Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. TCL 50 SE
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | TCL 50 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-30 | 2024-04-08 | TCL 50 SE is a much newer device with potentially improved software support and modern features. |
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 168.2 × 75.5 × 8.1 mm | TCL 50 SE is taller and thinner, making it slightly more pocketable, while the M12 is a bit bulkier |
| Weight | 212g | 195g | TCL 50 SE is lighter, which would be more comfortable for extended use, especially one handed. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.78" | TCL 50 SE has a slightly larger screen, potentially offering a more immersive experience. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2460 | TCL 50 SE has a significantly sharper display, which makes text and images clearer. |
| PPI | 270 | 396 | TCL 50 SE offers a significantly sharper display with higher pixel density. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | TCL 50 SE generally offers better viewing angles and color reproduction than PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both phones offer a smoother scrolling experience than standard 60Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | TCL 50 SE has dramatically better outdoor visibility, making it much more usable in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) | TCL 50 SE has a more powerful chipset, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 250,000 | TCL 50 SE offers significantly faster performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G52 MC2 | TCL 50 SE's GPU has slightly better performance, offering smoother graphics in games and apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.8 | TCL 50 SE's main camera captures slightly more light due to the wider aperture, improving low light. The higher resolution doesn't impact image quality much |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12 µm pixel size | TCL 50 SE should perform slightly better in low light due to the wider aperture and larger pixel size. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | N/A | Samsung Galaxy M12 offers a wider field of view in photos, which is useful for landscape shots. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Samsung Galaxy M12 can take photos with a depth of field effect. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixel size | Both phones have a macro lens for close-up shots, with the TCL 50 SE having slightly larger pixels for slightly better low light. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both offer the same standard video recording, suitable for social media. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5010mAh | Both have large batteries, offering all-day usage for most users, the difference is insignificant |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | TCL 50 SE charges much faster, which significantly reduces charging time. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | TCL 50 SE has a more modern OS with potentially more features and better security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | TCL 50 SE has faster and more stable Wi-Fi on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | TCL 50 SE has a slightly newer version, offering more efficient and reliable connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | TCL 50 SE has a more accurate GPS with the addition of Galileo. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM) | Both phones allow the use of two SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32GB/64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | TCL 50 SE comes with a minimum of 128GB or 256GB offering more space for photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB/6GB | 4GB/6GB | Both are suitable for moderate multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for additional storage via microSD. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Stereo Speakers | TCL 50 SE offers a better audio experience through stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones provide convenient and secure biometric authentication. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Proximity | Samsung Galaxy M12 additionally features: Gyroscope, Hall; TCL 50 SE additionally features: Gravity; Good sensor configuration for most applications |
| ## 2. Key Differences Analysis |
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Wide-Angle Camera: Includes a dedicated 5MP wide-angle lens, providing versatility in photography.
- Portrait Mode Camera: Includes a dedicated 2MP portrait lens for depth of field effects.
- Gyroscope: This allows for more accurate motion tracking.
Practical Implications:
- The wide-angle lens is useful for capturing group photos or landscapes.
- The portrait lens can blur backgrounds for a more professional look.
- The Gyroscope allows for a more immersive VR experience.
TCL 50 SE Advantages:
- Newer, more powerful processor: The Helio G88 offers significantly better performance for smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Higher Resolution Display: Sharper and clearer visual experience with a higher pixel density.
- Brighter Display: Much better visibility in outdoor and sunlight conditions.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster 33W charging compared to 15W.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 14, offering latest features and security patches.
- Larger Internal Storage Options: Offers 128GB and 256GB storage options compared to 32GB/64GB/128GB options on the M12.
- Stereo Speakers: Better audio experience with stereo sound.
- Better Connectivity: Supports newer WiFi and Bluetooth versions.
Better low-light selfie camera: Due to wider aperture and larger pixel size. Practical Implications:
Faster performance results in smoother app usage, gaming and faster loading times.
- The higher resolution display makes reading text and watching videos more enjoyable.
- The brighter display ensures comfortable outdoor use.
- Faster charging means less time tethered to a power outlet.
- A newer OS will be supported for a longer period.
- Stereo speakers provide a more immersive audio experience for media consumption.
- Better connectivity allows for faster download/upload speeds and a more reliable connection.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy M12: Loses out in almost every other category compared to the TCL 50 SE
- TCL 50 SE: Lacks a wide-angle and portrait camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Users who prioritize having dedicated wide-angle and portrait mode cameras.
- Users who are less demanding in terms of performance and can compromise for a lower price.
- Users who want a gyroscope for better motion tracking.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Casual photography with a need for wide-angle shots and portrait mode.
- Basic smartphone tasks like browsing, social media, and communication.
- Users who enjoy VR and apps that use a gyroscope.
Ideal User for TCL 50 SE:
- Users who value performance, a high-quality display, and fast charging.
- Users who consume a lot of media and want a good audio experience with stereo speakers.
- Users who want a device that is more future-proof with a newer Android version.
Use Cases for TCL 50 SE:
- Gaming and resource-intensive apps.
- Watching videos and movies.
- Frequent outdoor use in bright sunlight.
- Users who need a phone that can charge quickly.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The TCL 50 SE offers a significantly better price-to-value ratio given its newer hardware, performance improvements, display and battery features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? (The M12 may be more affordable but lacks performance)
- How important are camera features like wide angle and portrait mode? (M12 has these, while the 50 SE does not)
- What is more important to me, display quality/performance or the ability to take wide angle and portrait photos?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Budget-Conscious & Basic Use: If you have a limited budget and need a basic device for calls, texts, and some browsing, the Samsung Galaxy M12 might suffice, especially if you want the wide and portrait cameras. However, be aware of it's performance issues.
Performance & Media Focused: If you need a phone with good performance for gaming, media consumption and a great display for outdoor use, the TCL 50 SE is the clear choice due to its vastly superior performance and display quality.
Balanced User: If you want an overall well rounded phone, the TCL 50 SE is the obvious choice due to its vastly superior performance, newer hardware and software and better display, the lack of a wide angle and portrait lens may not be worth the loss in all other areas.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would definitely choose the TCL 50 SE. The difference in performance, display quality, charging speed, and software is too significant to ignore.
While the Samsung Galaxy M12 has a wide-angle and portrait lens, this is not a worthy trade-off when considering all of the other shortcomings compared to the TCL 50 SE. For my usage, having a device that is fast, has an excellent display, and charges quickly is far more valuable than those extra camera features. Additionally, the stereo speakers, better connectivity and newer android version on the TCL 50 SE solidify its position as a much more modern and well rounded device.
