Are you in the market for a new smartphone, but overwhelmed by the options available? Two budget-friendly devices that consistently stand out are the Samsung Galaxy A12 and the Samsung Galaxy A20. Both smartphones have made their mark in the mid-range segment, offering a decent array of features that captivate budget-conscious consumers. This article will explore the specifications, features, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and overall user experience of both devices, helping you make an informed choice.
Overview of Samsung Galaxy A12 and A20
Before diving into a detailed comparison, let’s first understand what each device brings to the table.
Samsung Galaxy A12
Released in December 2020, the Samsung Galaxy A12 offers a range of features that make it attractive to budget users. Wearing a price tag that appeals to many, it stems from the A series, known for combining durability with functionality.
Samsung Galaxy A20
Launched earlier in 2019, the Samsung Galaxy A20 was one of the pioneers in the budget smartphone market. It aimed to offer robust specifications while maintaining affordability, making it a strong contender even today.
Specifications Comparison
Understanding the specifications of both smartphones is vital in determining which one best suits your needs. Below is a comparison table of the Samsung Galaxy A12 and A20.
| Feature | Galaxy A12 | Galaxy A20 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.5 inches, PLS IPS, 720 x 1600 pixels | 6.4 inches, Super AMOLED, 720 x 1560 pixels |
| Processor | MediaTek Helio P35 | Exynos 7884 |
| RAM | 3GB / 4GB | 3GB |
| Storage | 32GB / 64GB / 128GB | 32GB |
| Camera (Rear) | 48MP + 5MP + 2MP + 2MP | 13MP + 5MP |
| Camera (Front) | 8MP | 8MP |
| Battery | 5000mAh | 4000mAh |
| Operating System | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11 | Android 9.0, upgradable to Android 10 |
As we can see, there are distinct differences between the two devices, both in specs and performance that could influence your choice.
Design and Build Quality
Samsung Galaxy A12
The Samsung Galaxy A12 showcases a more modern design with its larger 6.5-inch display and a textured plastic back that offers a good grip. It is available in several colors, including black, white, blue, and red, allowing users a variety of choices. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is conveniently positioned for easy accessibility.
Samsung Galaxy A20
On the other hand, the Galaxy A20, while slightly smaller with a 6.4-inch display, provides a premium feel due to its glass back. Its Super AMOLED display offers vibrant colors and deeper blacks compared to the A12’s PLS IPS. However, it lacks the same level of customization in color options.
Display Quality
When it comes to display, both smartphones cater to multimedia consumers but with varying technologies.
Samsung Galaxy A12 Display
The A12 features a PLS IPS display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. The graphics are decent for day-to-day usage, though viewing angles may vary, and brightness levels could be insufficient in direct sunlight.
Samsung Galaxy A20 Display
In contrast, the Galaxy A20 sports a Super AMOLED panel, which is generally regarded as superior. The vibrant colors, improved contrast, and excellent viewing angles make it better for watching videos and gaming.
Performance: Which Device Performs Better?
Performance is critical for any smartphone, especially for multitasking and running demanding applications.
Samsung Galaxy A12 Performance
Powered by the MediaTek Helio P35 processor, the A12 can handle everyday tasks with ease. However, users may experience some lag when running heavier apps or games that require intensive processing power. The availability of both 3GB and 4GB RAM options provides users the flexibility depending on their multitasking needs.
Samsung Galaxy A20 Performance
The Galaxy A20, with its Exynos 7884 processor, also performs well in everyday tasks but struggles with more demanding applications and games. With 3GB of RAM, multitasking may not be as seamless as on the A12, particularly when many applications are running simultaneously.
Camera Capabilities
A quality camera can significantly enhance a smartphone’s appeal.
Samsung Galaxy A12 Camera
The Galaxy A12 boasts a quad-camera setup, including a whopping 48MP primary lens, accompanied by a 5MP ultra-wide lens, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. This diverse selection allows for versatile photography capabilities, ranging from stunning landscapes to close-up details.
Samsung Galaxy A20 Camera
In contrast, the A20 offers a dual-camera system with a 13MP main lens and a 5MP ultra-wide lens. While these specifications are decent, they may not fulfill the needs of users keen on diverse photography styles.
The photography quality on the A12 outshines the A20 thanks to its higher resolution and additional camera features, making it better suited for photography enthusiasts.
Battery Life: Powering Your Daily Life
Battery life is a critical consideration for any smartphone user.
Samsung Galaxy A12 Battery Life
With a robust 5000mAh battery, the A12 easily lasts a full day even with heavy usage, offering excellent endurance without frequent recharges. It also supports 15W fast charging, which is a welcome feature for those who are always on the go.
Samsung Galaxy A20 Battery Life
The A20 houses a 4000mAh battery, which provides decent battery life for casual use but may require recharging during long days. While it supports 15W charging as well, users accustomed to heavy multitasking may find themselves searching for a power outlet before the end of the day.
Software Experience
Samsung Galaxy A12 Software
Running Android 10 out of the box and capable of upgrading to Android 11, the Galaxy A12 offers a modern software UI with multiple customization options. Users can benefit from One UI, which enhances usability and offers a clean user experience.
Samsung Galaxy A20 Software
The Galaxy A20 was released with Android 9.0 and is upgradable to Android 10. Although it still performs reasonably well, the difference in user interface and features may not align with newer standards and expectations set by the A12.
Price Point
Price is often a deciding factor in purchasing decisions.
Samsung Galaxy A12 Pricing
The A12 is positioned slightly higher than the A20 due to its more advanced specifications. Its price is justified by the added camera features, better battery life, and enhanced performance.
Samsung Galaxy A20 Pricing
The A20 is one of the more budget-friendly options, often found on discount, making it an attractive option for those looking for basic smartphone functionality without significant investment.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
Deciding between the Samsung Galaxy A12 and A20 boils down to individual needs and preferences.
- Choose the Samsung Galaxy A12 if:
- You desire a more powerful performance for multitasking and gaming.
- Photography is important to you, with a preference for versatile camera options.
- Battery longevity is a major consideration for your daily usage.
You value having the latest software experience.
Opt for the Samsung Galaxy A20 if:
- You are looking for a more budget-friendly smartphone that handles basic tasks adequately.
- You prefer a device with a premium look and feel.
- You don’t require advanced camera features and are content with basic photography options.
In conclusion, while both devices cater to the budget segment, the Samsung Galaxy A12 clearly offers better specifications and features that provide more value for money, making it the better choice overall. Whether you choose the A12 or the A20 will depend on your specific needs, but the A12’s enhanced capabilities make it a standout option for most users.
What are the key differences in display quality between the Samsung A12 and A20?
The Samsung A12 features a 6.5-inch Infinity-V display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. This IPS LCD panel offers decent brightness and color reproduction for basic tasks. However, it may not perform as well under direct sunlight compared to higher-end models. The screen has a waterdrop notch that houses the front camera, providing a modern look but limits the resolution and clarity, making it suitable primarily for casual use and content consumption.
In contrast, the A20 sports a slightly smaller 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 720 x 1560 pixels. The Super AMOLED technology ensures vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and improved viewing angles, making it a more appealing choice for media enthusiasts. The A20’s Infinity-U design also contributes to a more immersive experience, making it a better option for those who prioritize display quality in their smartphone usage.
Which smartphone has a better camera setup?
The Samsung A12 is equipped with a quad-camera setup, consisting of a 48 MP main sensor, a 5 MP ultra-wide lens, a 2 MP macro lens, and a 2 MP depth sensor. This diverse configuration allows for versatility in photography, enabling users to capture a wide range of scenes and subjects. The 48 MP primary camera performs well in good lighting conditions, while the ultra-wide lens provides a broader field of view for landscapes and group shots.
<pOn the other hand, the Samsung A20 features a dual-camera arrangement, including a 13 MP main sensor and a 5 MP ultra-wide lens. Although it lacks the macro and depth sensors found on the A12, its dual-camera system is capable of delivering decent quality images, especially with the wide-angle lens. While both smartphones perform adequately in daily photography, the A12’s additional camera options give it an edge for users looking for more creative photography potential.
How do the battery capacities compare between the A12 and A20?
The Samsung A12 is powered by a robust 5000 mAh battery, which offers significant longevity even with heavy usage. It supports 15W fast charging, allowing users to recharge their devices relatively quickly, although it may not be the fastest option available. Given the A12’s power-efficient components and lower display resolution, users can expect to easily last a full day or more on a single charge.
<pIn comparison, the Samsung A20 is equipped with a 4000 mAh battery, which is still quite adequate for daily use. While it also supports fast charging at 15W, the smaller battery capacity means that users will likely need to charge it more frequently, especially under demanding conditions such as gaming or extensive multimedia consumption. Ultimately, those who prioritize battery life may find the A12 to be the superior choice between the two models.
Which device offers better performance in terms of processing power?
<pThe Samsung A12 is powered by the MediaTek Helio P35 processor, which is a capable chipset for everyday tasks such as browsing, messaging, and social media. With up to 4GB of RAM, the A12 can handle basic multitasking without major issues. However, its performance may show limitations when handling resource-intensive applications or gaming, making it better suited for users who prioritize efficiency over power.
<pConversely, the Samsung A20 features the Exynos 7884 processor paired with up to 4GB of RAM, which provides a slightly more efficient performance. The Exynos chipset is known for its balanced power management, enabling smoother operation for various applications, including light gaming and multitasking. While both smartphones offer decent performance for budget devices, the A20 may deliver a marginally better experience when it comes to running more demanding applications and processes.
Are there any significant differences in software between the two models?
<pBoth the Samsung A12 and A20 run on Samsung’s One UI, based on Android, which provides a user-friendly interface and a range of features. However, their version of One UI may vary slightly depending on the model’s release date and updates. The A12 tends to ship with a newer version of One UI, offering access to improved features and optimizations that enhance the user experience. This can include better privacy controls, notification management, and overall smoother interface interactions.
<pOn the other hand, the A20 may have limited software support due to its older hardware and software version. Users may find that the A20 misses out on some of the more advanced features introduced in subsequent updates, which can affect usability and performance. Overall, while both devices provide a solid software experience, the A12 may benefit from a more current version of One UI and better long-term software support.
Which smartphone has better storage options?
<pThe Samsung A12 comes with multiple storage configurations, including options of 32GB, 64GB, and even 128GB, allowing users to choose the one that best fits their needs. Additionally, the A12 supports microSD cards, enabling users to expand the storage capacity by up to 1TB, which is particularly useful for those who take a lot of photos, videos, or have a vast collection of apps and media.
<pIn comparison, the Samsung A20 also offers decent storage options, with initial configurations of 32GB and 64GB. Like the A12, it also supports expandable storage via microSD, although the support may slightly vary based on the specific model or region. Both devices provide satisfactory storage solutions, but the A12’s expanded options make it a better fit for users seeking ample space for multimedia files and applications.
Which smartphone is more affordable?
<pThe Samsung A12 is generally priced lower than the A20, making it a more budget-friendly option for those seeking a solid smartphone experience without breaking the bank. The price range can vary based on factors such as storage configuration and promotional offers, but overall, the A12’s lower baseline price appeals to a wider audience, especially first-time smartphone buyers or users looking for reliable functionality at an affordable cost.
<pOn the other hand, the Samsung A20, while slightly higher in price, may still provide good value for users who prioritize specific features, such as its Super AMOLED display. However, in terms of raw affordability, the A12 leads the way, allowing users to enjoy a balanced smartphone experience without a hefty investment. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal priorities and budget constraints.
Which smartphone is more suitable for gaming?
<pWhen it comes to gaming, the Samsung A20 may be the more suitable choice due to its Exynos 7884 chipset, which generally offers better performance than the MediaTek Helio P35 found in the A12. The A20’s better processing capabilities can lead to smoother frame rates and improved handling of more graphically intensive games, making it a more appealing option for casual gamers who want to enjoy a variety of mobile games without significant lag.
<pThat said, both phones are entry-level devices and might struggle with high-end gaming titles or extensive multitasking during gameplay. The A12, while capable of playing many games, may not deliver the same performance as the A20 in gaming scenarios. Therefore, for users looking to prioritize gaming, the A20’s superior processor could provide a slightly better experience, although both devices can handle light gaming adequately.