Last Updated on February 17, 2021 by Rick Darlinton
Samsung has recently announced the release of the Galaxy M12 smartphone. The mid-range smartphone offers the electronic giant an opportunity to impress consumers not looking to cough out the lofty sum needed for a flagship device.
In this Samsung Galaxy M12 review, we intend to dissect the Samsung Galaxy device, so you are better equipped to make a buying decision. Here we go!
Design
The Samsung Galaxy M12 is a 2021 release specifically targeted at consumers not looking to break the bank for a new smartphone. It’s an upgrade on the previous installment, Galaxy M11.
The M12 has a huge 6.5-inche display, but it’s not as heavy as the M11 as confirmed by the former’s 168g weight.
One of the attributes that highlights the Galaxy M12’s budget-friendly nature is its 720 x 1600 pixels resolution. And the infinity V-display of the Galaxy device doesn’t help its visuals, especially when compared to high-end smartphones but it outshines its older sibling, M11.
Build Quality
Another aspect of the Samsung Galaxy M12 where a lot of corners were cut is its build quality. Aside from the glass screen, this Samsung Galaxy smartphone has a plastic casing and frame. This might reduce the device’s durability, but it does reduce the weight of the smartphone.
On one side of the M12 smartphone is its sim tray/memory card slot, while the fingerprint sensor, power button, and volume control occupy the other side.
At the bottom of the M12 are the 3.5mm earphone jack, speaker grill, and USB Type-C port.
Camera
Like most of its latest releases, Samsung added five different optical lenses to the Samsung Galaxy M12.
There are four back cameras; 48MP wide-angle lens, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth lens. Of course, the 48MP lens serves as the main camera, while others could be considered exterior décor for the device.
Below the rear camera architecture – which is shaped like a mini box – there is a LED flash appendage that provides lightning for taking pictures in the dark, and doubles as a torchlight when the need arises.
The Galaxy M12 smartphone has an 8MP front-facing camera that’s right at the center of the notch. Like that of the M11, this selfie camera struggles to impress. For a budget device, you can’t complain.
Performance
Samsung’s Galaxy M12 is propelled by a 2 GHz, 8-core processor, and an Exynos 850 chipset. While you can’t expect the fluidity of high-end units, the device still holds its own. Due to the similarities in chipset and processor, the Samsung M12 isn’t so different from the A21, another budget-friendly device.
Running multiple applications on the Galaxy M12 is made possible thanks to its 3GB or 6GB RAM (depends on the variant). Of course, you have to be vary of the apps opened as the M12 runs out of steam rather quickly, and this is visible in the frequency of lags.
The Samsung Galaxy M12 has an internal storage capacity of either 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB (based on the variant), so you can store pictures, videos, games, and other files. A memory card slot on the side of the device makes it possible to expand the storage capacity of the M12 to as much as 1TB.
Battery Life
Perhaps the strongest suit of the Galaxy M12 is its battery capacity. The smartphone’s 6000mAh lithium polymer battery is larger than most high-end units. Compared to the M11, the Galaxy M12’s battery is certainly an upgrade.
The large capacity of the Galaxy M12’s battery doesn’t equate to a longer charging time. Fortunately, this smartphone supports fast charging – a whopping 15W charging range – so it shouldn’t take the M12’s battery several hours to go from 0% to 100%.
Operating System
The Galaxy M12 smartphone uses Google’s latest update to its operating system, Android 11 with a OneUI 3.0 interface. This means you have full control over how apps use your data, your communication across various channels, and much more. It’s great to see the Android 11 on such a mid-range device.
Colors
You can get the Galaxy M12 smartphone in three different colors: Gray, Blue, and Green.
Samsung Galaxy M12 Specs
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 |
| Display | 6.5 inches IPS display
720 x 1600 pixels resolution Screen ratio of 20:9 |
| Camera | Rear camera: 48MP main; 5MP ultra wide; 5MP depth
Front-facing: 8MP camera |
| Memory | 3/4/6GB of RAM,
32/64/128GB of ROM, expandable storage |
| Battery | 6,000 mAh LiPo battery
Supports both fast charging 15W |
| Miscellaneous | Equipped with Bluetooth 5.0, 3.5mm earphone jack |
Final Thoughts
The Samsung Galaxy M12 is available mostly in developing countries. Its impressive battery capacity is expected to woo the teeming consumers in these regions where electric power is a luxury.
Being a mid-range smartphone, the Galaxy M12 is certainly a device for anyone not looking to splash the cash on an expensive gadget. If you’re not chummed about taking pictures or just want a gadget that does the basics seamlessly, then the Galaxy M12 might be a great buy.