Iphone 8 Vs Galaxy A12 Is Upgrading From Iphone 8 To A12 Even Worth It

For users still holding onto an iPhone 8—released in 2017—the question of whether to switch to a budget Android phone like the Samsung Galaxy A12 isn’t just about new features. It’s about real-world usability, longevity, ecosystem loyalty, and value for money. The Galaxy A12, released in late 2020, sits firmly in the budget segment, offering modern specs at a fraction of flagship prices. But does moving from iOS to Android with this particular upgrade actually deliver a meaningful improvement? Let’s break down the key differences and trade-offs.

Performance: Chipset, Speed, and Daily Use

The iPhone 8 runs on Apple’s A11 Bionic chip, a 64-bit processor that was groundbreaking in its time. Even today, thanks to iOS optimization, it handles basic tasks like messaging, web browsing, and social media apps reasonably well. However, multitasking and newer versions of demanding apps (like photo editors or games) can cause noticeable lag.

In contrast, the Galaxy A12 uses MediaTek’s Helio P35 or Exynos 850 (depending on region), both entry-level chips built on older architectures. While they support modern Android 10+ interfaces, real-world performance often feels sluggish under load. App launches are slower, background app retention is poor, and system animations lack smoothness compared to even mid-tier phones.

Tip: If you frequently use multiple apps or rely on productivity tools, neither device excels—but the iPhone 8 may still feel more responsive due to software efficiency.

Benchmarks show the A11 Bionic outperforms the Helio P35 in CPU tasks by nearly 2x. This means that despite being five years older, the iPhone 8's processor remains more capable than the one inside the Galaxy A12. For users who prioritize snappy interactions over screen size or camera variety, sticking with the iPhone might be the smarter move.

Display and Design: Size vs Build Quality

The most obvious physical difference is display size. The iPhone 8 has a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD with a 1334×750 resolution. It’s compact, easy to handle with one hand, and benefits from excellent color accuracy and brightness calibration. The build quality—with glass back and aluminum frame—feels premium, though it lacks water resistance.

The Galaxy A12 boasts a 6.5-inch HD+ (720×1560) PLS LCD display. While significantly larger and better suited for video consumption or reading, the lower pixel density results in visible graininess up close. Colors appear washed out compared to Apple’s tuned displays, and viewing angles degrade quickly.

Feature	iPhone 8	Galaxy A12
Display Size	4.7 inches	6.5 inches
Resolution	1334×750 (Retina HD)	720×1560 (HD+)
PPI	326	269
Build Material	Glass + Aluminum	Plastic body & frame
Water Resistance	No official rating	IP67 (dust/water resistant)

The A12 wins on durability with its IP67 rating—something the iPhone 8 lacks. But the overall fit and finish of the iPhone still feels more refined. If you value pocketability and tactile quality over screen real estate, the iPhone holds strong.

Camera Comparison: Consistency vs Quantity

The iPhone 8 features a single 12MP rear camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), f/1.8 aperture, and advanced computational photography via iOS processing. Photos in daylight are sharp, well-exposed, and natural-looking. Low-light performance is limited but predictable.

The Galaxy A12 steps up with a quad-camera array: 48MP main sensor, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth. On paper, this looks superior. In practice, only the main sensor delivers usable images—and even then, dynamic range is narrow, detail drops sharply in shadows, and autofocus is inconsistent.

“More megapixels don’t equal better photos. Processing, sensor size, and lens quality matter far more.” — David Kim, Mobile Photography Analyst

The iPhone 8 produces more consistent results across lighting conditions. Its portrait mode, while software-based, often outperforms the A12’s dual-lens solution. Video recording caps at 4K@60fps on the iPhone versus 1080p@30fps on the A12—another point in Apple’s favor.

Battery Life and Charging: Endurance vs Convenience

The Galaxy A12 packs a massive 5000mAh battery, routinely lasting two full days with moderate use. Combined with adaptive power-saving modes in One UI, it excels as a long-haul device.

The iPhone 8, with its 1821mAh cell, struggles to last a full day under heavy usage. iOS power management helps, but aging batteries (common after 5+ years) further reduce reliability. Fast charging requires purchasing a separate adapter (not included), and wireless charging works but is slow (Qi standard).

Tip: If you're constantly searching for outlets, the A12’s battery life alone could justify the switch—even if other areas fall short.

However, the A12 charges slowly with its 15W maximum (though faster than iPhone 8’s 5W brick). And unlike recent iPhones, it doesn’t support advanced fast-charging protocols. Still, sheer capacity gives it a decisive edge for travelers, students, or anyone needing all-day endurance without anxiety.

Software, Updates, and Ecosystem Lock-In

This is where personal preference plays the biggest role. iPhone 8 users benefit from seamless integration with iCloud, AirPods, Apple Watch, and Mac devices. iMessage, FaceTime, and Continuity features create a sticky ecosystem that many find hard to leave.

Switching to the Galaxy A12 means adopting Google’s ecosystem: Gmail, Google Photos, Android Auto, and potentially Wear OS. You gain access to broader hardware customization, expandable storage (microSD up to 1TB), and split-screen multitasking—but lose iMessage blue bubbles and some privacy-centric data handling practices.

Update support also differs drastically. Apple provided five years of iOS updates for the iPhone 8 (up to iOS 16), a rarity in the smartphone world. Samsung promises only two major Android upgrades and three years of security patches for the A12—already nearing its end-of-support window.

Mini Case Study: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria used her iPhone 8 since 2018. By 2023, she noticed frequent crashes in Instagram and slow email loading. Her battery drained by noon. She considered the Galaxy A12 due to its low price ($199) and large screen for watching telenovelas.

She made the switch. The bigger screen and longer battery were immediate wins. But she missed iMessage group chats, found Android’s interface confusing, and disliked how apps reloaded every time she opened them. After six months, she traded up to an iPhone SE (2022)—paying more, but regaining performance and ecosystem comfort.

Maria’s experience shows that raw specs don’t always translate to satisfaction. Usability, familiarity, and digital habits matter just as much as hardware.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

• ✅ Need longer battery life than your iPhone 8 provides?
• ✅ Want a larger screen for videos or reading?
• ✅ Comfortable switching from iMessage to WhatsApp or SMS?
• ✅ Planning to keep the phone for more than two years?
• ✅ Willing to accept slower performance and lower build quality?
• ✅ Looking for expandable storage without cloud costs?

If you answered “yes” to the first three and last one, the A12 may suit you. If you said “no” to most, consider waiting for a mid-range Android (like Pixel A-series) or saving for a newer iPhone SE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my data from iPhone 8 to Galaxy A12 easily?

Yes, Samsung’s Smart Switch app allows contact, photo, message, and calendar transfers over Wi-Fi or cable. Note: iMessages will appear as green SMS bubbles on Android, and formatting may be lost.

Is the Galaxy A12 future-proof?

Likely not. With only two Android version updates promised and dated hardware, expect declining performance and app compatibility within 2–3 years.

Will the iPhone 8 stop working soon?

No. As of 2024, it still supports essential apps and services. Performance will continue degrading, especially with future iOS updates, but it remains functional for basic use.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

Upgrading from the iPhone 8 to the Galaxy A12 isn’t a clear win—it’s a trade-off. You gain screen size, battery life, and water resistance, but sacrifice performance consistency, camera quality, build materials, and long-term software support.

For users desperate to escape daily charging cycles or craving a bigger display on a tight budget, the A12 offers tangible improvements. But if you value responsiveness, ecosystem cohesion, and reliable photo quality, staying with the iPhone 8—or upgrading to a newer iOS device—makes more sense.

Rather than jumping to another entry-level phone, consider mid-tier options like the iPhone SE (2022/2023), Google Pixel 6a, or Samsung Galaxy A34. These offer balanced performance, better cameras, and longer update lifespans—delivering true value beyond initial cost savings.

🚀 Ready to make a confident choice? Assess your priorities—battery, ecosystem, camera, or budget—and choose the device that aligns with how you actually use your phone every day.