Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. ZTE Axon 40 Ultra
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-30 | 2022-05-13 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is a newer device, potentially offering more up-to-date features and software. |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.9 x 9.7 mm | 163.3 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm | Samsung Galaxy M12 is slightly wider and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 212g | 204g | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is lighter, which may be noticeable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.8" | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has a slightly larger screen, providing a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1116 x 2480 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers significantly sharper images and text due to much higher pixel density. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 400 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra provides a noticeably clearer display with more detail. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra provides better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors; also more power-efficient for dark mode usage. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers smoother scrolling and animations, resulting in a more responsive feeling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is significantly better for outdoor use in bright sunlight due to its much higher brightness, the Samsung galaxy brightness is not listed, potentially indicating lower brightness than the ZTE. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers significantly better overall performance (faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming). |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 1,061,300 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has vastly superior performance, making it suitable for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Adreno 730 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra provides much better graphics processing, crucial for gaming and graphics-intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2" | 64MP, f/1.6, 1/1.72" | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra's main camera should capture better images in low light and have slightly better dynamic range with a wider aperture and larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.0 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra's selfie camera should capture better images with more detail and better low-light capabilities. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2" | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities, which the Samsung Galaxy M12 lacks. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | Samsung Galaxy M12 has a dedicated wide-angle lens to capture more in a single shot. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | None | 0.3MP | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has a dedicated ToF 3D sensor for depth-sensing capabilities, which the Samsung Galaxy M12 lacks. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy M12 has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode results, which the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra lacks. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy M12 has a dedicated macro lens for close up shots, which the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra lacks. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 64MP, f/2.3, 1/1.72" | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has a dedicated wide angle + macro lens for better macro and wider shots, which the Samsung Galaxy M12 lacks. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers significantly higher video recording resolution and more recording options for more professional video capture. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra's video is much more stable due to EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization). |
| Slow-Motion Video | No | Yes (480fps) | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers slow-motion video recording at 480 fps compared to the Samsung Galaxy M12 that doesn't have slow-motion. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 15W | 65W | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra charges much faster, allowing for quick power-ups. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12/13 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has a newer operating system, potentially with more features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has more advanced WiFi supporting faster speeds and better range with newer standards, including Wi-Fi 6. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has a newer version of Bluetooth with lower energy consumption. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1) | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra provides more accurate and faster location tracking by supporting more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both devices support dual SIM functionality, allowing for use of multiple phone numbers or data plans. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128GB | 128/256/512/1024 GB | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers significantly more internal storage options. |
| RAM | 3/4/6GB | 8/12/16/18GB | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking and faster app performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio | DTS/DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra provides an enhanced audio experience with stereo speakers and better sound processing capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | basic | Samsung Galaxy M12 has a side-mounted fingerprint scanner compared to the basic fingerprint sensor of the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Gravity | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has gravity sensor. |
| ## 2. Key Differences Analysis |
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Lower price point: The M12 is likely much more affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: A side-mounted fingerprint sensor might be preferred by some users for convenience.
- Dedicated Macro and Wide-Angle Lens: Offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots and a wide-angle lens for wider perspective shots.
- Portrait Mode (Depth) Camera: Samsung Galaxy M12 offers a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode.
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Advantages:
- Significantly superior performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset provides a much faster and smoother user experience.
- Higher quality display: AMOLED screen with higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness.
- Much better camera system: Superior main sensor, telephoto lens, better selfie camera, and advanced video recording features.
- Faster charging: 65W fast charging drastically reduces charging times.
- More Storage and RAM: Offers far greater storage and RAM configurations for demanding users.
- Advanced Audio: Stereo speakers, DTS/DTS X, and 3 microphones provide enhanced audio.
- Better GPS: More satellite system support provides much more accurate location tracking.
- Newer Software: The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has a more up-to-date version of Android.
- Gravity Sensor: The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is equipped with a gravity sensor.
- Wide angle + Macro Camera: Offers a versatile wide-angle + macro camera to take macro images with a wider perspective.
Trade-offs:
- ZTE Axon 40 Ultra trades the dedicated wide angle, macro and depth sensors for higher quality sensors that are included with the other lenses. Also, it is a much more expensive device than the Samsung Galaxy M12.
- Samsung Galaxy M12 compromises on display quality, performance, and camera capabilities for a lower price point. It lacks premium features such as a telephoto lens, fast charging, and a high refresh rate display.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users who prioritize affordability over top-tier performance.
- Users who need a basic smartphone for calls, texts, social media, and light browsing.
- Individuals who need a reliable device with a long-lasting battery for everyday use.
- Users that need a dedicated macro, wide-angle or depth camera.
Use Cases:
- Primary phone for students or elderly individuals with basic needs.
- Backup phone for emergencies or travel.
- Basic social media use and web browsing.
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
- Mobile gamers and heavy multi-taskers needing a smooth, responsive experience.
- Users who want to capture high-quality photos and videos.
- Those who need a premium device with top-of-the-line features.
- Users who value having a powerful device that excels in almost every area.
- Users who want professional-grade video capabilities.
- Users who want a very accurate GPS.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming and demanding apps.
- Professional photography and videography.
- Daily driver for power users who want the best possible smartphone experience.
- Media consumption and entertainment.
- Work and productivity.
- Outdoor activities that require an accurate GPS.
Price-to-Value:
- The Samsung Galaxy M12 is a budget option that provides good value for basic usage.
- The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers a premium experience, and the higher cost may be justified for users who need its advanced capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The Samsung Galaxy M12 is the budget choice, while the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is a premium option.
- What are my primary usage needs? Basic tasks vs. demanding tasks will determine which phone suits your lifestyle best.
- How important are camera quality, display quality and performance to me? The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy M12 in these areas.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic User, Tight Budget: The Samsung Galaxy M12 is the better choice due to its low price and good enough daily performance.
- Scenario 2: Mid-Range Performance and Budget: Neither of these phones fit this scenario.
- Scenario 3: Power User, High-Quality Media, and Gaming: The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is the clear choice for its high performance, advanced camera features and impressive display.
- Scenario 4: Accurate Location Tracking Needed: The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra would be preferred for its better GPS.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones for myself, I would pick the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. Although it is likely much more expensive, the sheer difference in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities is too significant to ignore. I frequently use my phone for demanding tasks like mobile gaming and photo editing, and the Axon 40 Ultra's powerful chipset, AMOLED screen, and advanced camera system would drastically improve my user experience. The faster charging, additional RAM, and enhanced audio also make it more future-proof for me and aligned with how I use my phone day to day. While the Samsung Galaxy M12 is a good budget option, it does not meet my needs for higher performance and premium features. The only thing that is better on the Samsung Galaxy M12 compared to the ZTE is the more convinient side-mounted fingerprint sensor, but it is not enough to choose it over the ZTE.
