1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 161.5 × 74 × 8.8 mm | Realme 12 Pro is more compact, slimmer, and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 212g | 190g | Realme 12 Pro is lighter, enhancing comfort during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | Realme 12 Pro provides a slightly larger viewing area for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2412 | Realme 12 Pro offers significantly sharper images and text. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 394 PPI | Realme 12 Pro screen is noticeably clearer with greater detail. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | Realme 12 Pro has superior color reproduction, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12 Pro has slightly smoother animations and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | Realme 12 Pro display is much more visible in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Realme 12 Pro provides significantly faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 574,000 | Realme 12 Pro is much more powerful and future-proof. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Adreno 710 | Realme 12 Pro offers enhanced graphics capabilities for smoother gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard (Main) | 48MP, f/2.0 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Realme 12 Pro main camera may perform slightly better in low-light. |
| Selfie | 8MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.4 | Realme 12 Pro offers higher resolution and more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP, f/2.0 | Realme 12 Pro allows for optical zoom capabilities and better portrait photos. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | Samsung Galaxy M12 provides a wider field of view for landscapes and group shots. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy M12 adds a portrait mode with a dedicated depth sensor. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy M12 provides a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | Realme 12 Pro combines ultra-wide and macro functionalities in one lens. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps | Realme 12 Pro captures higher resolution videos with improved stability and slow-motion. |
| Camera Features | Quad Camera | Triple Camera, OIS | Realme 12 Pro offers Optical Image Stabilization for sharper images and videos. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Realme 12 Pro recharges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro has a newer and more updated software experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Realme 12 Pro supports faster and more reliable WiFi connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Realme 12 Pro has newer and more energy-efficient Bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Realme 12 Pro offers more accurate location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 256/512 GB | Realme 12 Pro has much more internal storage available. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 8/12 GB | Realme 12 Pro offers smoother performance during multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Realme 12 Pro has a more immersive and higher quality audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic | Samsung Galaxy M12 offers a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor for faster unlock. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Wider Field of View: Dedicated wide-angle lens provides more flexibility for capturing landscapes and group shots.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Sensors: Enables macro photography and portrait effects without relying on software.
Side-Mounted Fingerprint Scanner: A convenient and quick way to unlock your phone.
Practical Implication: The Galaxy M12's strengths are in its versatile camera setup and familiar design.
Realme 12 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster processor for better multitasking and gaming.
- Higher Quality Display: AMOLED display with higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness for a more immersive viewing experience, especially in bright conditions.
- Better Camera Quality: Better main camera and a telephoto lens for optical zoom.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster charging speed.
- Modern Software: Comes with a newer Android OS, which means better features and security.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio support for a more immersive audio experience.
Larger Storage and RAM: More space for apps and files, and improved multitasking capabilities.
Practical Implication: The Realme 12 Pro excels in performance, display, and overall user experience, offering a more premium feel.
Trade-offs:
- Camera Versatility (Samsung M12 vs. Realme 12 Pro): The Samsung M12 offers dedicated wide-angle, macro, and depth sensors but lacks optical zoom and is less sharp overall. The Realme 12 Pro sacrifices these for a telephoto lens, main lens and significantly improved overall camera quality.
- Performance vs. Price: The Realme 12 Pro offers a far superior performance and features but likely comes at a higher price point. The Samsung Galaxy M12, on the other hand, focuses more on affordability but sacrifices performance and some features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, those who value a versatile camera setup with a wide-angle, macro and depth sensor, and those who do not require high-performance tasks.
- Use Cases: Casual photography, everyday use, social media browsing, basic gaming, users who prioritize battery life and familiarity with Samsung's interface.
- Price-to-Value: Good value for a basic smartphone with multiple cameras, especially at its price point.
Realme 12 Pro:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, a high-quality display, and superior camera capabilities, also appreciate a more modern and refined phone.
- Use Cases: Gaming, content creation, multimedia consumption, photography, users who demand faster charging, better overall experience, and a more future-proof device.
- Price-to-Value: Offers excellent features and performance for its price bracket, suitable for those seeking a more premium experience.
4. Decision Framework
Here are 3 key questions buyers should consider:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend? This will largely dictate your choice. The Samsung Galaxy M12 is the budget-friendly option.
- Priorities: What do you value most in a phone? Is it gaming, photography, display quality, or basic usage? If performance is important, the Realme 12 Pro is far better choice, if the camera versatility is needed then the M12 is your option.
- Longevity: How long do you plan to keep the phone? If you want it to be relevant for several years, the Realme 12 Pro will be a better option due to the newer hardware and software.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic Use, Tight Budget
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy M12. Its strengths are in its affordability and camera versatility.
- Scenario 2: Content Creation, Photography Enthusiast
- Recommendation: Realme 12 Pro. The camera quality, higher display resolution, and processing power make it more suitable for these tasks.
- Scenario 3: Performance, Gaming Enthusiast
- Recommendation: Realme 12 Pro. The chipset and RAM offer superior performance for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Scenario 4: Everyday use, Prioritizing smooth performance
- Recommendation: Realme 12 Pro. The chipset, RAM, display and overall experience will be considerably smoother.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would go with the Realme 12 Pro. Here's why:
The Realme 12 Pro offers a significantly better user experience in almost every aspect. While the Samsung Galaxy M12 has its strengths in its versatile camera setup, the overall performance, the superior AMOLED display, and significantly faster charging of the Realme 12 Pro make it a much more compelling option. The Realme 12 Pro's Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset ensures smoother multitasking and gaming experiences, and the higher-resolution AMOLED screen makes content consumption a more enjoyable experience. The telephoto lens also provides a more versatile camera system than the Galaxy M12. Considering that I am a user that values performance, display quality, and overall user experience, the Realme 12 Pro would be my choice.
