1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | ZTE Blade A75 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 164.1 × 75.8 × 8.6 mm | ZTE is slightly thinner and more compact, making it more comfortable to hold and pocket. |
| Weight | 212g | 189g | ZTE is significantly lighter, less tiring to use for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in size, both offer a large viewing experience |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1612 | Very similar sharpness, acceptable for daily use but not the sharpest. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 267 PPI | Virtually indistinguishable sharpness in everyday use. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD generally offers better viewing angles and color accuracy. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smoother scrolling and animation than standard 60Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness is unspecified for both, difficult to assess outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | The Unisoc T606 on the ZTE is significantly more powerful, providing smoother performance and better gaming capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 240,000 | ZTE will have much faster app loading and smoother multitasking, plus better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G57 MP1 | The Mali-G57 in the ZTE is more capable, leading to better graphics processing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP (f/2.0) | 50MP (f/1.8) | ZTE has a slightly wider aperture (f/1.8), potentially better in low light. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | N/A | Samsung has a known 1/2" sensor, likely providing slightly better low light detail, however no information is known about the ZTE sensor |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP (f/2.2) | No | Samsung has a wide-angle lens for capturing more in the frame |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | No | Samsung has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | No | Samsung has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP (f/2.2) | 8MP | Both offer basic selfie capabilities. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both capable of recording standard HD video. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Digital | ZTE offers digital video stabilization for less shaky videos. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 22.5W Fast Charging | ZTE charges faster, reducing time plugged into the wall. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | ZTE has a newer OS, potentially receiving more updates and newer features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | ZTE has a more advanced wifi, supporting 5GHz networks and offering better connection speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 LE | Both offer similar Bluetooth versions, though Samsung has slightly more features |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | ZTE has more advanced satellite navigation for higher accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128GB | 128/256GB | ZTE offers larger storage options, allowing more space for files and apps. |
| RAM | 3/4/6GB | 4/8GB | ZTE offers up to 8 GB of RAM, good for multitasking and gaming |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Basic | DTS / DTS X | ZTE has a much more enhanced audio experience |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both phones provide the same fingerprint security. |
| Other | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | No information on screen protection for either device. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Both offer very similar sensors for common features |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Versatile Camera System: Includes dedicated wide-angle, macro, and portrait lenses, offering greater versatility for photography.
- Slightly Better Main Camera Sensor: The sensor is known and a little larger, potentially capturing better low-light images, although this could be a little offset by the lower aperture when compared to the ZTE.
- More Bluetooth Features: Offers a more comprehensive set of Bluetooth profiles.
Practical Implications: The Galaxy M12 is better for users who like experimenting with different types of photography and need more versatile camera hardware.
ZTE Blade A75 4G Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: Much faster processor, better AnTuTu score, and a better GPU means smoother performance, faster app loading, and better gaming.
- Faster Charging: 22.5W fast charging will significantly reduce charging times.
- Larger Storage Options: 256GB internal storage option provides more space for files and apps.
- More Modern Software: Comes with a newer version of Android (Android 13)
- Better Display Technology: IPS LCD panel should provide better color accuracy and viewing angles.
- Better Audio Quality: Featuring DTS/DTS:X audio, the ZTE will offer a more immersive audio experience than the Galaxy.
- Lighter and Thinner Design: More comfortable for long-term use and carrying.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Supports 5GHz Wi-Fi and has more accurate satellite positioning.
Practical Implications: The ZTE Blade A75 4G is a clear winner for performance, storage, and user experience, suitable for general use, and gaming
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung: Less powerful chipset and less modern software, which can result in a slightly laggy experience, especially with more demanding tasks. However, the versatile cameras may be important to some users.
- ZTE: Does not have as many additional cameras as the Samsung, although this may not be an issue if the user doesn't find them necessary.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize camera versatility over raw performance, willing to sacrifice a slightly snappier user experience in favor of extra camera hardware, and enjoy playing around with different photography types.
- Use Cases: Casual photography, capturing a wide range of shots (wide, macro, portrait), less demanding day-to-day tasks, basic social media usage.
ZTE Blade A75 4G:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance and a smoother user experience. Also ideal for users who require a lot of storage space for photos, videos, and files, and like to stream movies and music, especially with the enhanced audio experience.
- Use Cases: Gaming, multitasking, running many apps simultaneously, streaming HD content, social media usage, using navigation, taking quick photos and videos, and general smartphone usage.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Samsung Galaxy M12: May be more affordable, and offer decent value for those who value the additional cameras.
- ZTE Blade A75 4G: Offers better value for performance and features at a similar price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is camera versatility (wide, macro, portrait lenses) to you?
- Do you prioritize performance and a smooth user experience, or is this less important than other things?
- How important is having the latest software and faster charging?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography Enthusiast on a Budget: If the user loves playing with different camera lenses, they would likely enjoy the Samsung Galaxy M12 more. They would be happy with a less smooth experience if it meant getting more cameras.
- Scenario 2: Performance-Focused User: If the user needs a phone for gaming or multitasking and needs smooth performance, the ZTE is a much better option. They would also benefit from the faster charging, better audio, and newer software.
- Scenario 3: Everyday User: The ZTE offers better long-term usability and value for everyday tasks, thanks to its more powerful processor, larger storage options, better audio, and faster charging.
Personal Choice
My choice would be the ZTE Blade A75 4G. The significantly better performance (reflected in the AnTuTu score) and the newer software mean that this phone will provide a much smoother, more responsive experience that is more likely to be good for the long-term. The additional storage, faster charging, better audio, and improved display technology make it the superior choice in terms of daily use. The lack of extra cameras is less of a concern for the average user who needs a fast, reliable smartphone. The wider aperture of the main camera is also beneficial for low-light photos, and while there is a slightly smaller sensor size, it doesn't seem to be too much of a detriment.
