Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. Samsung Galaxy A04
1. Specifications Comparison
Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 164.4 × 76.3 × 9.1 mm | M12 is slightly thicker and has a larger overall volume, while A04 is slightly narrower and thinner; A04 may feel slightly more comfortable in hand. |
Weight | 212g | 192g | A04 is significantly lighter (20g), making it more comfortable for extended use, especially during one-handed operation. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Identical screen size provides the same viewing area. |
Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both offer a similar level of sharpness; suitable for general use, social media, and video consumption but not the sharpest for detailed content. |
Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 270 PPI | Both have similar sharpness with good display clarity. |
Technology | PLS LCD | PLS LCD | Both use similar display technology, expect similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | M12 provides smoother scrolling and animations; noticeable difference during fast-paced interactions like gaming or rapid scrolling through feeds, making it more responsive than A04. |
Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | No provided brightness means performance in direct sunlight is unknown for both. This will impact visibility in bright outdoor environments. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Exynos 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 Score | 117,341 | 124,000 | A04 has a slightly higher benchmark score, indicating marginally better overall performance in everyday tasks, but real-world difference is minimal. |
GPU | Mali-G52 | PowerVR GE8320 | Different 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 | |||
Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity; expect similar battery life for typical daily usage such as browsing, social media, and some video streaming. |
Charging | 15W fast charging, Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | M12 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 Camera | 48MP (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 Camera | 8MP (f/2.2) | 5MP (f/2.2) | M12 has higher resolution for potentially clearer selfies. |
Wide Angle lens | 5MP (f/2.2) | Not present | M12 has a wide-angle camera to capture more of a scene in a single frame. |
Portrait Mode | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Both have a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | Not Present | M12 includes a macro lens, which is helpful for taking close-up shots of small objects. |
Video | 1080p@30fps; No; Slow-motion: No, 30 fps | 1080p@30fps; No; Slow-motion: No, 30 fps | Both offer similar recording quality, suitable for basic video needs. |
Features | Quadruple camera, PDAF | Dual camera | M12 has more versatile camera features (macro and wide angle) and faster autofocus. A04 is more basic in its camera configuration |
Software | |||
OS | Android 11 | Android 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-Fi | 802.11b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display | 802.11b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct | A04 supports a newer Wi-Fi standard ("ac"), enabling faster data speeds on compatible networks. M12 supports Wi-Fi Display for streaming to external screens. |
Bluetooth | 5.0, Comprehensive profile support | 5.0 LE (Low Energy), A2DP | M12 has a more comprehensive Bluetooth profile support, whereas the A04 features low energy consumption for longer battery life when using Bluetooth. |
GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | M12 supports additional location systems (Beidou) which could result in more precise GPS tracking in some regions. |
SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) Dual Standby | Dual SIM (Nano) Dual Standby | Both offer dual SIM capability with the capability to use both SIM cards at the same time. |
Storage | |||
Internal | 32/64/128GB | 32/64/128GB | Both have similar storage options, enough space for apps, photos and videos for most users. |
RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 3/4/6 GB | Both come in similar RAM configurations for smooth multitasking. |
Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
Audio | Basic | Basic | Similar audio experience, sufficient for casual listening. |
Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic security features | M12 offers biometric security with its fingerprint reader, more convenient and faster than a password. A04 relies solely on pattern, pin or password based security. |
Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer | M12 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.