Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-30 | 2023-02-17 | S23 Ultra is significantly newer, benefiting from newer technology and software. |
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 163.4 × 78.1 × 8.9 mm | M12 is slightly taller and thicker; S23 Ultra is wider. M12 may feel bulkier in hand, S23 Ultra more compact. |
| Weight | 212g | 234g | M12 is lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. S23 Ultra is heavier and might feel more premium. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.8" | S23 Ultra has a slightly larger screen for a more immersive experience. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1440x3088 | S23 Ultra has significantly sharper visuals. Text and images will be much clearer and detailed. |
| PPI | 270 | 500 | S23 Ultra has much higher pixel density resulting in a sharper display; clearer images and text. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | S23 Ultra offers deeper blacks, better contrast, vibrant colors, and improved power efficiency, especially in dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | S23 Ultra has slightly smoother scrolling and animations. Most users may not notice the difference. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1750 nits | S23 Ultra offers vastly superior outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight. The M12 may be unusable in bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | S23 Ultra has a much more powerful and efficient chipset. This translates to significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking and superior gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 1,521,862 | S23 Ultra is vastly more powerful; apps load faster, multitasking is smoother and gaming performance is much better. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 (ARM Mali-G52) | Adreno 740 (Qualcomm Adreno 740) | S23 Ultra has a vastly superior GPU, resulting in a far better gaming experience with higher frame rates and better graphics. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have similar battery capacity; real-world battery life will depend on usage and optimization. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | S23 Ultra charges much faster, reducing the time spent plugged in. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | S23 Ultra's bypass charging can reduce heat during use while plugged in; both have non-removable batteries. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2", 0.8µm | 200MP, f/1.7, 1/1.3", 0.6µm | S23 Ultra captures significantly more detail, better low-light performance, and shallower depth of field. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | N/A | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.52", 1.12µm | S23 Ultra offers dedicated telephoto zoom and portrait mode capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2 | S23 Ultra provides higher resolution and potentially better quality selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens Camera | N/A | 12MP, f/4.9, 1/3.52", 1.12µm | S23 Ultra has dedicated zoom capabilities for capturing distant subjects with better clarity. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | S23 Ultra captures wider scenes with better detail. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | M12 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. S23 Ultra uses other cameras for depth effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | M12 has a dedicated macro camera for very close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240/960fps | S23 Ultra offers far superior video recording capabilities with higher resolutions, frame rates, and advanced features like HDR and EIS. |
| DXOMark Score | N/A | 140 (Mobile), Photo: 0, Video: 0 | S23 Ultra is a high-scoring camera in the DXO benchmark, though it is still very new and subject to change, while the M12 has no benchmark result. |
| Camera Features | Basic | Advanced (OIS, Tracking AF, RAW, etc.) | S23 Ultra has significantly more features and shooting modes for greater creative flexibility. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13, upgradable to 17 | S23 Ultra offers a more modern OS with more features and future software updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | S23 Ultra offers faster Wi-Fi speeds and better performance with newer standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE | S23 Ultra has a more efficient version, resulting in lower energy consumption with better audio quality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | S23 Ultra offers more accurate positioning with support for more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano/eSIM) | S23 Ultra offers the option of using an eSIM for additional flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32GB/64GB/128GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | S23 Ultra offers much larger storage options, allowing for more photos, videos, and apps without worry. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB/6GB | 8GB/12GB | S23 Ultra handles multitasking and demanding apps with much greater ease. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, relying only on internal memory. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | S23 Ultra has vastly superior audio quality with clearer sound, deeper bass, and more immersive experience via dedicated speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | M12 features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor while S23 Ultra has a basic sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | S23 Ultra's screen has superior scratch and shatter resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Barometer, Fingerprint | S23 Ultra has additional sensors offering more advanced features like precise altitude readings and orientation. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: At 212g, it's significantly lighter than the S23 Ultra, making it more comfortable for long usage sessions.
- Potentially Lower Price: Being an older, lower-spec phone, it is expected to be much more affordable.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Useful for closeup photography.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Useful for portrait photography.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution, pixel density, and AMOLED technology result in a much sharper and more vibrant viewing experience.
- Significantly More Powerful Performance: A newer, more powerful chipset leads to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance.
- Exceptional Camera System: Far superior main camera, telephoto lenses, wide-angle lens, selfie camera, and video capabilities result in much better photo and video quality. Includes more professional video features.
- Faster Charging: 45W fast charging greatly reduces charging time.
- More Storage and RAM: Larger internal storage options and more RAM for improved performance and multitasking.
- Advanced Connectivity: Supports faster WiFi standards and a more modern version of Bluetooth.
- Advanced Audio: Includes stereo speakers, Hi-Res audio, and a noise cancellation microphone.
- More Future Proof: It has a newer operating system, and it is guaranteed to have 4 more Android OS updates.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, offering greater protection from scratches and shatters.
- Bypass Charging: Keeps the phone cooler during charging and use.
- More Accurate GPS: Supports more satellite systems.
Trade-offs:
- The S23 Ultra is significantly heavier and more expensive than the M12.
- The M12, while lighter, suffers from a much lower-quality screen and significantly lower performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users needing basic smartphone functions (calls, texts, social media).
- Users who prioritize battery life over performance and display quality.
- Those who are not demanding in terms of gaming or photography.
- Users who prefer lighter devices.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Basic communication and web browsing.
- Casual social media use.
- A second phone or backup device.
- A basic phone for elderly users or children.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Ideal User:
- Users who require high performance for demanding apps and gaming.
- Photography enthusiasts who need top-tier camera capabilities.
- Users who value premium display quality and multimedia consumption.
- Those who want the latest technology and features.
- Users who need more storage.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra:
- High-end mobile gaming.
- Professional photography and videography.
- Multitasking and running demanding applications.
- Watching high-resolution videos and movies.
- Productivity-focused users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your budget? The M12 is expected to be significantly cheaper.
- What are your primary use cases? Basic use vs. performance, gaming, camera needs.
- How important is display quality and image quality to you? This will heavily lean you towards the S23 Ultra for its vastly better screen and camera.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Basic Use: If you have very limited funds, the M12 is adequate for basic smartphone needs.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Camera Priority: If you need top performance, display, and an exceptional camera, the S23 Ultra is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3: Multimedia Consumption and Portability: If you need a lighter device with a decent display the M12 is the choice, but if a higher quality display and portability is a priority then the S23 Ultra is best.
- Scenario 4: Future-Proofing: If you need to ensure your phone will last for at least 3 years and get multiple OS updates the S23 Ultra is the clear choice.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. While it's significantly more expensive, the jump in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and future-proofing is too significant to ignore. As a tech enthusiast who needs a reliable and performant device, I find that the significantly better display, chipset, camera system, and additional features make the higher cost justified. The device feels more premium and refined.
The M12, while adequate for very basic tasks, falls short in almost every other aspect when compared to the S23 Ultra. The M12 is not a bad option for those with very limited budgets, but the S23 Ultra provides a far superior experience for any modern user. The S23 Ultra simply offers a far superior overall experience and is a worthwhile investment.
