Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. Samsung Galaxy S24
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy M12 and Samsung Galaxy S24, focusing on practical implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.9 x 9.7 mm | 147 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm | M12 is significantly larger and bulkier, making the S24 more pocketable and comfortable to hold. |
| Weight | 212g | 167g | S24 is much lighter, reducing fatigue during prolonged use. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S24 has superior screen protection against scratches and drops. M12 screen protection is unknown. | |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.2" | M12 has a slightly larger screen, but the difference is marginal. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2340 | S24's higher resolution results in a much sharper, clearer image. |
| PPI | 270 | 416 | S24's higher pixel density leads to less pixelation and a more detailed display. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | Both use LCD-based technologies. S24 technology is not listed | |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | S24 offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2600 nits | S24 provides drastically better outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | S24's chipset is significantly more powerful, enabling much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 1,639,695 | S24 demonstrates massively superior performance in benchmarks; it's significantly faster and more future-proof. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Adreno 750 | S24's GPU provides far better graphics processing capabilities, crucial for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" sensor | S24 has slightly higher resolution, wider aperture, and a larger sensor resulting in better low light performance and overall image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2 | S24 captures more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.4 | S24 has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, providing better zoomed-in photos |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | S24's wide angle lens captures higher resolution ultrawide photos. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | M12 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode effects, though this is generally handled by software on newer phones |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | M12 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photos, though the quality may not be the best. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps | S24 can record videos with much higher resolution, quality, and advanced features like HDR and image stabilization, also with slow-motion at higher FPS. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4000mAh | M12 has a larger battery which could provide better battery life, depending on processor efficiency and software optimization. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | S24 charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging, Non-removable | S24 has more features like bypass charging to extend battery health while gaming and reverse charging to charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | S24 has a more modern operating system with the latest features and security updates, plus 3 generations of upgrades. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/6E | S24 supports newer and faster WiFi standards, leading to improved speeds and performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE | S24 has a more recent Bluetooth version with better energy efficiency and new features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | S24 supports more satellite systems for improved location accuracy |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM/eSIM | S24 offers more flexibility with dual SIM functionality including eSIM support |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32GB/64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | S24 provides more storage for apps, media, and files. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB/6GB | 8GB/12GB | S24 has a lot more RAM for better multitasking and performance in apps and games. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio | Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone | S24 offers much better audio quality with stereo speakers and a noise cancellation microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | M12 features a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Barometer | S24 includes more sensors including a barometer, for additional functionality, while M12 has fingerprint. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery could offer longer battery life for users who prioritize endurance, but this advantage could be diminished by the older and less power-efficient processor and screen.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Although basic, the implementation may be prefered compared to the S24's finger print sensor implementation
- Lower Cost: As an older, budget-oriented model, the M12 is expected to be significantly more affordable.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Lens While not always preferred, these lenses can be useful in some niche situations.
Practical Implications of M12 Advantages:
- The larger battery means less frequent charging for light usage.
- The side-mounted fingerprint sensor can be more convenient for some users.
- The lower price makes it more accessible to budget-conscious buyers.
- The additional macro and depth lenses can be useful for very specific use cases.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip provides dramatically faster performance for all tasks, including gaming.
- Much Better Display: The higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and brightness result in a significantly better visual experience.
- Advanced Camera System: Better sensors, lenses, and features lead to superior photo and video quality.
- Modern Software: Android 14 offers the latest features and security, plus several future OS upgrades.
- Faster Charging: Quicker charging reduces downtime.
- Better Audio Quality: Stereo speakers and noise cancellation enhance audio.
- Advanced Features: The S24 includes better connectivity options with the latest standards, and bypass and reverse charging.
- Better Build Quality: The phone utilizes better materials, including Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for better protection
Practical Implications of S24 Advantages:
- The S24 handles demanding tasks such as gaming and video editing much more smoothly.
- The display provides a more immersive and enjoyable user experience, especially for content consumption.
- The camera takes much better photos and videos, particularly in low light.
- The latest software offers better security, features, and longevity.
- Faster charging provides more convenience.
- The additional features are practical for daily use.
Significant Trade-offs:
- M12: Sacrifices performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and features for a lower price. It is noticeably bulkier.
- S24: Is more expensive, and has a smaller battery, although its more efficient processor may help battery life.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who prioritize affordability over top-tier features.
- Basic Smartphone Users: People who use their phones mainly for calls, texts, social media browsing, and light app usage.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Users who value a larger battery and do not perform demanding tasks on their phones.
- Users Who Want a Macro and Depth Lens: Users that need these lenses for niche situations.
Use Cases for M12:
- Basic web browsing and social media scrolling.
- Simple app usage.
- Longer battery life for light usage patterns.
- Budget-friendly phone with basic capabilities.
- Niche photography use cases.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ideal User:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who want a fast and smooth experience for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Photography and Videography Lovers: Users who value a high-quality camera system for taking photos and videos.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the latest features, software updates, and modern technology.
- Users who value screen quality: Those who want an excellent viewing experience
- Users who don't mind charging more often: The battery is slightly smaller, but performance is much higher.
Use Cases for S24:
- Gaming and high-performance app usage.
- High-quality photography and videography.
- Immersive content consumption.
- Demanding multitasking.
- Taking advantage of the latest features
- Long-term use due to OS upgrades and excellent performance
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The M12 is a budget phone while the S24 is a flagship device.
- What will I primarily use my phone for? Basic tasks, or performance-intensive apps?
- How much do I value screen quality, camera quality, and future-proofness? The S24 shines in all of these areas.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Basic Usage: If you have a very tight budget and only need a phone for basic tasks like calls, messages, and light browsing, the Samsung Galaxy M12 may suffice.
- Scenario 2: Balanced Budget, Everyday Use: If you want a good phone but not spend as much as a flagship, consider other phones between these two in price, such as a Galaxy A series phone.
- Scenario 3: High Performance, Great Camera, and Future-Proofing: If you prioritize top-tier performance, a great camera, a better screen, the latest software, and future-proofing, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is the clear choice.
What I Would Choose and Why
If I were choosing between the Samsung Galaxy M12 and the Samsung Galaxy S24, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S24.
Here's why:
- Performance is Key: I value a fast and smooth experience. The difference in performance between the Exynos 850 in the M12 and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the S24 is massive. This impacts every aspect of the phone, from app loading to multitasking.
- Superior Display Experience: The display is the primary way I interact with my phone, and the S24's higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and brightness would provide a much more enjoyable experience, especially for content consumption and media viewing. The higher brightness would make it usable in outdoor settings, while the M12's screen brightness is unknown.
- Future Proofing: The much newer S24 and its significantly more powerful chipset means it will receive updates for much longer. This means I won't need to buy a new phone as soon.
- Better Camera Capabilities: I enjoy taking photos, and the S24's advanced camera system and features (8K video, better lenses, OIS, digital image stabilization, better sensors) would provide superior results compared to the M12 in all scenarios.
- Overall User Experience: The S24 also has much better audio, charging speeds, connectivity, a more modern OS, and better build quality.
While the S24 is the more expensive option, the performance, display, camera, features, and future-proofing upgrades are worthwhile for my use case. If a user has a tighter budget and uses a phone lightly, the M12 would be good, but for my needs the S24 is the clear winner.
