Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. Realme 9 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-30 | 2022-02-23 | Realme 9 Pro is newer, potentially with longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 164.3 × 75.6 × 8.5 mm | Realme 9 Pro is thinner and slightly lighter, making it more comfortable to hold. |
| Weight | 212g | 195g | Realme 9 Pro feels lighter in hand, less fatiguing over extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Negligible size difference, similar viewing area. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2412 | Realme 9 Pro has significantly sharper visuals, crisper text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 400 | Realme 9 Pro's display is noticeably clearer and more detailed. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Realme 9 Pro's IPS LCD offers better viewing angles and color reproduction. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Realme 9 Pro has smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing responsiveness. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical brightness, making it difficult to assess outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Realme 9 Pro has much faster processing, smoother app loading and better gaming capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 402,916 | Realme 9 Pro is significantly more powerful, ensuring better multitasking and performance |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Adreno 619 | Realme 9 Pro has a more powerful GPU which translates into smoother gaming and graphics rendering. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0 | 64MP, f/1.79 | Realme 9 Pro captures more detailed images and performs better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.0 | Realme 9 Pro takes higher resolution and better quality selfies, especially in low-light conditions. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Realme 9 Pro captures slightly more detailed wide angle shots. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Samsung Galaxy M12 has a dedicated depth sensor for more accurate portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro performance on both phones. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record similar quality videos, but the Realme 9 Pro has slow-motion. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | Realme 9 Pro's video output is significantly less shaky, better for action shots. |
| Slow-motion | No | Yes (120fps) | Realme 9 Pro can capture smooth slow-motion videos. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery life, expected to last a full day with moderate use. |
| Charging | 15W | 33W | Realme 9 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradeable to 13) | Realme 9 Pro has a newer version of Android, which potentially offers more features, security updates, and longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Realme 9 Pro supports faster and more reliable WiFi, offering higher bandwidth and better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | Realme 9 Pro has a more efficient and newer version of Bluetooth for more reliable connections and battery usage. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128GB | 128GB | Both have similar storage capacity, but the M12 has a 32/64GB option, potentially cheaper |
| RAM | 3/4/6GB | 6/8GB | Realme 9 Pro has faster performance due to its larger RAM, enhancing multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone | Realme 9 Pro provides much better audio quality for music and calls. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint sensor | side-mounted | side-mounted | Both offer the same method of biometric unlocking. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Includes a 2MP depth camera for portrait photography, which the Realme 9 Pro lacks. This could be a preference for users who value this feature.
- Potentially Lower Price: The inclusion of a 32GB version may offer a lower price-point.
Realme 9 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster processor (Snapdragon 695 vs Exynos 850) and better GPU lead to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density (1080p vs 720p, 400 PPI vs 270 PPI) provide a much clearer and detailed viewing experience.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate offers smoother animations and responsiveness compared to 90Hz.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, coupled with a wider aperture on both, result in superior image quality, especially in low light. Includes slow-motion.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging is significantly faster than 15W, reducing charging time.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 12, and upgradeable to 13, compared to the Galaxy M12's Android 11.
- Better Audio: Features Hi-Res audio for better music playback, and noise-canceling mics.
- Better connectivity: Offers better WiFi support including dual-band and MIMO and more modern Bluetooth 5.1.
- Lighter build Easier to handle for longer periods.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy M12: Better portrait mode at the cost of significantly slower performance and lower quality in other areas.
- Realme 9 Pro: Lacks a dedicated depth sensor but this does not impede portrait photos much and offers huge performance increase.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Budget-conscious users: Who prioritize price over performance and cutting edge features.
- Users needing depth sensor: Users who value portrait mode and dont need a high performance device.
- Basic smartphone users: Primarily for calls, messaging, and light social media usage.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Basic daily use such as calls and texting.
- Casual photo taking with a dedicated depth sensor.
- Users who do not use their phone for power intensive tasks.
- Older people who need a basic smartphone with a large battery.
Ideal User for Realme 9 Pro:
- Performance-focused users: Prioritizing speed, gaming, and multitasking.
- Multimedia consumers: Those who value a high-quality display, good audio, and camera.
- Users who want more features: Users who want a more feature packed smartphone with a faster charging battery.
Use Cases for Realme 9 Pro:
- Mobile gaming with smoother graphics and responsiveness.
- High-quality video consumption with better color and clarity.
- Capturing detailed photos and videos, including slow-motion.
- Heavy social media users who want performance and battery life.
- Users who want faster charging.
Price-to-Value:
- The Realme 9 Pro offers better value due to its superior performance and overall feature set.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Performance Needs: How important is fast performance, smooth multitasking, and gaming?
- Display Quality: How much do you care about display sharpness, clarity, and refresh rate?
- Camera Requirements: What type of photography do you prioritize?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If your budget is extremely tight and you only need a basic phone for essential tasks, the Samsung Galaxy M12 might be considered however the performance is significantly worse than the Realme.
Scenario 2: Performance and Multimedia User: If you are willing to spend a little more for significantly better performance, a sharper display, better camera and faster charging, the Realme 9 Pro is the clear choice.
Scenario 3: Camera-Centric User: If portrait mode is crucial, the Samsung Galaxy M12 has a dedicated depth sensor but if it isn't the Realme 9 Pro's overall image quality is much better.
My Choice
I would choose the Realme 9 Pro. The performance difference alone makes it the better option. The sharper display, smoother refresh rate, significantly better camera, faster charging, and newer operating system make it a superior device for my needs, which include heavy social media use, media consumption, and occasional gaming. The lack of a dedicated depth sensor is not a significant trade-off when considering the overall benefits.
