Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. Samsung Galaxy A23 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 165.4 × 76.9 × 8.4 mm | A23 5G is slightly taller and thinner, M12 is slightly wider and thicker. M12 will feel a little bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 212g | 197g | A23 5G is lighter by 15g, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Very similar screen sizes, negligible difference in daily usage. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2408 | A23 5G has a significantly sharper and clearer display with more detail and less pixelation. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 400 | A23 5G's display will appear noticeably crisper, especially for text and detailed images. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | PLS LCD | Both use the same LCD technology, expect similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | A23 5G offers smoother scrolling and animations, which will be noticeable to some users. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Unable to determine brightness. Missing specification for this metric. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | A23 5G's Snapdragon chipset is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app loading and smoother operation. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 418,000 | A23 5G offers significantly higher performance across all tasks, including gaming and demanding applications. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Adreno 619 | A23 5G's GPU offers better graphics performance, making games run smoother at higher settings. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | A23 5G has a slightly higher resolution, potentially capturing a little more detail. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/1.8 | A23 5G's wider aperture allows more light, improving low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/2.76" | M12's larger sensor may capture slightly more light overall. |
| Front Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | A23 5G's wider aperture can capture better quality selfies in low light. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | A23 5G has Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), reducing shakiness when recording videos. |
| Slow-motion | No | Yes (120fps) | A23 5G allows users to record slow-motion videos. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have a large battery and should provide similar all-day battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | A23 5G charges significantly faster, reducing downtime waiting for the phone to charge. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | A23 5G can bypass battery charging to minimize heat when plugged in for prolonged periods. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Larger Main Camera Sensor: Potentially better low-light performance due to a larger sensor.
- Dual SIM Support: Allows for two SIM cards to be used simultaneously, useful for travelers or those with separate work/personal numbers.
- Multiple Storage Options: More options at launch to find the right storage configuration.
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: Snapdragon 695 chipset provides a much smoother user experience.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density offer a clearer and more detailed viewing experience.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate leads to smoother scrolling and animations.
- Better Low Light Camera Performance: Wider aperture and optical image stabilization allows for better photos and videos in low light.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging drastically reduces charging time.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Supports newer Wi-Fi standards and Bluetooth 5.1.
- Bypass Charging: Useful for gamers or when plugged in for long durations to reduce heat.
- Upgraded OS: Launched with Android 12 and upgradable to Android 14 while the M12 launched with Android 11.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides better protection against scratches and drops.
- Better Video: Optical Image Stabilization and slow-motion capabilities.
- More Satellite Systems: Better GPS accuracy.
- Better Sensor Suite: Additional sensors that could be important for certain applications.
Trade-offs:
- The A23 5G doesn't have as many storage variants as the M12 did at launch.
- The A23 5G has a slightly smaller main camera sensor compared to the M12.
- The M12 supports dual SIM functionality, the A23 5G is limited to single SIM use.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious users: Prioritizing cost savings above all else.
- Users needing Dual SIM functionality: Those who use two SIM cards frequently.
- Users with basic needs: Those who mainly use their phone for calls, messages, and casual browsing.
Use Cases for Galaxy M12:
- Basic daily tasks: calls, messages, social media, web browsing.
- Travel phone: can hold two SIMs from different countries.
- First smartphone for older users or children.
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G Ideal Users:
- Performance-focused users: Gamers and users who multitask frequently.
- Users who want a good camera: Those who frequently capture photos and videos.
- Users who need a fast-charging phone: People who are always on the go and need their phones to charge quickly.
- Users who prioritize a smooth and crisp display: Those who consume a lot of video content.
- Users who want a modern experience: Someone who wants to be up-to-date on software.
Use Cases for Galaxy A23 5G:
- Mobile gaming: smooth and fast performance with a high refresh rate.
- Photography and videography: good image quality and stabilization.
- Daily multimedia consumption: crisp display and smooth animations for movies, shows and games.
- Productivity: faster performance for multitasking and demanding apps.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance to you? If you need a smooth, fast experience for gaming or multitasking, the A23 5G is the better choice. If you have basic needs, the M12 may be sufficient.
- How much do you prioritize display quality? If a sharper, clearer display with smoother animations is important, the A23 5G is the clear winner.
- Is dual SIM functionality essential? If you need to use two SIM cards simultaneously, the M12 is the only option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Budget buyer with basic needs
- Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy M12 is suitable if budget is the primary concern and the user has basic needs that don't require a lot of processing power.
Scenario 2: User wants a balanced experience
- Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is a much more balanced choice and should provide a far more enjoyable user experience.
Scenario 3: User prioritizes performance and camera
- Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is the clear choice due to its superior performance, better camera capabilities, and improved display.
Final Decision
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G. While the Samsung Galaxy M12 has a few advantages like its dual SIM capability and larger main camera sensor size, the A23 5G is superior in almost every other aspect that matters to me. The significantly better performance due to the Snapdragon chipset, the much improved display with its higher resolution and refresh rate, the faster charging, the Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and more modern software make the A23 5G the more sensible purchase. For me the slight improvements in camera and dual SIM in the M12 do not outweigh the overall better experience of the A23 5G. The A23 5G is also a more future-proof device.
