Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. Xiaomi Poco C65
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy M12 and Xiaomi Poco C65, focusing on practical implications for users:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Xiaomi Poco C65 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | 2021-04-30 | 2023-11-06 | Poco C65 is significantly newer, potentially having better software support. |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.9 x 9.7 mm | 168 x 78 x 8.1 mm | Poco C65 is taller and wider but thinner. M12 is bulkier. Poco C65 may be more pocketable despite height. |
| Weight | 212g | 192g | Poco C65 is lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Build Material | Unknown | Unknown | Impact resistance is not specified. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Neither phone is foldable, offering the traditional smartphone experience |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Xiaomi Poco C65 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.74" | Poco C65 has a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both have HD+ resolution, adequate for everyday use but not the sharpest. |
| PPI | 270 | 260 | Similar pixel density, expect comparable screen clarity. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Poco C65's IPS LCD may offer slightly better viewing angles and color reproduction than PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smoother scrolling and animations compared to standard 60Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Unable to determine real world performance with no brightness data |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Xiaomi Poco C65 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | Poco C65's Helio G85 is generally more powerful, leading to better performance in apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 237,768 | Poco C65's significantly higher score indicates considerably faster performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 (ARM Mali-G52) | Mali-G52 MC2 (Arm Mali-G52 MC2) | Poco C65's GPU variant is expected to offer superior graphics performance, especially in gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Xiaomi Poco C65 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP (f/2.0, 1/2", 0.8µm, Samsung S5KGM2) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm, Samsung S5KJN1) | Poco C65 has slightly higher resolution and wider aperture for better low-light performance, while M12 has a larger sensor for better light capture. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Similar selfie performance expected. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP (f/2.2) | None | M12 offers a wide-angle lens for capturing more in a single shot. |
| Portrait (Depth) Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Both provide a depth sensor for portrait mode with similar quality. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Both provide a macro lens for close-up shots with similar quality. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, No stabilization, No slow-mo | 1080p@30fps, No stabilization, Slow-motion: Yes, 120 fps | Poco C65 offers slow-motion recording at 120fps; Both are similar for standard video capture, stabilization is unavailable on both models. |
| Features | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | M12 offers PDAF and Panorama, while Poco C65 includes 4K video, digital image stabilization, and RAW capture for more flexibility |
| DxOMark | Not available | Not available | Cannot compare based on DxOMark scores. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Xiaomi Poco C65 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life for typical use. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 18W fast charging | Poco C65 charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Poco C65 can act as a power bank to charge other devices. |
Software and Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Xiaomi Poco C65 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | Poco C65 has a newer OS, likely offering better performance and security. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Poco C65 supports newer Wi-Fi standards, resulting in faster and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE | Poco C65 has newer Bluetooth version for more efficient connections with peripherals. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Poco C65 supports Galileo for more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both phones support dual sim cards |
Storage and Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Xiaomi Poco C65 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 32GB/64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Poco C65 offers a base of 128GB and a 256GB variant, while the M12 has a smaller base storage, potentially more suitable for media storage. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB/6GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Poco C65 offers a higher RAM option (8GB), facilitating better multitasking and gaming performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither of the devices have the option to add expandable storage. |
| Audio | Basic audio features | Basic audio features | Both phones offer similar basic audio capabilities |
| Security | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones have side-mounted fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Unable to determine real world performance without details about the screen protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | M12 features Proximity sensor, and Poco C65 features a compass and an ultrasonic virtual proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco C65 Advantages:
- Performance: The Helio G85 chipset and higher AnTuTu score translate to significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Display: IPS LCD technology is superior to PLS LCD, offering potentially better viewing angles and color accuracy.
- Camera: Includes a wider aperture main camera (f/1.8) and a slow-motion video recording at 120fps.
- Battery: Faster 18W charging and reverse charging features make it more convenient for daily use.
- Software: Runs on a newer Android 13, offering better security and potentially more up-to-date features.
- Connectivity: Supports newer WiFi standards (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.3 LE, resulting in faster and more efficient connections.
- Storage: Has larger storage options of up to 256GB and a larger RAM of 8 GB
Practical Implications: The Poco C65 is better suited for users who prioritize performance, multitasking, and faster connectivity. The better camera specs and battery capabilities make it more versatile for multimedia consumption.
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Camera: Offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for more creative photography, and a larger sensor for main lens
- Build Quality: Thicker build may give an impression of ruggedness, however, neither device has an official rating
- Sensors: Has a dedicated proximity sensor
- Software: Software may appeal to those who prefer a more basic UI experience, and the additional security features may be more appealing to some users
Practical Implications: The Galaxy M12 is more suited for users looking for a basic phone with a wider variety of camera lens.
Significant Trade-Offs
- Performance: The M12 lags significantly behind the Poco C65 in performance, which can impact gaming and multitasking.
- Features: The Poco C65 has a more modern feature set, but it lacks the wide-angle lens and the proximity sensor of the M12.
- Age: The M12 being an older device, may not receive further software updates.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Basic Users: Those primarily focused on calls, texts, and simple social media usage.
- Camera: Users who want a phone with a wide angle lens, and a larger sensor
- Value-Conscious: Users seeking a budget-friendly option with a focus on essentials.
Use Cases:
- Reliable backup phone.
- Phone for older family members who need a simple device.
Ideal Users for Xiaomi Poco C65:
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who enjoy watching videos, browsing social media, and playing light games.
- Performance Seekers: Users who value faster app loading and smooth multitasking.
- Photography: Users who prioritize a wide aperture main lens for better low-light conditions
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate the latest software features and faster connectivity options.
Use Cases:
- Daily driver for social media and video streaming.
- Casual gaming on-the-go.
- Photography and videography focused user.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is performance and multitasking? If these are priorities, the Poco C65 is the clear winner.
- Do you need a wide angle lens? If yes, the M12 is the only choice.
- How important is future software support and updates? If highly important, the newer Poco C65 is better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget and Basic Use If your primary need is a simple phone for basic tasks and cost is a major concern, the Samsung Galaxy M12 may be sufficient.
- Scenario 2: Multimedia and Performance If you want smoother performance, better gaming, and a more immersive multimedia experience, choose the Xiaomi Poco C65.
- Scenario 3: Photography Variety If you value a wide-angle camera option, the Galaxy M12 is the better choice.
My Choice
Based on the provided specifications and practical analysis, I would choose the Xiaomi Poco C65.
Here's why:
The Poco C65 offers a clear advantage in performance due to its superior chipset and significantly higher AnTuTu benchmark score. This translates to a much smoother and more responsive user experience in everyday tasks, and also during gaming sessions. The newer IPS LCD display is also a welcome upgrade, offering potentially better viewing angles and colour reproduction. Furthermore, the faster 18W charging and reverse charging is a welcome addition for a heavy mobile user.
While the Samsung Galaxy M12 offers a wide-angle camera and is a great choice for a very basic user, the performance differences are too significant to ignore. The Poco C65 is simply the more capable phone for a modern user.
