1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 162.3 × 78.6 × 9.1 mm | M12 is taller and thicker, while the M35 is wider and thinner. M35 might feel slightly more pocketable due to its thinner profile, while the M12 is slightly more compact in height. |
| Weight | 212g | 222g | M12 is lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended one-handed use. The 10g difference is noticeable over time. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Minimal difference in screen real estate. Both are considered large screens. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2340 | M35 offers a much sharper display with significantly more detail, ideal for reading text, viewing photos, and watching videos. M12 will appear noticeably less crisp. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 390 | M35's higher pixel density translates to clearer images and text. Individual pixels are less visible, resulting in a smoother viewing experience. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | M35 has much better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and superior power efficiency when using dark themes. The M12's LCD will look washed out in comparison. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | M35 will offer a slightly smoother scrolling and animation experience. The difference between 90Hz and 120Hz is noticeable, especially for games that support high refresh rates. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both seem to have identical maximum brightness, however, the AMOLED will typically be more viewable in direct sunlight thanks to its better contrast ratio. A number here would be useful. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | M35's newer chip is much more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, better gaming performance, and improved power efficiency. M12 will struggle with more demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 578,500 | M35's significantly higher score indicates a vastly superior performance. The M12 is suitable only for light use, while the M35 can handle demanding games and applications with ease. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 (ARM Mali-G52) | Mali-G68 MP5 (ARM Mali-G68 MP5) | M35's GPU is much more capable, allowing for higher graphics settings and smoother frame rates in games. M12 will struggle with even moderately demanding mobile games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6000mAh | M35's larger battery will likely last significantly longer. This difference means users can go longer between charges and rely more on the device throughout a heavy day. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 25W fast charging, Li-Ion | M35 charges faster, reducing the time it takes to get back to full power. Battery type difference is not significant in daily use. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2", 0.8µm, Samsung S5KGM2 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2", 1.0µm, Sony LYT-600 | M35 has a wider aperture, allowing more light for better low-light performance and larger pixel size, which can lead to better image quality. It likely offers more detail and better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | M35 will produce higher-resolution selfies with better overall quality. The larger pixel size means better light capture in low light. |
| Wide-angle Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | M35 takes higher resolution wide-angle shots, capturing more detail. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | M12 has a dedicated depth sensor for more precise bokeh, although this may not always translate into superior results over software processing. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both perform similarly in macro photography. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps; No stabilization, no slow motion | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS, 720p@480fps with EIS; Yes stabilization, Slow-motion: Yes | M35 captures higher resolution video with image stabilization, and offers higher fps slow motion video. M35 is vastly superior for video recording. |
| Features | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | 2x2 OCL, Pro Video Mode, 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, AutoFraming, Autofocus, Touch focus, All Pixel Omni- Directional PDAF, NPU AI Engine, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode, RAW 12 bits, DOL HDR | M35 offers advanced features like OIS and Pro Video mode, enabling better creative control and stable footage. M12 does have phase detect autofocus. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | M35 has a newer OS, offering newer features, better security, and potentially longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | M35 supports faster, more reliable Wi-Fi standards including WiFi 6, resulting in better performance for streaming and downloading content. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | M35 has a newer version of Bluetooth with better range, efficiency, and audio quality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | M35 supports additional satellite systems, resulting in more accurate and reliable location tracking, especially in challenging environments. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both offer dual SIM capability. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32GB/64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | M35 offers more internal storage, and in its base variant, more storage than even the highest variant of the M12. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB/6GB | 6GB/8GB | M35 offers higher RAM options, enabling better multitasking, smoother performance and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | M35 offers much better audio with spatial audio, better quality playback, and stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer standard biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | M35 offers superior screen protection from scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual; Geomagnetic | M35 has more sensors, which may improve certain software features and is superior for gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Potentially Lower Cost: The M12, being an older model, is likely to be available at a lower price point.
- Slightly Lighter: The marginally lighter weight might be preferred by some users for easier handling.
- Phase Detect Autofocus: The M12 has phase detect autofocus which can sometimes be faster than contrast based autofocus.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: A dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode is present, which the M35 lacks.
Practical Implications:
- The lower cost is an important factor for users on a strict budget.
- The lighter weight may be more comfortable during extended use.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel, higher resolution, higher pixel density and refresh rate provide a much more enjoyable viewing experience.
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Exynos 1380 offers a massive performance upgrade, making the phone much smoother and more capable for all tasks.
- Enhanced Camera System: Better main camera sensor, better selfie camera, better video recording capabilities, and more advanced features.
- Longer Battery Life and Faster Charging: The larger battery and faster charging result in less downtime and greater freedom.
- Newer Software: The M35 ships with a newer version of Android, providing access to the latest features and better security, as well as improved longevity.
- Improved Connectivity: Faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards improve overall connectivity.
- Superior Build Quality: Better display protection with Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Enhanced Audio: Better audio quality with Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio and Stereo Speakers.
Practical Implications:
- The superior display enhances video consumption, gaming, and general use.
- The massive performance boost enables users to use demanding apps and games without lag.
- The enhanced camera system is ideal for users who value photography.
- The larger battery significantly extends the usage between charges.
- Newer software provides improved security and access to more advanced features.
Trade-offs:
- The M35 is more expensive than the M12, making it less budget-friendly.
- The M35 is slightly heavier than the M12, although this difference is small.
- The M35 lacks a dedicated depth camera, although the lack of a dedicated sensor does not necessarily mean the M35's software will be inferior.
- The M12's PDAF might be quicker than the M35 in some scenarios.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who need a basic smartphone for everyday tasks like calling, texting, light social media browsing, and casual media consumption.
- Use Cases: Basic browsing, simple social media, occasional photography, using basic apps.
- Value: The M12 offers a low-cost entry into smartphones, but users need to be willing to compromise on performance and display quality.
Samsung Galaxy M35:
- Ideal User: Users who want a smooth and responsive phone with a great display, good camera, and long battery life, but don't want a flagship phone.
- Use Cases: Gaming, multimedia consumption, social media, taking photos/videos, heavy multitasking, and using more demanding apps.
- Value: The M35 provides a vastly superior experience across almost all areas when compared to the M12. The cost is justified by the performance, battery, display, and camera improvements.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The M12 is for those on a tight budget. The M35 is an upgrade in price but a massive upgrade in performance.
- What do you use your smartphone for the most? If you need good gaming and camera performance, the M35 is essential.
- How important is display quality? If you watch a lot of video content, the M35's AMOLED screen is a significant advantage.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Basic Use on a Tight Budget: If your primary needs are calls, texts, and light browsing, the M12 will suffice. You’ll be making trade-offs, but it is the budget option.
Scenario 2: Gaming, Media, Photography: If you're a heavy user that wants to play games, consume media, or take good photos, the M35 is absolutely essential. It justifies the additional cost due to its huge performance gains.
Scenario 3: Balanced Performance & Value: If you’re willing to pay more for a much better phone, the M35 is the clear winner. The display and speed alone make the M35 a far superior option.
What I Would Choose and Why
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy M35 without hesitation. While the M12 might be appealing due to its lower cost, the M35 offers a vastly superior experience in nearly every aspect that matters in modern smartphone usage.
The display is the biggest differentiator. The AMOLED screen on the M35 is not only higher resolution but also offers much better contrast, color accuracy, and viewing angles. This alone makes it a significantly better experience.
The performance gap is immense. The Exynos 1380 is a much faster, more efficient chip that allows for smooth multitasking, app loading, and demanding gaming. The M12 is too slow for a modern smartphone experience.
The camera improvements, larger battery with faster charging, and the inclusion of stereo speakers, and significantly better build quality also add up to make it an excellent choice.
The slightly higher price of the M35 is well justified by the enormous gains in display, performance, camera, and battery life. It provides a far superior experience and will be a better investment over time for most users, making the M35 the clear choice.
