👍 Pros
- Large 5000 mAh battery offers excellent longevity.
- 90Hz display provides smoother scrolling experience.
- Dedicated microSDXC slot for expandable storage.
- Decent 48MP main camera for its class.
- Affordable price point.
👎 Cons
- Bulky and heavy design (212g, 9.7mm thick).
- Low resolution 720p display with only 270 ppi.
- Exynos 850 chipset is underpowered for 2026 standards.
- Plastic build feels less premium.
- Slow 15W charging for a 5000 mAh battery.
Expert Review & Rating
Quick Overview
The Samsung Galaxy M12, originally landing in 2021, was a no-frills budget smartphone, squarely aimed at delivering essential functionality and impressive battery life without breaking the bank.
The Compromises
Let’s be brutally honest: this phone screams ‘budget’ from every angle. The sheer bulk and weight, at 212 grams and almost a centimeter thick, make it a pocket-filler, not a sleek companion. The plastic construction feels exactly as you’d expect for the price point – utilitarian, not luxurious. That 720p PLS LCD display, while offering a 90Hz refresh rate, is a significant bottleneck. Pixels are visibly chunky, and colors lack the vibrancy and contrast you’d find on even slightly more expensive devices. Under the hood, the Exynos 850, even for its time, was a modest performer, and in 2026, it’s simply outmatched. App loading times are noticeable, and anything beyond basic social media and web browsing will feel sluggish. Finally, a 15W charge for a 5000 mAh battery is a test of patience; prepare for extended plug-in times.
The Best Features
Despite its compromises, the Galaxy M12 did nail a few fundamentals. The 5000 mAh battery is undeniably its crown jewel. For users prioritizing longevity above all else, this phone was a marathon runner, easily pushing through a full day, sometimes two, of moderate usage. That’s a significant win for anyone tired of constant battery anxiety. The 90Hz display, while low-res, still offered a smoother scrolling experience compared to traditional 60Hz panels, making basic navigation feel a touch more fluid. It’s a subtle improvement, but a welcome one. The inclusion of a dedicated microSDXC slot is also a big deal for budget users; expanding storage cheaply and easily is a major convenience, especially with the relatively meager internal options. The 48MP main camera, while not flagship-tier, was capable of producing surprisingly decent photos in good lighting conditions for its segment, offering a solid point-and-shoot experience for casual snaps.
Performance & Daily Usage
In 2021, the Exynos 850 was adequate for light tasks. Basic UI navigation was generally smooth, thanks in part to the 90Hz display. App launches were not instantaneous. Multitasking was limited by RAM configurations. Thermal management was rarely an issue; the chip just didn’t push hard enough to generate significant heat. Fast forward to 2026, and this is a fundamentally different story. Expect significant lag. Modern apps will crawl. The phone will feel dated and slow for virtually any task beyond basic messaging or calls.
Is It Worth Buying?
Absolutely not. We’re in 2026. This phone, released in 2021, is now five years old. While it offered decent value for its time, its processor, display, and overall performance are severely outdated by today’s standards. You can find far more capable and modern devices, even in the budget segment, that will provide a significantly better user experience. Skip it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Exynos 850, a budget chip from 2020, is severely underpowered for 2026 applications. Expect significant lag, slow app loading, and poor performance with most modern software. It will struggle with anything beyond basic system functions.
While 90Hz was a nice touch for a budget phone in 2021, its impact is heavily limited by the low 720p resolution and the underpowered chipset. In 2026, many budget phones offer higher resolution displays, often with 90Hz or 120Hz, making the M12's display far less compelling.
The Samsung Galaxy M12 launched with Android 11. By 2026, it would have long since ceased receiving major Android version updates or even regular security patches. This poses a significant security risk and limits compatibility with newer apps.