Galaxy A12 vs Galaxy A30s
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy A12
Starting at
£70.97£350.00 new
Galaxy A30s
Starting at
£71.41£239.99 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy A12 and Galaxy A30s?
Galaxy A12 vs A30s comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy A12 starts at £70.97, £0.44 less than the Galaxy A30s. The Galaxy A12 is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) on the Galaxy A12, Exynos 7904 on the Galaxy A30s.
- The Galaxy A12 has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
- Screen size: 6.5 inch on the Galaxy A12, 6.4 inch on the Galaxy A30s.
Galaxy A12 vs Galaxy A30s specs
The Galaxy A12 and Galaxy A30s offer distinct strengths suited to different needs. Galaxy A12 has a larger battery and a higher resolution main camera, making it a good choice for those who prioritise long usage and detailed photos. Galaxy A30s features a Super AMOLED screen and a higher resolution front camera, which suits users who value vibrant displays and sharper selfies. Both phones come with 4GB RAM and 4G connectivity. The Galaxy A12's screen is slightly larger, while the Galaxy A30s is lighter and more compact. Your choice depends on whether you prefer a bigger screen and battery or a richer display and front camera quality.
Galaxy A12 vs Galaxy A30s price
Colour
Galaxy A12 vs Galaxy A30s battery life and software updates
These factors affect how long the device lasts in daily use and its ease of handling.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy A12 has a 5000 mAh battery, which suits users who want longer battery life between charges. This is beneficial if you spend extended periods away from power sources. The Galaxy A30s has a 4000 mAh battery, which still supports a full day of typical use but may require more frequent charging.
Software Updates
Both devices run Android versions from their time of release without new major OS features. This means a consistent experience without the newest system changes.
Physical Dimensions
The Galaxy A12 is taller and wider at 164 mm by 75.8 mm compared to the Galaxy A30s at 158.5 mm by 74.7 mm. It is also heavier, weighing 205 g versus 169 g for the A30s. If you prefer a lighter, more compact phone for easier one-handed use or pocket carry, the Galaxy A30s suits that preference.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy A12 vs Galaxy A30s performance
Performance focuses on the chipset, RAM and storage options, which influence speed and how many apps you can run simultaneously.
Chipset
The Galaxy A12 uses a Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) chipset, while the Galaxy A30s uses an Exynos 7904. Both chipsets support everyday smartphone tasks such as browsing, messaging and media playback. The choice depends on personal experience, as neither chipset is inherently better based on the specs alone.
RAM and Storage
Both phones come with 4 GB of RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly. Storage options for each include 32GB, 64GB and 128GB, so you can choose how much space you need for apps, photos and files. This allows flexibility depending on your storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A12 vs Galaxy A30s screen
Screen quality affects how vibrant and clear the display looks for watching videos, browsing and general use. These two phones differ in screen size, resolution and panel type.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy A12 has a slightly larger 6.5 inch screen with a 720 x 1600 resolution, offering a bit more room for video and reading. The Galaxy A30s has a 6.4 inch screen with a 720 x 1560 resolution, which is very close in clarity but a touch smaller.
Screen Type
The Galaxy A12 uses a PLS LCD screen, which provides reliable colour and brightness suitable for everyday use. The Galaxy A30s features a Super AMOLED screen, known for deeper blacks and more vibrant colours. This makes the A30s a good choice if you enjoy richer visuals and more contrast on your display.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A12 vs Galaxy A30s camera
Audiovisual features include the front and main cameras, which determine photo quality and video calling experience.
Front Camera
The Galaxy A30s has a 16 megapixel front camera that captures sharper and more detailed selfies. This suits users who value selfie quality or do frequent video calls. The Galaxy A12 has an 8 megapixel front camera, which still produces clear images but with less detail.
Main Camera
The Galaxy A12 features a 48 megapixel main camera, capturing highly detailed photos that are suitable for everyday photography and zooming in on scenes. The Galaxy A30s has a 25 megapixel main camera, which offers good image quality but with fewer pixels for detail compared to the A12.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A12 vs Galaxy A30s size and design
Other differences cover connectivity, physical ports and card support, which influence convenience and compatibility.
Connector and Audio
Both phones include USB-C and 3.5mm headphone jack connectors, allowing wired charging and audio options. This supports a wide range of accessories.
Expandable Storage and SIM
Each device supports microSDXC cards and uses a physical SIM, offering flexibility for adding storage and using your preferred mobile network.
Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy A12 is thicker at 8.9 mm compared to 7.8 mm for the Galaxy A30s. Combined with the A12's greater height and width, it is a larger and heavier phone. The Galaxy A30s weighs 169 g, making it easier to carry and hold for long periods.
Network Compatibility
Both phones support 4G networks and are unlocked, allowing you to use them with any compatible carrier.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A12 or Galaxy A30s: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A12 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £70.97, £0.44 less than the Galaxy A30s
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 25 megapixels)
Buy the Galaxy A30s if
- you want an OLED screen
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (16 megapixels vs 8 megapixels)
- you want a lighter build (169 g vs 205 g)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy A12 praise its condition and ease of use, noting it looks spotless and works well. Several mention the phone's large storage as a benefit and appreciate the straightforward setup. Some users found charging times longer and touchscreen responsiveness slower at times, but still enjoy the overall experience. The phone is described as reliable and suitable for daily tasks, with many recommending it to friends and family.
For the Galaxy A30s, customers highlight the phone's quality screen and good memory, making it popular as a first phone for younger users. Many say the device looks almost brand new and performs well for its price. Some users experienced slower internet speeds or colour mix-ups with their orders, but generally the phone is appreciated for its condition and usability. It is noted as a good choice for those wanting a capable phone without spending on a newer model.
The Galaxy A12 suits those who want a larger battery and higher resolution main camera for longer use and detailed photos. The Galaxy A30s fits users who prefer a lighter phone with a vibrant Super AMOLED screen and a higher resolution front camera for sharper selfies.
Galaxy A12 vs Galaxy A30s FAQs
Galaxy A12 vs A30s comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) on the Galaxy A12, Exynos 7904 on the Galaxy A30s. The Galaxy A12 has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
The Galaxy A12 is cheaper refurbished, from £70.97 compared with £71.41 for the Galaxy A30s.
The Galaxy A12 has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
The Galaxy A12 has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 25 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy A12 ended in Nov 2024. The Galaxy A30s no longer gets updates.
The Galaxy A12 adds a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh) and a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 25 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £0.44 less (from £70.97 vs £71.41).
Both come in 32GB, 64GB and 128GB refurbished.
