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Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos review: Does the new SoC make it a better smartphone?

New edition for the battery champion.

The Galaxy A12 Nacho reveals good features in our review, but also some weaknesses. As with the Galaxy A12, the pricing of the Samsung phone is very attractive. Read our review to find out whether the entry-level smartphone is worth buying.
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos smartphone review

The Korean manufacturer adds another entry-level model to its popular A series. However, the Samsung phone with the model number SM-A127F is not completely new, because it's very similar to its Galaxy A12 (SM-A125F) sibling. Although Samsung hasn't formally changed the naming scheme, we will extend the name of the "newer" Galaxy A12 with its codename "Nacho" or "Exynos" to avoid confusion. After all, the only noteworthy difference can be found in the choice of SoCs. Unlike the A12 model, which was equipped with the MediaTek Helio P35, the 2021 variant is now based on the in-house Exynos 850 chipset.

We weren't able to identify an MSRP for the Galaxy A12 Exynos, but the entry-level smartphone is available around the same street price as the 2020 model after market launch (about 170 Euros (~$192)). In return, buyers of the 6.5-inch Samsung smartphone get an HD+ display with a waterdrop notch, a 5,000 mAh battery, and a quad-camera setup with a 48 MP main camera.

Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F (Galaxy A Series)
Processor
Samsung Exynos 850 8 x - 2 GHz, Cortex-A55
Graphics adapter
Memory
4 GB 
Display
6.50 inch 20:9, 1600 x 720 pixel 270 PPI, capacitive touchscreen, IPS LCD, glossy: yes, 60 Hz
Storage
64 GB eMMC Flash, 64 GB 
, 51 GB free
Connections
1 USB 2.0, USB-C Power Delivery (PD), Audio Connections: 3.5 mm audio jack, Card Reader: microSD (up to 1TB), 1 Fingerprint Reader, NFC, Brightness Sensor, Sensors: accelerometer, proximity sensor, OTG, Miracast
Networking
802.11 b/g/n (b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth 5.0, 2G: GSM850, GSM900, DCS1800, PCS1900; 3G: B1(2100), B5(850), B8(900); 4G FDD: B1(2100), B3(1800), B5(850), B7(2600), B8(900), B20(800), B28(700); TDD: B38(2600), B40(2300), B41(2500), Dual SIM, LTE, GPS
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 8.9 x 164 x 75.8 ( = 0.35 x 6.46 x 2.98 in)
Battery
5000 mAh
Operating System
Android 11
Camera
Primary Camera: 48 MPix (f/​2.0) 5 MP (f/​2.2, wide) 2.0 MP (f/​2.4, macro) 2 MP (f/​2.4)
Secondary Camera: 8 MPix (f2.2)
Additional features
Speakers: mono, 15-watt charger, USB cable, OneUI, 24 Months Warranty, Widevine L1, SAR value: 0.673 W/​kg head, 1.377 W/​kg body, fanless
Weight
205 g ( = 7.23 oz / 0.45 pounds), Power Supply: 54 g ( = 1.9 oz / 0.12 pounds)
Price
170 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Possible contenders in comparison

Rating
Date
Model
Weight
Drive
Size
Resolution
Price
74.9 %
v7 (old)
12 / 2021
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1
205 g64 GB eMMC Flash6.50"1600x720
75.2 %
v7 (old)
02 / 2021
Samsung Galaxy A12
Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320
205 g64 GB eMMC Flash6.50"1600x720
77.1 %
v7 (old)
11 / 2021
Motorola Moto E40
Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2
198 g64 GB eMMC Flash6.50"1600x720
79 %
v7 (old)
11 / 2021
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2
181 g64 GB eMMC Flash6.50"2400x1080
77 %
v7 (old)
11 / 2021
Oppo A16s
Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320
190 g64 GB eMMC Flash6.52"1600x720

Case - Samsung smartphone with notch

Color options for the Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos
Color options for the Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos

The front of the Nacho shows a drop-shaped notch - there are no differences to the Galaxy A12 here, just like with the rest of the design. The rather wide bezels above and below the display are perfectly acceptable for the price range. In numbers: About 82% of the front corresponds to the display.

The plastic back of the Galaxy A12 Exynos can be purchased in two color options. You can choose between a black and a white version. As expected from an entry-level smartphone, the Galaxy phone's case is neither protected against dust nor water ingress. The controls for volume adjustment as well as the on/off switch are well manufactured and have pleasing pressure points.

The build quality is at a satisfactory level, but the Galaxy smartphone doesn't feel premium. Both the back and the frame are made of plastic. We like the slightly textured surface - considering the material type - and it gives the Nacho a pleasant grip. However, haptics are somewhat marred by the seemingly hollow back. We can easily press in the plastic material by one to two millimeters in the central area above the Samsung logo.

Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos smartphone review
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos smartphone review
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos smartphone review
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos smartphone review
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos smartphone review
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos smartphone review
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos smartphone review
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos smartphone review

Size comparison

165.1 mm / 6.5 in 75.6 mm / 2.98 in 9.1 mm / 0.3583 in 198 g0.4365 lbs164 mm / 6.46 in 75.8 mm / 2.98 in 8.9 mm / 0.3504 in 205 g0.4519 lbs164 mm / 6.46 in 75.8 mm / 2.98 in 8.9 mm / 0.3504 in 205 g0.4519 lbs163.8 mm / 6.45 in 75.6 mm / 2.98 in 8.4 mm / 0.3307 in 190 g0.4189 lbs161.95 mm / 6.38 in 75.53 mm / 2.97 in 8.92 mm / 0.3512 in 181 g0.399 lbs148 mm / 5.83 in 105 mm / 4.13 in 1 mm / 0.03937 in 1.5 g0.00331 lbs

Connectivity - Galaxy A12 Exynos with 3.5 mm audio jack

Prospective buyers of the Galaxy A12 Exynos can choose between 32 and 64 GB of eMMC storage supported by 3 GB or 4 GB of RAM, respectively. After taking the operating system and the preinstalled apps into account, our review sample only has 22 GB available out of the box. This results in very limited storage in the 32 GB version. However, a microSD card of up to 1 TB can be used for expanding storage without losing the dual-SIM functionality of the Samsung smartphone.

Other connectivity features of the Galaxy A12 Exynos include Miracast, which enables the wireless transmission of display content to external monitors, a 3.5 mm audio jack, and USB OTG. External storage devices are recognized reliably in the test, but data transfer speeds with the USB Type-C port are not very high due to the use of the USB 2.0 standard. 

Top (microphone)
Top (microphone)
Bottom (speaker, USB port, microphone, audio jack)
Bottom (speaker, USB port, microphone, audio jack)
Right (buttons)
Right (buttons)
Left (card slot)
Left (card slot)

microSD card reader

The SD card reader extracts very decent transfer rates from our Angelbird V60 reference card. The copy speed of almost 50 MB/s is at a good level, and the performance in the Cross Platform Disk Test is also respectable.

When using a microSD card, the Nacho allows the user to choose whether the storage medium should be used as an expansion or as internal storage.

SD Card Reader - average JPG Copy Test (av. of 3 runs)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Mali-G52 MP1, Exynos 850, 64 GB eMMC Flash (Angelbird V60)
47.8 MB/s
Oppo A16s
PowerVR GE8320, Helio G35, 64 GB eMMC Flash (Angelbird AV Pro V60)
45.73 MB/s -4%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G88, 64 GB eMMC Flash (Angelbird AV Pro V60)
40.85 MB/s -15%
Motorola Moto E40
Mali-G52 MP2, Tangula T700, 64 GB eMMC Flash (Angelbird V60)
11.8 MB/s -75%

Cross Platform Disk Test (CPDT)

051015202530354045505560657075Tooltip
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F Mali-G52 MP1, Exynos 850, 64 GB eMMC Flash; SDCard Sequential Write 0.5 GB; Angelbird V60: Ø32.3 (23.2-38.8)
Xiaomi Redmi 10 Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G88, 64 GB eMMC Flash; SDCard Sequential Write 0.5 GB; Angelbird AV Pro V60: Ø37.8 (26-44.9)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F Mali-G52 MP1, Exynos 850, 64 GB eMMC Flash; SDCard Sequential Read 0.5 GB; Angelbird V60: Ø50.2 (31.6-54.4)
Xiaomi Redmi 10 Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G88, 64 GB eMMC Flash; SDCard Sequential Read 0.5 GB; Angelbird AV Pro V60: Ø66.8 (7.33-79.4)

Software - Samsung smartphone with Android 11

Unlike the Galaxy A12, the Nacho comes straight with Android 11. We weren't able to get any information on when Samsung will provide an update to Android 12 during the test period. The rollout for the A12 model is planned for July 2022 at least, so a similar schedule seems realistic for the Exynos version. We also presume that the Nacho, like its sibling model, will receive two major Android updates. The latter is worthy of praise in this price segment.

As usual, Samsung combines the Android system with its in-house One UI (Core) user interface in version 3.1, which also includes the smart assistant Bixby. In terms of security updates, which should be issued quarterly, the Galaxy A12 Exynos is a bit outdated with its latest update being at the level of October, but higher-priced mid-range alternatives are usually not any more up to date, either. Video content from streaming services can be viewed in HD quality with the Nacho, since the Widevine L1 certification process has been completed.

Samsung DeX is not supported by the Galaxy A12 Exynos. Samsung's Knox security environment is integrated into the Nacho's software as well as hardware. Consequently, the inexpensive mid-range model is not equipped with an extra desktop mode through Samsung DeX.

Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos smartphone review
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos smartphone review
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos smartphone review
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos smartphone review

Communication and GNSS - Galaxy A12 Exynos with slow Wi-Fi

Samsung has installed a dedicated SIM card tray for two nano SIM cards as well as a slot for memory expansion in its entry-level smartphone. Both card slots in the Galaxy smartphone can connect to the mobile Internet via the LTE standard. As is typical for a smartphone in this price range, the number of frequency bands that the Nacho uses to communicate is low. The Exynos version of the Galaxy A12 can only access 10 LTE bands. However, no frequency bands are missing for the German-speaking region.

Bluetooth version 5.0 is available for wireless communication, and a chip for near-field communication (NFC) is also on board, so Google Pay can be used with the entry-level phone. A Play Protect certification for the payment service is provided.

The Wi-Fi module only supports the IEEE 802.11b/g/n standards, which means that it only communicates using the 2.4 GHz frequency band. This results in very low average transfer rates of about 40 to 50 Mb/s in our Wi-Fi test. Furthermore, the rates measured with the Nighthawk AX12 reference router aren't very stable.

Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Oppo A16s
PowerVR GE8320, Helio G35, 64 GB eMMC Flash
294 (151min - 315max) MBit/s +585%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G88, 64 GB eMMC Flash
293 (284min - 301max) MBit/s +583%
Motorola Moto E40
Mali-G52 MP2, Tangula T700, 64 GB eMMC Flash
86.9 (78min - 93max) MBit/s +103%
Samsung Galaxy A12
PowerVR GE8320, Helio P35 MT6765, 64 GB eMMC Flash
44.8 (30min - 59max) MBit/s +4%
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Mali-G52 MP1, Exynos 850, 64 GB eMMC Flash
42.9 (21min - 65max) MBit/s
iperf3 receive AX12
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G88, 64 GB eMMC Flash
333 (299min - 358max) MBit/s +561%
Oppo A16s
PowerVR GE8320, Helio G35, 64 GB eMMC Flash
299 (200min - 346max) MBit/s +493%
Motorola Moto E40
Mali-G52 MP2, Tangula T700, 64 GB eMMC Flash
87.2 (46min - 105max) MBit/s +73%
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Mali-G52 MP1, Exynos 850, 64 GB eMMC Flash
50.4 (41min - 57max) MBit/s
Samsung Galaxy A12
PowerVR GE8320, Helio P35 MT6765, 64 GB eMMC Flash
50.3 (8min - 62max) MBit/s 0%
05101520253035404550556065Tooltip
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø50.1 (41-57)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø42.9 (21-65)
Tracking isn't possible indoors
Tracking isn't possible indoors
Positioning outdoors
Positioning outdoors

To assess the positioning accuracy in practice, we take the Galaxy smartphone on a short trip. We simultaneously log the route with a Garmin Venu 2 for comparison purposes. The GPS module uses the main satellite systems GPS (L1), GLONASS, QZSS, and Galileo (E1), as well as the satellite-based supplementary system SBAS to determine its position. About 20 meters lie between the smartphone GPS module and the smartwatch at the end of the nearly 4.5-kilometer test track, which is not a lot.

The Galaxy A12 Exynos also makes minor positioning errors, but the deviations in the detailed view of the GPS log are quite small, so there are hardly any noteworthy inaccuracies in the route.

Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos
Garmin Venu 2
Garmin Venu 2
Garmin Venu 2
Garmin Venu 2
Garmin Venu 2
Garmin Venu 2

Telephone and call quality - Samsung smartphone with VoLTE

The low-priced Samsung phone offers a VoLTE function as well as Wi-Fi calling. Video calls via Skype using the built-in front-facing camera work without problems in the test, and voices are reproduced clearly via the speaker. The call quality over the earpiece of the Galaxy A12 Exynos is fine as well. We didn't experience any issues with voice transmission.

Cameras - Galaxy A12 Exynos quad-camera setup

Portrait mode with the Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos
Portrait mode with the Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos
Photo mode with the Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos
Photo mode with the Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos

The 8 MP camera, which is located in the punch hole at the front, produces solid selfies with a high degree of softening in Photo mode. In portrait shots, the dynamics in the pictures take a hit, and the sky looks "burned out" even in wintry conditions.

Like the Galaxy A12, the camera module on the back of the Nacho offers a macro and a depth camera as well as an ultra wide-angle lens with a resolution of 5 MP, in addition to the 48 MP main camera. Photos taken with the Samsung GM2 are captured in pixel-binning mode by default, resulting in 12 MP images instead of 48 MP ones.

The results achieved with the main camera that comes with an aperture of f/2.0 and EIS are perfectly fine for this price range - but not much more. The autofocus function doesn't work reliably all the time, and the overall image sharpness could be a bit higher. Furthermore, details are often washed out by soft focus, and exposure isn't always optimal. There are clear drawbacks in low light, although the subjects are reproduced quite sharply. However, dynamic range isn't very good, so bright areas are often overexposed.

With a field of view of 123 degrees, a lot of image content can be captured with the ultra wide-angle lens. However, we see a lot of room for improvement in terms of quality here. The Galaxy phone has big problems with exposure, and the image sharpness, which is already low, decreases noticeably at the edges in particular.

Videos can only be recorded at up to 30 fps in FHD quality with the Nacho, although the built-in Exynos 850 theoretically supports 60 fps. Switching between the wide-angle and ultra wide-angle lenses while recording isn't possible with the Galaxy A12 Exynos.

Wide angle
Wide angle
Main camera
2x zoom
4x zoom
10x zoom (max)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos smartphone review
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos smartphone review
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos smartphone review
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos smartphone review

Image Comparison

Choose a scene and navigate within the first image. One click changes the position on touchscreens. One click on the zoomed-in image opens the original in a new window. The first image shows the scaled photograph of the test device.

Main cameraMain cameraLow lightWide angle

We analyze the color reproduction of the 48 MP lens under controlled lighting conditions using the ColorChecker Passport in comparison with the actual reference colors. The colors are checked once under full studio lighting and once at a light intensity of 1 lux. Besides the smartphone-typical brightening, the Nacho reveals particularly large deviations from the ColorChecker when it comes to gray tones. Compared to the reference colors, brown and green tones also show shortcomings in their reproduction.

The picture of our test chart, including pixel-binning, confirms the rather high degree of soft focus and a decrease in sharpness around the edges.

ColorChecker
23.4 ∆E
14 ∆E
20 ∆E
24.5 ∆E
18.5 ∆E
12.2 ∆E
19.1 ∆E
17.4 ∆E
17 ∆E
9.7 ∆E
12.4 ∆E
14.1 ∆E
7.8 ∆E
21.3 ∆E
19.8 ∆E
6.2 ∆E
12.8 ∆E
19.9 ∆E
4.9 ∆E
5.2 ∆E
13.5 ∆E
18.9 ∆E
22.7 ∆E
4.4 ∆E
ColorChecker Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F: 14.98 ∆E min: 4.38 - max: 24.54 ∆E
ColorChecker
29.4 ∆E
51.5 ∆E
37.8 ∆E
35.6 ∆E
43.6 ∆E
62 ∆E
50.2 ∆E
31.8 ∆E
38.2 ∆E
26.8 ∆E
63.2 ∆E
63.2 ∆E
27.3 ∆E
46.1 ∆E
32.8 ∆E
73 ∆E
41.9 ∆E
42.1 ∆E
81 ∆E
68.7 ∆E
50.5 ∆E
36.5 ∆E
24 ∆E
14.1 ∆E
ColorChecker Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F: 44.65 ∆E min: 14.11 - max: 80.95 ∆E

Accessories and warranty - Samsung smartphone with 15-watt charger

Charger for the Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos
Charger for the Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos

Besides the Samsung phone, a 15-watt charger, a USB cable, and a SIM pin are included in the box. A protective case is not included with the Galaxy A12 Exynos. The Korean manufacturer hasn't listed any special accessories in its online store yet, either.

Samsung offers a 24-month warranty for its Galaxy A devices.

Input devices and handling - Galaxy A12 Exynos with FaceUnlock

An active fingerprint scanner is located on the case's frame. The biometric finger recognition is quite reliable, but the sensor's speed isn't very high. Another unlock option is a simple 2D face recognition, which works through the front-facing camera. The recognition rates are compelling, but the FaceUnlock function is quite insecure.

Inputs on the 6.5-inch LC display are accurately and quickly processed, even up to the touchscreen's corners. The low-priced Samsung phone doesn't offer a high refresh rate that exceeds 60 Hz.

Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos smartphone review
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos smartphone review
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos smartphone review

Display - Samsung smartphone with IPS panel

Subpixel grid
Subpixel grid
Uneven brightness distribution on the Galaxy A12 Exynos
Uneven brightness distribution on the Galaxy A12 Exynos

The 6.5-inch 60 Hz LC display only has a resolution of 1600x720 pixels and therefore a low pixel density of well below 300 PPI. With the Redmi 10 or Redmi Note 8 2021, the Xiaomi competition has a clear advantage in sharpness in this price segment.

The brightness of the PLS panel is even. However, shadow formations are clearly visible on the Samsung phone in the area of the front camera. In addition, the illumination at the top edge of the display is quite uneven.

The maximum brightness of the Nacho using a pure white display background is within a satisfactory range of 446 cd/m² considering it's an entry-level phone, but this isn't a lot in absolute terms. And the competition in this price range, such as the Redmi 10 with 90 Hz, has a much higher brightness than the Galaxy A12 Exynos. Samsung uses pulse width modulation (PWM) to control the display brightness despite it being an LC panel. We noticed screen flickering starting at a display brightness of 7%.

In addition, we examined the display's brightness with an evenly distributed ratio of dark to bright areas (APL50). We determined a maximum brightness of 447 cd/m².

405
cd/m²
439
cd/m²
444
cd/m²
397
cd/m²
446
cd/m²
415
cd/m²
399
cd/m²
453
cd/m²
408
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 453 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 422.9 cd/m² Minimum: 8.78 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 88 %
Center on Battery: 446 cd/m²
Contrast: 1538:1 (Black: 0.29 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 4.94 | 0.5-29.43 Ø4.91
ΔE Greyscale 5.1 | 0.5-98 Ø5.2
93.7% sRGB (Calman 2D)
Gamma: 2.145
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
IPS LCD, 1600x720, 6.5"
Samsung Galaxy A12
PLS-LCD, 1600x720, 6.5"
Motorola Moto E40
IPS, 1600x720, 6.5"
Xiaomi Redmi 10
IPS, 2400x1080, 6.5"
Oppo A16s
LCD, 1600x720, 6.5"
Screen
-10%
-3%
34%
12%
Brightness middle
446
458
3%
452
1%
542
22%
607
36%
Brightness
423
427
1%
431
2%
518
22%
586
39%
Brightness Distribution
88
85
-3%
90
2%
93
6%
90
2%
Black Level *
0.29
0.53
-83%
0.46
-59%
0.22
24%
0.52
-79%
Contrast
1538
864
-44%
983
-36%
2464
60%
1167
-24%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
4.94
4.04
18%
4.15
16%
3
39%
3.1
37%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
8.81
6.84
22%
6.47
27%
6.7
24%
6.7
24%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
5.1
4.8
6%
4
22%
1.4
73%
2
61%
Gamma
2.145 103%
2.293 96%
2.157 102%
2.27 97%
2.17 101%
CCT
7890 82%
7535 86%
7557 86%
6450 101%
6806 96%

* ... smaller is better

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM detected 178.6 Hz ≤ 7 % brightness setting

The display backlight flickers at 178.6 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) Flickering detected at a brightness setting of 7 % and below. There should be no flickering or PWM above this brightness setting.

The frequency of 178.6 Hz is relatively low, so sensitive users will likely notice flickering and experience eyestrain at the stated brightness setting and below.

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 8705 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 343500) Hz was measured.

Compared with the IPS competition, the Galaxy A12 Exynos offers an appealing contrast. The analysis performed with the spectrophotometer and the CalMAN software doesn't reveal low average DeltaE deviations from the sRGB color space for the Samsung entry-level smartphone with values of 4.9 (colors) and 5.1 (grayscale) - but the results are acceptable considering the price level.

The default color temperature of about 7,900 K is far away from the ideal value (6,500 K) as well, and in contrast to the mid-range and high-end models from Samsung, the Nacho's OneUI interface doesn't allow for any adjustments to color reproduction. This means that the slightly bluish color tint can't be corrected.

Color accuracy (target color space: sRGB)
Color accuracy (target color space: sRGB)
Color space (target color space: sRGB)
Color space (target color space: sRGB)
Grayscales (target color space: sRGB)
Grayscales (target color space: sRGB)
Color saturation (target color space: sRGB)
Color saturation (target color space: sRGB)

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
34 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 17 ms rise
↘ 17 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 90 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (20.9 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
58 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 31 ms rise
↘ 27 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.165 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 94 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (32.8 ms).

The viewing-angle stability of the LC panel is at a decent level. Content is displayed without color inversions even at flat viewing angles. However, the display dims noticeably even when tilted slightly.

The Samsung phone can be used outdoors without problems when the sun isn't shining. If sunlight is added, the brightness of the A12 Exynos will no longer be sufficient to be able to read the content on the screen properly.

Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos smartphone review
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos smartphone review
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos smartphone review

Performance - Galaxy A12 with Exynos SoC

In contrast to the Galaxy A12 with its MediaTek MT6765 Helio P35, the Nacho is equipped with the in-house Exynos 850 SoC. The latter offers eight cores with a performance of up to 2 GHz. Not only is the processor's performance low, but the graphics power of the built-in Mali-G52 MP1 is also rather on the lower end of the performance spectrum.

Nevertheless, there's still a significant increase in our benchmark package compared with the Galaxy A12 with the MediaTek SoC, especially when it comes to graphics.

Unfortunately, this performance gain is not noticeable in everyday use. The Exynos 850 in combination with 3 GB of RAM provides a solid system performance in the entry-level segment. Application loading times are quite pronounced due to the slow eMMC storage, and brief lags are a daily occurrence, even in simple applications. When running complex apps or background processes, the One UI on the Galaxy A12 Exynos sometimes needs to take a break.

It often takes several seconds to open the keyboard, and scrolling is very choppy on websites with a lot of image content. We would strongly advise all prospective buyers of the Nacho to choose the version with 4 GB of RAM, in spite of the general performance deficits that are likely to remain.

Geekbench 5.5
Single-Core (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
178 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
169 Points -5%
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
356 Points +100%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
365 Points +105%
Oppo A16s
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
176 Points -1%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (119 - 183, n=7)
167.3 Points -6%
Average of class Smartphone
  (126 - 2437, n=174, last 2 years)
1012 Points +469%
Multi-Core (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
1087 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
1022 Points -6%
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1393 Points +28%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1265 Points +16%
Oppo A16s
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
965 Points -11%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (519 - 1087, n=7)
900 Points -17%
Average of class Smartphone
  (473 - 8816, n=174, last 2 years)
3370 Points +210%
Vulkan Score 5.5 (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
646 Points
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1021 Points +58%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1267 Points +96%
Oppo A16s
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
Points -100%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (565 - 646, n=7)
617 Points -4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (79 - 21892, n=43, last 2 years)
7211 Points +1016%
OpenCL Score (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
654 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1223 Points +87%
Oppo A16s
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
Points -100%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (543 - 672, n=7)
617 Points -6%
Average of class Smartphone
  (459 - 18407, n=37, last 2 years)
7356 Points +1025%
PCMark for Android - Work 3.0 (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
5739 Points
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
8743 Points +52%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
8842 Points +54%
Oppo A16s
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
5272 Points -8%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (4894 - 6065, n=5)
5492 Points -4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (4609 - 26863, n=192, last 2 years)
13052 Points +127%
3DMark
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
1283 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
733 Points -43%
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2203 Points +72%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1817 Points +42%
Oppo A16s
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
850 Points -34%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (1252 - 1289, n=5)
1273 Points -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (812 - 7285, n=26, last 2 years)
4204 Points +228%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Graphics (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
1126 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
645 Points -43%
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2070 Points +84%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1709 Points +52%
Oppo A16s
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
774 Points -31%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (1126 - 1179, n=5)
1146 Points +2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (756 - 9451, n=26, last 2 years)
4740 Points +321%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Physics (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
2048 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
1098 Points -46%
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2844 Points +39%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2336 Points +14%
Oppo A16s
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
1291 Points -37%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (1912 - 2048, n=5)
2008 Points -2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1093 - 4349, n=26, last 2 years)
3303 Points +61%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
1273 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
879 Points -31%
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2202 Points +73%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1833 Points +44%
Oppo A16s
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
928 Points -27%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (1260 - 1295, n=5)
1279 Points 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (883 - 23024, n=73, last 2 years)
11109 Points +773%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited Graphics (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
1142 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
811 Points -29%
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2052 Points +80%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1713 Points +50%
Oppo A16s
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
853 Points -25%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (1133 - 1175, n=5)
1150 Points +1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (840 - 45492, n=73, last 2 years)
19708 Points +1626%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
2032 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
1123 Points -45%
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2961 Points +46%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2426 Points +19%
Oppo A16s
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
1343 Points -34%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (2015 - 2190, n=5)
2091 Points +3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1075 - 8749, n=73, last 2 years)
5001 Points +146%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
863 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
367 Points -57%
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1486 Points +72%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1394 Points +62%
Oppo A16s
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
486 Points -44%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (861 - 912, n=7)
883 Points +2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (286 - 17553, n=72, last 2 years)
3088 Points +258%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Graphics (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
738 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
298 Points -60%
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1309 Points +77%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1250 Points +69%
Oppo A16s
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
412 Points -44%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (738 - 788, n=7)
761 Points +3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (240 - 29890, n=72, last 2 years)
3272 Points +343%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Physics (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
2031 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
1098 Points -46%
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2821 Points +39%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2339 Points +15%
Oppo A16s
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
1301 Points -36%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (1899 - 2074, n=7)
1992 Points -2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (858 - 7180, n=72, last 2 years)
3285 Points +62%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
867 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
478 Points -45%
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1554 Points +79%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1416 Points +63%
Oppo A16s
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
539 Points -38%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (866 - 920, n=7)
896 Points +3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (317 - 22303, n=161, last 2 years)
7911 Points +812%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited Graphics (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
736 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
423 Points -43%
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1368 Points +86%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1265 Points +72%
Oppo A16s
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
462 Points -37%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (736 - 793, n=7)
769 Points +4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (267 - 33560, n=161, last 2 years)
11758 Points +1498%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
2109 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
1077 Points -49%
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2961 Points +40%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2427 Points +15%
Oppo A16s
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
1304 Points -38%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (2042 - 2168, n=7)
2108 Points 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (877 - 10259, n=161, last 2 years)
4659 Points +121%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (Vulkan) Unlimited (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
954 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
613 Points -36%
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1556 Points +63%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1396 Points +46%
Oppo A16s
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
Points -100%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (900 - 954, n=7)
933 Points -2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (365 - 6635, n=71, last 2 years)
2850 Points +199%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (Vulkan) Unlimited Graphics (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
839 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
541 Points -36%
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1399 Points +67%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1264 Points +51%
Oppo A16s
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
Points -100%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (775 - 839, n=7)
808 Points -4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (298 - 8601, n=71, last 2 years)
3103 Points +270%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (Vulkan) Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
2098 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
2065 Points -2%
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2568 Points +22%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2203 Points +5%
Oppo A16s
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
Points -100%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (2020 - 2177, n=7)
2076 Points -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1667 - 4198, n=71, last 2 years)
2702 Points +29%
Wild Life Score (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
428 Points
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
729 Points +70%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
712 Points +66%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (422 - 513, n=6)
467 Points +9%
Average of class Smartphone
  (408 - 13896, n=110, last 2 years)
2853 Points +567%
Wild Life Unlimited Score (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
426 Points
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
722 Points +69%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
721 Points +69%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (423 - 509, n=6)
468 Points +10%
Average of class Smartphone
  (413 - 21065, n=182, last 2 years)
7652 Points +1696%
Wild Life Extreme (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
116 Points
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
184 Points +59%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
182 Points +57%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (116 - 139, n=5)
130 Points +12%
Average of class Smartphone
  (114 - 7094, n=189, last 2 years)
2106 Points +1716%
Wild Life Extreme Unlimited (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
117 Points
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
183 Points +56%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
181 Points +55%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (117 - 139, n=3)
124.3 Points +6%
Average of class Smartphone
  (112 - 7212, n=187, last 2 years)
2099 Points +1694%
GFXBench (DX / GLBenchmark) 2.7
T-Rex Onscreen (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
33 fps
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
31 fps -6%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
42 fps +27%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (22 - 35, n=6)
32 fps -3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (23 - 166, n=172, last 2 years)
86.8 fps +163%
1920x1080 T-Rex Offscreen (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
24 fps
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
23 fps -4%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
46 fps +92%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (24 - 25, n=6)
24.2 fps +1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (19 - 791, n=172, last 2 years)
286 fps +1092%
GFXBench 3.0
on screen Manhattan Onscreen OGL (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
28 fps
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
20 fps -29%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
18 fps -36%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (14 - 29, n=6)
25.8 fps -8%
Average of class Smartphone
  (6.8 - 166, n=172, last 2 years)
76.3 fps +173%
1920x1080 1080p Manhattan Offscreen (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
16 fps
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
12 fps -25%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
25 fps +56%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (15 - 16, n=6)
15.8 fps -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (12 - 482, n=172, last 2 years)
169.3 fps +958%
GFXBench 3.1
on screen Manhattan ES 3.1 Onscreen (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
19 fps
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
13 fps -32%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
13 fps -32%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (8.2 - 20, n=6)
17.4 fps -8%
Average of class Smartphone
  (3.7 - 166, n=172, last 2 years)
66.4 fps +249%
1920x1080 Manhattan ES 3.1 Offscreen (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
9.4 fps
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
7.9 fps -16%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
16 fps +70%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (9.4 - 9.4, n=6)
9.4 fps 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (8.3 - 341, n=172, last 2 years)
120 fps +1177%
GFXBench
on screen Car Chase Onscreen (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
11 fps
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
5 fps -55%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
9.1 fps -17%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (5.1 - 12, n=6)
10 fps -9%
Average of class Smartphone
  (5 - 154, n=173, last 2 years)
48.5 fps +341%
1920x1080 Car Chase Offscreen (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
6 fps
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
3.3 fps -45%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
9.6 fps +60%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (5.9 - 6.1, n=6)
6.03 fps +1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (3.1 - 216, n=172, last 2 years)
72.1 fps +1102%
on screen Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Onscreen (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
11 fps
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
7.5 fps -32%
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
19 fps +73%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
9 fps -18%
Oppo A16s
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
7.8 fps -29%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (5.3 - 12, n=7)
9.66 fps -12%
Average of class Smartphone
  (3.6 - 247, n=203, last 2 years)
51.4 fps +367%
1920x1080 Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Offscreen (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
6.2 fps
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
4.2 fps -32%
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
11 fps +77%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
9.7 fps +56%
Oppo A16s
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
4.2 fps -32%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (6.1 - 6.2, n=7)
6.16 fps -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2.3 - 263, n=203, last 2 years)
81.6 fps +1216%
on screen Aztec Ruins High Tier Onscreen (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
7 fps
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
4.7 fps -33%
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
12 fps +71%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
5.9 fps -16%
Oppo A16s
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
5 fps -29%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (3.3 - 7.4, n=7)
6.03 fps -14%
Average of class Smartphone
  (0.85 - 144, n=203, last 2 years)
38.3 fps +447%
2560x1440 Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
2.2 fps
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
1.5 fps -32%
Motorola Moto E40
UNISOC Tangula T700, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
3.7 fps +68%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
3.5 fps +59%
Oppo A16s
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
1.5 fps -32%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (2.2 - 2.2, n=7)
2.2 fps 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (0.85 - 112, n=203, last 2 years)
32.9 fps +1395%
AnTuTu v8 - Total Score (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
119981 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
108503 Points -10%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
185120 Points +54%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (119981 - 133391, n=4)
126175 Points +5%
AImark - Score v2.x (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
4453 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
7120 Points +60%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (4354 - 4487, n=4)
4430 Points -1%
BaseMark OS II
Overall (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
1637 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
1318 Points -19%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2247 Points +37%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (1491 - 1644, n=6)
1581 Points -3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1196 - 11976, n=154, last 2 years)
6363 Points +289%
System (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
3345 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
2983 Points -11%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
4065 Points +22%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (3042 - 3382, n=6)
3241 Points -3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2368 - 16475, n=154, last 2 years)
10203 Points +205%
Memory (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
1836 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
1268 Points -31%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
3204 Points +75%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (1533 - 11617, n=6)
3420 Points +86%
Average of class Smartphone
  (962 - 12716, n=154, last 2 years)
6843 Points +273%
Graphics (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
1263 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
1023 Points -19%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1878 Points +49%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (1159 - 1263, n=6)
1226 Points -3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1017 - 58651, n=154, last 2 years)
17343 Points +1273%
Web (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
947 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12
Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
887 Points -6%
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mediatek Helio G88, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1042 Points +10%
Average Samsung Exynos 850
  (747 - 990, n=6)
901 Points -5%
Average of class Smartphone
  (841 - 2145, n=154, last 2 years)
1569 Points +66%
Jetstream 2 - Total Score
Average of class Smartphone (13.8 - 387, n=164, last 2 years)
121.7 Points +473%
Xiaomi Redmi 10 (Chrome 94.0.4606.85)
28.58 Points +35%
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F (Chrome96)
21.24 Points
Average Samsung Exynos 850 (18.4 - 23, n=6)
20.4 Points -4%
Samsung Galaxy A12 (Chrome 88)
17.19 Points -19%
JetStream 1.1 - Total Score
Xiaomi Redmi 10 (Chrome 94.0.4606.85)
50.2 Points +55%
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F (Chrome96)
32.46 Points
Average Samsung Exynos 850 (27.1 - 32.5, n=4)
28.7 Points -12%
Samsung Galaxy A12 (Chrome 88)
25.44 Points -22%
Speedometer 2.0 - Result
Average of class Smartphone (15.2 - 569, n=150, last 2 years)
139.5 runs/min +756%
Xiaomi Redmi 10 (Chrome 94.0.4606.85)
24.4 runs/min +50%
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F (Chrome96)
16.3 runs/min
Average Samsung Exynos 850 (15 - 16.7, n=6)
15.8 runs/min -3%
Samsung Galaxy A12 (Chrome 88)
13.7 runs/min -16%
WebXPRT 3 - Overall
Average of class Smartphone (38 - 347, n=79, last 2 years)
148.7 Points +291%
Xiaomi Redmi 10 (Chrome 94.0.4606.85)
48 Points +26%
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F (Chrome96)
38 Points
Average Samsung Exynos 850 (35 - 39, n=6)
36.8 Points -3%
Samsung Galaxy A12 (Chrome 88)
32 Points -16%
Octane V2 - Total Score
Average of class Smartphone (2228 - 100368, n=205, last 2 years)
37643 Points +544%
Xiaomi Redmi 10 (Chrome 94.0.4606.85)
10625 Points +82%
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F (Chrome96)
5849 Points
Average Samsung Exynos 850 (4875 - 5904, n=6)
5426 Points -7%
Samsung Galaxy A12 (Chrome 88)
4643 Points -21%
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total
Samsung Galaxy A12 (Chrome 88)
11082 ms * -31%
Average Samsung Exynos 850 (8327 - 9397, n=6)
8842 ms * -4%
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F (Chrome96)
8472 ms *
Xiaomi Redmi 10 (Chrome 94.0.4606.85)
3706 ms * +56%
Average of class Smartphone (277 - 28190, n=163, last 2 years)
1551 ms * +82%

* ... smaller is better

Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127FSamsung Galaxy A12Motorola Moto E40Xiaomi Redmi 10Oppo A16sAverage 64 GB eMMC FlashAverage of class Smartphone
AndroBench 3-5
35%
9%
69%
14%
18%
792%
Sequential Read 256KB
302.3
269.7
-11%
265
-12%
321.3
6%
289.2
-4%
Sequential Write 256KB
74.5
211.6
184%
156.3
110%
178
139%
168.4
126%
176.2 ?(40 - 274, n=203)
137%
Random Read 4KB
77.8
65.4
-16%
56
-28%
100.7
29%
45.32
-42%
Random Write 4KB
47.21
39.1
-17%
30.7
-35%
95.8
103%
35.23
-25%

Games - Samsung smartphone with 50 fps

The relatively weak Mali-G52 MP1, which only supports one cluster, still allows running demanding games from the Android Play Store - at least in the lowest graphics settings. Using the app from GameBench, we take a closer look at a few games to better assess the 3D performance of the Galaxy A12 Exynos.

Modern games, such as PUBG Mobile, are barely playable at medium details (HD). The shooter is reproduced at an average of 28 fps, but strong frame rate drops (up to 18 fps) spoil the gaming experience. The game runs much better in the lowest graphics mode at almost 40 fps.

Games with lower graphics power requirements run better as well. The arena shooter Armajet reaches a maximum of 50 fps in our measurements. However, reproduction fluctuates considerably, so that an average of about 40 fps is achieved.

Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos smartphone review
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos smartphone review
05101520253035404550Tooltip
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F; Armajet: Ø40.3 (28-50)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F; PUBG Mobile; Smooth: Ø38.9 (23-43)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F; PUBG Mobile; Balanced: Ø37.2 (31-42)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F; PUBG Mobile; HD: Ø28 (18-31)

Emissions - The A12 Exynos remains constant

Temperature

GFXBench running on the Galaxy A12 Exynos

According to our measurements, the maximum temperature on the case's back is just under 39°C (~102 °F). This is noticeable, but absolutely harmless in everyday use. We use the GFXBench and 3DMark tests to see whether the system throttles when it is under load for a long time, and if so, to what extent.

The Galaxy A12 Exynos remains very constant in both benchmarks. The Samsung phone completes the 3DMark Wild Life stress tests with almost 100% of its maximum performance.

Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos smartphone review
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos smartphone review
Max. Load
 37.1 °C
99 F
31.8 °C
89 F
31.9 °C
89 F
 
 37.5 °C
100 F
31.7 °C
89 F
32.8 °C
91 F
 
 35.9 °C
97 F
31.1 °C
88 F
32.2 °C
90 F
 
Maximum: 37.5 °C = 100 F
Average: 33.6 °C = 92 F
31.8 °C
89 F
33.3 °C
92 F
36.8 °C
98 F
31.4 °C
89 F
33 °C
91 F
38.7 °C
102 F
29.9 °C
86 F
31.9 °C
89 F
37.8 °C
100 F
Maximum: 38.7 °C = 102 F
Average: 33.8 °C = 93 F
Power Supply (max.)  38.4 °C = 101 F | Room Temperature 21.3 °C = 70 F | Fluke t3000FC (calibrated), Voltcraft IR-260
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 33.6 °C / 92 F, compared to the average of 32.8 °C / 91 F for the devices in the class Smartphone.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 37.5 °C / 100 F, compared to the average of 35.1 °C / 95 F, ranging from 21.9 to 63.7 °C for the class Smartphone.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 38.7 °C / 102 F, compared to the average of 33.9 °C / 93 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 22.8 °C / 73 F, compared to the device average of 32.8 °C / 91 F.

3DMark Wild Life Stress Test

3DMark
Wild Life Stress Test Stability
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Mali-G52 MP1, Exynos 850, 64 GB eMMC Flash
99.2 (2.57min) %
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G88, 64 GB eMMC Flash
98.2 (4.26min) % -1%
Wild Life Extreme Stress Test
Xiaomi Redmi 10
Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G88, 64 GB eMMC Flash
98.9 (1.09min) % +3%
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Mali-G52 MP1, Exynos 850, 64 GB eMMC Flash
96.1 (0.701min) %
00.20.40.70.91.11.31.51.722.22.42.62.833.33.53.73.94.1Tooltip
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F Mali-G52 MP1, Exynos 850, 64 GB eMMC Flash; Wild Life Extreme Stress Test; 1.0.5.1: Ø0.708 (0.701-0.73)
Xiaomi Redmi 10 Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G88, 64 GB eMMC Flash; Wild Life Extreme Stress Test; 1.0.5.1: Ø1.096 (1.09-1.102)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F Mali-G52 MP1, Exynos 850, 64 GB eMMC Flash; Wild Life Stress Test Stability; 0.0.0.0: Ø2.59 (2.57-2.59)
Xiaomi Redmi 10 Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G88, 64 GB eMMC Flash; Wild Life Stress Test Stability; 0.0.0.0: Ø4.32 (4.26-4.34)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos smartphone review
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos smartphone review

Speaker

The built-in mono speaker in the Galaxy A12 Exynos is sufficiently loud at over 86 dB. Neither highs nor mids are reproduced linearly, but this price range doesn't offer much better sound anyway. Nevertheless, there are also competitors with stereo speakers in the entry-level segment like the Redmi 10, for example, which sounds much better than the mono sound in the Galaxy phone.

The Nacho's 3.5 mm audio jack, on the other hand, makes a good impression. Sound output is clean and loud. SBC, AAC, aptX, and LDAC are available for those who want to play music wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.0. However, some codecs, such as aptX HD or aptX Adaptive, are missing here.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2038.945.32544.745.3313436.74036.836.75042.640.66337.333.88026.225.910028.327.612522.422.216018.933.42001640.525014.546.331513.253.84001359.150016.565.163019.566.280019.666100017.468.5125015.374.4160015.378.5200015.778.4250016.576.3315017.977.5400020.870.350002267.2630020.974.1800021.772.71000022.870.3125002263.11600022.558.5SPL31.586.4N1.462.6median 18.9median 66.2Delta310.73739.325.629.829.124.623.423.936.833.128.425.724.823.622.426.819.227.116.940.915.641.713.847.613.456.313.362.913.867.41273.112.773.112.274.11374.813.77613.278.113.480.61381.713.377.813.67613.374.113.872.513.769.61463.813.556.925.588.90.773.6median 13.5median 73.10.79.8hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseSamsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127FXiaomi Redmi 10
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (86.4 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 28.9% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (13.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | higher mids - on average 5.4% higher than median
(+) | mids are linear (6.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(±) | higher highs - on average 6.4% higher than median
(±) | linearity of highs is average (7.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (25.1% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 58% of all tested devices in this class were better, 7% similar, 35% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 37%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 74% of all tested devices were better, 6% similar, 20% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Xiaomi Redmi 10 audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (88.9 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 33% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (9.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 3.3% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (4.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 4.1% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (3.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (19.8% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 27% of all tested devices in this class were better, 8% similar, 65% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 37%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 47% of all tested devices were better, 7% similar, 46% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Battery life - Galaxy A12 Exynos with 5,000 mAh

Energy consumption

The Galaxy smartphone has a 5,000 mAh battery, which can be fully recharged in about 2 hours with the included 15-watt power adapter. The Nacho's power consumption is largely normal. However, idle consumption could still use some optimization.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0 / 0.1 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 1.4 / 1.9 / 2.1 Watt
Load midlight 3.8 / 5.6 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
5000 mAh
Samsung Galaxy A12
5000 mAh
Xiaomi Redmi 10
5000 mAh
Oppo A16s
5000 mAh
Average Samsung Exynos 850
 
Average of class Smartphone
 
Power Consumption
-4%
10%
27%
2%
-13%
Idle Minimum *
1.4
1.1
21%
0.53
62%
0.44
69%
1.2 ?(0.9 - 1.5, n=6)
14%
Idle Average *
1.9
1.6
16%
2.01
-6%
1.67
12%
1.733 ?(1.3 - 2.1, n=6)
9%
Idle Maximum *
2.1
2.6
-24%
2.02
4%
1.68
20%
2.28 ?(1.6 - 2.9, n=6)
-9%
Load Average *
3.8
4.5
-18%
4.11
-8%
2.91
23%
3.83 ?(2.7 - 4.6, n=6)
-1%
Load Maximum *
5.6
6.4
-14%
5.76
-3%
4.95
12%
5.73 ?(4.7 - 6.6, n=6)
-2%

* ... smaller is better

Energy consumption: Geekbench (150 cd/m²)

01234567Tooltip
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F Samsung Exynos 850: Ø3.02 (1.876-6.19)
Xiaomi Redmi 10 Mediatek Helio G88: Ø3.38 (1.056-7.25)
Oppo A16s Mediatek Helio G35: Ø2.23 (0.786-5.23)

Energy consumption: GFXBench (150 cd/m²)

00.20.40.60.811.21.41.61.822.22.42.52.72.93.13.33.53.7