Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy M12
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the key specifications, highlighting their practical impact on the user experience:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly taller but thinner, M12 is thicker and a bit more compact overall. S21 Ultra may feel more premium. |
| Weight | 227g | 212g | M12 is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. S21 Ultra feels more substantial. |
| Build | Glass & Metal | Plastic | S21 Ultra has a premium build feel while M12 has a less expensive feel. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.5" | S21 Ultra offers a slightly larger viewing area, which is better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 720x1600 | S21 Ultra has much sharper and more detailed visuals, making text and images appear crisper. |
| PPI | 515 | 270 | S21 Ultra display is significantly sharper, which is especially noticeable when reading text or viewing detailed images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | S21 Ultra offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, enhancing overall display quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 Ultra display is smoother, particularly when scrolling or gaming. M12 is still relatively smooth but not as fluid as S21 Ultra. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra's higher brightness allows for much better visibility in direct sunlight. M12 might be hard to see in bright outdoor conditions. |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 Ultra is more resistant to scratches and drops. The M12 does not have a specified protection for the screen. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | S21 Ultra offers significantly faster processing, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| Antutu Score | 749,000 | 117,341 | S21 Ultra is much faster and more responsive, handling demanding applications with ease. M12 is suitable for basic tasks and casual gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International (ARM Mali-G78 MC14) | Mali-G52 (ARM Mali-G52) | S21 Ultra's GPU is significantly more powerful, providing better graphics performance for gaming and graphically intensive applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" sensor, 0.80 µm pixels | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2" sensor, 0.80 µm pixels | S21 Ultra captures much more detailed photos with better low-light performance due to its larger sensor and wider aperture. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" sensor, 1.22 µm pixels | Not Available | S21 Ultra allows for better zoom capabilities, resulting in detailed photos even when zoomed. Offers higher quality portrait mode. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" sensor, 0.70 µm pixels | 8MP, f/2.2 | S21 Ultra produces significantly sharper and more detailed selfies, with better dynamic range. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" sensor, 1.22 µm pixels | Not Available | S21 Ultra offers additional optical zoom range, improving long-distance photo quality. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor, 1.40 µm pixels | 5MP, f/2.2 | S21 Ultra's ultrawide camera captures more detailed shots with better image quality than the M12. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | M12 offers a dedicated depth sensor, allowing for portrait mode with background blur. The S21 Ultra uses software processing for this effect and has better quality |
| Macro Lens | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | M12 has a dedicated macro lens, enabling close-up shots. S21 Ultra doesn't have it dedicated but the wide angle lens also allows for macro shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound | 1080p@30fps | S21 Ultra offers professional-grade video recording capabilities, whereas M12's video quality is basic. |
| DXOMark Mobile | 115(Main), 135(Selfie) | Not Available | S21 Ultra's camera performance has been rated highly by DXOMark, showing the superior imaging. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Laser AF, RAW, Night Mode, Optical zoom and more | Autofocus, touch focus, standard modes | S21 Ultra offers more advanced photo and video features and modes, resulting in higher quality images and more versatile shooting options. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity, with comparable battery life. Real-world battery life will depend on usage patterns. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | S21 Ultra charges faster, reducing downtime. The M12 will take longer to fully charge. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | No | S21 Ultra offers convenient wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities. M12 has no wireless charging support. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 11 | S21 Ultra will receive more future updates. The M12's updates may stop earlier. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11n | S21 Ultra supports faster and more reliable Wi-Fi speeds with the latest standard. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.0 | S21 Ultra offers improved Bluetooth connectivity and better power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS | S21 Ultra provides more accurate location tracking with additional satellite support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones support Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB | S21 Ultra offers more internal storage space, suitable for storing more media, apps and games. |
| RAM | 12 GB, 16 GB | 3 GB, 4 GB, 6 GB | S21 Ultra offers much more RAM, improving multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage with Micro SD cards. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo speakers | Basic | S21 Ultra provides much better audio quality for music, videos, and calls. |
Security and Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fingerprint Sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted | S21 Ultra has a standard fingerprint sensor, While M12's side-mounted sensor is faster and more practical to use. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Barometer, Proximity | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | S21 Ultra has more sensors, providing additional functionality and features, better for navigation and more detailed information. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution, AMOLED technology, higher refresh rate, and much higher brightness resulting in a superior visual experience for all tasks.
- Flagship Performance: Much faster processor and GPU leading to better overall speed, multitasking, gaming, and responsiveness.
- Professional-Grade Camera: Higher resolution main camera, multiple zoom lenses, significantly higher-quality selfie camera, and 8K video capabilities, offering far greater photographic versatility.
- Advanced Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, a wider range of camera modes and features, and more connectivity features like WiFi 6.
- Future Proofing: With a promise of OS updates up to android 15.
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Lower Price: Significantly more affordable, appealing to budget-conscious users.
- Lighter Weight: Slightly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use.
- Macro Camera: Offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography (but with lower quality).
- Side mounted fingerprint scanner: Faster and more practical than S21 Ultra.
- Good Battery Life: Same capacity as S21 Ultra and will be comparable for a longer period due to lower power-consuming display.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Much higher price, heavier, less convenient fingerprint scanner.
- M12: Much lower screen quality, a slow chipset, weaker cameras, and fewer advanced features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the best performance, display, and camera features.
- Professional Photographers/Videographers: Individuals who need high-quality image and video capabilities for their work.
- Mobile Gamers: Players who require smooth graphics and high refresh rates for demanding games.
- Power Users: Multitaskers who need fast processing, lots of RAM, and storage.
Users who prioritize best phone experiences: Someone who wants a premium all-rounder experience and does not mind paying for it.
Specific Use Cases:
- High-end gaming with demanding graphics.
- Professional photography and video recording.
- Watching high-resolution movies and videos.
- Multitasking between multiple resource-intensive apps.
- Using high-quality wireless headphones or other accessories.
Samsung Galaxy M12 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Users looking for an affordable smartphone for basic use.
- Casual Users: Individuals who need a phone for calls, texts, social media, and browsing.
- Users seeking simple functionality: Those who are not very tech-savvy or do not need high-end features.
First smartphone users or elderly users: Simpler and more user friendly for basic daily tasks.
Specific Use Cases:
- Everyday calls and messaging.
- Casual social media browsing.
- Basic photography for sharing on social media.
- Media consumption with lower quality audio and visuals.
- Daily tasks and running basic applications for less demanding users.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- S21 Ultra: Offers a premium experience with top-tier specs, justified for users who can pay a higher price. The price-to-value ratio is good if a user needs all the features and are willing to pay for them.
- M12: Provides a more affordable option with acceptable features for basic usage, which provides a high price-to-value ratio for less demanding users.
4. Decision Framework
Here are key questions to ask before choosing:
- What is your budget? The S21 Ultra is significantly more expensive.
- What are your primary uses? Basic tasks vs. intensive gaming/photography.
- How important are display and camera quality? S21 Ultra far surpasses the M12 in both.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you need the best possible camera, display, and performance, and you have the budget, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the clear choice.
- Scenario 2: If you're on a strict budget, prioritize battery life, basic everyday tasks, and a lighter device, then the Samsung Galaxy M12 is a good option.
- Scenario 3: If you need a good phone for photography and everyday tasks and do not mind an older phone, then S21 Ultra provides excellent value.
- Scenario 4: If you need a phone mainly for calls, social media, and basic tasks then the M12 will be more than adequate.
My Choice
Given my preference for high-performance devices with excellent cameras, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While it comes with a higher price tag, the superior display, faster processing, more versatile camera system, and additional features make it a much more appealing choice for my needs. The S21 Ultra provides a much better overall experience for demanding tasks, mobile gaming, and high-quality media consumption, which justifies the higher cost for me. The future-proofing aspect, with multiple OS updates, also makes it a better long-term investment for me. The Samsung M12 is acceptable for very basic users or as a backup phone.
