1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Realme Note 50 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-30 | 2024-01-23 | Realme Note 50 is significantly newer, potentially offering longer software support and newer features. |
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 167.2 × 76.7 × 8 mm | Realme Note 50 is taller and thinner, M12 is slightly shorter but thicker. M12 has larger overall volume. Note 50 is potentially more comfortable for long use. |
| Weight | 212g | 186g | Realme Note 50 is lighter, making it more comfortable to hold and carry. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.74" | Realme Note 50 has a larger display, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both have the same resolution, expect similar sharpness. |
| PPI | 270 | 260 | Both have similar pixel density; differences are not noticeable. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Realme Note 50 has better viewing angles and potentially more accurate colors due to IPS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer a smooth scrolling experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical brightness. Assuming this is a specification error, and that both phones have typical brightness for their class, the practical impact is that both may be hard to see under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | Realme Note 50's chipset has significantly better benchmark results, meaning smoother performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 248,000 | Realme Note 50 scores more than double than M12, indicating noticeably better overall performance in apps and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Realme Note 50's GPU offers better graphics processing for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP f/2.0 | 13MP f/2.2 | Samsung Galaxy M12's higher resolution and wider aperture should offer better detail and low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.2 | 5MP f/2.2 | Samsung Galaxy M12 has a higher resolution front-facing camera, resulting in better quality selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP f/2.2 | None | Samsung Galaxy M12 has an ultrawide lens, which can be used in more diverse scenarios. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy M12 has a dedicated depth sensor for more effective portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy M12 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Black & White Lens | None | 2MP f/2.4 | Realme Note 50 has a black and white camera for creative monochrome images. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both offer similar video recording capabilities. |
| Features | Quadruple camera, Continuous shooting | Dual camera, Digital image stabilization | Samsung Galaxy M12 has more diverse shooting options, Realme Note 50 has digital stabilization. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, offering similar all-day usage. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 10W fast charging | Samsung Galaxy M12 charges faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | Realme Note 50 has a more up-to-date Android version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Realme Note 50 supports faster WiFi speeds and dual band connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 LE | Samsung has more supported profiles, Realme supports low energy connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Both offer similar GPS capabilities, with slight differences in supported satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 64/128/256 GB | Realme Note 50 offers larger 256GB options. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 3/4 GB | Samsung Galaxy M12 may have better multitasking due to a 6 GB RAM option. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Basic | Both offer similar basic audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side Fingerprint Sensor | Side Fingerprint Sensor | Both have similar side-mounted fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Screen protection for both phones is not known. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Proximity | Samsung Galaxy M12 has a gyroscope, which enhances gaming and navigation. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution main and front cameras, plus ultrawide, macro, and depth sensors provide more versatile photography.
- Faster Charging: 15W fast charging reduces charging time.
- Gyroscope Sensor: Enhances gaming and AR experiences.
- Potentially more RAM: Up to 6GB of RAM is better for multitasking.
Realme Note 50 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly higher AnTuTu benchmark score and newer GPU result in smoother app and gaming performance.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 13, which can receive newer updates and features.
- Larger Screen: 6.74" display offers more immersive media consumption.
- Lighter & Thinner Design: More comfortable to hold and carry.
- Faster Wi-Fi Speeds: Supports 802.11ac standard and dual band connections.
- Higher Storage Capacity Options: Up to 256 GB available.
- Black & white camera for creative images
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy M12: Trades performance for a more versatile camera system and faster charging.
- Realme Note 50: Trades camera quality and features for better performance and a more modern design and software.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 Ideal User:
- Casual Photographers: Users who take many pictures and appreciate versatility in shooting options.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Charging Speed: Those who want faster charging.
- Gamers on a Budget: Benefit from Gyroscope.
- Users who want slightly better multitasking
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Taking photos and videos for social media.
- Casual gaming where graphics is not the highest priority.
- Everyday use, with the capability to do a lot of different tasks.
Realme Note 50 Ideal User:
- Performance-Focused Users: Prioritizes smooth app performance and gaming experience.
- Users who prefer a larger display: Those who enjoy watching videos and browsing.
- Users Seeking the Latest Software: Those who prefer having the latest OS.
- Users seeking maximum storage: 256GB option offers a lot of storage.
- Users seeking to buy a newer phone: 2024 release date compared to 2021.
Use Cases for Realme Note 50:
- Mobile gaming.
- Watching videos and streaming content.
- Everyday use for social media and web browsing where performance matters.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Realme Note 50 offers a better price-to-performance ratio.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is camera quality and versatility? If a versatile camera system is a priority, the Samsung Galaxy M12 is better. If performance is more important, go with the Realme Note 50.
- Is performance or faster charging more crucial? If performance is key, the Realme Note 50 wins; if fast charging is more important, the Samsung Galaxy M12 is a better choice.
- Is software and design important? If a newer Android version and design are important, the Realme Note 50 is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Photography Enthusiast): If you value a versatile camera system with multiple lenses for creative photography, the Samsung Galaxy M12 is the better choice.
- Scenario 2 (Gaming & Multimedia): If you prioritize performance for gaming and a larger display for watching videos, the Realme Note 50 is the stronger option.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced Usage): If you want a modern phone with smooth performance for daily use and are less concerned with a top-tier camera, the Realme Note 50 is the best overall pick.
What I would choose and why!
Given the data, I would choose the Realme Note 50. While the Samsung Galaxy M12 offers a more versatile camera system with multiple lenses and faster charging, the Realme Note 50's superior performance, larger display, and more modern software make it the better overall device for my typical usage. As someone who values smooth performance and an up-to-date user experience, the Realme Note 50's benefits outweigh the slightly better camera on the M12 for my needs. Additionally, the 256GB storage option, and newer release date are other advantages that I would benefit from.
