1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-30 | 2022-09-22 | The A04s is a newer model, potentially offering longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 164x75.9x9.7 mm | 164.7x76.7x9.1 mm | M12 is slightly thicker but similar overall size. A04s may feel slightly more comfortable in the hand due to being thinner. |
| Weight | 212g | 195g | A04s is noticeably lighter (17g), which can improve comfort for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both have the same screen size, suitable for media consumption and general use. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both offer similar sharpness and clarity. The resolution is standard for budget devices, it might look less sharp if you come from devices with higher resolutions. |
| PPI | 270 | 270 | Identical pixel density means similar display sharpness. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | PLS LCD | Both use the same display technology, with potentially comparable color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smoother scrolling and animations, an improvement over standard 60Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness. The readability under bright sunlight might be similar and potentially limited. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Both devices will have similar performance for everyday tasks, light gaming and social media usage. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 117,300 | Practically identical performance, both will have a similar level of responsiveness and handling of applications. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G52 | Identical graphic processing capabilities for gaming and video playback. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0 | 50MP, f/1.8 | A04s has slightly higher resolution, wider aperture for better low light performance. M12 has a 1/2" sensor size, which may offer better image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | M12 offers higher resolution for clearer selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | Not Available | M12 can capture wider scenes, useful for landscapes and group photos. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have dedicated depth cameras for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have dedicated macro cameras for close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record 1080p video. A04s has slow motion capabilities while the M12 doesn't support it. |
| Camera Features | Quad, PDAF, HDR | Triple, PDAF, HDR | M12 has additional camera features like continuous shooting, Panorama, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer all-day battery life for most users, given similar usage patterns. |
| Charging | 15W, Li-Polymer | 15W, Li-Ion | Both support 15W fast charging, but Li-Polymer (M12) is often more durable, although differences are minimal. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (Upgradable to 14) | A04s has a more recent version of Android, which can mean better features and longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | A04s supports newer WiFi standards, potentially offering faster speeds and better range with compatible routers. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 LE | M12 has more bluetooth profiles. A04s has Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) for more battery efficiency with low-power devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A04s has access to more satellite systems, potentially offering more accurate and reliable location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both can use two SIMs, and both are nano SIMs. Both SIMs can be active, but only one at a time can use cellular data. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 32/64/128 GB | Both phones have the same storage options available |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 3/4 GB | M12 has an option of 6GB ram, which can be useful for moderate multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Both phones do not support expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio | Basic Audio | Both have basic audio setups |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both have similar fingerprint sensors |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Neither phone has any known screen protection specs |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | M12 has additional Gyroscope, M12 features Ultrasonic proximity virtual |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Wider Camera Capabilities: Has an extra ultrawide lens camera which provides versatility in photography.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Offers 8MP front camera for better selfie shots.
- More RAM Option: Has an option of 6GB of RAM, which allows for more multitasking.
- More Bluetooth Features: Has additional bluetooth profiles.
- Gyroscope Sensor: Includes a gyroscope sensor for better motion tracking in gaming and other applications.
Samsung Galaxy A04s Advantages:
- Newer Device: Launched later, which may translate into longer software support and potential upgrades.
- Lighter Build: Is lighter and more comfortable to handle for extended usage.
- Better Main Camera: Has slightly better main camera with a wider aperture for better low light performance.
- Slow Motion Video: Offers slow motion video capabilities, while the M12 does not.
- More Up-to-Date Software: Comes with Android 12 out of the box (upgradable to 14), potentially offering more features and security updates.
- Newer WiFi Standard: Supports the newer WiFi standard (802.11ac).
- More Satelite Systems: Offers additional satellite systems for more accurate location tracking.
- Ultrasonic proximity sensor: Features a more modern Ultrasonic Proximity sensor, instead of a traditional one.
- Bluetooth LE: Bluetooth Low Energy support, which is more energy efficient.
Trade-offs:
- Galaxy M12: Loses out on the potential of future Android updates, a slightly better main camera sensor and a more modern proximity sensor and slow motion video recording.
- Galaxy A04s: Misses out on the ultrawide camera, higher resolution front camera, and the gyroscope sensor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users who prioritize photography: Users who want an ultrawide lens for wider shots at an affordable price point.
- Users who need more RAM: Users who value multitasking and have moderate gaming or app usage needs.
- Users looking for a slightly more versatile camera experience.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Travel Photography: Capturing landscapes and group shots with the ultrawide lens.
- Social media enthusiasts: Taking decent selfies and sharing with friends.
- Moderate multi-tasking: Users who switch between apps and need some extra RAM.
Samsung Galaxy A04s Ideal User:
- Users Seeking Modern Software and Updates: Those who prioritize a newer OS and future updates.
- Budget-conscious users who want good battery life and a basic but usable experience.
- Users who value a lighter device for easy, comfortable handling
- Users who like slow motion video recording.
- Users who care about modern standards: Users who care about having a more up-to-date phone.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- Everyday use: Calls, messaging, social media, web browsing for users who prioritize portability.
- Users who value slow motion video: Those who want to record fun videos.
- Long-term use: Users who want to have a software updated phone for the long run.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize a newer operating system and potential software updates? If so, the A04s is the better choice.
- Do you need a ultrawide camera lens? If so, the M12 is the better choice.
- Is a lighter phone a must-have for you? If so, the A04s has a clear edge with its lighter design.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You're a casual user who values having the latest software and a lightweight design: The Samsung Galaxy A04s is the better choice, with a more recent Android OS version, a lighter build and a better main camera.
- Scenario 2: You love to take different types of photos and do not care about getting software updates: The Samsung Galaxy M12 is preferable due to the extra ultrawide lens and better front camera.
- Scenario 3: You need more RAM for multitasking and care about all the bluetooth profiles: The Samsung Galaxy M12 offers the option of having 6GB of RAM and has additional bluetooth features.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A04s.
Here's why:
- Newer Software: The A04s comes with Android 12 and is upgradable to 14. The A04s is more likely to receive future security updates. This is important for long-term usage and security.
- Lighter and more compact design: I value a lighter phone for comfortable handling, especially since I use my phone for long periods of time. The A04s is noticeably lighter.
- Better Main Camera: Even though the M12 has a wider camera lens, for normal daily shots, I would prefer having the f/1.8 aperture on the main lens of the A04s.
- Slow motion video recording: I value having this option, and the M12 does not support slow motion.
- More Up-to-Date Connectivity: The A04s supports a newer WiFi standard and has access to more satellite systems. This is useful for faster download speeds and better location tracking.
While I appreciate the wider lens camera option and the extra RAM of the M12, the advantages of the A04s such as a newer software and a lighter build are more important for my preferences and daily usage.
