Samsung Galaxy M12 review
The Samsung Galaxy M12 is an entry-level smartphone with a starting price of Rs. 11,000. It boasts a 90Hz display, a massive 6,000mAh battery, and a true 48-megapixel camera. The phone also features an 8-nanometer Exynos 850 chipset, making it one of the first phones in its segment to do so. The device has a plastic back with a quad-camera setup, which provides a nostalgic design with a textured pattern for better grip. However, the build quality is not great, and the phone's thickness makes it difficult to use with one hand. The power button doubles as a fingerprint sensor, which is faster and more reliable than in-display sensors. The 6.5-inch LCD display offers smooth scrolling experiences when not occupied by intense processes. However, the refresh rate drops to 60Hz during such instances, making it less seamless. The display's peak brightness of 400 nits may also struggle with outdoor usage in bright sunlight. In terms of performance, the phone's Exynos 850 chipset is designed for power efficiency rather than raw speed. While gaming and multitasking are decent, regular tasks take some time to process. The phone runs on Android 11 with One UI Core 3.1, which has limited features due to hardware constraints. The camera setup includes a quad-camera configuration with an 8-megapixel front camera. Samples show that the primary camera produces better results than the ultra-wide lens, but both have their strengths and weaknesses. The phone also supports macro shots and basic video recording capabilities. Overall, the Galaxy M12 offers a smooth display experience, battery efficiency, and decent camera performance in its price segment.
Build Quality and Design
The Samsung Galaxy M12's build quality is purely plastic, which may not be the most impressive feature for those expecting a premium device. The back houses a quad-camera setup, and while it has an interesting design with a nostalgic feel, it doesn't quite live up to expectations in terms of aesthetics. In fact, there have been several previous M series phones that boasted better designs. The phone itself is on the thicker side, which can make it slightly more challenging to use with one hand. The power and lock key doubles as a fingerprint sensor, which is not only faster but also more reliable than the in-display fingerprint sensors often found in other devices. This feature adds a touch of practicality to an otherwise unremarkable design. The SIM card tray supports two SIM cards and one micro SD card simultaneously, which is convenient for those who need multiple numbers or storage options. Additionally, the presence of a 3.5 mm headphone jack may be seen as a rare sight in today's era of wireless audio, but it does provide a functional alternative for users. While the phone's design might not be the most striking feature, its focus on delivering key specifications such as a high refresh rate display and a large battery makes up for any shortcomings. Overall, the M12 seems to prioritize functionality over form, which may appeal to those prioritizing performance over aesthetics.
Battery Life
The battery life of the Samsung Galaxy M12 is one of its standout features. With a massive 6000mAh power cell, this phone is designed to last all day, and possibly even into the next. In my testing, I found that the M12's battery life was indeed impressive. Even with heavy usage, including gaming, video streaming, and social media scrolling, the phone still managed to last for a full 24 hours without needing to be recharged. And if you're willing to sacrifice some of the display's smoothness by switching from 90Hz to 60Hz refresh rate, you can potentially squeeze out an extra day or two. Of course, this will depend on how you use your phone. If you're someone who only uses their device for basic tasks like calling and texting, you might find that the battery life stretches even further. But even with moderate usage, I found that the M12's battery would last at least two days before needing a top-up. The secret behind this impressive battery life is Samsung's Exynos 850 chipset, which is built on an 8nm process. This means that it consumes less power than many other smartphones in its class, making it a perfect match for the M12's large battery. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by the Galaxy M12's battery life. Whether you're someone who needs a phone that can last all day or just wants to know that their device will make it through a long road trip without needing to be charged, the M12 is definitely worth considering.
Display
The Samsung Galaxy M12 boasts a 6.5-inch LCD display with a refresh rate of 90Hz, making it one of the few entry-level smartphones to offer this feature. While it's nice to see such technology trickle down to lower price segments, the display experience is not entirely smooth. The processor can get occupied by tasks like loading images or video thumbnails, causing the refresh rate to drop and resulting in a slightly less-than-smooth scrolling experience. However, if you're using the phone for regular tasks without any intense processes running, the 90Hz display provides a super smooth scrolling experience. Unfortunately, the display's peak brightness is only 400 nits, which may not be sufficient for users who frequently use their phones outdoors in bright sunlight. While the colors are natural and not too punchy, they might appear slightly dull or washed out. LCD displays have come a long way since the days of early smartphones, but they still can't match the AMOLED displays that Samsung typically offers on its higher-end devices. The M12's LCD display is capable and gets the job done, but it may not be as impressive as some users might expect. In terms of specifics, the 90Hz display is a notable feature of the Galaxy M12, and while it's not entirely smooth in all situations, it's still a nice touch for an entry-level phone. The lack of sufficient brightness and less-than-stellar color accuracy are minor drawbacks that may be overlooked by users who value this display's unique features. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy M12's display is an improvement over some other entry-level smartphones, but it's not quite on par with what higher-end devices have to offer.
Camera
The camera system on the Samsung Galaxy M12 is a quad-camera setup with specs that promise impressive performance. The primary camera boasts 48 megapixels, which is a significant upgrade over previous models in this price segment. However, what sets the Galaxy M12 apart from other cameras in its class is the true 48-megapixel resolution. Unlike some smartphones that use software to produce a 48-megapixel picture, the M12's camera rearranges pixels in a more uniform manner to achieve true 48 megapixels in the picture. The primary camera is capable of taking well-lit images with good dynamic range and color accuracy. However, it does tend to produce slightly warmer-toned photos compared to other cameras. The ultra-wide-angle lens offers a wider field of view and slightly better dynamic range than the primary camera. Macro shots taken using the depth sensor are not as sharp as some might expect, but they still deliver decent results. Unfortunately, the macro lens does not take super-high-resolution shots that can fit a 4k display. Regarding available camera modes, the Galaxy M12 offers a portrait photo mode, macro mode, video recording up to 30 fps at 1080p resolution, and some additional features like pro photo, panorama, and food. However, within pro mode, users can only adjust the white balance and ISO – no more advanced settings are available. Overall, while not exceptional in every aspect, the camera system on the Samsung Galaxy M12 delivers decent performance for its price segment.
Price and Value
The Samsung Galaxy M12 is an affordable smartphone that offers impressive features at a price point starting at ₹11,000. In this review, we'll focus on the value proposition of this device. For ₹11,000, you get a 90Hz display, which was previously reserved for high-end devices. The 6,000mAh battery is another significant highlight, offering all-day battery life and potentially even two days with moderate use. The true 48-megapixel camera is also a notable feature in this segment. However, it's essential to note that the design of the Galaxy M12 is not its strongest aspect. While the quad-camera setup at the back has an interesting nostalgic design, it may not appeal to everyone. Additionally, you won't get any protective case, pre-applied screen protector, or earphones in the box. Considering the features and specifications offered by the Galaxy M12, we believe it's a good value for money. The 90Hz display, large battery, and decent camera capabilities make this phone an attractive option in its price segment. While the design may not be everyone's cup of tea, the overall package is well-rounded and offers excellent value. Ultimately, if you're looking for a smooth high-refresh-rate display, long-lasting battery, and a capable camera without breaking the bank, the Samsung Galaxy M12 is definitely worth considering.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy M12 is an entry-level smartphone that boasts an impressive array of features, including a 90Hz display, a monstrous 6,000mAh battery, and a true 48-megapixel camera. However, its performance is where things get slightly mixed. Powering the device is the Samsung Exynos 850 chipset, which is built on the 8-nanometer process. While it may not be as fast as more powerful processors found in mid-range devices, it does provide decent performance for daily tasks. You can expect smooth scrolling and general usage without any significant issues. However, gaming performance is a different story. The Exynos 850 chipset struggles to keep up with demanding games, resulting in slow loading times and occasional frame drops. Even so, the large 90Hz display and generous battery life do their best to deliver a decent gaming experience. Regular usage is also not as snappy as you'd expect from an entry-level smartphone. Tapping on something doesn't instantly respond, making it feel slightly sluggish at times. The software side of things is also worth mentioning, with the Galaxy M12 shipping with Android 11 and One UI Core 3.1 out of the box. This means you'll have limited features and apps available, which might be a drawback for some users. Overall, while the Samsung Galaxy M12's performance is decent, it's not particularly impressive in this price segment. If gaming or heavy usage are your primary concerns, there may be better options available. However, if you're looking for a smooth display and reliable battery life, this phone might still be worth considering.