Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy M12 and ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra, highlighting practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 164 × 76.4 × 8.8 mm | Similar height and width, but the M12 is thicker, making the Z60 Ultra slightly more sleek and pocketable. |
| Weight | 212g | 246g | M12 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. The Z60 Ultra is heavier, which might feel more substantial. |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The Z60 Ultra offers better protection against scratches and drops, increasing its durability. The M12's screen protection is unknown. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.8" | Z60 Ultra has a slightly larger screen, offering more space for content viewing and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1116x2480 | Z60 Ultra has a much sharper display, resulting in crisper text and images, enhancing the viewing experience. |
| PPI | 270 | 400 | The higher pixel density on the Z60 Ultra leads to noticeably sharper and more detailed visuals, particularly useful for detailed work and media. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | Z60 Ultra's AMOLED display provides superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better viewing angles. PLS LCD is more basic in comparison. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Z60 Ultra provides a slightly smoother scrolling and animation experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | The Z60 Ultra's much higher brightness makes it significantly more usable outdoors in bright sunlight, offering superior visibility. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | The Z60 Ultra's high-end chipset offers dramatically faster processing, ensuring smoother performance for demanding apps and games. The M12's chipset is basic. |
| Antutu Score | 117,341 | 2,017,588 | The Z60 Ultra has significantly better performance, enabling faster app loading, smoother multitasking, better gaming, and is much more future-proof. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Adreno 750 | The Adreno 750 in the Z60 Ultra provides significantly better graphics performance for gaming and other graphically intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2", 0.80 µm | 54MP, f/1.6, 1/1.49", 1.00 µm | Z60 Ultra captures more detailed images in low light due to larger sensor and wider aperture, and slightly higher megapixel count. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2, | 12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.4" | Z60 Ultra's wider aperture and higher resolution results in better selfies with good low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/3.3, 1/2", 0.70 µm | Z60 Ultra has telephoto capability for zoomed shots with optical zoom, absent in M12. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55", 1.00 µm | Z60 Ultra's wide-angle lens captures much more detail, has better low-light capability, and wider aperture, resulting in superior wide-angle shots. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | M12 has a dedicated depth sensor which provides basic depth data. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | M12 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps; No stabilization | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60fps; HDR, EIS | Z60 Ultra offers much higher video resolution, frame rates, HDR, and electronic stabilization, ideal for higher-quality video capture. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, PDAF , etc. | Optical zoom, Triple camera, OIS, EIS, Laser autofocus, etc. | Z60 Ultra has additional features like OIS and optical zoom for better image quality and stabilization for videos and photos. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6000mAh | The Z60 Ultra's larger battery offers potentially longer battery life, although actual usage depends on various factors. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | Z60 Ultra can charge its battery much faster, reducing downtime and offering greater convenience. The M12's charging speed is much slower. |
| Removability | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both batteries are built-in and cannot be replaced by the user. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Z60 Ultra offers a newer version of Android, providing latest features, security updates, and potentially better performance and efficiency. |
| WiFi | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be | Z60 Ultra supports the latest Wi-Fi standards, offering faster, more reliable wireless connections with better performance in crowded environments. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.4 LE | Z60 Ultra offers a newer version of Bluetooth, potentially providing more efficient connections and better audio quality, while consuming less power. |
| 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), GPS (L1+L2+L5), QZSS (L1+L2+L5) | The Z60 Ultra has access to a more extensive range of satellite systems, enabling higher location accuracy and faster positioning. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both phones support two SIM cards for convenient use of multiple phone numbers. |
Storage & Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal Storage | 32GB/64GB/128GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | The Z60 Ultra offers significantly more internal storage space, suitable for large media libraries, apps, and games. The M12's storage options are very limited. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB/6GB | 8GB/12GB/16GB/24GB | Z60 Ultra has much more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and better performance with demanding applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers the option to expand storage using microSD cards. |
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Z60 Ultra provides an enhanced audio experience with stereo speakers, immersive surround sound technology and better voice capture for calls. |
| ### Security |
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Fingerprint Sensor | side-mounted | basic fingerprint sensor | M12 has a side-mounted sensor that many may prefer for convenience. Z60 Ultra has a basic fingerprint sensor which may be less convenient. |
| ### Sensors |
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity, RGB | Z60 Ultra has a more comprehensive sensor suite which is suitable for more advanced features such as augmented reality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages
- Lighter Weight: Significantly lighter (212g), making it more comfortable for extended use.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Possibly more convenient fingerprint unlock for some users.
- More affordable: Likely to be in a more budget-friendly price range.
- Basic Macro and Depth sensor: Includes these sensors, albeit with lower resolution and quality.
Practical Implications: The M12's advantages make it more suitable for basic daily usage, where portability and affordability are prioritized.
ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra Advantages
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution, pixel density, AMOLED technology, and brightness, offering a much better viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Flagship Performance: High-end Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset provides exceptional speed, smoother multitasking and better gaming performance.
- Significantly better Cameras: Superior main camera, selfie camera, and wide-angle lens. Includes telephoto capabilities with optical zoom and OIS for better quality images in various conditions.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: Offers significantly longer battery life and much faster charging, reducing downtime and increasing convenience.
- Advanced Audio: Features stereo speakers and enhanced audio with DTS / DTS X.
- Newer Android OS and Connectivity: Comes with Android 14 and supports latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards.
- Much More Storage and RAM: Includes significantly more RAM and storage options.
- Better Screen Protection: Uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for better durability.
- Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Features compass, gravity, and RGB sensors for advanced features.
Practical Implications: The Z60 Ultra offers a top-tier smartphone experience suitable for users demanding high performance, superior display quality, advanced camera capabilities and high quality audio, along with longer battery life.
Significant Trade-offs
- ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra is significantly more expensive, larger, and heavier than the Samsung Galaxy M12.
- Samsung Galaxy M12 sacrifices almost all features for a very budget friendly price.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12
- Ideal Users: Budget-conscious users seeking basic smartphone functionality, first-time smartphone buyers, seniors, or users who value a lighter phone.
- Use Cases: Basic communication (calls, messages), web browsing, social media, casual media consumption, and occasional photography. Suitable for users who need an entry-level smartphone without any high-performance requirements.
- Price-to-Value: Offers basic functionality at a very affordable price point.
ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra
- Ideal Users: Power users, gamers, photography enthusiasts, media consumers, and users who want a top-tier smartphone experience.
- Use Cases: Demanding mobile gaming, high-resolution media consumption, professional-level photography and videography, multitasking with numerous applications, and long battery life. Suitable for users who prioritize cutting-edge technology and performance.
- Price-to-Value: Offers top-of-the-line performance and features, which are expected at a premium price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The M12 is a budget-friendly option, while the Z60 Ultra is a premium device.
- What are my primary use cases? Do I need top-tier performance and camera, or just basic functionality?
- What do I value most in a smartphone? Is it portability and weight, or display quality, performance, and advanced features?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is the biggest concern: Choose the Samsung Galaxy M12 for basic functionality and affordability.
- Scenario 2: Performance and High Quality Media consumption are key: Choose the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra for top-tier performance and quality.
- Scenario 3: Balanced usage: If the trade-off in performance is not critical, the Samsung Galaxy M12 should be a reasonable and more economical choice.
My Choice:
If I had to choose, I would go with the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra. Even though the Samsung Galaxy M12 is a more economical option, it lacks features that have become basic essentials in modern smartphones. The ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra offers a far superior user experience across nearly every metric, from display quality and performance to camera capabilities and battery life. While the cost is significantly higher, it provides a premium experience that aligns with my preferences as a power user who values high performance and versatility in a device. The ability to handle demanding tasks like gaming, photo and video editing, and multitasking effectively is worth the extra investment for me.
