1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Realme C61 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 167.3 × 76.7 × 7.8 mm | Realme C61 is taller and thinner, potentially feeling more modern and comfortable in hand, while the Galaxy M12 is slightly wider and thicker |
| Weight | 212g | 188g | Realme C61 is noticeably lighter, better for long usage periods and one-handed operation |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.74" | Realme C61 provides a slightly larger viewing area for media and gaming |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both have the same resolution, resulting in similar sharpness |
| PPI | 270 | 260 | Both offer similar pixel density, meaning text and images appear reasonably clear. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Realme C61's IPS LCD typically provides better viewing angles and color reproduction |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both provide smoother scrolling and animations compared to standard 60Hz |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness at 0 nits which is not correct, actual peak brightness not available in provided data |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | Realme C61's chipset is newer and offers a performance advantage (see Antutu score) |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 252,597 | Realme C61 has a much higher AnTuTu score, meaning snappier app launches and better multitasking |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Realme C61's GPU is a newer architecture, likely offering better graphics performance |
| Camera | |||
| Rear (Main) Resolution | 48MP | 32MP | Samsung Galaxy M12 captures more detailed images in good lighting |
| Rear (Main) Aperture | f/2.0 | f/1.8 | Realme C61 allows more light, performing better in low-light situations |
| Rear (Main) Sensor Size | 1/2" | N/A | Galaxy M12 has a larger sensor for more light sensitivity, details for the C61 are unknown |
| Rear (Main) Sensor Model | Samsung S5KGM2 | N/A | Galaxy M12 has a known sensor, model for the C61 is unknown |
| Rear (Main) Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | N/A | Galaxy M12 captures more light with a bigger pixel size, details for the C61 are unknown |
| Selfie Resolution | 8MP | 5MP | Samsung Galaxy M12's selfie camera should capture more details |
| Selfie Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | Realme C61 allows more light into the front camera for low light photos |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP | None | Galaxy M12 offers additional versatility with a wide-angle lens, Realme C61 has no wide angle lens |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Both phones have a depth sensor for portrait mode |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | Galaxy M12 provides more flexibility for close-up shots, Realme C61 has no macro lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both phones record videos at the same resolution and framerate. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Digital zoom, Autofocus, PDAF, Continuous shooting | Dual camera, Digital zoom, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, PDAF | Samsung offers better zoom and continuous shooting while Realme offers image stabilization |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery life, depending on usage |
| Charging | 15W | 45W | Realme C61 charges much faster, reducing downtime |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both phones have a non-removable battery design |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Realme C61 has a newer operating system and will likely receive more updates |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Realme C61 supports newer WiFi standards, offering faster connection speeds (802.11ac), dual-band and more features like Wi-Fi Display |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 LE | Both use the same version, with Realme C61 featuring "Low Energy" features for battery savings, Samsung Galaxy M12 has more profiles |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Both support common GPS standards, Galaxy M12 has Beidou, C61 has Galileo |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones have dual SIM capabilities |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 64/128/256 GB | Realme C61 offers more storage options (up to 256GB) |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Realme C61 has more RAM on the higher end (8 GB), providing smoother multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio | Stereo Speakers | Realme C61 provides better audio separation with stereo speakers |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint sensor | side-mounted | side-mounted | Both use side mounted fingerprint sensors for security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Specific details on screen protection are not provided |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer | Samsung Galaxy M12 has additional sensors (gyroscope) |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- More versatile camera: Includes a wide-angle lens and a macro lens for diverse shooting scenarios. The main sensor has higher resolution (48MP).
- More Bluetooth profiles More profiles for varied device connectivity options.
- Gyroscope: This can be very useful in applications like VR and gaming.
Realme C61 Advantages:
- Superior performance: Significantly higher AnTuTu score for better app responsiveness and multitasking.
- Faster charging: 45W charging speeds up the charging process significantly.
- Larger and better display: Slightly larger screen with IPS LCD technology for better viewing angles.
- Newer Android version: Comes with Android 14 out of the box, likely receiving more updates.
- Stereo Speakers Provides better audio separation and immersion.
- More internal Storage and RAM Has a greater storage and RAM capacity.
Trade-offs:
- The Realme C61 lacks a wide-angle and macro lens for the camera, limiting shooting versatility compared to the Galaxy M12.
- Samsung Galaxy M12 is thicker and heavier, making it less comfortable for some users.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 Ideal User:
- Casual photographers: Users who value having a versatile set of cameras (wide-angle, macro) for different shooting scenarios.
- Users comfortable with slightly older tech: Users who do not need the latest in tech.
- Users with less need for high performance: Good for everyday tasks and light gaming.
- Users with a need for extra Bluetooth profiles Users who have multiple devices that need to connect with the device.
- Users who want a gyroscope Users that play VR or other games that require a gyroscope.
Realme C61 Ideal User:
- Performance-focused users: Individuals who prioritize speed, responsiveness, and multitasking capabilities, especially for gaming and demanding applications.
- Media consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos or movies and would benefit from a larger, higher-quality display and better audio.
- Users who need fast charging: People who require quick battery top-ups throughout the day.
- Users that need the latest software People that like to have the latest Android version.
- Users that like better audio Users that value good audio quality through stereo speakers.
- Users that value better storage Users that need more storage or more RAM.
Specific Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy M12: Taking photos for social media, using basic apps, occasional gaming. The gyroscope allows for VR and similar applications.
- Realme C61: Playing graphic-intensive games, streaming high-definition content, using apps that require heavy multitasking, fast charging for busy people.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance? Do you need a phone that can handle demanding apps and games, or will it primarily be used for basic tasks?
- How critical is camera versatility? Do you need a wide-angle and macro lens, or are you satisfied with a good standard camera?
- How important is quick charging? Do you need to quickly top up your battery, or are you okay with longer charging times?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual user needing a basic device If the primary needs are basic usage, the Samsung Galaxy M12 can be a viable option.
- Scenario 2: Gamer or heavy app user: If performance is a key need, the Realme C61 is a clear winner, due to its better chipset and greater RAM.
- Scenario 3: Media Consumption User: The Realme C61 is the ideal pick, with its greater screen and better audio.
- Scenario 4: Photographer on a budget: If versatility in photography is the key feature, then the Samsung Galaxy M12's camera can be beneficial, although the Realme C61 has a slightly better standard camera.
Personal Choice
If I had to choose between the two, I would choose the Realme C61. My decision is driven by the following reasons:
- Superior Performance: The Realme C61's significantly better AnTuTu score means it will offer a much smoother and more responsive user experience. This is crucial for me, as I often multitask and use a variety of apps. The newer GPU is also a great choice for the occasional game.
- Fast Charging: The 45W fast charging is a game-changer. Being able to quickly top up the battery is very convenient for a busy user.
- Modern Features: The IPS LCD, stereo speakers, and newer Android version make the Realme C61 feel more up-to-date.
- Better Storage and RAM: Having more storage and RAM for multitasking is also an advantage.
While I would miss the extra camera lenses from the Samsung Galaxy M12, the performance, faster charging, and overall user experience of the Realme C61 outweigh this for my needs. I value snappiness and quick charging more than a few extra lenses.
