1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 165 × 71 × 8.2 mm | M12 is wider and thicker, feels bulkier in hand; Xperia 1 IV is slimmer and more pocketable. |
| Weight | 212g | 185g | Xperia 1 IV is significantly lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both have the same screen size. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1644x3840 | Xperia 1 IV has a much sharper display, significantly improving clarity for text, images, and video. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 643 | Xperia 1 IV offers vastly superior sharpness and detail. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | OLED | Xperia 1 IV has better colors, deeper blacks, and superior contrast, resulting in richer visuals. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Xperia 1 IV offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness values missing; unable to compare. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Xperia 1 IV has much faster processor, leads to quicker app loading, smoother multitasking and improved gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 1,076,100 | Xperia 1 IV has drastically higher performance, offering a vastly more responsive and capable experience. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Adreno 730 | Xperia 1 IV has a superior GPU, better graphics in games and demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 12MP | M12 captures more detailed images in daylight, while the Xperia 1 IV excels in low light with better aperture and larger sensor size. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/1.7 | Xperia 1 IV has a wider aperture allowing more light, better for low-light photography and creating bokeh effects. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | Information missing | Xperia 1 IV captures more light, better dynamic range, especially in low light. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.80 µm | Xperia 1 IV has larger pixel size, resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 12MP | Xperia 1 IV offers more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | Xperia 1 IV captures better low light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | 12MP | Xperia 1 IV has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP | 12MP | Xperia 1 IV captures higher resolution ultrawide photos. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | No | Yes | Xperia 1 IV has enhanced depth sensing for AR applications and better portrait mode. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) Lens | 2MP | No | M12 can provide a software based portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | No | M12 offers macro photography capabilities. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@120fps | Xperia 1 IV captures far more detailed and smoother videos with higher frame rates, offering professional video capabilities. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes (OIS, EIS) | Xperia 1 IV offers superior video quality with optical and digital image stabilization. |
| Slow-motion | No | Yes, 960 fps | Xperia 1 IV captures impressive slow-motion video at a much higher frame rate. |
| DxOMark Score | Not Tested | Mobile: 105 | Xperia 1 IV has a highly rated camera, performing well in both photos and videos. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have similar battery capacity. |
| Charging | 15W | 30W | Xperia 1 IV charges faster. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | Xperia 1 IV can be used while plugged in without direct charging, extending battery health. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | Xperia 1 IV has a newer version of Android, providing up-to-date features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Xperia 1 IV has faster Wi-Fi with newer standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Xperia 1 IV has a more modern Bluetooth version, potentially providing better power efficiency and range. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Xperia 1 IV offers more precise location tracking due to more satellite systems support. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Xperia 1 IV offers more flexible SIM options with eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128GB | 256/512 GB | Xperia 1 IV has higher base storage configurations. |
| RAM | 3/4/6GB | 12/16GB | Xperia 1 IV has significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking and demanding apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone provides external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Xperia 1 IV provides superior audio quality and a more immersive audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both have side mounted fingerprint scanners. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Xperia 1 IV has superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Xperia 1 IV features additional sensors like a Compass and Barometer, enabling more advanced functionalities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Lower Price: The M12 is a budget-friendly option, making it accessible to a wider audience.
- Macro Lens: Includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography which is missing in Xperia.
- Depth Sensor: Includes a dedicated depth sensor for enhancing portrait mode photos.
Practical Implications: The M12 is a basic smartphone that covers essential functionalities. It is a value-oriented choice for users who are budget conscious.
Sony Xperia 1 IV Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, OLED technology, and a 120Hz refresh rate provide a significantly better visual experience.
- Flagship Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip offers top-tier performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Telephoto lens, better aperture, larger sensor and a more capable video system lead to vastly superior image and video quality.
- Faster Charging: 30W charging refills the battery much quicker compared to 15W.
- Enhanced Audio: Hi-Res Audio, Dolby Atmos, and stereo speakers create a much better audio experience.
- More Storage and RAM: Offers significantly higher storage options and RAM for demanding users.
- Premium Build: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides better screen protection for better durability.
- More Accurate GPS and Sensors: Provides more accurate location tracking and includes a barometer.
- Bypass Charging: This feature allows for charging the phone without directly charging the battery, which can extend battery health while gaming.
Practical Implications: The Xperia 1 IV provides an all-around superior experience, including faster performance, superior display, advanced camera capabilities, and enhanced audio, suitable for power users.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Price: The Xperia 1 IV comes with a much higher price tag, making it an expensive option.
- Size & Weight: The M12 is bigger and heavier, while the Xperia is slimmer and lighter.
- Software Experience: The Xperia 1 IV is on a newer version of Android, providing more up-to-date features and security updates.
- Expandable Storage: Neither phone provides external storage option.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, first-time smartphone owners, or those needing a basic phone for everyday tasks like calls, messaging, and browsing.
- Use Cases:
- Basic communication
- Light social media use
- Streaming basic videos/music
- Everyday photography with basic quality
- Longer battery life for daily tasks
Sony Xperia 1 IV:
- Ideal User: Power users, professionals, content creators, photographers, videographers, gamers, or anyone looking for top-tier performance, superior display and advanced camera capabilities.
- Use Cases:
- High-end gaming and app usage
- Professional photography and videography
- Content creation and editing
- Media consumption with high-fidelity audio
- Multitasking with intensive apps
- Mobile content creation
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Samsung Galaxy M12: Offers excellent value for the price with a basic experience.
- Sony Xperia 1 IV: Represents a higher investment with its high-end features and capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The M12 is a very affordable option while the Xperia 1 IV is a significantly more expensive premium device.
- What are your primary use cases? For basic tasks, the M12 is adequate. For heavy usage, content creation or gaming, the Xperia 1 IV is far superior.
- How important is camera quality and media consumption? If these are crucial, the Xperia 1 IV is the better choice due to its advanced camera and superior audio-visual experience.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic User on a Tight Budget: Choose the Samsung Galaxy M12. It handles basic tasks well and provides good battery life without breaking the bank.
- Scenario 2: User Who Values High-End Multimedia Experience: Choose the Sony Xperia 1 IV. Its superior display, audio, and camera make it ideal for content consumption and creation.
- Scenario 3: Gamer or Power User: Choose the Sony Xperia 1 IV. The higher performance chip, display and ample RAM ensures smooth multitasking and gaming.
- Scenario 4: User Focused on Photography and Video: Choose the Sony Xperia 1 IV. The telephoto lens, enhanced stabilization features and 4K video recording capabilities make it a much better option.
What I would choose and why:
I would choose the Sony Xperia 1 IV. While acknowledging the significant price difference, my priorities align with its strengths. The vastly superior display, processing power, and advanced camera system are crucial for my usage patterns. I frequently edit photos and videos, consume high-quality media, and appreciate smooth performance, all of which the Xperia 1 IV excels at.
Although the M12 is a practical option for basic use cases and is more affordable, I feel that investing in the Xperia 1 IV would be better since it offers a complete experience. For me, the added features such as the telephoto lens, hi-res audio and other flagship features warrant the increased price.
