1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-30 | 2022-09-22 | The Sony Xperia 5 IV is a much newer device, likely with more up-to-date software and features |
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | The M12 is larger and bulkier, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. The Xperia 5 IV is more pocketable and ergonomic. |
| Weight | 212g | 172g | The Xperia 5 IV is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.1" | The M12 offers a larger screen for media consumption, while the Xperia 5 IV is more compact. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2520 | The Xperia 5 IV has a much sharper display, resulting in clearer text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 449 | The Xperia 5 IV's display appears significantly more detailed, enhancing visual clarity. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | OLED | The Xperia 5 IV has vibrant colors, deep blacks, and better contrast ratios compared to the M12. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The Xperia 5 IV offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both devices have identical peak brightness, but the specific brightness is unknown, so there's no practical impact for now. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | The Xperia 5 IV's chipset offers drastically higher performance, leading to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 1,021,542 | The Xperia 5 IV demonstrates a significantly higher performance in benchmarks, leading to a much faster user experience. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Adreno 730 | The Xperia 5 IV's GPU provides substantially superior graphics processing capabilities for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 12MP | The M12 has a higher resolution sensor, but the Xperia 5 IV often produces better quality images due to sensor size and image processing. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/1.7 | The Xperia 5 IV's wider aperture allows more light, improving low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.7" | The Xperia 5 IV has a larger sensor, generally capturing more light and resulting in better image quality. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 12MP | The Xperia 5 IV has a higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | The Xperia 5 IV's wider aperture selfie camera allows more light into the sensor. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | Yes (12MP) | The Xperia 5 IV offers optical zoom capabilities, allowing for lossless zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Yes (5MP) | Yes (12MP) | The Xperia 5 IV captures more detailed and wider shots with the wide-angle lens. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | Yes (2MP) | No | The M12 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode photos. |
| Macro Lens | Yes (2MP) | No | The M12 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photos. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@120fps with HDR, OIS, EIS | The Xperia 5 IV records much higher quality video with better stabilization. |
| DXOMark Score | Not Tested | Overall: 119, Photo: 121, Video: 113 | The Xperia 5 IV camera performance is significantly better than the M12's based on the available data. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity, suggesting similar battery life. |
| Charging | 15W | 30W | The Xperia 5 IV charges faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging, Non-removable | The Xperia 5 IV allows for charging while gaming without stressing the battery, and can also charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | The Xperia 5 IV runs a newer version of Android, offering the latest features and updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (WiFi 6) | The Xperia 5 IV has faster WiFi speeds, lower latency and better performance in crowded networks with the newer WiFi 6 standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | The Xperia 5 IV has a newer version of Bluetooth for improved connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | The Xperia 5 IV has more advanced and accurate positioning capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + eSIM) | The Xperia 5 IV has eSIM support, allowing for multiple cellular plans while the M12 supports two physical SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | The Xperia 5 IV offers more storage options, especially at the high end. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 8 GB | The Xperia 5 IV has more RAM, improving multitasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage via microSD. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The Xperia 5 IV provides superior audio quality for multimedia consumption. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer similar biometric security features. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The Xperia 5 IV provides better protection against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint, Barometer | The Xperia 5 IV offers additional sensor capabilities for enhanced functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Larger Screen: The 6.5" display is suitable for those who prefer a bigger screen for media consumption.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Lens: The M12 features dedicated lenses for macro photography and portrait mode.
- Lower Cost: Typically, the M12 is a budget friendly device compared to the Xperia 5 IV, which comes at a much higher cost.
Sony Xperia 5 IV Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset delivers a much smoother and faster user experience.
- High-Quality Display: The OLED display with higher resolution and pixel density provides a vastly superior visual experience.
- Advanced Camera System: The Xperia 5 IV boasts a better main sensor, telephoto lens, and superior video recording capabilities.
- Faster Charging and Additional Battery Features: The 30W fast charging and features like bypass and reverse charging improve the overall battery experience.
- Premium Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus on the display offers better scratch resistance and a more premium feel.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio combined with stereo speakers offer a more immersive experience.
- More RAM and Storage: The Xperia 5 IV offers 8GB of RAM and greater internal storage capacities.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy M12: Sacrifices performance, display quality, and camera capabilities for a lower price point and a bigger screen.
- Sony Xperia 5 IV: Comes at a much higher price point, and lacks dedicated macro and depth lenses compared to the Samsung Galaxy M12.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Budget-conscious users who prioritize a large display for media consumption.
- Users who want basic photography capabilities and don't need high performance.
- Users who prefer a large device, even if bulkier, at an entry level price.
Specific Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Watching videos and browsing social media.
- Basic photography and casual use.
- Everyday tasks with minimal gaming.
Ideal User for Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Users who prioritize performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
- Multimedia enthusiasts who want a superior audio and visual experience.
- Gamers and content creators who require high processing power and advanced features.
- Users looking for a premium, compact smartphone experience.
Specific Use Cases for Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Mobile gaming, video editing, and photography.
- High-quality video recording and content creation.
- Enjoying media with superior visuals and audio.
- Professional use where performance and camera quality are important.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy M12 offers a very low price for basic smartphone usage and multimedia.
- The Sony Xperia 5 IV has a higher price but justifies it with significant improvements in performance, display, camera, and build quality, making it a more compelling choice for those who prioritize these features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? If budget is a major constraint, the M12 is the obvious choice but with significant compromises in quality and features.
- What are your primary use cases? If performance, display quality, and advanced camera features are paramount, the Xperia 5 IV is better. If the main focus is media consumption on a large screen, and budget is a priority, the M12 will suffice.
- How important is having cutting edge features? If the latest features are important, like higher screen refresh rates and better connectivity options, the Xperia 5 IV offers a better experience due to its newer hardware and updated OS.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic User on a Budget: Choose the Samsung Galaxy M12.
- Scenario 2: Multimedia Enthusiast: Choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV for a vastly superior experience.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Gamer/Content Creator: Choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV for its superior processing power, video recording, and overall performance.
- Scenario 4: Long-term Use: The Sony Xperia 5 IV will have a longer lifespan due to its advanced processor and updated software.
Personal Choice
If I were to choose, I would pick the Sony Xperia 5 IV. While it is significantly more expensive, the difference in performance, display quality, camera capabilities and build quality is night and day. As someone who uses my phone heavily for media consumption, photography, and gaming, the advantages of the Xperia 5 IV in these areas outweigh the cost difference for me. Additionally, having an updated OS, better connectivity, superior sensors and more RAM/storage provides significant benefits. While the Samsung Galaxy M12 is a decent budget phone, the overall user experience with the Xperia 5 IV is a much better long-term investment.
