1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 158 × 76.5 × 8.2 mm | M12 is taller and thicker, S23 FE is slightly wider. S23 FE is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 212g | 209g | Both virtually the same; neither significantly lighter or heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.4" | Negligible difference; both offer adequate screen space for most uses. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2340 | S23 FE has a much sharper display; text and images are clearer, especially noticeable in videos and photos. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 403 | S23 FE offers significantly sharper text and images. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | S23 FE has vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast; Better for viewing media in varied lighting. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | S23 FE provides smoother scrolling and animations; More responsive feel, especially for gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have similar peak brightness and their usability in bright sunlight is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) - International | S23 FE provides significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and more capable gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 1,188,176 | S23 FE is drastically faster, will run intensive apps and games smoothly. M12 will struggle with demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Xclipse 920 - International | S23 FE has superior graphics performance; Better gaming and video editing capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57", 1.0µm | S23 FE captures more detail, performs better in low light; Larger sensor and wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Camera | None | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.0µm | S23 FE has optical zoom; Better portrait shots with background blur. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | S23 FE captures more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | M12 has ultra-wide capabilities, S23 FE lacks a dedicated lens for wide shots. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | M12 has a dedicated sensor for depth information, S23 FE lacks this. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | M12 has dedicated Macro lens, S23 FE lacks this. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm | S23 FE has one lens for both functions. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@120/240fps, 720p@960fps | S23 FE offers far superior video capabilities; Professional-grade video recording. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | S23 FE provides smoother videos, especially when moving. |
| DXOMark Score | N/A | Mobile: 127 | S23 FE's camera has been rated by DXOMark. M12 lacks professional testing and data. |
| Camera Features | Basic | Advanced | S23 FE offers features like OIS, RAW and Night mode that are absent in the M12. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | M12 may have longer battery life; Battery life varies depending on usage. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 25W fast charging | S23 FE charges faster; Less time plugged in. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.4W, No charger in-box | S23 FE has extra charging features like wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 (upgradable to 17) | S23 FE has a more modern OS, likely with more features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | S23 FE supports faster, more reliable Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE | S23 FE has the latest Bluetooth version with better energy efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | S23 FE has better accuracy with Galileo. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Both support using two SIMs simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | S23 FE has more storage for apps, photos, videos. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 8 GB | S23 FE allows for smoother multitasking and faster app switching. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports memory expansion with microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo Speakers | S23 FE offers a more immersive audio experience, clearer calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both have a fingerprint sensor; S23 FE may not have a side-mounted variant. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | S23 FE's display is protected from scratches and impacts better. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S23 FE has a wider variety of sensors that enables more features such as compass. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Potentially longer battery life due to the 5000mAh battery.
- Practical Impact: Useful for users who need long-lasting power and are not near chargers.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Sensors: Offers these specific shooting modes.
- Practical Impact: Niche feature, useful for close-up and bokeh effect photos.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: May be more convenient than the basic one.
- Practical Impact: Easier to unlock the phone.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: Much faster processor and GPU.
- Practical Impact: Smoother multitasking, gaming, faster app loading, and better overall responsiveness.
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology, higher resolution, and 120Hz refresh rate.
- Practical Impact: Sharper, more vibrant display with smoother animations, better for viewing videos, gaming and daily use.
- Advanced Camera System: Better main sensor, telephoto lens, and video capabilities.
- Practical Impact: High-quality photos and videos with more versatility, especially in low light.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: Convenient for quicker top-ups and wireless charging options.
- Practical Impact: Less time plugged in, increased flexibility to charge.
- Latest Software: Comes with Android 13 and is upgradable to 17.
* *Practical Impact:* Access to the latest Android features, enhancements and security patches. - Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers and noise cancellation.
- Practical Impact: Richer audio experience, better call clarity.
- Better Build Quality: Gorilla Glass 5 for screen protection.
- Practical Impact: Greater durability and resistance to damage.
Trade-offs:
- The M12 offers a bigger battery but lacks in all the other key areas.
- The S23 FE offers a premium experience but it comes at a higher cost.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who need a basic smartphone for everyday tasks.
- Use Cases:
- Basic web browsing and social media.
- Making calls and sending text messages.
- Casual photography in daylight.
- Long battery life is a priority.
- Price-to-Value: Good value for very basic needs, but it is very limited.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE:
- Ideal User: Users who want a premium smartphone experience without spending top-dollar for flagship.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming and video editing.
- High-quality photography and video recording.
- Media consumption with vibrant display and stereo sound.
- Multitasking with intensive applications.
- Price-to-Value: Excellent value for performance and features, but still significantly more expensive than the M12.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your budget? The S23 FE will be more expensive.
- What is your primary use case? Is it basic communication or gaming and media creation?
- How important are performance and camera quality?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic User on a Strict Budget
- Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy M12. If your main purpose is to stay connected and perform basic tasks without demanding processing, it's a practical option.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Camera Enthusiast
- Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. Its superior processing power, display, and camera capabilities make it ideal for gaming, photo/video editing, and consuming media.
- Scenario 3: User Seeking a Balance of Features and Price
- Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. Although it is more expensive, the superior performance and camera make it an excellent purchase if you can stretch your budget.
What I Would Choose and Why
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE.
My reasoning is as follows:
- Future-Proofing: The S23 FE's significantly more powerful processor and modern software will ensure smoother performance and support for future apps and updates for a longer period. The M12 will be outdated much sooner.
- Superior Experience: The AMOLED display, better camera, and advanced audio features of the S23 FE provide a much more enjoyable and versatile user experience for everyday use. The M12's basic display would be a major drawback.
- Versatility: The S23 FE excels in a variety of use cases such as gaming, video editing and watching videos, which are capabilities that the M12 would struggle with.
- Features: The wireless charging and better video recording of the S23 FE are features that justify the price difference for me.
- Value: Although the S23 FE is more expensive, I believe it provides much greater value for money, because it has a more complete feature set.
While the M12 has a larger battery, the significant performance and feature advantages of the S23 FE make it a much more compelling choice for my needs and use cases. I am willing to sacrifice a slightly smaller battery for much better overall performance.
