Samsung Galaxy M12 vs Samsung Galaxy A04 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date April 30, 2021 October 10, 2022
Release Year 2021 2022

Physical

Volume 120.74 cm³ 114.15 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.07 "/g 3.39 "/g
Weight 212 g 192 g
Height 164 mm 164.4 mm
Width 75.9 mm 76.3 mm
Thickness 9.7 mm 9.1 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Blue
  • Green
  • Black
  • White
  • Green
  • Copper

Display

Screen Size 6.5 " 6.5 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 720 x 1600
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.9 % 81.3 %
Pixel Density 270 PPI 270 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz N/A
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 118.34 mAh/in² 118.34 mAh/in²
Battery Density 41.41 mAh/cm³ 43.8 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes No
Chipset Exynos 850 (8 nm) Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)
GPU Mali-G52 PowerVR GE8320

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0 USB Type-C 2.0

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 12
Maximum OS Version 13

Comparison Summary

Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. Samsung Galaxy A04

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureSamsung Galaxy M12Samsung Galaxy A04Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm164.4 × 76.3 × 9.1 mmM12 is slightly thicker and has a larger overall volume, while A04 is slightly narrower and thinner; A04 may feel slightly more comfortable in hand.
Weight212g192gA04 is significantly lighter (20g), making it more comfortable for extended use, especially during one-handed operation.
Display
Size6.5"6.5"Identical screen size provides the same viewing area.
Resolution720x1600720x1600Both offer a similar level of sharpness; suitable for general use, social media, and video consumption but not the sharpest for detailed content.
Pixel Density270 PPI270 PPIBoth have similar sharpness with good display clarity.
TechnologyPLS LCDPLS LCDBoth use similar display technology, expect similar color reproduction and viewing angles.
Refresh Rate90Hz60HzM12 provides smoother scrolling and animations; noticeable difference during fast-paced interactions like gaming or rapid scrolling through feeds, making it more responsive than A04.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsNo provided brightness means performance in direct sunlight is unknown for both. This will impact visibility in bright outdoor environments.
Performance
ChipsetExynos 850 (8 nm)Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm)Exynos 850 is built on a more efficient 8nm process compared to the Helio P35's 12nm process. Expect slightly better power efficiency from the M12.
AnTuTu Score117,341124,000A04 has a slightly higher benchmark score, indicating marginally better overall performance in everyday tasks, but real-world difference is minimal.
GPUMali-G52PowerVR GE8320Different GPUs; Expect variations in graphics performance, M12's GPU is potentially more efficient. The impact on user experience depends on how demanding the graphical usage is.
Battery
Capacity5000mAh5000mAhSimilar battery capacity; expect similar battery life for typical daily usage such as browsing, social media, and some video streaming.
Charging15W fast charging, Li-PolymerLi-IonM12 has 15W fast charging, so it can be charged faster than the A04. Li-polymer is generally lighter and safer than Li-Ion batteries.
Camera
Standard Camera48MP (f/2.0, 1/2", Samsung S5KGM2)50MP (f/1.8)A04 has slightly higher resolution and wider aperture for potentially better low-light performance and image detail. Note: sensor model not known for A04; Sensor size is only known for M12
Selfie Camera8MP (f/2.2)5MP (f/2.2)M12 has higher resolution for potentially clearer selfies.
Wide Angle lens5MP (f/2.2)Not presentM12 has a wide-angle camera to capture more of a scene in a single frame.
Portrait Mode2MP (f/2.4)2MP (f/2.4)Both have a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode.
Macro Lens2MP (f/2.4)Not PresentM12 includes a macro lens, which is helpful for taking close-up shots of small objects.
Video1080p@30fps; No; Slow-motion: No, 30 fps1080p@30fps; No; Slow-motion: No, 30 fpsBoth offer similar recording quality, suitable for basic video needs.
FeaturesQuadruple camera, PDAFDual cameraM12 has more versatile camera features (macro and wide angle) and faster autofocus. A04 is more basic in its camera configuration
Software
OSAndroid 11Android 12 (upgradable to 13)A04 has a newer operating system out of the box. This translates to more modern UI, better performance optimization, and potentially longer software support.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi802.11b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display802.11b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi DirectA04 supports a newer Wi-Fi standard ("ac"), enabling faster data speeds on compatible networks. M12 supports Wi-Fi Display for streaming to external screens.
Bluetooth5.0, Comprehensive profile support5.0 LE (Low Energy), A2DPM12 has a more comprehensive Bluetooth profile support, whereas the A04 features low energy consumption for longer battery life when using Bluetooth.
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BeidouGPS, A-GPS, GLONASSM12 supports additional location systems (Beidou) which could result in more precise GPS tracking in some regions.
SIMDual SIM (Nano) Dual StandbyDual SIM (Nano) Dual StandbyBoth offer dual SIM capability with the capability to use both SIM cards at the same time.
Storage
Internal32/64/128GB32/64/128GBBoth have similar storage options, enough space for apps, photos and videos for most users.
RAM3/4/6 GB3/4/6 GBBoth come in similar RAM configurations for smooth multitasking.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone allows for storage expansion.
AudioBasicBasicSimilar audio experience, sufficient for casual listening.
SecuritySide-mounted fingerprint sensorBasic security featuresM12 offers biometric security with its fingerprint reader, more convenient and faster than a password. A04 relies solely on pattern, pin or password based security.
SensorsFingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, GyroscopeProximity, AccelerometerM12 has a gyroscope and a fingerprint sensor. Gyroscope is used for enhanced gaming and accurate rotation. Fingerprint sensor for easier unlocking, A04 lacks these sensors.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:

  • Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate provides a noticeably smoother user experience compared to the A04's 60Hz display, particularly for scrolling and animations.
  • More Versatile Cameras: Features a wide-angle lens and macro lens, providing more flexibility in photography. The PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) standard camera provides faster focus, crucial for dynamic scenes.
  • Faster Charging: 15W fast charging allows for quicker battery top-ups, reducing downtime.
  • Enhanced Security: The inclusion of a fingerprint sensor offers more secure and convenient device unlocking.
  • Enhanced Bluetooth Profiles: More comprehensive Bluetooth profile support, making it compatible with a wider range of Bluetooth accessories.
  • Additional Sensors: Inclusion of a gyroscope sensor allows for more accurate motion-based games and applications.
  • Enhanced GPS capabilities: M12 has more satellite location systems, offering more accurate GPS tracking

Samsung Galaxy A04 Advantages:

  • Lighter Design: 20g lighter than the M12, making it more comfortable to hold and use, especially for extended periods.
  • Slightly Better Performance: Higher AnTuTu score indicates marginally better performance, although this difference may not be significant in daily use.
  • Newer OS: Comes with Android 12 out of the box (upgradable to 13), offering a more modern interface, feature set, and potentially longer software support.
  • Wider Aperture on Main Camera: f/1.8 aperture on its main camera could lead to better low-light performance.
  • Newer Wi-Fi standard: The A04 supports the "ac" Wi-Fi standard for faster transfer rates.
  • Low Energy Bluetooth: The LE (Low Energy) bluetooth will allow for less battery consumption when using Bluetooth accessories

Trade-offs:

  • M12 sacrifices a slightly bulkier design and older OS for a smoother display, more versatile cameras, faster charging, and enhanced security, a fingerprint sensor and gyroscope.
  • A04 sacrifices versatile cameras, faster charging, fingerprint sensor and smoother display to achieve a lighter design, newer OS and slightly better performance.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy M12 is Ideal For:

  • Casual Gamers: The 90Hz display and gyroscope sensor significantly enhance the gaming experience, providing smoother visuals and more accurate controls.
  • Photography Enthusiasts: Wide angle and macro lens options provide great flexibility for various shooting situations; the inclusion of PDAF also makes focusing quicker.
  • Users Who Value Security: A fingerprint sensor offers a more convenient and secure way to unlock the phone.
  • Users who value battery performance: The inclusion of fast charging allows for less time plugged in, and more time using the phone.
  • Users who prioritize connectivity: The M12 has more robust bluetooth profiles. The enhanced GPS capabilities make this suitable for travellers or adventurers who want the best location tracking accuracy.

Use Cases:

  • Mobile gaming on-the-go
  • Capturing diverse photos, from landscapes to close-ups
  • Reliable and secure daily use
  • Frequent Bluetooth accessories user

Samsung Galaxy A04 is Ideal For:

  • Budget-Conscious Buyers: Prioritizes affordability, focusing on core smartphone features without advanced specs, and is more readily available.
  • Users Who Value Comfort and Portability: Lighter design is beneficial for those who use their phone one-handed or for long durations.
  • Users Who Prioritize a Newer OS: Prefer the latest Android version for updated features and longer software support.
  • Users who want to preserve battery: Low Energy Bluetooth is beneficial for users who rely heavily on bluetooth accessories such as headphones.

Use Cases:

  • Everyday tasks like web browsing, social media, and messaging
  • Comfortable use for extended periods
  • Basic photography and video capture
  • Users who prefer basic smartphone features.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. Do you prioritize a smoother display and enhanced gaming experience? If yes, the M12 is the better option due to its 90Hz refresh rate and gyroscope.
  2. How important is camera versatility for you? If you take a variety of shots, the M12's wide-angle and macro lenses and the faster PDAF is preferred.
  3. Do you prefer a newer OS and lighter design, or faster charging, more sensors and enhanced cameras and bluetooth profiles? If a new OS and lightweight design are priorities choose the A04. If you prefer more robust camera, connectivity, security, battery and sensors, choose the M12.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: You want a budget-friendly phone for everyday use but also enjoy some light gaming and photography. Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy M12 provides a smoother display and more versatile cameras for better media consumption and photography without sacrificing battery and security.
  • Scenario 2: You need a lightweight phone for extended use, and you want the latest software experience. Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy A04 is the better choice due to its lighter design and newer operating system.
  • Scenario 3: You value faster charging and want a fingerprint reader for unlocking your phone. Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy M12 because of its 15W fast charging capability and fingerprint sensor.

What I would choose and why!

I would choose the Samsung Galaxy M12. While the A04 has a marginally better chipset and a newer OS, the M12 offers a superior overall user experience due to its 90Hz display, more versatile camera system (including the wide angle and macro lens, as well as faster PDAF), faster charging, a fingerprint sensor and a wider range of bluetooth profiles. Although it has a slightly larger form factor, the benefits of the M12 significantly outweigh the minor trade-off in weight and bulk. The 90Hz display makes a noticeable difference in daily use. I also frequently use the wide angle lens on my phone. These features make the M12 my choice. The slightly older OS isn't that important in my view.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

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