Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. Realme Narzo 50A Prime
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Realme Narzo 50A Prime | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.9 x 9.7 mm | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm | Realme is thinner and slightly more compact, possibly better for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 212g | 189g | Realme is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in screen size for practical use. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2408 | Realme offers much sharper text and images. Superior for reading, media consumption. |
| PPI | 270 | 400 | Realme's higher pixel density results in a noticeably clearer, more detailed display. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Realme's IPS LCD generally offers slightly better viewing angles and color accuracy. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | Samsung provides smoother scrolling and animation. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have similar brightness, though specific outdoor visibility is unknown due to missing data. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Unisoc T612 (12 nm) | Different chipsets. Realme's chipset is significantly more powerful based on benchmark scores. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 224,223 | Realme performs significantly better overall. Faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G57 | Realme's GPU is generally superior for gaming and graphically intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery life, expected to last a full day for most users. |
| Charging | 15W | 18W | Realme charges slightly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Realme's main camera has a wider aperture and slightly higher resolution, potentially better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Realme's front camera has wider aperture, potentially better low light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | Samsung offers a wide-angle lens for more versatile shooting. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer similar macro capabilities. |
| Black & White | None | 2MP, f/2.8 | Realme has a dedicated black and white sensor for more creative effects. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both offer similar video quality, adequate for basic social media recording. |
| Additional Camera Features | Quadruple camera, PDAF | Triple camera, CDAF, DIS | Samsung provides an additional camera sensor, while Realme features digital image stabilization. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both use the same version of Android, with minor UI differences based on their respective brands. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Realme supports newer WiFi standards for potentially better speeds, while Samsung supports Wi-Fi Direct and Wi-Fi Display. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 LE | Samsung offers more Bluetooth profiles, while Realme offers low-energy mode for longer battery life. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Realme supports more satellite systems for more precise location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both offer dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 64/128 GB | Both offer similar storage configurations. Samsung has a 32 GB option for users with lower storage needs. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 4 GB | Samsung offers more RAM options for better multi-tasking capabilities. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both offer similar fingerprint sensor placement for quick unlocking. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Samsung includes an additional hall sensor, while Realme features a compass sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate offers a smoother experience for everyday scrolling and animations.
- Wider Variety of Camera Lenses: Includes a wide-angle lens and depth sensor, offering better versatility for photography enthusiasts.
- More RAM Options: Offers 3GB, 4GB, and 6GB RAM variants, catering to different multitasking needs.
- More Bluetooth Profiles: Broader Bluetooth support, offering more device compatibility.
- Wi-Fi Display and Direct: Offers additional wifi features
Realme Narzo 50A Prime Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Significantly higher resolution (1080p) and pixel density (400 PPI) for a much clearer viewing experience.
- Significantly Faster Performance: Much higher AnTuTu benchmark score due to the better Unisoc chipset.
- Lighter and Thinner Design: More comfortable to hold and carry.
- Faster Charging: 18W charging reduces battery replenishment time.
- More GPS Satellites: Supports Galileo in addition to GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou for more accurate location tracking.
- Better Main and Selfie Camera Apertures: Improved low-light performance for main and selfie cameras.
- Additional Black & White Lens: More versatile creative options for photography.
- More Modern Wi-Fi Standard: Support for 802.11ac offers faster Wi-Fi speeds.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung offers a smoother display experience but a lower resolution and less processing power.
- Realme provides better performance and display quality but sacrifices the wide-angle and depth camera sensors.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 Ideal User:
- Casual Users: Users who prioritize a smooth scrolling experience and occasional photography with multiple lens options, but don't need demanding performance or a super sharp display.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who would benefit from multiple lens options for photography.
- Users who want more bluetooth connectivity: Users with multiple Bluetooth devices.
- Users on a tighter budget: The 3GB RAM and 32GB storage options may be cheaper.
Use Cases:
- Everyday browsing and social media use.
- Casual gaming, less demanding mobile titles.
- Basic photography with various lens choices.
- Users who appreciate a smoother display, even at a lower resolution.
Realme Narzo 50A Prime Ideal User:
- Performance-Oriented Users: Those who want smoother app loading, gaming, and multitasking at an affordable price.
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize a sharp and clear display for watching videos and reading.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prefer a wider aperture camera for better low-light performance, while still having an option for black and white photography.
- Users who value faster charging: Users who need to quickly get back to using their phone.
Use Cases:
- Smooth multitasking and app switching.
- Gaming (with better graphics performance than the Galaxy M12).
- Watching videos with a sharp display.
- Photography in various lighting conditions.
- Users who value reliable location services.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize a smoother 90Hz refresh rate (Samsung) or a sharper, higher-resolution screen (Realme)?
- Performance Needs: Do you need a phone primarily for casual use (Samsung) or more demanding tasks and gaming (Realme)?
- Camera Versatility: Do you prefer a wider angle and depth sensor (Samsung), or do you need a wider aperture (Realme) for low light performance, and a black and white sensor for more versatile photography options.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: The Samsung Galaxy M12 might be a better choice due to its 3GB/32GB option. This would make it more affordable, while still having a 90Hz refresh rate.
- Scenario 2: Performance Seeker: The Realme Narzo 50A Prime is the clear winner here due to its significantly faster processor and better AnTuTu score.
- Scenario 3: Multimedia Lover: The Realme Narzo 50A Prime is preferable because of its sharper screen and better brightness. However, if you prioritize multiple camera lenses, the Samsung is a better option.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would pick the Realme Narzo 50A Prime. My primary priorities are a smooth and responsive user experience, which the Realme delivers thanks to its significantly superior processor. The sharper display is also a big plus for my typical use cases which involve reading and watching videos. While I would appreciate the extra camera sensors on the Samsung, I think the low-light performance and the black and white option offered by the Realme, and the overall performance jump would be more beneficial to me. I also value the faster charging and more modern Wi-Fi capabilities offered by the Realme. For me, the performance gains and a higher quality display is more valuable than the slightly smoother display and additional camera lenses offered by the Samsung.
