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Galaxy A12 vs Galaxy A21s

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Galaxy A12

Starting at

£70.97£350.00 new
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Galaxy A21s

Starting at

£60.24£219.00 new
See options
(364 reviews)
(171 reviews)

What's the difference between the Galaxy A12 and Galaxy A21s?

Galaxy A12 vs A21s comes down to the chipset, RAM and front camera. Refurbished, the Galaxy A21s starts at £60.24, £10.73 less than the Galaxy A12.

Refurbished from

£70.97£60.24

Chipset

Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm)Exynos 850

RAM

4 GB3 GB

Front camera

8 megapixels13 megapixels

Software updates

Ended Nov 2024Ended

Weight

205 g192 g
  • Chipset: Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) on the Galaxy A12, Exynos 850 on the Galaxy A21s.
  • The Galaxy A12 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
  • The Galaxy A21s has a higher-resolution front camera: 13 megapixels vs 8 megapixels.

Galaxy A12 vs Galaxy A21s specs

The Galaxy A12 and Galaxy A21s share many features like battery capacity, screen size, and main camera resolution, making both suitable for everyday use. The Galaxy A12 offers more RAM and a wider range of storage options, which suits users who keep many apps open or store more data. The Galaxy A21s has a higher resolution front camera, appealing to those who prioritise selfies or video calls. The Galaxy A21s is slightly lighter and smaller, which may suit those preferring a more compact feel. Your choice depends on whether you value extra memory and storage or a sharper front camera and lighter design.

Galaxy A12 vs Galaxy A21s price

Galaxy A12 vs Galaxy A21s battery life and software updates

Both the Galaxy A12 and Galaxy A21s share key durability features such as battery size and operating system. These points matter for how long the phone can be used before needing an upgrade and how it holds up day to day.

Battery Capacity

Both phones have a 5000 mAh battery, which provides a solid foundation for long usage between charges. This size suits users who want a phone that can last through a busy day of calls, browsing, and media without frequent recharging.

Battery

5000 mAh5000 mAh

Fast charging

N/A15 W

Foldable

NoNo

Software updates

Ended Nov 2024Ended

Year of release

20202020

Galaxy A12 vs Galaxy A21s performance

Performance in these phones varies in chipset, RAM, and storage options. These differences affect how smoothly each phone runs apps and handles multitasking, as well as how much data you can keep on the device.

Chipset Differences

The Galaxy A12 uses a Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 chipset, while the Galaxy A21s has an Exynos 850. Each chipset handles processing tasks differently, which may influence how the phone performs under load. Users who notice performance in everyday tasks might find these differences significant.

Memory Capacity

Galaxy A12 comes with 4 GB of RAM, while the Galaxy A21s has 3 GB. More RAM helps keep more apps open at once and improves multitasking. The Galaxy A12 suits users who run several apps simultaneously or want smoother switching between tasks.

Storage Options

The Galaxy A12 is available in 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB versions, offering more storage flexibility. The Galaxy A21s comes in 32GB and 64GB. Users with large media collections or many apps will benefit from the larger storage choices on the Galaxy A12.

Chipset

Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm)Exynos 850

RAM

4 GB3 GB

Galaxy A12 vs Galaxy A21s screen

Both phones offer the same screen size, resolution, and type. This means the visual experience is similar and suits users looking for a clear, sizeable display without differences in sharpness or colour technology.

Screen Size and Resolution

Both phones have a 6.5 inch PLS LCD screen with a resolution of 720 x 1600. This provides a large viewing area with consistent clarity, making either phone suitable for browsing, watching videos, or reading.

Resolution

720 x 1600720 x 1600

Screen size

6.5 inch6.5 inch

Screen type

PLS LCDPLS LCD

Galaxy A12 vs Galaxy A21s camera

Camera quality differs mainly in the front-facing cameras, impacting video calls and selfies. The main cameras are identical, so photographic detail for general use is consistent between the two.

Front Camera Resolution

The Galaxy A21s has a 13 megapixel front camera, compared to 8 megapixels on the Galaxy A12. This higher resolution suits users who prefer sharper selfies or clearer video calls.

Main Camera Detail

Both phones feature a 48 megapixel main camera, allowing for detailed photos and videos. This makes either phone well suited for capturing everyday moments with similar image quality.

Front camera

8 megapixels13 megapixels

Main camera

48 megapixels48 megapixels

Galaxy A12 vs Galaxy A21s size and design

Other practical differences include size, weight, and storage expandability, which may affect comfort in hand and how much data you can add with memory cards.

Physical Dimensions

The Galaxy A21s is slightly smaller and lighter at 163.7 mm height, 75.3 mm width, and 192 g weight, compared to 164 mm, 75.8 mm, and 205 g for the Galaxy A12. This makes the A21s a bit easier to hold for those preferring a more compact phone.

Expandable Storage

Both phones support microSDXC cards for extra storage. This suits users who want to increase their storage beyond the built-in capacity, such as for photos, videos, or apps.

Network and SIM

Both are unlocked and use a physical SIM card on 4G networks. Either phone works with a wide range of carriers and supports common network speeds.

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedUnlocked

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mmN/A

Depth

8.9 mm8.9 mm

Height

164 mm163.7 mm

Mobile network

4G4G

Release date

N/A19 June 2020

SD card slot

microSDXCmicroSDXC

SIM card

Physical SIMPhysical SIM

Weight

205 g192 g

Width

75.8 mm75.3 mm

Galaxy A12 or Galaxy A21s: which should you buy?

Buy the Galaxy A12 if

  • you want more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB)

Buy the Galaxy A21s if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £60.24, £10.73 less than the Galaxy A12
  • you want a higher-resolution front camera (13 megapixels vs 8 megapixels)
  • you want a lighter build (192 g vs 205 g)

What our customers say

Customers who have used the Galaxy A12 appreciate its condition and ease of use. Many highlight the phone's storage capacity as a positive, which matches the larger options available. Some mention the phone takes longer to charge and occasional touchscreen responsiveness issues, while others find it very reliable and straightforward for everyday activities. The phone's size and weight are noted as comfortable, and the camera and screen meet expectations for daily use. Many customers recommend the phone for general use and value its balance of features.

Reviews for the Galaxy A21s often praise its condition and appearance, with users describing the phone as looking like new. The higher resolution front camera is likely appreciated by those focused on selfies and video calls. Some customers found the phone works well once running. The lighter weight and slightly smaller size make it convenient to handle. Storage options are satisfactory, though some customers noted the maximum capacity available. Overall, the Galaxy A21s suits users wanting a compact device with good camera quality for front-facing shots.

Both phones attract users looking for reliable refurbished smartphones with solid battery life and decent cameras. The Galaxy A12 fits those who prioritise extra RAM and storage choices, while the Galaxy A21s appeals to buyers wanting a lighter device with a sharper front camera.

Galaxy A12 vs Galaxy A21s FAQs

Galaxy A12 vs A21s comes down to the chipset, RAM and front camera. Chipset: Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) on the Galaxy A12, Exynos 850 on the Galaxy A21s. The Galaxy A12 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.

The Galaxy A21s is cheaper refurbished, from £60.24 compared with £70.97 for the Galaxy A12.

Both have the same battery: 5000 mAh.

Both have the same main camera: 48 megapixels.

Updates for the Galaxy A12 ended in Nov 2024. The Galaxy A21s no longer gets updates.

Refurbished, the Galaxy A12 comes in 32GB, 64GB and 128GB, and the Galaxy A21s in 32GB and 64GB.

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