Samsung A12 Vs S7 Is The Newer Model Really An Upgrade Or Just Hype

When Samsung released the Galaxy A12 in 2020, it was positioned as an affordable entry-level smartphone with modern design and improved battery life. But how does it really stack up against the Galaxy S7 — a flagship powerhouse from 2016 that still has a loyal user base? On paper, newer should mean better. But in practice, especially when comparing budget devices to past flagships, the answer isn't always straightforward. This comparison dives deep into hardware, software, camera quality, longevity, and real-world usability to determine whether the A12 is a true successor in function — or if the S7 still holds its ground.

Design and Build Quality: Plastic vs Premium

The Galaxy S7 set a high bar for smartphone design in its time. With a sleek glass-and-metal body, IP68 water and dust resistance, and a compact 5.1-inch form factor, it felt premium in hand. The curved edges and symmetrical bezels gave it a timeless look that many still admire today.

In contrast, the Galaxy A12 uses a polycarbonate (plastic) body and larger 6.5-inch display with noticeably thicker bezels. While the size offers more screen real estate, the overall build feels less refined. The matte finish helps reduce fingerprints, but drop protection is minimal without structural reinforcement.

Tip: If you value durability and water resistance, the S7’s IP68 rating gives it a clear edge — something the A12 lacks entirely.

Despite being older, the S7 feels more robust in everyday handling. The A12 wins on screen size, but loses on material quality and environmental sealing. For users who prioritize pocketability and premium feel, the S7 remains surprisingly competitive.

Display Comparison: Size vs Clarity

The A12 features a 6.5-inch HD+ (720 x 1600) PLS LCD panel, while the S7 sports a smaller 5.1-inch Quad HD (1440 x 2560) Super AMOLED display. At first glance, the A12 seems superior due to its larger screen — ideal for streaming and reading. However, resolution and technology tell a different story.

The S7’s Super AMOLED screen delivers deeper blacks, richer colors, and better outdoor visibility. Its pixel density (577 PPI) far exceeds the A12’s 270 PPI, making text and images appear significantly sharper despite the smaller size.

Feature	Samsung Galaxy A12	Samsung Galaxy S7
Screen Size	6.5 inches	5.1 inches
Resolution	720 x 1600 (HD+)	1440 x 2560 (QHD)
Panel Type	PLS LCD	Super AMOLED
PPI	~270	~577
Refresh Rate	60Hz	60Hz

While the A12 offers more screen, the S7 provides a qualitatively superior viewing experience. For media enthusiasts who care about color accuracy and clarity, the older device still impresses.

Performance and Software: Raw Power vs Longevity

The S7 was powered by either the Exynos 8890 or Snapdragon 820 — top-tier chipsets in 2016. Even today, they handle basic tasks smoothly. It launched with Android 6.0 Marshmallow but received updates up to Android 8.0 Oreo. In contrast, the A12 runs on the MediaTek Helio P35 (or Exynos 850 in some regions), a modest processor designed for entry-level multitasking.

On benchmark tests, the S7 often matches or exceeds the A12 in single-core performance. However, the A12 benefits from running Android 10 (upgradable to Android 12), giving it access to modern security patches, app compatibility, and UI features like dark mode and gesture navigation.

“Flagship processors from five years ago can still outperform today’s budget chips in real-world responsiveness.” — David Lin, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse

The S7’s RAM (4GB) also compares favorably to the A12’s 3GB or 4GB variants. More importantly, Samsung optimized the S7’s software-hardware integration, resulting in snappier animations and fewer stutters during app switching.

However, app developers now optimize for newer OS versions. Some apps may not install or run efficiently on the S7 due to outdated Android support. So while the S7 has stronger raw performance, the A12 offers better long-term software viability.

Camera Capabilities: Megapixels vs Image Processing

The A12 boasts a quad-camera setup: 48MP main, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP depth, and 2MP macro. On paper, this sounds impressive. But megapixels don’t always translate to better photos. The sensor size is small, and low-light performance suffers from noise and poor dynamic range.

The S7, meanwhile, has a single 12MP rear camera with Dual Pixel autofocus and an f/1.7 aperture — one of the best mobile sensors of its era. It excels in low light, captures natural colors, and produces consistently sharp images without relying on artificial sharpening.

In daylight, both phones produce acceptable results. But in dim lighting or high-contrast scenes, the S7 pulls ahead with better exposure control and reduced grain. The A12 tends to over-process images, adding excessive HDR and smoothing out fine details.

Real-World Example: Night Photography Test

Consider a scenario where a user takes a photo of a city skyline at dusk. The S7 captures balanced exposures, preserving both sky detail and building lights. The A12 attempts to brighten shadows aggressively, resulting in blown-out highlights and a washed-out appearance. Despite having more lenses, the A12 fails to match the S7’s computational photography finesse — a reminder that hardware alone doesn’t define camera quality.

Tip: Don’t be fooled by multi-lens setups on budget phones. Often, secondary cameras are low-resolution gimmicks with limited practical use.

Battery Life and Charging: Capacity vs Efficiency

The A12 packs a massive 5000mAh battery — nearly double the S7’s 3000mAh. In practice, this means the A12 can last two full days with moderate use, while the S7 typically needs daily charging.

However, the S7 benefits from a more efficient processor and smaller, higher-density display. When adjusted for screen-on time, the efficiency gap narrows. Additionally, the S7 supports fast charging (Adaptive Fast Charging) and wireless charging — features absent on the A12, which only offers 15W wired charging and no wireless option.

If battery longevity is your priority, the A12 wins decisively. But if you value charging flexibility and speed, the S7 still offers conveniences missing from the newer model.

Should You Upgrade? A Practical Checklist

Before deciding between these two phones, consider your actual needs. Use this checklist to evaluate what matters most:

• ✅ Need all-day-plus battery life? → Choose A12
• ✅ Want better outdoor visibility and screen clarity? → Choose S7
• ✅ Prioritize software updates and security? → Choose A12
• ✅ Prefer compact size and premium build? → Choose S7
• ✅ Take lots of low-light photos? → Choose S7
• ✅ Use your phone heavily for videos or reading? → Choose A12
• ✅ Need water resistance? → Choose S7
• ✅ Limited budget, buying secondhand? → Compare condition carefully

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy S7 still run modern apps smoothly?

Yes, for basic tasks like messaging, browsing, and social media. However, resource-heavy apps like TikTok, Instagram Reels, or Google Maps with navigation may lag. Gaming performance is limited compared to modern standards.

Is the Samsung A12 worth buying in 2024?

Only as a temporary, ultra-budget device. While it offers good battery life, its performance and camera are underwhelming even for the price. Consider slightly newer models like the A14 or A23 for better value.

Does the S7 receive security updates anymore?

No. Samsung ended official support for the S7 in 2019. Using it today carries potential security risks, especially for banking or sensitive data, unless kept offline or strictly monitored.

Final Verdict: Upgrade or Hype?

The Samsung Galaxy A12 is technically “newer,” but calling it a true upgrade over the S7 oversimplifies the reality. In battery capacity and screen size, yes — it advances. But in display quality, build materials, camera consistency, and charging features, the S7 remains superior in meaningful ways.

The A12 represents progress in affordability and endurance, but not across-the-board improvement. The S7, though aging, was built to higher engineering standards. For users seeking a compact, well-built phone with excellent image quality and water resistance, the older flagship still holds relevance.

Ultimately, newer doesn’t automatically mean better. Real upgrades come from meaningful improvements in user experience — not just updated model numbers. When choosing between generations, focus on what actually enhances your daily use, not just what the spec sheet says.

🚀 Think beyond the release date. Evaluate phones based on your lifestyle, not marketing. Share your thoughts — have you used either of these? Which do you think delivers more real-world value?