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Samsung Galaxy A12 Vs Nokia G20: Which Budget Smartphone Wins in 2025?

Looking for a budget smartphone that delivers solid performance without breaking the bank? The Samsung Galaxy A12 and Nokia G20 are two popular options in the Ksh. 20,000 price range offering large displays, long-lasting batteries, and versatile cameras. But which one is right for you? In this detailed comparison, we’ll dive into their performance, cameras, displays, battery life, software, and more to help you make an informed decision.

Overview: Samsung Galaxy A12 vs Nokia G20

The Samsung Galaxy A12 and Nokia G20 are designed for users who need reliable smartphones for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and social media. Both phones feature quad-camera setups, HD+ displays, and large batteries, but they differ in software, camera performance, and pricing. Let’s break it down.

1. Performance: Power for the Price

Both phones are equipped with entry-level chipsets optimized for casual use.

  • Samsung Galaxy A12: Powered by the MediaTek Helio P35 (or Exynos 850 in the A12 Nacho variant), with 4GB RAM and 64GB or 128GB storage. It handles daily tasks like social media and YouTube smoothly but may lag with heavy gaming or multitasking.
  • Nokia G20: Features the MediaTek Helio G35, which offers a slight GPU advantage for light gaming. With 4GB RAM and 64GB or 128GB storage, its performance is comparable to the A12 for most tasks.

Verdict: Tie. Both deliver similar performance for budget users. The Nokia G20’s Helio G35 is slightly better for gaming, but the difference is minimal.

2. Display: Big Screens on a Budget

A large, clear display is essential for enjoying media, and both phones deliver in this area.

  • Samsung Galaxy A12: 6.5-inch PLS IPS display, 720 x 1600 resolution (264 PPI), 85.8% screen-to-body ratio. The PLS panel offers decent colors but struggles in bright sunlight.
  • Nokia G20: 6.52-inch IPS LCD, 720 x 1600 resolution (269 PPI), 81.9% screen-to-body ratio. The IPS panel has slightly better color accuracy, but the difference is subtle.

Verdict: Tie. The displays are nearly identical, with no significant advantage for either phone.

3. Camera: Capturing Moments on a Budget

Both phones feature quad-camera setups for versatility, but their performance varies.

  • Samsung Galaxy A12: 48 MP main (f/2.0), 5 MP ultrawide (f/2.2), 2 MP macro (f/2.4), 2 MP depth (f/2.4). It captures decent daylight shots but struggles in low light. The 8 MP front camera is average for selfies.
  • Nokia G20: 48 MP main (f/1.8), 5 MP ultrawide (f/2.2), 2 MP macro (f/2.4), 2 MP depth (f/2.4). The wider aperture improves low-light performance, making it slightly better overall. The 8 MP front camera is comparable.

Verdict: Nokia G20 wins for better low-light camera performance, ideal for casual photographers.

4. Battery Life: All-Day Power

Long battery life is a must for budget phones, and both excel here.

  • Samsung Galaxy A12: 5000 mAh battery, 15W fast charging. Lasts a full day with moderate use, charging in about 2 hours.
  • Nokia G20: 5050 mAh battery, 10W charging. Offers similar endurance but takes around 2.5 hours to charge.

Verdict: Samsung Galaxy A12 wins for faster charging, though both have excellent battery life.

5. Software: Stock vs Customized

Software impacts usability and longevity.

  • Samsung Galaxy A12: Runs Android 10 (upgradable) with One UI Core. It’s feature-rich but includes bloatware. Expect 1-2 years of OS updates and 2-3 years of security updates.
  • Nokia G20: Runs Android 11 (upgradable) with a near-stock Android One experience. It’s clean and bloat-free, with 2 years of OS updates and 3 years of security updates.

Verdict: Nokia G20 wins for its cleaner software and longer update support.

6. Build and Design: Budget Doesn’t Mean Boring

Both phones prioritize functionality and durability.

  • Samsung Galaxy A12: 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm, 205g, plastic build, textured back, side-mounted fingerprint scanner. Available in Black, White, Blue, Red.
  • Nokia G20: 164.9 x 76 x 9.2 mm, 197g, plastic build, minimalist design, side-mounted fingerprint scanner. Available in Night, Glacier.

Verdict: Tie. Both offer practical designs with no significant differences.

7. Price: Getting the Most Value

Price is key in the budget segment.

  • Samsung Galaxy A12: The Galaxy A12 is available at around Ksh. 19,500 with slight price variation for 4GB/64GB or 4GB/128GB.
  • Nokia G20: Ksh. 19,500 as well for similar configurations.

Verdict: Nokia G20 offers better value at a lower price.

8. Additional Features: The Little Things

  • Common: 3.5mm headphone jack, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
  • Samsung Galaxy A12: Expandable storage up to 1TB, some variants have NFC.
  • Nokia G20: Expandable storage up to 512GB, Google Assistant button.

Verdict: Samsung Galaxy A12 wins for higher storage capacity.

Which Phone Should You Choose?

Here’s our recommendation based on your priorities:

  • Choose Nokia G20 if: You want a better camera (especially in low light), clean software with longer updates, and the best value.
  • Choose Samsung Galaxy A12 if: You need faster charging, more expandable storage, or prefer Samsung’s One UI Core.

Our Pick: The Nokia G20 is the better choice in 2025 for its superior camera, stock Android experience, longer updates, and lower price. However, the Galaxy A12 is a strong alternative if charging speed or storage matters more.

Tell Us Your Thoughts!

Final Thoughts

Both the Samsung Galaxy A12 and Nokia G20 are excellent budget smartphones for 2025. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize camera quality, software simplicity, or charging speed. Visit a retailer to test them in person, or contact us with your specific needs for a tailored recommendation.

Which phone are you leaning toward? Share your thoughts in the comment's below!

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