Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. TCL 40 SE
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | TCL 40 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-30 | 2023-04-04 | TCL 40 SE is a newer device, potentially benefiting from more recent software optimizations. |
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 167.9 × 76.5 × 8.5 mm | TCL 40 SE is slightly taller and thinner, which might feel more modern, while the M12 is more bulky. |
| Weight | 212g | 190g | TCL 40 SE is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use, especially one-handed operation. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.75" | TCL 40 SE offers a slightly larger viewing area, which can be better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both phones have the same resolution, meaning sharpness is comparable, and individual pixels are noticeable. |
| PPI | 270 | 260 | Similar pixel density, so the displays will look comparable in clarity. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | TCL 40 SE's IPS LCD panel will likely offer slightly better viewing angles and color reproduction compared to the PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer a smoother scrolling experience compared to standard 60Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | TCL 40 SE's significantly higher brightness ensures better outdoor visibility, especially in direct sunlight, as Samsung's brightness isn't available. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) | The Exynos 850 is fabricated on a smaller process, potentially offering slightly better power efficiency, while the TCL 40 SE's chipset will likely provide slightly better performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 160,000 | TCL 40 SE demonstrates significantly higher performance in benchmarks, suggesting faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | PowerVR GE8320 | Different GPUs, but the AnTuTu scores indicate TCL 40 SE will perform better in graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP, f/2.0 | 50MP, f/1.85 | TCL 40 SE has a slightly higher resolution and a wider aperture, potentially capturing more light and detail in low-light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | TCL 40 SE has a wider aperture, which could result in slightly brighter selfies in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | Not available | Samsung Galaxy M12 offers a dedicated wide-angle lens, allowing for more creative shots. |
| Depth Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both feature a depth sensor for portrait mode effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both phones have dedicated macro lenses for close-up photography. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both offer similar video recording capabilities suitable for social media sharing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5010mAh | Similar battery capacity suggests comparable battery life under typical usage. |
| Charging | 15W | 18W | TCL 40 SE offers slightly faster charging, reducing downtime and getting back on the go quicker. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | TCL 40 SE has a newer version of Android, offering improved features, security, and general optimizations compared to Samsung. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | TCL 40 SE supports more modern Wi-Fi standards, offering better performance, especially dual-band support |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | TCL 40 SE has newer version of Bluetooth with potentially better range and energy efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | TCL 40 SE includes Galileo, which will improve accuracy for GPS-dependent tasks. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | TCL 40 SE offers more storage by default with a max of 256 GB, which is better for media, applications, etc. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 4/6 GB | Both phones offer adequate RAM options for basic multitasking and day-to-day use. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage capabilities, which is a common drawback. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Stereo Speakers | TCL 40 SE has a slight edge in audio quality with stereo speakers, offering better audio immersion. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer similar biometric security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Proximity | Samsung includes a Gyroscope while TCL includes a Gravity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Wide-Angle Lens: A dedicated wide-angle camera offers more creative shooting options for landscapes and group photos.
- Gyroscope: Better gaming performance for tilt controls.
TCL 40 SE Advantages:
- Newer and Lighter: Launched much later, the TCL 40 SE is lighter, feels more modern, and has more recent software, giving better performance and newer features.
- Superior Display Brightness: Significantly higher brightness makes it more suitable for outdoor use in bright sunlight.
- Better Performance: Higher AnTuTu score indicates better overall performance for gaming and app usage.
- Improved Main Camera: Wider aperture means better low-light performance for the main camera.
- Modern WiFi Standard: The TCL has access to more modern WiFi standards compared to Samsung.
- Stereo Speakers: Improved audio experience with stereo speakers is superior for media consumption.
- Bluetooth: Newer Bluetooth version with better efficiency.
- Higher Internal Storage: Offers higher internal storage options, which means more room for apps and media.
- Better GPS: Improved accuracy due to the inclusion of Galileo.
- Faster Charging: The 18W charging is faster, which is a practical advantage for most users.
- Newer OS: Runs a more recent Android version (13 vs. 11).
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung M12 lacks screen brightness: Samsung Galaxy M12 does not offer outdoor readability when compared to the TCL 40 SE.
- TCL 40 SE lacks wide-angle lens: TCL 40 SE does not have a wide-angle lens.
- Both lack Expandable Storage: Users cannot expand the storage on either phone.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 is Ideal For:
- Users who prioritize wide-angle photography: Those who need the flexibility of a wide-angle lens for landscapes and groups.
- Users who need a Gyroscope Sensor: Those who enjoy playing games that make use of a gyroscope.
- Users on a budget: If the price is significantly lower, it may be a good budget choice, although it's not as versatile.
TCL 40 SE is Ideal For:
- Users who need bright screens for outdoor use: Ideal for those who frequently use their phones in bright sunlight.
- Users seeking improved performance and modern features: Best for those who need smoother performance, a more modern OS and faster charging.
- Users who consume media frequently: The larger screen, higher brightness and stereo speakers make it better for media consumption.
- Users needing ample storage: Those who want to store lots of photos, videos, and apps on their phone.
- Users looking for a newer device: Those who want to use a more modern phone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is outdoor screen visibility? If you need good screen visibility outdoors, TCL 40 SE is the clear winner.
- Do you need a wide-angle camera? If yes, the Samsung Galaxy M12 is the only option.
- How important is performance and software? If you value modern performance, the latest Android OS, then TCL 40 SE is preferred.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Outdoor use and general use: The TCL 40 SE is preferred. It has much better outdoor visibility and is better in general use with its improved performance and features.
- Scenario 2: Budget user: If the Samsung Galaxy M12 is much cheaper, it could be a choice for a very budget-conscious user.
- Scenario 3: Photography focused (Wide-Angle needed): The Samsung Galaxy M12 is the preferred choice due to its dedicated wide-angle camera, though it is inferior in almost every other category.
- Scenario 4: Multimedia focused: The TCL 40 SE would be the better choice. Stereo speakers and a larger, brighter display provide a better multimedia experience.
My Choice and Explanation
I would choose the TCL 40 SE. While the Samsung Galaxy M12 offers a wide-angle lens, the TCL 40 SE excels in several more important aspects. The improved screen brightness makes it much more practical for daily use, particularly outdoors. The newer chipset and significantly higher benchmark scores suggest better overall performance, leading to a smoother user experience. Additionally, the larger internal storage is a significant advantage for storing apps, media, and other files. The stereo speakers are a plus for watching videos. The newer version of Android is crucial for security and the latest features. While both phones lack expandable storage, the TCL 40 SE comes with significantly more internal storage, which mitigates that concern. The newer Bluetooth standard and faster charging are also great additions. Overall, the TCL 40 SE is a more well-rounded and modern device with practical improvements for everyday use.
