1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2021-04-30 | S21+ is older by 3 months, 1 day. |
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | M12 is slightly taller and noticeably thicker, affecting pocketability. S21+ is more sleek. |
| Weight | 200g | 212g | S21+ is slightly lighter, may be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | S21+ provides slightly more screen real estate for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | S21+ has a much sharper display, resulting in clearer text and images. |
| PPI | 394 | 270 | S21+ offers significantly crisper visuals. M12 screen may appear slightly pixelated. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | S21+ display provides better contrast, more vibrant colors, and deeper blacks. Better power efficiency for dark mode |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ screen feels smoother and more responsive, especially in scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ is much more visible in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | S21+ is much faster, offers smoother multitasking, faster app loading and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 117,341 | S21+ offers significantly better performance across all tasks. M12 can feel slow by comparison. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G52 | S21+ has better graphics performance, which is beneficial for gaming and graphically intensive apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | M12 has a slightly larger battery, which might give it slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 15W fast charging | S21+ charges faster. |
| Features | Reverse charging, wireless charging, no in-box charger | Non-removable | S21+ offers convenient wireless charging and reverse charging to other devices. No charger included. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2" | S21+ has a larger sensor and wider aperture for better low light and image quality. M12 has higher resolution. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | Not Available | S21+ offers optical zoom and better portrait photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | S21+ captures slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle | Not Available | 5MP, f/2.2 | M12 has a dedicated wide-angle lens. |
| Portrait mode (depth) | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | M12 has a depth sensor for better portrait mode. |
| Macro lens | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | M12 has a macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | Not Available | S21+ has a wide-angle lens combined with macro |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | S21+ can capture higher quality video. |
| DXOMark Score (Mobile) | 111 | Not Available | S21+ camera performance has been independently rated as good. M12 has not. |
| Camera Features | 4K/8K video, OIS, Optical zoom | Quadruple camera | S21+ offers more advanced photography features. M12 has a dedicated lens for different shooting scenarios. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 11 | S21+ has a guaranteed update up to Android 15. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | 802.11n | S21+ has faster Wi-Fi speeds and better performance on congested networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 | S21+ offers additional low energy Bluetooth features. |
| GPS | Dual-band GPS | Standard GPS | S21+ has greater location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano/eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | S21+ offers the option of eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 32/64/128GB | S21+ has options for more storage, with 256GB being the maximum configuration. |
| RAM | 8GB | 3/4/6GB | S21+ offers more RAM for better multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both phones lack expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | S21+ provides a more immersive audio experience with better speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | M12 offers a more modern fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ offers better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Compass, Barometer | None | S21+ has more sensors providing more data for navigation and environmental tracking. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED with higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness. This results in a much better visual experience, especially for multimedia and outdoor use.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers much faster processing speeds and significantly better gaming performance.
- Advanced Camera System: Features optical zoom, OIS, and 8K video recording. This translates to better image quality, more versatile shooting options, and more professional video capabilities.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: 25W fast charging plus 15W wireless charging makes it more convenient to keep the device powered up.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers provide a richer audio experience.
- Future Proofing: Guaranteed Android upgrades and overall performance makes it a better choice for long term use.
- Premium Build: Gorilla Glass Victus offers superior screen protection.
Practical Implications:
- The S21+ is ideal for users who prioritize a great visual experience, smooth performance, high-quality photography, and convenient charging options. It's well suited for gaming, content creation and media consumption.
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Marginally Larger Battery: While not a huge difference, the 5000mAh battery could offer slightly better battery life in some usage scenarios.
- More Affordable: The M12 is typically much more affordable, making it accessible for budget-conscious users.
- Dedicated Wide, Macro and Depth lenses offers more camera flexibility for the price point.
Practical Implications:
- The M12 is a more budget friendly device for basic use such as communication, social media, and simple photography. It's a more affordable option that still has modern features.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The S21+ trades better price for a superior experience in nearly every aspect
- The M12 trades better specs for a lower price.
- The S21+ does not come with a charging adapter.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Power Users: People who frequently multitask, play demanding games, and use graphically intensive apps.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Those who enjoy watching high-quality videos and demand the best display experience.
- Photography Lovers: Users who desire a versatile camera with advanced features and excellent image quality.
- Users Seeking Long-Term Performance: Those who want a phone that will remain fast and updated for a long period of time.
Specific Use Cases:
- Gaming on high settings, video editing, graphic design.
- Watching high resolution movies, editing photos, content creation.
- Capturing detailed photos in various scenarios including low-light conditions and zooming.
Samsung Galaxy M12 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for an affordable smartphone for basic daily use.
- Casual Users: People who primarily use their phones for communication, social media, and web browsing.
- Users Focused on Battery Life: Users who want a phone with good battery life for day-to-day usage.
Specific Use Cases:
- Basic social media browsing, casual gaming, web browsing.
- Taking casual photos and videos in decent lighting conditions.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The S21+ has a significantly higher price-to-value ratio due to its premium performance and features.
- The M12 offers a good price-to-value ratio for budget conscious users who do not need top performance and features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The M12 is significantly more affordable.
- What do I use my phone for the most? Basic tasks vs multimedia/gaming/photography.
- How important is long-term performance and updates? S21+ has guaranteed updates and better performance.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Budget is primary concern - The Samsung Galaxy M12 is the more logical choice due to significantly lower cost.
Scenario 2: Performance and display are key - The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the better choice for a premium experience.
Scenario 3: Need a balanced device with decent camera and good battery life - The Samsung Galaxy M12 is suitable, but the S21+ is better if the budget allows.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While it is more expensive, the significant improvements in the display, performance, camera, and overall experience make it a worthwhile investment for my personal usage. I value a smooth and responsive experience, and the S21+ would provide that more effectively. The better camera capabilities also align with my preferences for capturing higher-quality photos and videos. Although the missing charging brick is an inconvenience, the wireless charging capability and better overall experience are worth it for me.
