1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy M12 and Realme 12 Pro+, focusing on practical user implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.9 x 9.7 mm | 161.5 x 74 x 8.8 mm | Realme 12 Pro+ is more compact and slimmer, potentially more comfortable to hold and carry. |
| Weight | 212g | 196g | Realme 12 Pro+ is significantly lighter, reducing strain during extended use. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, no difference in form factor. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | Realme 12 Pro+ offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2412 | Realme 12 Pro+ has much sharper display, resulting in clearer text and images. |
| PPI | 270 | 394 | Realme 12 Pro+ provides a significantly sharper and more detailed visual experience. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | Realme 12 Pro+ has much better contrast, colors and viewing angles, also more energy efficient especially with dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12 Pro+ provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness. However, typical brightness can be different in real life conditions, but no data is provided. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8nm) | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4nm) | Realme 12 Pro+ offers significantly faster app loading, better multitasking, and superior gaming performance due to its more powerful chipset. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 603,400 | Realme 12 Pro+ is significantly faster and more responsive in almost every task. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Adreno 710 | Realme 12 Pro+ offers a superior gaming experience with its more advanced GPU. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Realme 12 Pro+ has slightly more detailed primary camera shots. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/1.8 | Realme 12 Pro+ captures brighter photos, especially in low light conditions. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.56" | Realme 12 Pro+ collects more light, resulting in improved low-light performance and better image quality. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Model | Samsung S5KGM2 | Sony IMX890 | Realme 12 Pro+ uses a superior sensor, resulting in higher-quality images with improved clarity. |
| Standard Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm pixel size | 1.00 µm pixel size | Realme 12 Pro+ captures more light per pixel for enhanced image quality, especially in low-light situations. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 32MP | Realme 12 Pro+ produces much more detailed and sharper selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | Samsung Galaxy M12 might perform slightly better in low light selfie shots. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Model | Sony IMX615 | Realme 12 Pro+ uses a known superior sensor, resulting in higher-quality images. | |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.74" | Realme 12 Pro+ sensor size for selfie camera enables for higher-quality images. | |
| Selfie Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm pixel size | Realme 12 Pro+ sensor size for selfie camera enables for higher-quality images. | |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 64MP | Realme 12 Pro+ has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, adding versatility. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP | N/A | Samsung Galaxy M12 has a wide-angle lens for capturing more of a scene in one frame. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP | N/A | Samsung Galaxy M12 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | N/A | Samsung Galaxy M12 has a dedicated macro lens for taking close up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 8MP | Realme 12 Pro+ has a dedicated sensor for wide angle and macro shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps | Realme 12 Pro+ records higher resolution video, offering better quality recordings. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes (EIS) | Realme 12 Pro+ offers image stabilization, resulting in smoother video recordings. |
| Slow Motion | No | Yes, 240 fps | Realme 12 Pro+ records higher quality and smooth slow motion videos. |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | N/A | No information available, cannot be compared. |
| Features | Quadruple camera | Triple Camera | The camera systems of both phones differs significantly. |
| Features | Optical zoom, OIS | Realme 12 Pro+ has more advanced camera features, such as OIS and optical zoom. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Realme 12 Pro+ charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both have non-removable batteries. |
Software | Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact | |---------|--------------------|--------------------|-----------------| | OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro+ has a newer version of android, with possible new features and security. |
Connectivity | Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact | |---------|--------------------|--------------------|-----------------| | Wi-Fi | 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n | 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11n 5GHz, 802.11ac, WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Realme 12 Pro+ has a newer WiFi version, resulting in faster and more reliable connectivity. | | Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE Low energy consumption | Realme 12 Pro+ has a newer bluetooth version, resulting in faster data transfer and more power efficiency. | | GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Realme 12 Pro+ has a superior GPS, offering higher accuracy in location tracking. | | SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both phones support dual SIM functionality. |
Storage | Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact | |---------|--------------------|--------------------|-----------------| | Internal | 64GB/128GB/32GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | Realme 12 Pro+ offers more internal storage, enabling the user to store more files, videos and pictures. | | RAM | 4GB/6GB/3GB | 8GB/12GB | Realme 12 Pro+ has more RAM, resulting in smoother multitasking and faster application performance. | | Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expendable storage. |
Audio | Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact | |---------|--------------------|--------------------|-----------------| | Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Realme 12 Pro+ has superior audio quality with features like Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers. |
Security | Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact | |---------|--------------------|--------------------|-----------------| | Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer biometric security with fingerprint sensor. |
Build Quality | Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact | |---------|--------------------|--------------------|-----------------| | Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both have similar screen protection technology, though the exact type is unknown. |
Sensors | Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact | |---------|--------------------|--------------------|-----------------| | Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall| Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic | Both phones have the core sensors, Realme 12 Pro+ has an additional Geomagnetic sensor while Samsung Galaxy M12 has an additional Hall sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Wider Aperture for Selfie Camera: The front-facing camera has a slightly wider aperture (f/2.2 vs f/2.4), which might offer slightly better low-light selfies.
- Wide Angle, Depth and Macro Lens: The Samsung Galaxy M12 offers wide angle, depth and macro lens, while the Realme 12 Pro+ does not.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is considered more advanced than the basic fingerprint sensor offered on the Realme 12 Pro+.
Practical Implications:
- The wider aperture of the selfie camera can make it slightly better in low-light conditions, but the lower resolution and pixel size mean less details.
- The presence of the wide-angle, depth and macro lens can be useful for users who want versatility in photography.
- The side-mounted fingerprint is more convenient for some users.
Realme 12 Pro+ Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED display with higher resolution, refresh rate, and pixel density results in significantly better visual quality.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Snapdragon chipset offers superior processing power and graphics performance.
- Much Faster Charging: 67W charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Better Main Camera: The combination of higher resolution, wider aperture, bigger sensor, and superior sensor results in much better image quality.
- Telephoto Lens: Offers a dedicated lens for optical zoom capabilities.
- Superior Video Recording: Shoots up to 4K and offers much better stabilization.
- Advanced Audio System: With Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers, it is ideal for multimedia consumption.
- More Storage and RAM Options: Offers more storage and RAM for better performance.
- Newer Software: The phone uses the latest Android version.
- Better Connectivity: Newer WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS versions.
Practical Implications:
- The superior display makes the phone much better for media consumption and gaming.
- The higher performance allows smoother multitasking and better performance.
- Faster charging means less time connected to the charger and more mobile usage.
- Better main camera means superior picture quality for casual photographers.
- The optical zoom allows to zoom on subjects without loosing image quality.
- Better video recording allows to record higher quality videos.
- The better audio system makes the phone much better for listening to music or watching videos.
- The more storage and RAM mean more space and smoother performance for users.
- The newer software means more up-to-date features and security.
- The better connectivity means better network access.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Realme 12 Pro+ does not have a dedicated wide angle, depth and macro lens, which the Samsung Galaxy M12 offers.
- The Samsung Galaxy M12 has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor while the Realme 12 Pro+ has a basic fingerprint sensor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking a basic smartphone with a big screen and reliable battery life at a low price point.
- Users Who Value Versatility: Those who value having different lenses on the camera, such as a wide angle, depth and macro lens.
- Users Who Prefer Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Those who prefer the convenience of a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Use Cases:
- Basic daily tasks such as calling, messaging, and light browsing.
- Media consumption (videos) at a lower resolution.
- Users who take wide angle, depth and macro photos.
- Users who prefer a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Realme 12 Pro+ Ideal Users:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who consume a lot of media and prioritize display quality.
- Mobile Gamers: Users who need good performance for gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality and features.
- Power Users: Users who multitask and need a fast and responsive device.
- Users who Want the Latest Software: Those who want the latest version of Android software.
Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming, smooth multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos, utilizing features like optical zoom.
- Watching movies, videos, or playing games with superior display quality and sound.
- Users that want the latest software and security features.
- Users who rely on a fast-charging battery.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy M12 is a budget-friendly option, offering basic smartphone features at a low price.
- The Realme 12 Pro+ offers significantly better performance, camera, display, and charging at a higher price point. The price-to-value ratio is very high if you consider it offers a flagship level experience.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions buyers should consider:
- What is my budget? If budget is the primary concern, the Samsung Galaxy M12 offers a basic phone at a low price. If you are willing to invest for a better experience, the Realme 12 Pro+ offers much better value for the price.
- What are my primary use cases? If the phone is mainly for basic tasks, the Samsung Galaxy M12 might be sufficient. For media consumption, gaming, and photography, the Realme 12 Pro+ is a much better choice.
- Which features are most important to me? Consider whether you value features like a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and a versatile camera (wide angle, depth and macro), or superior performance, display quality, and fast charging.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Basic Needs: If the budget is very tight and the user only needs a phone for basic tasks, the Samsung Galaxy M12 can be a viable option.
- Scenario 2: Balanced Performance and Camera: If a better camera, screen, performance and charging are a priority, the Realme 12 Pro+ is a better choice.
- Scenario 3: Multimedia Enthusiast/Gamer: If the user prioritizes a high-quality display, excellent performance, and advanced features, the Realme 12 Pro+ is a clear winner.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would absolutely choose the Realme 12 Pro+. The difference in user experience is so significant, that it's not even a close comparison.
Here’s Why:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with high resolution and refresh rate would make daily use much more enjoyable, especially when watching videos and playing games.
- Blazing Fast Performance: The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset would make multitasking and gaming smoother, faster and more fluid, without any lag.
- Significantly Better Camera: The main camera with a better sensor, aperture and pixel size, together with the optical zoom, would make picture quality much better. The 4k video recording would be also a significant improvement.
- Fast Charging: 67W charging is incredibly convenient, ensuring I spend less time tethered to a charger.
- Modern Features: The latest software, better audio, better connectivity makes the Realme 12 Pro+ a more future-proof and enjoyable device.
Although the Samsung Galaxy M12 has a wider angle lens, depth sensor and macro lens, I value the higher picture quality and the zoom capabilities of the Realme 12 Pro+ much more, making it a clear winner. The difference in price would be well worth it for the vastly superior performance, camera, and user experience that the Realme 12 Pro+ provides. The Realme 12 Pro+ would be the obvious choice for me, even if the price difference is significant.
