Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. Realme 9i
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Realme 9i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-30 | 2022-01-10 | Realme 9i is newer, potentially longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.9 x 9.7 mm | 164.4 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm | Realme 9i is thinner and slightly narrower, may feel more comfortable. |
| Weight | 212g | 190g | Realme 9i is noticeably lighter, easier to handle for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Minimal difference, both offer a similar viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2412 | Realme 9i's display is noticeably sharper, clearer text and images. |
| PPI | 270 | 400 | Realme 9i has higher pixel density, resulting in greater clarity. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Realme 9i's IPS LCD generally provides better viewing angles and color reproduction. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smoother scrolling compared to standard 60Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is unknown for both, making outdoor visibility hard to estimate. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Realme 9i's Snapdragon offers better performance and efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 216,850 | Realme 9i is significantly faster, smoother app loading and multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Adreno 610 | Realme 9i's GPU offers superior gaming performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both provide similar battery life for daily usage. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Realme 9i charges much faster reducing time connected to the charger. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Marginal difference in resolution. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/1.8 | Realme 9i's wider aperture allows better low-light performance. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/2.76" | Samsung Galaxy M12 has a larger sensor that can capture more light. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 16MP | Realme 9i captures much more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.1 | Marginal difference in light gathering ability. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP | Not available | Samsung Galaxy M12 is more versatile, capturing a wider field of view. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP | Not available | Samsung Galaxy M12 offers better portrait shots with depth effect. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | 2MP | Similar macro capabilities. |
| Black & White | Not available | 2MP | Realme 9i provides an extra option for creative photography. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record similar video quality. |
| Video Slow-motion | No | Yes (120 fps) | Realme 9i can record slow-motion videos. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 11 (upgradeable to 13) | Realme 9i has newer Android version (with upgrade) with potentially more features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Realme 9i supports faster dual-band WiFi for quicker connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 | Both phones support Bluetooth 5.0. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Realme 9i has better location accuracy through the addition of Galileo. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage Options | 32/64/128 GB | 64/128 GB | Both phones have similar storage options |
| RAM Options | 3/4/6 GB | 4/6 GB | Both offer suitable RAM for daily usage. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Realme 9i has better audio experience with better sound quality and immersion. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Similar biometric security |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | Similar sensor array with minor differences. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Wider Field of View: Includes a dedicated wide-angle lens, useful for group photos and landscape shots.
- Depth Sensor: Offers better portrait mode with background blur.
- Slightly Larger Main Camera Sensor: Captures more light which may result in better low light performance for the standard lens.
Realme 9i Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster processor, ideal for gaming and demanding apps.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution screen with superior pixel density for a better viewing experience.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging dramatically reduces charging times.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers provide a more immersive audio experience, Hi-Res Audio enhances sound quality.
- Newer Software: Ships with a newer version of Android and offers an upgrade.
- Lighter Design: More comfortable to hold and use for longer durations.
- Better Selfie Camera: Captures sharper, more detailed selfie shots.
- Slow-motion Video: Offers 120fps slow-motion video recording.
Trade-offs:
- The Realme 9i sacrifices a wide-angle and depth sensor for better overall performance and display.
- The Samsung Galaxy M12 focuses on camera versatility, sacrificing performance and display quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 - Ideal User:
- Casual Photographers: Users who prioritize camera versatility with wide-angle and depth sensor capabilities for a range of shots.
- Users on a Tight Budget: Might prefer the slightly lower cost and are okay with basic performance.
Users who value the gyroscope: This might be useful in some games and apps.
Specific Use Cases: Taking wide shots of landscapes, and portrait shots with background blur.
Realme 9i - Ideal User:
- Performance-Oriented Users: Those who play games, multitask heavily, and value speed and responsiveness.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who watch videos and listen to music frequently, benefiting from better display and audio.
- Users Who Want Faster Charging: Those who prefer the convenience of fast charging and require quick turnaround time.
Users who prioritize selfie quality: The 16MP selfie camera will deliver better quality.
Specific Use Cases: Playing demanding mobile games, watching high-definition videos, listening to music with stereo speakers, frequent social media use.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance vs. Camera Versatility: Do you prioritize smooth performance and a better display or having more camera options like a wide-angle lens?
- Charging Speed: How important is fast charging to your daily routine?
- Audio and Display Quality: Do you value immersive audio and a sharper viewing experience?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious with Basic Needs: If budget is the primary concern and basic functionality is sufficient, the Samsung Galaxy M12 might be a viable choice.
- Scenario 2: Gaming and Multimedia Focus: If you plan to play games and watch videos often, the Realme 9i is the clear winner due to its superior performance, better display, and stereo speakers.
- Scenario 3: Versatile Camera User: If you need wide-angle and depth sensors for photography, and are okay with average performance, the Samsung Galaxy M12 is preferable.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Realme 9i. Here's why:
Performance is King: The Snapdragon 680 chipset offers a significantly better user experience with smoother performance in apps, games, and multitasking. This is crucial for my daily usage.
Superior Display: The higher resolution and PPI of the Realme 9i will make text sharper and images more vivid which I value when browsing and consuming content.
Faster Charging: 33W charging is a game-changer, allowing me to top up the phone quickly when needed which is a huge convenience.
Better Multimedia Experience: The stereo speakers and Hi-Res audio of the Realme 9i will enhance the entertainment value of the phone.
While the Samsung Galaxy M12 has a wide-angle lens and a depth sensor, the overall advantages of the Realme 9i in terms of performance, display, charging speed, and audio quality outweigh the camera versatility offered by the Samsung phone for my use case.
