This Samsung Galaxy A12 (S127DL) reveals a device worth considering for fans of multiple camera smartphones. The quad-camera lets users have fun taking photos.
Samsung Galaxy A12 smartphone was released in December 2020. For many people, Samsung is a trusted brand that delivers quality even with its affordable line. Let’s see if this applies to Samsung Galaxy A12.
At a glance, things look promising with this phone. We are excited about the wide display and big battery. Additionally, the quad-camera looks fun to try around and explore.
Essentially, Samsung Galaxy A12 is an affordable phone, but with some extras. It seems that this phone targets photography lovers with the quad-camera setup.
Let’s see if the phone is worth considering. In this Samsung Galaxy A12 (S127DL) review, we’ll take a look more closely into the phone’s strengths and weaknesses.
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Key Specs
Samsung Galaxy A12 (S127DL) specifications:
- Weight: 205g
- Dimensions: 164 x 75.8 x 8.9mm
- OS: Android 10
- Screen size: 6.5-inch
- Resolution: 1600 x 720
- CPU: 2.35GHz Octa-core, Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765
- RAM: 3GB
- Storage: 32GB
- Battery: 5,000mAh, Non-removable
- Rear camera: 16MP + 5MP + 2MP + 2MP
- Front camera: 8MP
Design
Samsung Galaxy A12 features the signature design of the brand many would love. The 164 x 75.8 x 8.9mm dimension should not put you off. Despite being big, this phone is still easy to handle. Don’t be surprised, it’s a bit weighty too (205g.)
A little notch lies on the top-middle of the screen. Compared to the overall screen size, it is barely noticeable, which is good. That way, you can use the phone without being distracted. The screen is surrounded by a thin frame, true to the infinity spirit Samsung likes to promote.
The back cover is another of our favorites in this Samsung Galaxy A12 review. The phone uses plastic as its material, but Samsung still designs the body tastefully. When you look at it, you’ll be reminded of a luxury leather case. Yes, Samsung Galaxy A12’s textured back is not only practical (for added grip.) Additionally, it also adds a nice touch to the phone’s aesthetic.
The fingerprint reader on this phone is side-mounted. So, Samsung Galaxy A12 keeps the back appearance even more minimal. There’s just the camera on the back. Meanwhile, the fingerprint scanner is one with the Power button. Above it, the manufacturer put the Volume button.
Everything is clean-looking, modern, and clutter-free. Samsung Galaxy A12 is an elegant phone that hides its true price well. You’d mistaken it for a more expensive model.
Read also: Samsung Galaxy A12 User Manual
Display
This device employs a 6.5-inch PLS TFT LCD with a resolution of 1600 x 720. We have no problem with the display, as it is adequately big. However, we wish Samsung Galaxy A12 gave a better display quality than HD+.
Samsung is known to be quite stingy when it comes to offering great display quality. A Full HD screen can only come with an expensive price tag. That way, their choice for the HD screen here is not that surprising.
Regardless, Samsung Galaxy A12 missed the opportunity to provide a killer display. Despite its big size, we encountered some problems such as lack of contrast, low brightness when outdoors, and limited viewing angle.
When it comes to size, 6.5-inch is a good measurement on a modern phone. It allows you to have a spacious workspace for emails, documents, and other related work/study activities. When stacking two apps, each app still has a sizable space.
The display is responsive to touch and we have no lag problems. Due to its size, the best use case for the display is entertainment activities, such as streaming, social media, and gaming. For display, our verdict overall is neutral. We like the size, but hoped it would have better quality.
Camera
There are four cameras available on the back of the Samsung Galaxy A12. This quad-camera setup consists of a 16MP main lens and 5MP ultra-wide lens. The rest of the cameras are just 2MP, a depth camera, and a macro camera. Samsung Galaxy A12 also didn’t forget to add an LED flash. On the front, there’s only a single lens at 8MP.
Samsung Galaxy A12’s cameras seem great, although the resolutions are not remarkably high. The four cameras give users the option to snap photos in various creative ways. To get a full view of a landscape, activate the ultra-wide angle. To capture the details of a small object, use the macro shooter.
Users don’t need to be confused about operating all those four lenses. The Camera app on Samsung Galaxy A12 is user-friendly. For example, enabling the wide-angle camera takes only one swipe. Alternatively, if you want more control over the camera settings, a Pro mode is available.
The photo results aren’t what you call professional though, but it will work well for most people. At 16MP, the main camera produces crisp colors, good detail, and minimal noise. As always, the best time to take photos is during a sunny day.
Video recording on Samsung Galaxy A12 can produce FHD videos as its best result. Both the main camera and the front camera can achieve this quality.
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Storage
For a phone focused on cameras, it’s disappointing that Samsung Galaxy A12 only holds 32GB of internal storage. We’d like to see bigger numbers here, so there’s more capacity to store photos. Additionally, the bigger the storage, the more apps you can install on the phone.
Moreover, only 19 GB will be available to use. It’s because the system already used a third of the space to store data.
Samsung Galaxy A12 doesn’t come without a solution. At least you will be allowed to add an SD card. For the maximum capacity, the expandable storage can hold up to 2TB of extra space. In our opinion, this number is quite satisfactory because it can hold thousands of high-res photos easily.
Performance
Samsung Galaxy A12 runs on a 2.35GHz MediaTek Helio P35 processor. Aided with 3GB RAM, this setup is responsible for the phone’s day-to-day operation. To us, it’s a good spec for the CPU and RAM. Reliable but not overkill nor it’s too “basic.”
The CPU isn’t a high-end processor, so don’t expect jaw-dropping performance to run a 3D game smoothly. This phone isn’t designed for anything too crazy. It won’t give you lags and hiccups on everyday operations. In that case, Samsung Galaxy A12 got its priority right.
It’s not like you can’t have fun with Samsung Galaxy A12. This phone won’t hold you back from activities such as streaming and listening to music. With long battery life, you can enjoy hours of visual and audio entertainment.
Samsung Galaxy A12 runs on Android 10. However, customers will have the choice to upgrade it to Android 11 should they prefer it.
Even without upgrading, Android 10 alone proves to be reliable and problem-free. As usual, Samsung strapped its interface design. Alongside the custom skin, there is also a load of pre-installed apps from Samsung, such as Gear Manager. It’s where you can manage smart devices with your phone.
The fingerprint reader placement is a matter of preference. We prefer having a scanner on the back. Unlocking the phone using a thumb feels awkward rather than using other types of fingers. Again, everyone could have a different opinion on this. What’s important is that Samsung Galaxy A12’s fingerprint is fast when unlocked.
A handful of sensors help Samsung Galaxy A12 operate with more functions and precision. Apart from the usual sensors like Accelerometer and Proximity sensor, we also noticed some rare ones. Samsung Galaxy A12 has Grip Sensor, a barometer to determine your altitude, and virtual light sensing.
Connectivity
Samsung Galaxy A12 is not a 5G phone, so the fastest network you can get is 4G. For most people, 4G will work wonders to cater to their everyday communication needs. It is able to deliver great-quality calls and fast internet.
This phone is also well-equipped with other wireless features. You can use Wi-Fi when preferred, and there’s Bluetooth for earphones and wireless speakers. Furthermore, the phone’s GPS is quite accurate in determining the location and showing direction.
You can connect your phone to a computer with the USB Type-C cable. This process will use SmartSwitch, a Samsung-only app for PC sync. Lastly, If you often use your phone as a tool for payment, you’ll be glad to find out about NFC on Samsung Galaxy A12. Yes, this phone includes this rare and often mid-range only feature.
Battery
The big battery, at 5,000mAh, is one of the best features Samsung Galaxy A12 offers. The battery gives you hours of non-stop usage whether it’s for gaming or surfing the internet. On LTE, the phone can reach 20 hours uptime, while Wi-Fi is curiously lower (19 hours.)
Meanwhile, talk time using 4G is up to 34 hours on a single charge. Overall, this is an impressive performance for an affordable phone. Furthermore, Samsung Galaxy A12 is also equipped with fast charging. The USB Type-C charger is a 15W charger, able to give the phone a quick boost anytime.
Is the Samsung Galaxy A12 a good phone?
Samsung Galaxy A12 is a decent choice for users emphasizing cameras. Especially if you like being creative with more than one lens. Samsung Galaxy A12’s quad-camera will satisfy your appetite for artistic exploration. At $180, we think it’s not too expensive, although definitely not a budget choice.
The highlight of this phone comes from its camera, big battery, and modern design. Moreover, it also has NFC, which is rare on non-flagship like this. You will also enjoy fast charging on this phone.
Overall, this Samsung Galaxy A12 review ends on a positive note. The only thing we don’t like is its small internal storage, but that is a solvable problem using an SD card.
Samsung Galaxy A12 Pros
- Quad-camera
- Fast charging
- Vast display
- Big battery
- NFC
Samsung Galaxy A12 Cons
- Small internal storage
