Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. Samsung Galaxy S23
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Samsung Galaxy S23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-30 | 2023-02-17 | The S23 is significantly newer, benefitting from more recent software and hardware technologies |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.9 x 9.7 mm | 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm | M12 is larger and bulkier, S23 is more compact and pocketable |
| Weight | 212g | 168g | S23 is considerably lighter, more comfortable for extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.1" | M12 offers a larger screen, S23 is more compact |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2340 | S23 has a much sharper display with significantly more detail |
| PPI | 270 | 425 | S23 has a much higher pixel density resulting in crisper text and images |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | S23 has better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | S23 provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits (Data missing) | 1750 nits | S23 is much more visible in bright outdoor conditions |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | S23's chipset is significantly faster, leading to smoother performance, quicker app launches, and better gaming |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 1,456,671 | S23 delivers vastly superior performance across all tasks |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Adreno 740 | S23 provides significantly better graphics performance for gaming and demanding apps |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" sensor | S23 has better low-light performance due to larger sensor and wider aperture |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2 | S23 has higher resolution for sharper selfies |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9" sensor | S23 offers optical zoom capabilities, M12 has no telephoto lens |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor | S23 captures wider shots with greater detail |
| Depth Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | M12 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots, not found on S23 |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | M12 has a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots, not found on S23 |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps, advanced stabilization | S23 captures far superior video quality with more options and advanced stabilization |
| DXOMark Score | Not Available | 133 (Mobile) | S23 has a high-quality tested camera system |
| Camera 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 | Night Mode 2.0, 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), 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, RAW | S23 has additional features such as optical zoom, 4K/8K video recording, and OIS. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 3900mAh | M12 has a larger battery capacity, theoretically giving longer battery life though real life is not the same |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 25W fast charging, wireless charging, reverse wireless charging | S23 charges faster, supports wireless and reverse wireless charging |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Non-removable, 10W wireless (Qi/PMA), 4.5W reverse wireless | Samsung Galaxy S23 offers additional battery features |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery provides potentially longer battery life, beneficial for users who are away from power outlets for extended periods.
- Larger Screen: The 6.5" screen might be preferred by users who prioritize a larger viewing area for media consumption.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Cameras: Offers flexibility for users who enjoy close-up photography and capturing bokeh-effect portraits
- Lower Price Point: Generally more affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset delivers blazing-fast performance, significantly enhancing the overall user experience, gaming, and multitasking.
- Higher-Quality Display: The AMOLED display with higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness results in a significantly better visual experience.
- Better Cameras: Superior camera system with optical zoom, better low-light capabilities, and 4K/8K video recording.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: 25W fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging provide a more convenient charging experience.
- Newer Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards improve data transfer and audio quality
- Better Build Quality: Features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering better scratch and drop protection
- More Storage and RAM: Comes in higher capacity options for storage and more RAM for multitasking
Significant Trade-offs:
- Size and Weight: The S23 is much more compact and lighter, which some users might prefer, but those who like a larger screen will prefer the M12
- Battery Life: While the M12 has a larger battery, real world performance is affected by the processor. S23, despite the smaller battery, can have comparable battery due to its energy efficient chip and software optimizations
- Macro and Depth lenses The M12 offers dedicated macro and depth sensors while the S23 does not, though S23 can do most of the same functions through software and it's better main and wide angle sensors.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Ideal Users: Budget-conscious users, casual smartphone users, users who prioritize a large screen and battery life over performance.
- Use Cases: Basic everyday tasks, social media browsing, media consumption, occasional photography, long battery life in areas with limited access to power
- Price-to-Value: Provides reasonable value for its price, especially for users on a tight budget.
Samsung Galaxy S23:
- Ideal Users: Power users, mobile gamers, photography enthusiasts, users who value high performance, a premium experience, and the latest features.
- Use Cases: Demanding mobile gaming, professional-grade photography and videography, running resource-intensive apps, extensive multitasking, taking high quality photos and videos
- Price-to-Value: Offers excellent value considering its premium performance and feature set, though it is significantly more expensive.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? If budget is a major constraint, the M12 is a viable option. If budget isn't the priority, the S23 is worth the higher investment.
- What are your primary use cases? For basic tasks, social media, and media consumption, the M12 is acceptable. For high-performance tasks, gaming, and photography, the S23 is essential.
- Do you prioritize screen size, portability, or image quality? The M12 offers a larger display while the S23 offers a better display with higher quality and is more portable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you need a phone primarily for basic communication and media consumption, and battery life is critical while budget is a big concern: Choose the Galaxy M12.
- Scenario 2: If you prioritize performance, advanced camera capabilities, and display quality for gaming, photography, and professional use, and you are willing to spend more: Choose the Galaxy S23.
- Scenario 3: If you need an everyday phone that is affordable and gives you a good experience: The M12 is the correct choice.
- Scenario 4: If you need the best premium experience possible with the most up-to-date features: The S23 is the correct choice.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S23. While the M12 has a larger battery and display, the S23's superior performance, far better display quality, much higher quality camera, and overall premium features make it the better option for my use case. I value smooth performance, high-quality photography, and a vibrant display for my daily usage. The price difference, while significant, is justifiable given the massive jump in performance and quality. The inclusion of a telephoto lens is also critical for the type of photography I tend to do and the overall experience using the phone on a day to day basis is much better with the S23's improved processor and features.
