Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. Realme C51
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Realme C51 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-30 | 2023-08-01 | Realme C51 is a newer model, likely benefiting from more recent technology. |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.9 x 9.7 mm | 167.2 x 76.7 x 8 mm | Realme C51 is taller and thinner, may feel slightly more modern, M12 has a larger volume. |
| Weight | 212g | 186g | Realme C51 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.74" | Realme C51 provides a slightly larger viewing area, better for multimedia consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both provide the same image sharpness, suitable for basic use. |
| PPI | 270 | 260 | Similar pixel density, negligible real-world difference in clarity. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Realme C51's IPS LCD typically offers better viewing angles and color reproduction compared to PLS LCD, though difference may be minor. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations; a better experience than standard 60Hz. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Unable to determine practical impact as brightness is 0 nits, likely a data error. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Unisoc T612 (12 nm) | Exynos 850 (8nm) should have been superior, but benchmarks suggest otherwise. Realme C51 uses a more modern chip, better for gaming/multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 220,000 | Realme C51 has significantly better performance, offering faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Realme C51's GPU is better, allowing smoother gameplay and handling of graphic-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP f/2.0 1/2" | 50MP f/1.8 1/2.76" | Realme C51 may perform better in low light due to wider aperture (f/1.8). Samsung has a slightly larger sensor for capturing more light. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.2 | 5MP f/2.2 1/5" | Samsung Galaxy M12 has higher resolution front camera, which may provide more detailed selfies in good lighting conditions. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP f/2.2 | Not Available | Samsung Galaxy M12 has a wide-angle lens which offers more flexibility for capturing landscapes and group photos. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | Not Available | Samsung Galaxy M12 has a depth lens for better portrait mode, creating a more defined background blur. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | Not Available | Samsung Galaxy M12 has a macro lens for taking close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record videos at the same resolution. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both provide similar battery life, sufficient for a full day of moderate use. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Realme C51 charges significantly faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | Realme C51 uses newer Android version, likely to receive more updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Realme C51 supports faster Wi-Fi standards and Dual Band, offering better Wi-Fi performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 LE | Both offer similar Bluetooth connectivity; Realme C51’s Bluetooth is more energy-efficient. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Both offer standard GPS capabilities, with additional support for Beidou on the M12 and Galileo on the C51. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 64/128/256 GB | Realme C51 offers a higher maximum storage option of 256 GB. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 4/6 GB | Both have options for 4 GB or 6 GB RAM, suitable for moderate multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows storage expansion via microSD. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Noise cancellation mic | Realme C51 provides clearer audio in calls via its noise cancellation microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side Fingerprint | Side Fingerprint | Both have side-mounted fingerprint sensors. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Proximity | Samsung Galaxy M12 has Gyroscope in addition, better for motion-based games and apps. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- More Camera Features: Offers a wide-angle lens, macro lens, and depth sensor, which increases versatility in photography.
- Gyroscope Sensor: Supports motion-based apps and gaming.
- Larger Main Camera Sensor: Catches more light, which might improve low-light photos (although this effect could be limited by the aperture).
- More Bluetooth Profiles: More support for more types of bluetooth connections
Realme C51 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Much higher AnTuTu benchmark score indicates faster processing for app loading, multitasking, and gaming.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging significantly reduces battery charging time.
- Newer Android OS: Runs on Android 13 out of the box and potentially may receive more updates.
- Larger Display: Slightly larger screen enhances the viewing experience, especially for multimedia.
- Better Main Camera Aperture: Wider f/1.8 aperture could result in better low-light shots, but the smaller sensor will affect quality in the long run.
- Superior WiFi: Supports newer WiFi standards, offering better WiFi performance.
- Larger Storage: Offers a higher storage option of 256 GB.
- Lighter build: Much lighter than Samsung Galaxy M12
- Noise Cancellation Mic: Provides clearer audio during calls
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy M12: Loses to the Realme C51 in performance, charging speed, software version, and screen technology. Camera is more versatile but is not necessarily better than C51.
- Realme C51: Lacks the additional camera lenses (wide-angle, macro, and depth) and Gyroscope present in the Samsung Galaxy M12. Samsung Galaxy M12 Bluetooth is better due to a greater number of supported profiles.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Budget-conscious photographers: Users who want camera versatility (wide-angle, macro, depth) at an affordable price.
- Casual gamers: Users who need basic processing and can use motion controls.
- Users needing additional Bluetooth profiles.
Ideal Users for Realme C51:
- Users prioritizing performance and speed: Gamers and users needing efficient multitasking.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos and benefit from the larger screen and better charging speed.
- Users who need the newest software updates: Android version will be beneficial for long-term use.
- Users requiring large storage capacity: For users who download many apps and media.
Specific Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy M12: Capturing different types of photos (wide landscapes, close-up macro shots) and using motion-based apps or games.
- Realme C51: Playing demanding mobile games, streaming videos, and quickly charging the phone, especially for people on the go.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize performance and charging speed over camera versatility? If yes, Realme C51.
- Do you need a wide-angle, macro and depth camera, as well as motion-based apps? If yes, Samsung Galaxy M12.
- Is it more important to have the latest software and faster Wi-Fi speeds? If yes, Realme C51.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: A student who uses a phone for social media, watching videos, and playing casual games.
- Recommendation: Realme C51 for better performance and quicker charging.
- Scenario 2: A traveler who wants to take diverse photos and videos on a budget.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy M12 for its versatile camera system.
- Scenario 3: Someone who needs a reliable phone for work and has a limited budget.
- Recommendation: Realme C51, due to the better performance and faster charging.
My Choice
I would choose the Realme C51.
While the Samsung Galaxy M12 offers a more versatile camera system, the Realme C51's advantages in performance, charging speed, and newer Android version are more significant for my needs. The faster charging is crucial for daily usage, the enhanced performance makes the phone more responsive, and newer software offers longevity. Additionally, the slightly larger screen and better Wi-Fi standard provide a better overall user experience, outweighing the benefits of the M12's camera features. While I appreciate the extra camera lenses and gyroscope, the performance benefits and the noise cancellation mic offered by the Realme C51 are more compelling for my primary use cases.
