Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. Xiaomi 12 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 163.6 × 74.6 × 8.2 mm | M12 is slightly larger and thicker, may feel bulkier. Xiaomi 12 Pro is more compact and slimmer, potentially more pocketable. |
| Weight | 212g | 204g | Xiaomi 12 Pro is slightly lighter, may feel more comfortable during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.73" | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1440x3200 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a significantly sharper and more detailed display, noticeably better for text, images, and videos. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 521 | Xiaomi 12 Pro's display is much clearer with finer details visible. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | Xiaomi 12 Pro has better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and superior power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Xiaomi 12 Pro has slightly smoother animations and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | Xiaomi 12 Pro is significantly easier to see outdoors in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Xiaomi 12 Pro is significantly faster, handling demanding apps and games with ease, and likely more future-proof. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 1,177,498 | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers drastically better performance, much quicker app loading times, and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Adreno 730 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a much more powerful GPU, offering better graphics performance in games and other demanding apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4600mAh | Samsung M12 has a slightly larger battery, possibly providing marginally better battery life under similar usage conditions. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging, 50W Wireless, 10W Reverse Wireless | Xiaomi 12 Pro charges much faster, reaching full charge in significantly less time, it can also charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers slightly more detail and better low-light performance due to its sensor and processing. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/1.9 | Xiaomi 12 Pro allows more light into the sensor, resulting in better low-light photos. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.28" | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a larger sensor, capturing more light and detail, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 32MP | Xiaomi 12 Pro captures much more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera Resolution | 5MP | 50MP | Xiaomi 12 Pro takes much higher resolution, clearer wide-angle shots. |
| Portrait Camera Resolution | 2MP | 50MP | Xiaomi 12 Pro captures higher-resolution depth information and better portrait photos. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP | None | Samsung Galaxy M12 has a dedicated macro camera, although lower resolution. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps, various 4K/1080p options with EIS | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers significantly higher video recording quality, greater flexibility with different resolutions and frame rates, and EIS for stabilization. |
| DxOMark Score | 129 (Mobile), 136 (Photo), 125 (Video) | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a better rated camera overall. | |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Xiaomi 12 Pro comes with a newer version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (WiFi 6) | Xiaomi 12 Pro supports faster, more stable Wi-Fi connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | Xiaomi 12 Pro has newer Bluetooth with enhanced features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Xiaomi 12 Pro supports more satellite systems, providing more accurate location services. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both devices offer Dual SIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32GB/64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers more storage, but neither phone has expandable storage. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB/6GB | 8GB/12GB | Xiaomi 12 Pro has significantly more RAM for better multitasking and app performance. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Basic Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Xiaomi 12 Pro provides a much better audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted | Basic Sensor | Samsung M12 has a slightly more advanced side mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Xiaomi 12 Pro has significantly superior screen protection against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Xiaomi 12 Pro includes additional environmental and motion sensors, suitable for more advanced applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Potentially Longer Battery Life: Slightly larger battery may offer slightly longer battery life (but this could be offset by the difference in power efficiency).
- Dedicated Macro Camera: The inclusion of a macro lens allows for close-up photos of small objects (though lower resolution).
- Potentially lower price: Being an older, lower end model, it will most likely come at a significantly lower price.
Practical Implications: The M12 is more focused on basic everyday tasks and longevity, with a trade off in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
Xiaomi 12 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, AMOLED technology, higher brightness, and smoother refresh rate result in a vastly superior visual experience.
- Much Faster Performance: Flagship-level chipset delivers exceptional performance for all tasks, including heavy gaming.
- Significantly Better Camera System: Higher resolution sensors, wider aperture, and better processing lead to superior photo and video quality across all cameras.
- Much Faster Charging: 120W wired charging significantly reduces downtime.
- Superior Audio System: Enhanced audio experience with spatial audio, higher quality playback, and improved voice capture.
- More Modern Connectivity: WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 provide faster and more reliable wireless connections.
- Advanced Features: Offers optical zoom, Ultra Stable Video, RAW image capture and more advanced video options.
Practical Implications: The Xiaomi 12 Pro provides a premium experience with top-tier performance, a superior display, advanced camera capabilities, much faster charging, and enhanced audio. It excels in all high-demand use cases.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy M12 offers slightly longer battery life and a macro lens but at a considerable cost to display quality, performance, charging speed, camera capabilities, audio quality, and connectivity.
- The Xiaomi 12 Pro sacrifices a macro lens and a slightly smaller battery capacity for drastically better performance, display quality, camera system, charging speed, audio quality, connectivity, and features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 Ideal User:
- Users on a very strict budget.
- Users who prioritize battery life above all else.
- Users who mainly use a smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing.
- Users who need a very simple, straightforward phone with basic features.
- Users who occasionally take close-up photos using the macro lens.
Use Cases:
- Basic everyday communication.
- Casual web browsing and social media.
- Media consumption (though the display quality isn't optimal).
- Long periods away from a charger, though the slow charging speed is a downside.
Xiaomi 12 Pro Ideal User:
- Users who value premium performance and features, with less concern for budget.
- Users who want the best possible display experience.
- Users who heavily use their smartphone for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and content creation.
- Users who prioritize a fast charging device.
- Users who want a high-quality camera system for photography and videography.
Use Cases:
- Gaming at high graphics settings.
- High-quality photography and videography.
- Heavy multitasking and demanding app usage.
- Professional mobile workflows (e.g., photo/video editing).
- Enjoying media with vibrant and detailed visuals.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy M12 has a lower price, however, it offers a very low price for very basic functionalities.
- The Xiaomi 12 Pro is a premium device, with a much higher cost, but has significantly higher value for users looking for high performance and premium features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? This will help narrow down your search significantly.
- What are your primary use cases? Are you a casual user or do you need a high-performance device?
- How important are display quality and camera capabilities to you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Basic User with Budget Constraints: If your main concern is cost and basic smartphone functionality, the Samsung Galaxy M12 might suffice, especially if long battery life is crucial, although it will come with significant trade offs.
Scenario 2: Performance-Oriented User with a Higher Budget: If you demand top-tier performance, a superior display, and high-quality cameras, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the clear winner.
Scenario 3: Balanced Use with Moderate Budget: Neither of these phones fit this need, in this case, looking for other options would be more suitable.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two devices, I would overwhelmingly choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro. While the Samsung M12 has a slightly larger battery and a macro lens, the Xiaomi 12 Pro offers a vastly superior experience in almost every other aspect that matters to me as a user.
Here's my reasoning:
- Display Quality: The AMOLED display on the Xiaomi 12 Pro is simply on another level. The higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness make for a much more enjoyable visual experience when browsing, watching videos, or playing games. The display on the Samsung M12 pales in comparison.
- Performance: As someone who uses a phone for demanding tasks, such as mobile gaming and editing, the massive difference in performance between the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Xiaomi 12 Pro and the Exynos 850 in the Samsung M12 is night and day.
- Camera System: The Xiaomi 12 Pro's camera system is far more versatile and capable, offering much better image quality and video recording capabilities. I value having access to high-quality photos and videos.
- Charging Speed: The 120W fast charging is a game-changer. It minimizes downtime and is much more convenient for someone always on the go. The 15W charging of the Samsung M12 would be way too slow.
- Audio Quality: As a media consumer, the better audio quality with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers is definitely preferred.
While the M12's macro camera is an interesting addition, it would not be enough to make up for the other areas where it falls short. The significantly higher price is certainly a trade-off, but for me the improved user experience and the overall benefits it offers make it worth the cost.
