1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-30 | 2024-03-02 | Realme 12+ is significantly newer, potentially offering more up-to-date software and features. |
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 163 × 75.5 × 7.9 mm | Realme 12+ is noticeably thinner and may feel more comfortable in hand. M12 is larger overall. |
| Weight | 212g | 190g | Realme 12+ is significantly lighter, improving handling and portability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Realme 12+ has a slightly larger screen for a more immersive experience. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Realme 12+ has a much sharper and clearer display with higher pixel density. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 395 | Realme 12+ offers significantly sharper text and images. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | Realme 12+ has superior contrast, vibrant colors, and deeper blacks, especially good for multimedia. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12+ offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | Realme 12+ is much better for outdoor viewing in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | Realme 12+ has a more powerful and efficient processor, leading to faster performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 601,000 | Realme 12+ is significantly faster for app loading, gaming, and multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Realme 12+ has a more powerful GPU, improving gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, potentially similar battery life. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Realme 12+ charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0 | 50MP, f/1.88 | Realme 12+ may perform better in low light with a wider aperture. |
| Front Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Realme 12+ has a higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Rear Wide Angle | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Realme 12+ captures higher resolution wide-angle photos. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP depth sensor | Not available | Samsung Galaxy M12 offers depth-sensing for portrait photos |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro performance on both. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, EIS | Realme 12+ supports higher quality videos with stabilization. |
| Stabilisation | No | Yes, EIS, OIS | Realme 12+ has optical and digital stabilization for clearer videos. |
| Additional Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Continuous shooting | Triple camera, 4K Video, OIS | Realme 12+ has better video and photo quality with OIS. M12 has extra lens for different shots. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 14 (upgradable to 16) | Realme 12+ has a much newer Android version with more features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Realme 12+ has newer and faster Wi-Fi standards for better connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | Realme 12+ has a newer Bluetooth standard with better energy efficiency. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128GB | 128/256/512GB | Realme 12+ offers more storage options. |
| RAM | 3/4/6GB | 8/12GB | Realme 12+ offers more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation Microphone | Realme 12+ has superior audio experience with spatial audio and stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | basic | Samsung Galaxy M12 has a more secure side mounted reader. Both offer basic biometric security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Realme 12+ has an additional compass, making it better for navigation and augmented reality. M12 has Hall sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Portrait Mode (depth sensor): Dedicated depth sensor for better portrait photos, which the Realme 12+ lacks.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Potentially more convenient and secure placement.
- Hall Sensor: Provides additional sensor functionality that the Realme 12+ does not.
Lower Price: Typically, older models are available at a lower price point.
- Practical Impact: Offers a wider range of shooting options and an alternative fingerprint sensor experience. This may be better for specific users.
Realme 12+ Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED, higher resolution, higher refresh rate, and significantly higher brightness for a much better visual experience.
- Significantly Faster Performance: Much more powerful processor and GPU for smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Better Main Camera: Larger sensor, wider aperture.
- Higher Quality Video: 4K recording with stabilization.
- More RAM & Storage Options: Larger storage and RAM capacity.
- Newer OS: Android 14 (with upgrade to 16) offers better security and new features.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers.
Better Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Offers newer standards for better connectivity.
- Practical Impact: Provides a premium user experience, excels in media consumption, gaming, and general usage. Offers better future proofing.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy M12: Has weaker overall performance, poor display and much slower charging speed in exchange for a lower cost.
- Realme 12+: Significantly more expensive than Galaxy M12.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users seeking the absolute lowest price, with less concern for performance and modern features.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Those who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, and occasional social media.
Users Needing Depth Sensor: Users who prefer the option of using a depth sensor for portrait photos.
- Use Cases: Casual browsing, basic social media, calls, and texts; a secondary phone.
Ideal Users for Realme 12+:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who consume a lot of video content and want a high-quality display and audio experience.
- Gamers: Those who play mobile games and need a phone with strong performance and smooth graphics.
- Power Users: Users who require good performance for multitasking, social media, and app usage.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want to capture high-quality photos and videos.
Users Wanting Future-Proofing: People wanting a device with the latest software and better specifications that will remain relevant for longer.
- Use Cases: Streaming high-definition videos, playing demanding games, photography and video recording, daily driver for all-purpose use.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The price difference is considerable.
- What are your primary use cases? Is it basic communication or more intensive use (gaming, videos, etc.)?
- How important are display quality and performance? Is a great screen and fast performance a must, or is it okay to sacrifice these for a lower cost?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Extremely tight budget, basic use only.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy M12. It is the cheaper option and can handle basic tasks, but expect compromises on display, performance, and video quality.
Scenario 2: Good experience within a budget.
- Recommendation: Realme 12+. It will provide a far superior user experience in almost every way. The higher price will be well worth it.
Scenario 3: Primary focus on video/gaming and performance.
- Recommendation: Realme 12+. The better display, processing power, charging, and overall performance make it much better suited for these uses.
My Choice
I would choose the Realme 12+. While the Samsung Galaxy M12 is the more budget-friendly option, the Realme 12+ offers a far superior user experience that is worth the extra cost. The significantly improved display quality, faster performance, quicker charging, superior camera, updated software, and better connectivity make it a much better value proposition for my usage.
As a technology enthusiast who uses the phone for more than just calls and texts, the Realme 12+ fits my needs perfectly. The premium display and high performance would make gaming and media consumption enjoyable, and the updated camera is essential for capturing good pictures and videos. The faster charging will also be very convenient.
Although the Samsung Galaxy M12 does offer a depth sensor, I believe this is a minor advantage compared to the many benefits the Realme 12+ provides. In my view, the Realme 12+ would offer a much more versatile and satisfying experience for my needs.
