Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. Samsung Galaxy A55
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Samsung Galaxy A55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 161.1 × 77.4 × 8.2 mm | M12 is taller and thicker, A55 is wider but thinner, M12 has larger volume. |
| Weight | 212g | 213g | Virtually identical; both will feel similarly weighted in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Very similar screen sizes; negligible difference in actual use. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2340 | A55 has significantly sharper and clearer display, especially noticeable in text and detailed images. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 390 PPI | A55 display appears much crisper and detailed compared to M12. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | A55 offers superior blacks, contrast, and vibrant colors, better for media consumption, and dark mode power efficiency. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | A55's 120Hz provides slightly smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have the same brightness, but the specific peak brightness is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Exynos 1480 (4 nm) | A55's chipset offers much faster performance for app loading, multitasking, and gaming, also is more power efficient |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 713,393 | A55 will feel significantly faster and more responsive, better for demanding apps and future updates. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Xclipse 530 | A55's GPU will provide a smoother, higher-fidelity gaming experience. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life; both will likely last a full day with moderate use. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 25W fast charging, Li-Ion | A55 will recharge its battery faster than the M12. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | A55's main camera captures more light and detail, superior low-light performance, and slightly better dynamic range. |
| Selfie | 8MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.8µm | A55 produces much higher resolution and more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 5MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | A55's wide-angle lens captures significantly more detail in group photos and landscapes. |
| Depth | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | M12 has dedicated depth sensor while A55 does not. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | A55's macro lens produces higher detail in close up photography. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps (both with EIS) | A55 records higher quality and more stable video, and features slow-motion capabilities. |
| DxOMark Score | Not Tested | Overall: 108, Photo: 110, Video: 117 | A55's camera performance has been objectively measured, and performs well. |
| Features | PDAF, Quad Camera | OIS, All Pixel Omni-Directional PDAF, Triple Camera, 4K Video | A55 has superior camera features, stabilization (OIS), and higher video quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 (upgradeable to Android 18) | A55 has a newer OS version with more security features, functionalities, and longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (WiFi 6) | A55 offers faster Wi-Fi speeds and better performance on modern networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 with aptX, LDAC, aptX Adaptive | A55 has improved power efficiency, faster connection, and higher quality audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A55 has higher accuracy due to supporting additional satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano/eSIM) | A55 offers more flexibility with eSIM support, whereas M12 is limited to dual physical SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32GB/64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | A55 offers much more storage with a base configuration of 128 GB and up to 256GB vs 128GB on the M12. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB/6GB | 8GB/12GB | A55's RAM provides significantly improved multitasking and performance for more demanding users. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | A55 offers significantly better audio experiences for music, videos, and gaming. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | M12 features a more convenient side-mounted sensor while the A55 uses an unspecified basic fingerprint sensor, potentially under the display. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | A55 has much better screen protection for everyday durability |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic Proximity | A55 includes more sensors for advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Slightly Taller Dimensions: Might be preferable for users with larger hands.
- Dedicated depth sensor: For better portrait mode pictures.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Some users may prefer its ergonomics.
Samsung Galaxy M12 Practical Implications:
- Is a more budget-oriented phone with basic functionality suitable for very light use.
- Lower display quality and performance leads to a less enjoyable user experience.
- More limited video and photo taking capabilities.
Samsung Galaxy A55 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED, higher resolution, higher pixel density, 120Hz refresh rate, and much better color reproduction.
- Significantly Faster Performance: More powerful chipset and GPU, leading to smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Better Cameras: Superior main, selfie, and wide-angle lenses with better low-light performance.
- Higher quality video recording: Can record 4K@30fps with EIS, while M12 is limited to 1080p@30fps.
- Newer OS: Longer software support and enhanced security.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res audio.
- Modern Connectivity: WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and more accurate GPS.
- More Storage and RAM: Larger capacity variants for both storage and RAM.
- Superior Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for enhanced screen durability.
Samsung Galaxy A55 Practical Implications:
- Provides a premium smartphone experience with better display, performance, and camera system.
- Offers a smoother user experience suitable for advanced users and gamers.
- Is more future-proof with newer software and connectivity options.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy M12 has a dedicated depth sensor, while the Samsung Galaxy A55 does not.
- Samsung Galaxy M12 has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor while the A55 has an unspecified basic fingerprint sensor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious individuals, elderly users, or those needing a secondary phone for basic tasks.
- Use Cases: Basic communication (calls, texts), browsing, casual social media, and light app usage.
- Price-to-Value: Offers basic functionality at a lower price point.
Samsung Galaxy A55:
- Ideal User: Mainstream users, those who prioritize a good camera, smooth performance, and high-quality media consumption, and heavy smartphone users.
- Use Cases: Gaming, photography, videography, intensive multitasking, and watching videos.
- Price-to-Value: Offers excellent value for the feature set provided, positioning itself in the mid-range category.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone?
- Primary Use: What will you be using your phone for the most? (e.g., calls, social media, gaming, photography)
- Longevity: How long do you plan to keep your phone before upgrading?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Constrained User: If budget is the most critical factor, the Samsung Galaxy M12 offers basic functionality.
- Casual User: For users who prioritize display quality, performance, and good cameras, the Samsung Galaxy A55 is highly recommended.
- Power User: Users who engage in gaming, intensive multitasking, or video editing will benefit most from the Samsung Galaxy A55.
- Multimedia User: If you consume a lot of video or play audio, the Samsung Galaxy A55 offers a much better display, stereo speakers, and Dolby Atmos.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would unequivocally choose the Samsung Galaxy A55. While the Samsung Galaxy M12 is a more budget-friendly option, the A55 offers a far superior overall experience that is worth the extra cost.
Reasons:
- Display: The AMOLED display on the A55 is a game-changer. The deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and 120Hz refresh rate will greatly enhance my daily usage.
- Performance: The faster processor and GPU will significantly improve the responsiveness of the device for all of my daily tasks, and make the device feel faster and snappier.
- Camera: As a keen photographer, I greatly value the superior sensors, wider apertures, and stabilization. The 4K video recording with EIS on the A55 is also a huge plus.
- Audio: The addition of Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers would make my media consumption so much more enjoyable.
- Longevity: The newer software and support for future Android updates makes the A55 a better long-term investment.
- Future Proofing: Features like Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 add to the A55's longevity and make it more future-proof.
While the M12 has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor which some users might prefer and dedicated depth sensor that can be useful for portrait mode photography, these do not outweigh the overwhelming improvements in almost every other category that the A55 offers. The enhanced performance, superior display, better camera system, and future-proof features make it the better choice overall for a modern smartphone experience.
