Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. Samsung Galaxy A54
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Samsung Galaxy A54 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 158.2 × 76.7 × 8.2 mm | M12 is taller and thicker, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. A54 is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 212g | 202g | M12 is slightly heavier, which may be noticeable during prolonged use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Samsung Galaxy A54 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.4" | Minimal difference; both offer a large enough display for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2340 | A54 offers much sharper images and text, a significant upgrade in visual clarity. |
| PPI | 270 | 403 | A54 has higher pixel density; images and text will be noticeably clearer and less pixelated. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | A54 has superior display with deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and better contrast ratio, making media consumption more enjoyable. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | A54 provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones share the same peak brightness which isn't ideal in bright sunlight conditions. (Note: Actual brightness values are missing.) |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Samsung Galaxy A54 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | A54 has a more powerful and efficient chipset, offering faster performance, better app loading, and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 578,600 | A54 has significantly higher benchmark performance, indicating a much snappier and responsive experience. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G68 MP5 | A54 has a superior GPU, offering enhanced graphics performance, crucial for gaming and graphics-intensive applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Samsung Galaxy A54 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | A54 captures slightly more detailed images, but the difference may not be noticeable in all scenarios. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/1.8 | A54's wider aperture allows more light, improving low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.56" | A54's larger sensor captures more light and detail, resulting in better overall image quality. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 32MP | A54 produces significantly sharper and detailed selfies. |
| Wide-Angle Camera Resolution | 5MP | 13MP | A54 captures more detail and offers a wider view with its wide-angle lens. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP | Not present | M12 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. A54 relies on software for portrait effect. |
| Macro Camera Resolution | 2MP | 5MP | A54 offers slightly better macro photography with higher resolution. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | A54 can record in 4K, offering significantly higher video quality. A54 also has EIS for better stabilization. |
| Slow Motion Video | No | Yes | A54 offers slow motion video recording which can be used for creative shots and capturing fast paced action |
| DXOMark Score | Not tested | 107 (Mobile) | A54 has a tested camera, indicating good quality with decent photo and video capabilities. |
| Camera Features | PDAF, Quad camera | OIS, EIS, 2x2 OCL, Triple camera, NPU AI Engine, DOL HDR | A54 has a more versatile camera system, offering better image stabilization (OIS, EIS) and AI enhancements. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Samsung Galaxy A54 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life which will be sufficient for daily use. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | A54 charges faster, reducing the time spent plugged in. |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Minimal difference in practical use. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Samsung Galaxy A54 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | A54 comes with a newer version of Android, with newer features and potential for longer software support. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Samsung Galaxy A54 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11n | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | A54 has faster and more stable Wi-Fi connectivity, crucial for streaming and downloading. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | A54 has a newer version of bluetooth with better connection stability and faster transfer rates. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A54 offers more accurate positioning due to a greater number of supported satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | A54 supports eSIM, allowing multiple plans without physical SIM cards. |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Samsung Galaxy A54 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal Storage | 32GB/64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | A54 has higher storage options, providing more room for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB/6GB | 6GB/8GB | A54 has more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and better performance. |
| Expandable Storage | Not Supported | Not Supported | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Samsung Galaxy A54 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Audio Quality | Basic audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | A54 offers better audio quality, richer sound, and an immersive experience due to stereo speakers and audio technologies. |
Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Samsung Galaxy A54 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic fingerprint sensor | M12 has a convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor; Both phones offers biometric security. |
Build Quality
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Samsung Galaxy A54 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | A54 has superior screen protection, making it less prone to scratches and damage. |
Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Samsung Galaxy A54 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | A54 has a more comprehensive sensor suite which enables features like compass and virtual proximity, offering more versatility. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Potentially Lower Price: Likely to be significantly cheaper, making it an appealing budget-friendly option.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor location.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: A dedicated depth sensor is available for more accurate portrait shots.
Samsung Galaxy A54 Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Display: AMOLED panel with higher resolution, pixel density, and refresh rate, offering a vastly better visual experience.
- Much Stronger Performance: More powerful chipset and GPU result in smoother and faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution main, selfie, and wide-angle cameras, larger sensors, and better video recording capabilities (4K, EIS, slow motion).
- More Advanced Camera Features: Includes OIS, EIS, 2x2 OCL, Pro Video Mode, and AI engine which leads to better images and videos.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging allows for quicker battery replenishment.
- Newer Android Version: Provides access to newer features and longer software support.
- Superior Audio: Includes stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos for a better media consumption experience.
- More Accurate GPS: Offers more accurate positioning due to a greater number of supported satellite systems.
- More Connectivity Options: Including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 and eSIM support.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides better protection and durability.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos for an enhanced listening experience.
Trade-offs:
- The A54 lacks a dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots, relying instead on software processing.
- The M12 is heavier but has a larger form factor and side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- The M12 is significantly cheaper, but with compromises on other features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who need a basic smartphone for everyday tasks, browsing, and media consumption, and do not require high performance.
- Use Cases: Calling, texting, basic social media, light web browsing, watching videos, and basic photography.
- Price-to-Value: Excellent value for a very low price, as long as high-end performance is not necessary.
Samsung Galaxy A54:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a high-quality display, fast performance, a versatile camera system, and better audio for an immersive experience.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, photography and video recording, social media, video streaming, multitasking, navigation, mobile payment through NFC, using an e-sim, and general use.
- Price-to-Value: A more premium experience is worth the higher price, especially for users who value performance and photography quality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Ask:
- Budget: What is your maximum budget, and are you willing to spend more for a superior experience?
- Primary Use: What will be the primary uses for your smartphone (basic, gaming, photography, etc.)?
- Feature Importance: Which features are most important to you (screen quality, performance, camera, battery life, etc.)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Tight Budget): If your budget is very tight, and you need a functional phone for basic tasks, the Samsung Galaxy M12 is a reasonable choice.
- Scenario 2 (Balanced Use): If you want a good all-around phone with better performance and a better camera, and you can afford a higher price, the Samsung Galaxy A54 is the better option.
- Scenario 3 (Performance and Media): If you prioritize gaming, media consumption, and a high-quality camera, the Samsung Galaxy A54 is the clear winner due to its superior performance and display.
What I Would Choose and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A54.
Here's why:
- Display Quality: The AMOLED display with its higher resolution, pixel density, and refresh rate is a significant upgrade that I would enjoy daily. The deep blacks, vibrant colors, and smoother scrolling would make media consumption much more enjoyable and that alone is a large factor in my decision.
- Performance: As someone who uses their smartphone for a variety of tasks, including some mobile gaming, the faster processor and GPU are essential. The benchmark difference is night and day and will be noticed during daily usage.
- Camera Versatility: I value a versatile camera system and the A54’s superior sensors, resolution, and video capabilities with OIS and EIS would allow me to capture higher-quality photos and videos. The additional software features also will enhance the experience.
- Future-Proofing: With a newer Android version, more storage, more RAM, and better connectivity the A54 is more future-proof. It will provide a better user experience in the long run.
- Overall Experience: The enhanced audio with stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos support, and better build quality of the A54 would offer a significantly more enjoyable overall smartphone experience.
While the Samsung Galaxy M12 is more budget-friendly, the compromises it makes in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities are too significant for me. Given my use case and priorities, the extra cost of the Samsung Galaxy A54 would be worth it for the improved overall user experience.
