Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. Realme 9
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Realme 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 160.2 × 73.3 × 8 mm | Realme 9 is more compact and easier to handle, especially for one-handed use. The M12 is bulkier. |
| Weight | 212g | 178g | Realme 9 feels significantly lighter and more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.4" | Negligible difference in size. Both offer a good screen size for most tasks. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Realme 9 provides a noticeably sharper and clearer display, better for viewing text and high-resolution content. |
| Pixel Density | 270 ppi | 411 ppi | The Realme 9 has a noticeably sharper display due to the higher pixel density. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | Realme 9's AMOLED screen offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to M12's LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer a smooth scrolling experience with 90Hz, suitable for everyday use and some gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Realme 9 provides significantly better visibility outdoors in bright sunlight. The M12 has an unknown brightness value. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 680 in Realme 9 offers better performance in daily tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 216,850 | Realme 9 has significantly better performance, faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 (ARM Mali-G52) | Adreno 610 (Adreno 610) | Adreno 610 in the Realme 9 offers better graphics performance, improving gaming and video playback. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life for typical usage. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 33W fast charging, Li-Ion | Realme 9 charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Realme 9 can act as a power bank for other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2", 0.80µm | 108MP, f/1.75, 1/1.67", 0.64µm | Realme 9 captures more detail, especially in good lighting. Wider aperture allows better low-light shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13", 1.00µm | Realme 9 captures higher-resolution selfies with a larger sensor for better image quality. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12µm | Realme 9 captures more detailed wide-angle shots. |
| Depth Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not available | Samsung Galaxy M12 offers a depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | Both offer similar macro lens quality. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps; No slow-mo | 1080p@30fps; 120fps slow-mo | Realme 9 provides slow-motion recording capabilities, making it more versatile for video capture. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Realme 9 offers a newer operating system out-of-the-box, potentially providing access to new features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Realme 9 supports faster Wi-Fi standards for improved performance and connectivity with dual-band support. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1, APT-x, SBC, AAC | Realme 9 has a newer version with added audio codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Realme 9 supports more satellite systems, resulting in potentially more accurate location services. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 128 GB | Both phones have the same maximum storage capacity. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 6/8 GB | Realme 9 offers more RAM options, improving multitasking and performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio | Hi-Res Audio, 2 mics | Realme 9 has higher audio quality and better voice capture with dual microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted | Basic fingerprint sensor | Samsung's side-mounted fingerprint is generally considered more convenient and reliable. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Realme 9 offers better screen protection from scratches and minor impacts. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic | Both phones have a similar sensor configuration for most user cases. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 9 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with higher resolution and brightness provides a much better viewing experience.
- Better Performance: Snapdragon 680 offers significantly better processing power and graphics performance.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging significantly reduces battery charging time.
- Improved Cameras: Higher resolution main camera with a larger sensor and better selfie camera.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 12 out of the box.
- Enhanced Audio: Hi-Res Audio and dual microphones for better audio quality.
- Better Connectivity: Faster Wi-Fi, newer Bluetooth, and more satellite systems for GPS.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides better protection.
- Lighter and more Compact: more ergonomic and pocketable design
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Considered more convenient for unlocking.
- Depth Sensor: Dedicated depth sensor for improved portrait mode.
- More Affordable: Likely to be more budget-friendly.
- Hall Sensor: Has a Hall sensor, which is missing on the Realme 9.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Realme 9: Lacks a dedicated depth sensor, which may slightly affect portrait mode performance.
- Samsung Galaxy M12: Significantly inferior display, performance, camera and charging speed compared to Realme 9.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Budget-conscious users: Prioritizes affordability over high-end features.
- Basic smartphone users: Primarily uses the phone for calls, texts, and light social media browsing.
- Users who need a fingerprint sensor: Those who appreciate a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Users who need a Hall Sensor: Those who need the magnetic sensor for compatibility with accessories.
Ideal Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Primary phone for basic communication.
- Secondary phone for emergency use.
- Device for users who do not engage in demanding tasks.
Ideal User for Realme 9:
- Users who prioritize display quality: Those who value vibrant, sharp, and bright displays.
- Users who prioritize performance: Those who want a fast and responsive phone for multitasking and gaming.
- Photography enthusiasts: Those who want a versatile camera system with good image quality.
- Users who value fast charging: Those who don't want to wait long for their phone to charge.
- Multimedia consumers: Those who frequently watch videos, movies, and play games.
Ideal Use Cases for Realme 9:
- Daily driver for a power user.
- Smartphone for photography and social media sharing.
- Device for multimedia consumption and mobile gaming.
- Phone that requires fast charging and quick battery replenishment.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? If you have a very strict budget, the M12 might be more affordable.
- How important is display quality? If you watch a lot of videos or view photos, the Realme 9's AMOLED is significantly superior.
- How important is performance? If you plan to game or multitask, the Realme 9 is a much faster option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Focused User: If you need a cheap phone for basic tasks, the Samsung Galaxy M12 will do fine, but you will have to live with a poor display and slow performance.
- Performance-Focused User: If you want better performance for gaming and multitasking, the Realme 9 is the clear choice.
- Multimedia Enthusiast: If you frequently watch videos and want an immersive viewing experience, the Realme 9 is a much better option.
- Camera Enthusiast: If you care about taking quality photos with your phone, the Realme 9 delivers more detail and better low-light performance.
What Would I Choose and Why?
I would choose the Realme 9. While both phones have similar battery capacity, the Realme 9 offers significant advantages in almost every other key area, including the display, performance, camera, charging speed, and audio. The AMOLED screen alone is a massive upgrade over the Samsung Galaxy M12's LCD. The faster Snapdragon 680 chipset provides a smoother, more responsive user experience. While the Samsung might have a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and a depth sensor, those are not as impactful as the advantages offered by the Realme 9. The Realme 9's overall package provides much greater long-term value for the price.
