1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2021-04-30 | M12 is newer by 3 months, 1 day |
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | S21 5G is smaller, easier to handle, and pocket-friendly. M12 is bulkier and heavier. |
| Weight | 169g | 212g | S21 5G feels significantly lighter and more comfortable for prolonged use. M12 is noticeably heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.5" | M12 has a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing, while S21 5G is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | S21 5G has a much sharper display with finer details, ideal for reading and media consumption. M12 appears less sharp. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 421 | 270 | S21 5G provides a significantly crisper and clearer visual experience. M12 may appear less detailed. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | S21 5G offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and better power efficiency, especially for dark themes. M12's LCD is less vibrant and has weaker contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 5G has smoother animations and scrolling, especially noticeable in gaming and fast-paced content. M12 is less fluid. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 5G has dramatically better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. The M12's brightness is not specified, likely being significantly dimmer. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | S21 5G's chipset is much faster and more efficient, leading to significantly better overall performance. M12 will feel slower in demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 117,341 | S21 5G delivers vastly superior performance, handling demanding apps and games with ease, while M12 struggles with intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G52 | S21 5G offers far better graphics performance, enabling smoother gaming and faster rendering. M12's GPU is significantly less powerful. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | M12 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life, although this is impacted by other components |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | S21 5G charges faster, reducing charging time. M12 charges more slowly. |
| Features | Reverse, Wireless Charging | Non-removable | S21 5G offers more charging versatility, M12 is limited to wired charging. The S21 lacks an included charger. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, 1/1.76") | 48MP (f/2.0, 1/2") | S21 5G has larger pixels and wider aperture for better low-light performance and dynamic range, despite having a lower megapixel count. M12 has a higher megapixel count but smaller pixels and smaller aperture. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP (f/2.0, 1/1.72") | N/A | S21 5G has a dedicated telephoto camera for optical zoom and portrait shots, giving it more shooting versatility. M12 does not have this. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP (f/2.2, 1/3.2") | 8MP (f/2.2) | S21 5G has better selfie quality overall with higher pixel count and details. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 5MP (f/2.2) | M12 includes a wide angle camera for landscape and group photos. S21 5G lacks this. |
| Portrait (Depth) | N/A | 2MP (f/2.4) | M12 has a depth camera for portrait mode, S21 5G lacks this. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP (f/2.4) | M12 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. S21 5G lacks this. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55") | N/A | S21 5G has a dedicated wide angle camera that can also do macro shots, giving it more versatility. M12 does not have this. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | S21 5G can record high resolution and high frame rate videos with added features like HDR and EIS, making it suitable for professional video. M12 has much more limited video recording capabilities. |
| DXOMark Mobile | 111 (Photo: 118, Video: 90) | Not Tested | S21 5G's camera has a much higher overall score, demonstrating its superior imaging capabilities. M12 has no score. |
| DXOMark Selfie | 132 (Photo: 125, Video: 145) | Not Tested | S21 5G's front facing camera has a higher score. M12 has no score. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 11 | S21 5G receives more software updates. M12's Android version upgrade is not specified. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11n | S21 5G has faster Wi-Fi speeds, better for streaming and downloading. M12 is limited to older, slower Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 | S21 5G has more advanced Bluetooth features. M12 has basic capabilities. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | S21 5G uses dual band GPS for better accuracy. M12 only has single band. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 32GB/64GB/128GB | S21 5G offers more storage capacity. M12 has smaller storage. |
| RAM | 8GB | 3GB/4GB/6GB | S21 5G provides smoother multitasking, better for demanding applications and games. M12 may lag with more applications open. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | S21 5G has significantly better sound quality, good for music and movies. M12 offers standard audio output. |
| Security & Build | |||
| Security | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | S21 5G has a basic fingerprint sensor, while the M12 has a side-mounted sensor for more convienent access. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 5G has superior scratch and shatter protection. M12's screen protection is unkown, and likely inferior. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Gyroscope | S21 5G offers a more comprehensive set of sensors, while M12 has a basic set of motion sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and more RAM result in much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- High-Quality Display: The AMOLED screen with a higher refresh rate and resolution offers a much better visual experience. It's brighter and has better contrast, making it great for media consumption.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers telephoto lens, and superior main camera performance along with professional video recording features.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: The 25W charging and wireless charging capability mean less time plugged in and more convenience.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers provide a superior audio experience.
- Better Connectivity: Supports the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards, along with more advanced GPS.
- Software Support: Includes more advanced android upgrades.
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery may provide longer battery life, though this is also impacted by other components.
- Lower Cost: Is generally much cheaper and suitable for budget-conscious consumers.
- Wider Angle, Macro and Depth Cameras: Features extra cameras which S21 lacks, adding to some shooting versatility for the everyday user.
Trade-offs:
- The S21 5G sacrifices battery capacity for performance and premium features.
- The M12 sacrifices performance and display quality for a lower price and a larger battery.
- The M12 has a bulkier design while the S21 5G is more compact and lighter.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Ideal User: Power users, mobile gamers, media enthusiasts, and those who prioritize camera quality and performance. Also suitable for professionals who need high video quality.
- Use Cases: High-end gaming, video editing, heavy multitasking, professional photography/videography, and for users who stream a lot of content and need a high quality display.
- Price-to-Value: The S21 5G is a premium phone with a higher price tag, offering top-tier performance and features that justify its cost for demanding users.
Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious consumers, those who prioritize battery life over performance, or those who need a basic smartphone for everyday tasks.
- Use Cases: Everyday use, social media browsing, casual gaming, and for users who prioritize battery life over advanced features.
- Price-to-Value: The M12 offers a budget-friendly option with a focus on long battery life, making it suitable for users who need a reliable and affordable phone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The S21 5G is a premium device, while the M12 is budget-friendly.
- How important is performance and display quality? If these are priorities, the S21 5G is the better choice.
- How crucial is battery life? The M12 offers a larger battery, but the S21 5G has faster charging, so this may not be as important.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer/Media Enthusiast If you are a mobile gamer or media consumer, who values top-tier performance and high-quality display the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the recommended choice.
- Scenario 2: Casual User on a Budget If you mainly use your phone for basic tasks, prefer long battery life, and are on a tight budget, the Samsung Galaxy M12 is a more suitable option.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast If you take a lot of photos and videos, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers a much more robust camera with telephoto, wide angle, and professional level video capabilities.
- Scenario 4: Everyday User who prefers a light device If you use your phone for calls, messages and social media, and prefer a light and compact device, then the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G would be a better option.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G.
Reasons:
While the M12 has a bigger battery, the S21 5G excels in almost every other aspect. The vastly superior performance, the high quality AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, the advanced camera system, faster charging, better audio, and overall more polished experience justify the higher price tag. The S21 5G is better for gaming, media consumption, and any task that requires processing power. The larger storage is also ideal for users like myself who prefer to have all files locally, rather than in the cloud. While the M12 is adequate for basic tasks, the S21 5G is a powerful smartphone that can handle anything I throw at it. For me the better camera is also a strong advantage, and the improved software support also mean that the S21 5G is a much more future proof phone.
