The Samsung Galaxy A12 stands out in the entry-level smartphone market, boasting a stylish matte finish with a unique texture, a reliable 48MP main camera, long-lasting battery life, and robust software support, all while staying affordable. However, its performance suffers due to a slower Helio P35 processor and an abundance of pre-installed apps.
What We Like:
- Matte Finish: The phone’s soft-touch matte finish with raised diagonal ridges feels great in the hand.
- One UI: Samsung’s One UI provides a smooth and user-friendly experience.
- 48MP Main Camera: Capable of capturing good quality images, especially in well-lit conditions.
- Battery Life: The 5,000mAh battery easily lasts for over two days with moderate use.
- Software Support: Regular updates ensure the device remains secure and up-to-date.
- Affordable Price: Starting at $179.99, it offers excellent value for money.
What We Don’t Like:
- Weak Macro and Ultra-Wide Cameras: The additional lenses, particularly the 2MP macro camera, are underwhelming.
- Helio P35 Performance: The processor struggles with multitasking and can be slow.
- Bloatware: Numerous pre-installed apps take up storage space and can slow down the phone.
- Slow Charging: The 15W charging speed is quite slow, taking over two hours for a full charge.
Specifications:
- Display: 6.5-inch PLS IPS, 1600 x 720 resolution
- Processor: MediaTek Helio P35
- RAM/Storage: 3GB/32GB, 4GB/64GB, 6GB/128GB
- Battery: 5,000mAh
- Cameras: 48MP main, 5MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro, 2MP depth; 8MP front camera
- Software: Shipped with Android 10, upgradable to Android 11
- Colors: Black, White, Blue, Red
- Security: Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, face recognition
Design and Build Quality
The Galaxy A12 has a premium feel with its matte finish and ergonomic design. The 6.5-inch display is large and clear, making it perfect for watching videos and browsing. The side-mounted fingerprint reader is quick and adds to the phone’s sleek design.
Performance
The Galaxy A12 handles basic tasks well, but the Helio P35 struggles with more demanding applications, resulting in occasional lag. Opting for the 4GB RAM version helps mitigate this issue to some extent.
Battery Life
Battery life is a standout feature, with the 5,000mAh battery easily lasting more than two days with moderate usage. However, the slow 15W charging speed lags behind competitors.
Camera Quality
The 48MP main camera performs admirably in daylight conditions, although the 2MP macro and 5MP ultra-wide cameras are disappointing. Night photography is challenging due to the lack of a dedicated night mode.
Software Experience
Samsung’s One UI remains user-friendly and feature-rich, with the Samsung Free app combining news, TV, and more in one convenient place. However, the phone comes loaded with a lot of pre-installed apps, which can clutter the experience.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy A12 is a solid choice for first-time smartphone buyers or those on a budget, offering a stylish design, a decent main camera, and exceptional battery life.
However, its performance issues and bloatware are significant downsides. If you need more power, consider newer alternatives like the Galaxy A15 5G or the Motorola Moto G 5G.