1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Tecno Spark Go 2024 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.9 x 9.7 mm | 163.7 x 75.6 x 8.6 mm | The Tecno is slightly shorter and thinner, potentially feeling more comfortable in hand; The Samsung Galaxy M12 is thicker and has larger volume. |
| Weight | 212g | 0g | Note: The weight for the Tecno is listed as 0g, which is likely an error. However, the Samsung is known to be heavier and the Tecno likely lighter, impacting comfort for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Minimal difference in screen size. Practically identical viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1612 | Similar pixel density, both offering HD+ resolution. Expect similar sharpness. |
| PPI | 270 | 267 | Negligible difference in pixel density. Both will look about the same in terms of sharpness. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD typically offers better viewing angles and color reproduction than PLS LCD, which may result in a better overall visual experience on the Tecno. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer a 90Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and animations smoother than standard 60Hz screens. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Note: Peak brightness listed as 0 nits is likely an error. Neither screen is expected to be super bright, which may cause visibility issues in bright sunlight for both. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8nm) | Unisoc T606 (12nm) | The Exynos 850 (8nm) is generally more power-efficient while the Unisoc T606 is expected to provide higher processing power due to the higher Antutu score. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 249,000 | The Tecno has significantly better benchmark scores, indicating it should handle multitasking and demanding apps more smoothly. It might also handle games slightly better. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Tecno's newer Mali-G57 should offer better graphics performance for gaming and graphic-intensive apps, giving it a slight advantage in terms of graphics processing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity. Expect comparable battery life under similar usage scenarios. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 10W fast charging | The Samsung will charge faster with 15W charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 13MP | The Samsung has a higher-resolution main sensor, resulting in more detailed photos, especially in good lighting. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/1.9 | Tecno's wider aperture allows more light to enter the sensor, potentially resulting in better low-light performance, but also shallower depth of field. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.8µm | 1.12µm | Tecno's larger pixel size can potentially collect more light, leading to better low-light performance, potentially offsetting the lower resolution. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 8MP | Identical resolution. Expect similar selfie quality. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP | None | The Samsung offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more of a scene in a single shot. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP | None | The Samsung includes a dedicated depth sensor for better bokeh effects in portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | The Samsung has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record in 1080p at 30fps. Video quality will depend on the sensors and image processing. |
| Slow-motion | No | Yes, 120 fps | The Tecno can record slow-motion videos, allowing more creative video options. |
| Features | Quad Camera | Dual Camera | The Samsung has an additional Wide Angle, Portrait and Macro lenses. Tecno offers a Front Flash for better selfies in dark enviroments |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | The Tecno offers a newer Android version, which often includes security updates and feature improvements. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | The Tecno supports a wider range of WiFi standards, including 5GHz for faster connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 LE | Both phones offer Bluetooth 5.0, but Tecno has lower energy consumption. The Samsung supports a wider range of bluetooth profiles. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS | The Samsung supports more satellite systems, potentially resulting in more accurate and faster GPS location. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128GB | 64/128GB | Both have similar storage options. |
| RAM | 3/4/6GB | 3/4GB | The Samsung is available with 6 GB of RAM, potentially offering better multitasking, while both have similar lower end ram options. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | The Tecno provides better audio with DTS audio and stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both have a fingerprint sensor on the side for secure unlocking. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | The Samsung has a gyroscope which will enable more enhanced motion tracking, whereas the Tecno has a compass and gravity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 48MP main sensor for more detailed photos, especially in good lighting.
- Additional Cameras: Includes a dedicated wide-angle, portrait (depth), and macro lens for versatile photography.
- Faster Charging: 15W fast charging for quicker battery replenishment.
- Wider Range of Bluetooth Profiles: The inclusion of AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, MAP, PAN, OPP, PBAP/PAB, and HOGP allows for greater compatibility with Bluetooth devices.
- More Satellite Systems: Supports GLONASS and Beidou for improved GPS accuracy.
- Higher RAM Option: Offers a 6GB RAM option for better multitasking.
- Gyroscope sensor For enhanced motion tracking.
Tecno Spark Go 2024 Advantages:
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 13 offering newer features and security.
- Better AnTuTu Score: Significantly higher benchmark scores indicating better general performance, smoother app loading, and better gaming.
- Better GPU: A newer GPU model provides better graphics processing, resulting in a better gaming experience.
- Slightly Larger Display: A slightly bigger screen for more visual space.
- IPS LCD: Potentially better display with wider viewing angles and more accurate color reproduction.
- Wider Aperture Main Camera: f/1.9 main lens for improved low-light performance.
- Larger Pixel Size Main Camera: With a larger pixel size, it can gather more light improving low-light performance
- Slow Motion Video: Allows 120fps slow-motion video recording.
- Stereo Speakers & DTS Support: Offers a superior audio experience with stereo speakers and DTS support.
- Front Flash: Improves selfie performance in dark environments.
- Newer WiFi standards: Supports 802.11ac for faster WiFi speeds.
- Lighter: The Tecno Spark Go 2024 is significantly lighter and more comfortable for extended use.
- Compass
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung has more camera options but the Tecno is expected to perform better in low light.
- Samsung has faster charging but both phones have 5000mAh batteries.
- The Samsung has a higher ram option, but the Tecno has a higher overall performance due to the chipset.
- The Tecno is lighter and has better audio options, while the Samsung has wider GPS support and a gyroscope.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Ideal User: Casual users who enjoy photography and need a versatile camera. Those who want more options in terms of camera lenses. Users who prioritize better GPS accuracy or need the gyroscope sensor.
- Use Cases: Social media photography, capturing landscape photos, taking portrait shots, basic gaming, and everyday use. Users who are likely to travel or need better GPS accuracy.
- Price-to-Value: If you prioritize versatile camera options and slightly better navigation, the Samsung Galaxy M12 offers good value, however, it has lower overall performance and a worse display.
Tecno Spark Go 2024:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, a better display, smoother overall performance, better low light photography, and good audio. Users who enjoy more creative video capture. Users who need a lighter phone.
- Use Cases: Playing casual games, watching videos, using multiple apps, and enjoying audio with enhanced immersion. Users who enjoy taking selfies in low light.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a significantly better performance for the price and more modern features like stereo speakers. The more recent software will ensure support for a longer time.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Do you prioritize camera versatility or low light performance? The Samsung has more lenses, but the Tecno is likely better in low light due to the wider aperture and larger pixel size.
- Do you prioritize processing power or battery charging? The Tecno is likely to be better in performance, however, the Samsung charges faster.
- Do you need the best audio experience or the most accurate navigation? The Tecno has stereo speakers with DTS, while the Samsung offers better GPS satellite support.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
For Photography Enthusiasts: If you want more versatility in your photos and video, the Samsung M12 with its wide-angle, depth, and macro lenses may be better.
For Performance Users: If you want the best performance, gaming and video experience from this price range, the Tecno Spark Go 2024 with its superior GPU and AnTuTu score is the better choice.
For Audiophiles: If you want the best audio experience, the Tecno Spark Go 2024 with its stereo speakers and DTS support is better.
For Travelers: If you need more accuracy from GPS, the Samsung M12 might be the better choice with its additional satellite support.
For Basic Smartphone Users: If you only need basic features and a balance between performance, camera, and battery, the Tecno Spark Go 2024 provides better value with its higher performance, smoother UI and stereo speakers.
My Choice
I would choose the Tecno Spark Go 2024. While the Samsung Galaxy M12 has a more versatile camera system on paper, the Tecno Spark Go 2024 offers a newer OS, significantly better performance, a potentially better display, improved low-light photography, and superior audio. Given that both phones are in the budget category, the performance improvements and better audio make the Tecno the more compelling choice for general use, gaming, and media consumption. The faster charging of the Samsung doesn't outweigh the other improvements the Tecno brings to the table. Also, it is unlikely that the user is looking for a highly professional camera in this range. The newer software is also a big win in terms of updates and overall support, which will increase the lifespan of the phone. The Tecno also weighs less, making it a more comfortable and easy phone to use daily. The addition of the front flash is also something many basic users will find useful.
