluetooth technology and consumes less energy |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Oppo A57 4G supports more satellite navigation systems for improved accuracy |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128GB | 64/128GB | Both phones have the same maximum storage capacity, but the M12 offers a 32 GB option |
| RAM | 3/4/6GB | 3/4GB | Samsung M12 offers a 6 GB ram variant for better multi-tasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for additional storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio Features | Stereo Speakers | Oppo A57 4G provides a richer audio experience with stereo sound |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer convenient biometric security using fingerprint sensors |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Smoother Display: The 90Hz refresh rate provides a noticeably smoother visual experience when scrolling and navigating.
- Better Main Camera: The 48MP main camera captures more detailed photos, offering a better primary photography experience.
- Wider Angle Lens: The inclusion of a 5MP wide-angle lens allows for more versatile photography options.
- More RAM: The higher RAM option (6GB) is better for multi-tasking.
Oppo A57 4G Advantages:
- Lighter and Thinner Design: More comfortable to hold and use for extended periods due to its lighter and thinner build.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging significantly reduces battery charging times, a big advantage for users on the go.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with a newer OS and is upgradeable to the newest major Android version, providing a better software experience.
- Stereo Speakers: Offers a better audio experience through dual stereo speakers.
- Newer WiFi and Bluetooth: Supports newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards
- Better Slow Motion: The 120fps slow motion allows for better slow motion videos
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy M12: While it has a better primary camera and smoother display, it is bulkier and charges slower. Its display technology is inferior and it has an older version of Android.
- Oppo A57 4G: While it is more portable and charges much faster, it lacks a wide-angle camera and its primary camera is inferior. Its display has a lower refresh rate.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 is Ideal For:
- Users who prioritize smoother display: The 90Hz refresh rate will appeal to those who frequently browse social media, play games, or watch videos on their phones.
- Photo enthusiasts: Those who frequently take photos and value having a higher resolution camera and the option for wide-angle shots may prefer the M12.
- Users who like more ram: The 6GB variant allows for better multi-tasking.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Social media browsing and casual gaming
- Taking photos with the main and wide-angle cameras
Oppo A57 4G is Ideal For:
- Users who value portability: The lighter and thinner design makes it comfortable for all-day use.
- Users who value fast charging: Those who are always on the go and need to charge their phone quickly.
- Users who need better audio quality: Those who want to consume media through the speakers.
- Users who want a more modern software: Those who prefer a more modern OS with better security and features.
Use Cases for Oppo A57 4G:
- Everyday use and communication, with fast charging for convenience
- Audio consumption, such as watching videos or listening to music
- Users who prioritize a portable device and dislike heavy phones
Price-to-Value Ratio:
Both phones are budget-friendly, but the Oppo A57 4G edges out slightly in value because it is slightly more modern while still being an amazing budget device.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Do you prioritize a smooth visual experience or fast charging? If smooth visuals are more important, the M12’s 90Hz display is beneficial; otherwise, the A57's fast charging is a better fit.
- How important is camera versatility? If a wide-angle lens is a must, the M12 is better; but if that isn't the case the A57 will still serve fine.
- Do you prioritize a more modern OS and software or a slightly better primary camera and more ram? The A57 has a more modern OS while the M12 has more ram and a slightly better primary camera.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Social Media User: If you primarily use your phone for social media, the smoother display of the Samsung M12 may be more appealing.
- Scenario 2: Frequent Traveler: The Oppo A57 4G's lighter build and faster charging make it more suitable for frequent travel, along with it supporting more satellite systems.
- Scenario 3: Casual Photographer: If you take photos occasionally, the Samsung M12's slightly better primary camera will benefit you.
- Scenario 4: On-the-go user: If you need a phone that can charge quickly, the Oppo A57 will be more useful.
- Scenario 5: Budget buyer: If you just want a decent phone that works well, the A57 offers better value for the price.
My Choice and Explanation
I would personally choose the Oppo A57 4G. While the Samsung M12 offers a smoother display and a slightly better primary camera, the A57's advantages are more compelling for my usage. The combination of a lighter and thinner design, much faster charging, newer version of Android, and improved audio with stereo speakers makes it the more practical daily driver for me. I value convenience and a modern software experience more than a slightly better primary camera and a smoother display. The A57's enhanced portability and faster charging align perfectly with my need for a device that keeps up with a busy lifestyle.
