1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 161.7 × 78 × 8.2 mm | A35 is slightly shorter and thinner, making it potentially more pocketable. M12 is taller and thicker, with a larger overall volume. |
| Weight | 212g | 209g | Virtually identical weight; negligible difference in hand feel. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Almost identical; a minor difference, barely noticeable in daily use. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2340 | A35 offers noticeably sharper and clearer visuals; better for reading text, viewing photos, and watching videos. M12's lower resolution may appear pixelated to some. |
| PPI | 270 | 390 | A35 provides significantly sharper display, crucial for detailed image viewing and reading. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | A35 has richer colors, deeper blacks, and higher contrast, leading to more vibrant and engaging visuals, superior for multimedia. M12's LCD is adequate, but not as visually appealing. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | A35 is slightly smoother scrolling and animations, making the interface feel more responsive. M12 is still smooth but less fluid than A35. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is identical; However, AMOLED has inherently better visibility in bright sunlight compared to LCD. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | A35 is significantly faster and more efficient, leading to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance. M12 can struggle with intensive tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 578,500 | A35 demonstrates vastly superior performance, capable of running modern games and apps more smoothly. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G68 MP5 | A35’s GPU provides considerably better graphics performance, essential for gaming and graphics-intensive applications. M12 is limited to basic usage and light gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2", Samsung S5KGM2 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.96", Samsung GN8 | A35 should perform better in low light due to the larger sensor and wider aperture; expect better image quality, less noise, more detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2 | A35 produces higher resolution selfies, resulting in more detailed and clearer photos. |
| Wide-angle Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | A35's wide-angle lens captures more detail, offering better flexibility for landscape photos. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | M12 has dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, A35 does not have one. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4 | A35 should capture more detailed close-up shots compared to the M12. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, No EIS | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@30/60fps with EIS | A35 offers higher-resolution video recording (4K) with electronic image stabilization. M12 limited to 1080p and doesn't have EIS, leading to potentially shaky video. |
| DXOMARK | N/A | 104 (Mobile), 107 (Photo), 110 (Video) | A35 has received a good score from DxOMark, indicating a good balance of photo and video performance. M12 was not tested. |
| Camera Features | Quad camera, PDAF | Triple camera, OIS, Ultra stable video, NPU AI Engine, RAW 12 bits, DOL HDR | A35's OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) makes for sharper photos and less shaky videos; NPU AI Engine for AI-enhanced image processing. M12 has basic features. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should offer comparable battery life, suitable for a full day of moderate usage. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 25W fast charging | A35 charges much faster, reducing downtime and getting back to full charge more quickly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | A35 provides a newer user experience and more up-to-date features with a more secure operating system. A35 will receive more software updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | A35 supports WiFi 6 for faster and more reliable connections on compatible networks. M12 uses older WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | A35 provides a more stable connection with lower latency and potentially better audio quality on supported devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A35 has more satellite connectivity, for better accuracy in location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128GB | 128/256 GB | A35 provides much larger storage capacities for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 3/4/6GB | 6/8GB | A35 is better equipped for multitasking and running RAM-intensive applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage via microSD. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | A35 provides superior audio with stereo speakers and spatial audio technology for a better multimedia experience. M12 has basic sound. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | side-mounted | basic | Both have fingerprint sensors; M12’s side mounted is considered faster and more reliable. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | A35 provides significantly better scratch and impact resistance. M12 lacks this. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | A35 offers a wider range of sensors suitable for advanced features and better gaming experience. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A35 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with higher resolution and refresh rate provides a significantly better viewing experience.
- Much Faster Performance: The Exynos 1380 chipset offers drastically better performance, smoother multitasking, and gaming capabilities.
- Enhanced Camera System: Larger sensor, wider aperture, OIS, and 4K video recording make it a better choice for photography and videography.
- Faster Charging: 25W charging gets the phone to a full charge quicker.
- Newer Software: Android 14 is more up-to-date and secure, with additional future updates.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res Audio for an enhanced experience.
- More Storage/RAM: Options for 128/256GB storage and 6/8GB RAM is crucial for modern usage.
- Premium Build: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection for added durability.
- Advanced Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 for better connectivity.
Practical Implications: The A35 offers a much more premium and modern user experience. Its superior display, performance, and camera make it suitable for users who want a high-quality smartphone.
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Lower Price: The M12 is a budget-friendly option, better for price-conscious users.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: While this is a very minor advantage, side mounted sensors can feel faster and more natural to some users.
- Dedicated Portrait Mode Camera: Offers a dedicated sensor for portrait mode photos, however the quality is much lower than the A35's main camera with software portrait mode.
Practical Implications: The M12 provides basic smartphone functionality at a lower price point. It may be suitable for users with less demanding requirements.
Trade-offs:
- A35: More expensive than the M12, no expandable storage and lacks a dedicated depth camera.
- M12: Significantly inferior display, performance, and camera, lacks modern features, no expandable storage.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A35:
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts, social media users, photography and videography hobbyists, gamers, and users who value performance and media consumption.
- Use Cases:
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos for social media.
- Gaming on a smartphone.
- Streaming videos and movies with great visual quality.
- Running demanding applications.
- Multitasking between several apps without lag.
- Price-to-Value: A good value for those willing to pay more for premium features and performance.
Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who need a basic smartphone for communication, browsing, and light media use.
- Use Cases:
- Basic web browsing and social media use.
- Making phone calls and texting.
- Occasional photography or video.
- Light gaming.
- Price-to-Value: A budget-friendly device that gets the basics right, suitable for first-time smartphone buyers or older adults.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is my budget? The M12 is significantly cheaper, so price is a big factor.
- How important is display quality, camera, and performance? If these are crucial, the A35 is the better choice.
- What kind of usage do I anticipate? Basic tasks only versus heavy media consumption and gaming?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Budget is the Primary Concern
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy M12. The M12 offers basic functionality at a lower price point.
Scenario 2: Need a Great Media Consumption Device
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A35. The A35's superior AMOLED display and better audio make it better for watching movies and streaming videos.
Scenario 3: Demanding User with Gaming/Productivity Needs
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A35. The A35's faster processor, better graphics, and higher RAM handle demanding tasks much more smoothly.
Scenario 4: Casual User Who Wants a Good All-Around Phone
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A35. It is a much better option overall, with great performance, a great display, and very useful camera features, while being suitable for both casual and intensive tasks.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A35. While the M12 is a lower-cost option, its limitations in display, performance, and camera make it unsuitable for my needs. The A35 offers a vastly superior experience in almost every aspect.
The A35's AMOLED display with its high refresh rate makes for a much more enjoyable viewing experience, whether I'm browsing the web, watching videos, or playing games. The significantly faster chipset ensures that the phone is responsive and handles any application I throw at it. Additionally, the improved camera system, with OIS and 4K video recording, means I can capture higher-quality photos and videos, which is important to me. Finally, the A35's advanced connectivity, including WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, ensures a more seamless user experience.
While the A35 is more expensive, the superior user experience it provides makes the additional cost worthwhile for me. In short, it will be a smoother and more enjoyable experience to use compared to the M12, and will likely last longer.
