Samsung has been dominating the headlines with its flagship phones, but today, let’s talk about something on the other end of the spectrum—the Samsung A12. This budget-friendly phone promises to deliver the essential Samsung experience without making a huge dent in your wallet. But does it live up to that promise? Let’s dive into this full review!
Design and Build Quality: Stylish for the Price:
The Samsung A12 is a budget phone, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in style. Crafted from solid plastic, the phone has a textured back with diagonal stripes, which gives it a good grip and adds a bit of flair. The unibody construction makes it feel solid in the hand—definitely more premium than what you’d expect at this price point.
It’s also pretty sturdy, so you don’t have to worry about it feeling cheap or flimsy. This phone is clearly designed with budget-conscious users in mind, but it doesn’t skimp on aesthetic appeal.
Display: Large but Basic
On the front, you’re greeted with a 6.5-inch PLS LCD display. It’s big, no doubt about it, but the 720p resolution leaves room for improvement. The 264 PPI (pixels per inch) means you might notice some graininess when reading text or watching videos closely. If you’re someone who enjoys streaming shows or gaming, the display might feel a little underwhelming.
While the colors are mostly accurate, there’s no option to tweak them manually, and the brightness maxes out at about 470 nits. In sunny conditions, you might struggle a bit with visibility. That said, for the price, it’s not a deal-breaker.
Sound: A Quiet Performer
Let’s talk about audio. The Samsung A12 comes with a single bottom-firing loudspeaker, which performs just okay. It’s not the loudest phone around, and the sound quality doesn’t have much depth. The highs feel muted, and the bass is almost non-existent. That said, you do get a 3.5mm headphone jack—a feature we don’t see as often anymore. And for fans of traditional radio, it even supports FM Radio.
Also read this: Samsung A05: A Comprehensive Review of Samsung’s Budget-Friendly Smartphone
Performance: Enough for Everyday Tasks
Powered by the Mediatek Helio P35 chipset, the Samsung A12 won’t blow you away with its performance, but it can handle your basic tasks. Apps like social media, web browsing, and streaming content run smoothly enough. However, when you push it a little harder—like during multitasking or gaming—you’ll start to notice some hiccups.
Compared to its competitors, like the Poco M3 with a Snapdragon 662, the A12 lags behind. It’s not a gaming phone by any means, and if you’re someone who demands top-tier performance, you might want to look elsewhere.
Battery Life: A Strong Performer
Here’s where the Samsung A12 shines. With its massive 5000mAh battery, the phone boasts an impressive 123-hour endurance rating in tests. You can easily get through a full day of use without worrying about running out of juice. Whether it’s scrolling through social media, watching videos, or making calls, this phone is built to last.
It also supports 15W fast charging, but don’t expect miracles. Charging from zero to 20% takes about 30 minutes, so you’ll need a little patience.
Cameras: Surprisingly Good for the Price
The Samsung A12 comes equipped with a quad-camera setup that punches above its weight. The 48-megapixel main camera delivers detailed, sharp shots in good lighting. You won’t be disappointed with the color accuracy or the dynamic range.
The 5-megapixel ultrawide camera provides a 123-degree field of view, great for those wide landscape shots. However, it can get noisy, and the detail isn’t as sharp. You also get a 2-megapixel macro and a depth sensor, but these are more for fun than serious photography.
Low-light photography, on the other hand, is where things get shaky. The main camera struggles in darker settings, with noise and blown-out highlights being common issues. There’s no night mode, so you won’t be snapping Instagram-worthy shots at night.
Software: Familiar and Functional
Running Android 10 with One UI 2.5, the Samsung A12 delivers a familiar experience if you’ve used a Samsung phone before. It’s user-friendly, clean, and packed with features. You get your app drawer, Google apps, and some proprietary Samsung apps like Gallery and File Manager. However, there’s no Always-On Display (since it’s not AMOLED), and you won’t find Edge Panels.
Conclusion: Is the Samsung A12 Worth It?
The Samsung A12 offers a solid design, excellent battery life, and a decent camera setup, all at an entry-level price. However, it falls short in areas like display resolution and processing power, especially compared to budget competitors like the Poco M3 or Realme alternatives. If you’re a die-hard Samsung fan or need a simple phone with long battery life, the A12 won’t disappoint. But for those seeking more performance or sharper displays, it might be worth exploring other options.
FAQs
Does the Samsung A12 support fast charging?
Yes, it supports 15W fast charging, but it takes about 30 minutes to charge up to 20%.
Is the Samsung A12 good for gaming?
While it can handle light gaming, the Mediatek Helio P35 isn’t built for intensive gaming sessions.
Can the Samsung A12 take good photos?
Yes, the 48MP main camera takes good photos in daylight, though it struggles in low-light conditions.
How is the battery life of the Samsung A12?
The 5000mAh battery offers excellent battery life, easily lasting a full day with moderate usage.
Does the Samsung A12 have an AMOLED display?
No, it features a PLS LCD display with 720p resolution, not AMOLED.
