Samsung A50 Vs A12 Is The A50 Still Worth It Or Is The A12 Good Enough

When shopping for an affordable Samsung smartphone, two models often come up in conversation: the Galaxy A50 and the Galaxy A12. Released just a year apart, these devices represent different generations of Samsung’s mid-range strategy. The A50 launched in 2019 as a premium-feeling budget phone, while the A12 arrived in 2020 with broader availability and slightly updated specs. But nearly five years later, with both phones available at steep discounts, the real question emerges: Is the A50 still worth chasing down, or has the A12 become \"good enough\" for everyday use?

The answer isn’t straightforward. It depends on what you prioritize—raw performance, camera quality, software longevity, or long-term reliability. Let’s break down the key differences and see which device holds up better in 2024.

Design and Build Quality

The Galaxy A50 stands out immediately with its sleek glass-like back and slim bezels. It features a premium-looking gradient finish and a more rigid build compared to the A12. Despite being plastic, the A50 feels balanced and solid in hand. Its symmetrical AMOLED display enhances the modern aesthetic, giving it a high-end look that still holds up today.

In contrast, the A12 opts for a more utilitarian design. It’s larger, heavier, and uses a matte plastic back that resists fingerprints but lacks visual flair. The display is surrounded by thick bezels, particularly at the bottom, making it feel dated next to the A50’s near-full-front screen. While functional, the A12 doesn’t inspire the same confidence in craftsmanship.

Tip: If you care about how your phone looks and feels daily, the A50’s design remains a strong selling point over the A12.

Display and Screen Experience

This is where the A50 pulls ahead decisively. It features a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340). Colors are vibrant, blacks are deep, and viewing angles are excellent. More importantly, AMOLED screens consume less power when displaying dark content and support always-on displays—a small luxury the A12 misses out on.

The A12, meanwhile, uses a 6.5-inch PLS LCD panel with HD+ resolution (720 x 1600). While larger, the screen is noticeably softer, less colorful, and struggles in direct sunlight. The lower pixel density impacts text clarity, especially for reading or web browsing. For users who spend hours on their phones, this difference becomes tiring over time.

“Display quality directly affects user satisfaction—even more than raw specs. A sharp, vibrant screen makes every interaction feel smoother.” — David Lin, Mobile UX Analyst

Performance and Software Longevity

Under the hood, the A50 runs on Samsung’s Exynos 9610 chipset (or Snapdragon 675 in some regions), paired with 4GB of RAM. This setup handled multitasking well in its prime and can still manage light apps and social media today. However, performance degrades with heavy usage or newer app versions due to aging architecture and limited software updates.

The A12 uses the MediaTek Helio P35, a less powerful chip optimized for efficiency rather than speed. With 3GB or 4GB of RAM depending on the model, it's slower in app launches and multitasking. That said, it runs One UI Core smoothly for basic tasks like calling, messaging, and YouTube streaming.

Critically, software support favors the A50. It received two major Android upgrades (up to Android 11) and regular security patches until late 2022. The A12, despite launching later, was only eligible for one major OS update and fewer security fixes. As of 2024, neither phone receives updates, but the A50 had a longer supported lifecycle.

Camera Comparison: Photos Matter

The A50 introduced a triple-camera system ahead of its time: 25MP main sensor, 8MP ultra-wide, and 5MP depth. The primary shooter delivers crisp daylight photos with accurate colors and decent dynamic range. Low-light performance is average but usable with Night Mode. The inclusion of an ultra-wide lens adds versatility rarely seen in budget phones of that era.

The A12 also has a quad-camera array on paper—48MP main, 5MP macro, 2MP depth, and 2MP low-res depth—but don’t be fooled by megapixel count. The main sensor is smaller and captures noisier images, especially indoors. There’s no ultra-wide lens, limiting creative framing. Video tops out at 1080p@30fps on both, but stabilization is weaker on the A12.

In real-world testing, the A50 consistently produces cleaner, more natural photos. Its software tuning is more mature, and the ultra-wide lens remains useful for landscapes and group shots.

Tip: Don’t judge cameras by megapixels alone. Sensor size, aperture, and image processing matter far more—especially in budget phones.

Battery Life and Charging Speed

The A12 wins here purely on capacity. It packs a 5000mAh battery, significantly larger than the A50’s 4000mAh unit. In practice, this means the A12 can last well into a second day with moderate use, thanks to its energy-efficient processor and lower-resolution screen.

However, the A50 compensates with faster charging. It supports 15W fast charging (charger included), allowing a full charge in about 90 minutes. The A12 only supports 10W charging and often ships without a charger, meaning longer plug-in times despite its bigger battery.

If you're someone who forgets to charge overnight, the A12’s endurance gives peace of mind. But if you need a quick top-up during the day, the A50’s charging speed is more convenient.

Detailed Feature Comparison Table

Feature	Samsung Galaxy A50	Samsung Galaxy A12
Release Year	2019	2020
Display	6.4\" FHD+ Super AMOLED	6.5\" HD+ PLS LCD
Processor	Exynos 9610 / SD 675	MediaTek Helio P35
RAM Options	4GB / 6GB	3GB / 4GB / 6GB
Rear Cameras	25MP + 8MP UW + 5MP Depth	48MP + 5MP Macro + 2x 2MP
Front Camera	25MP	8MP
Battery	4000 mAh	5000 mAh
Charging	15W Fast Charging	10W Charging
OS Updates	Up to Android 11	Up to Android 11 (limited)
Fingerprint Sensor	Optical (under display)	Rear-mounted

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria, a college student on a tight budget, needed a reliable phone for classes, notes, and staying in touch with family. She found both the A50 and A12 selling used for around $80. After testing both in-store, she chose the A50. “The screen looked so much clearer,” she said. “And I take a lot of photos for my art class—the wide-angle lens made a difference.”

She did notice the battery didn’t last quite as long as her friend’s A12, but since she charges nightly, the faster charging was a plus. Eight months later, she reports no slowdowns and remains happy with her choice—proving that for some users, display and camera quality outweigh sheer battery life.

FAQ: Common Questions Answered

Is the Samsung A50 still usable in 2024?

Yes, but with caveats. It runs older apps reasonably well, but newer versions of social media and productivity apps may lag. No security updates mean increased vulnerability if downloading from unknown sources. Still, for calls, texts, light browsing, and offline media, it’s functional.

Which phone has better resale value?

The A50 generally holds slightly higher resale value due to its superior display, build, and earlier adoption of AMOLED and in-display fingerprint tech. However, both are niche resale items now, primarily appealing to budget buyers or repair markets.

Can either phone run WhatsApp and Instagram smoothly?

The A50 handles both apps acceptably, though scrolling through Instagram Reels may show minor stutters. The A12 struggles more under load, especially with background apps open. Clearing cache regularly helps maintain responsiveness on both devices.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

The Samsung A50 remains the technically superior device. Its AMOLED display, better processor, ultra-wide camera, and faster charging make it a more enjoyable daily driver. If you can find one in good condition with a healthy battery, it’s absolutely worth considering—even in 2024.

But the A12 isn’t obsolete. For someone who prioritizes battery life above all else—like an elderly user who mainly makes calls and watches videos—it’s a viable option. It’s also easier to find new or refurbished, and the larger screen benefits media consumption.

Ultimately, “good enough” depends on your needs. If you want a phone that *feels* modern and performs reliably for core tasks, go for the A50. If you need maximum uptime and don’t mind a clunkier experience, the A12 suffices.

“The best budget phone isn't always the newest—it's the one that balances performance, usability, and longevity for your lifestyle.” — TechRadar Mobile Insights, 2023

Take Action: Make the Right Choice for You

Don’t assume newer automatically means better. Evaluate what matters most: screen quality, photo capability, or battery endurance. Check battery health if buying used, and consider installing a lightweight Android launcher to improve responsiveness. Whether you choose the A50 or A12, informed decisions lead to smarter tech habits.

💬 Used a Samsung A50 or A12? Share your experience below. Help others decide which budget phone truly lasts.