Samsung Galaxy A12 vs Samsung Galaxy S26
The Samsung Galaxy A12 (2020) runs on the MediaTek Helio P35, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 (2026) runs on the Samsung Exynos 2600; launch prices were $180 and $799. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads — 74/100 vs 30/100 (a 44-point difference). Key differences: the Samsung Galaxy A12 has the bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4000); the main camera is 48 MP vs 50 MP; the Samsung Galaxy S26 is faster in AnTuTu (2,827,538 vs 199,111); the Samsung Galaxy S26 is noticeably lighter (162g vs 205g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Samsung Galaxy A12
Samsung Galaxy S26
What makes Samsung Galaxy A12 better?
- Bigger battery: 5000 vs 4000 mAh
- Cheaper at launch: $180 vs $799
- Longer battery life (52/100 vs 31/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 2827538 vs 199111
- Better Geekbench Single: 2880 vs 476
- Better Geekbench Multi: 9100 vs 828
- Better main camera: 50MP vs 48MP
- Higher refresh rate: 120Hz vs 60Hz
- Lighter: 162g vs 205g
- Higher performance (89/100 vs 19/100)
- Better camera (77/100 vs 29/100)
- Better display (81/100 vs 32/100)
- Better portability (89/100 vs 46/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Samsung Galaxy A12 vs the Samsung Galaxy S26, the Samsung Galaxy S26 scores 44 points higher (74/100 vs 30/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads (89/100 vs 19/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads (77/100 vs 29/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy A12 leads (52/100 vs 31/100). Value score: Samsung Galaxy A12 — 26/100, Samsung Galaxy S26 — 62/100; it shows how far a model sits above or below the usual level for its price, and is not part of the overall rating. In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A12 (89/100 vs 19/100). In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A12 (81/100 vs 32/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A12 (77/100 vs 29/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy A12 notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 (52/100 vs 31/100). In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A12 (89/100 vs 46/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Samsung Galaxy S26 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | MediaTek Helio P35 | Samsung Exynos 2600 | |
| AnTuTu | 199111 | 2827538 | |
| Geekbench Single | 476 | 2880 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 828 | 9100 | |
| Display | 6.5" IPS LCD | 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| Resolution | — | 2340x1080 | |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 5000 mAh | 4000 mAh | |
| Charging | — | 25W | |
| Wireless charging | 0W | 15W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | — | 146 | |
| Main camera | 48 MP | 50 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 0 MP | 12 MP | |
| Telephoto | 0 MP | 10 MP | |
| Front camera | 8 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 3GB / 4GB / 6GB | 12GB | |
| Storage | 32GB / 64GB / 128GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | |
| OS | — | Android 16 / One UI 8.5 | |
| Brightness (peak) | — | 2600 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | — | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 164.0×75.8×8.9 mm | 158.4×75.8×7.3 mm | |
| Weight | 205 g | 162 g | |
| Launch price | $180 | $799 |
Camera comparison
Samsung Galaxy A12
- Main: 48MP
- Front: 8MP
Samsung Galaxy S26
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Telephoto: 10MP
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Samsung Galaxy A12
- 6.5" IPS LCD
- Refresh rate: 60 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 2340x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Samsung Galaxy A12
- 5000 mAh
- No wireless charging
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 4000 mAh
- Wired: 25W
- Wireless: 15W
Overall performance score
We compared Samsung Galaxy A12 and Samsung Galaxy S26, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S26 leads Samsung Galaxy A12 by 93.0% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $619. Samsung Galaxy A12 was $619 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A12 (89/100 vs 19/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A12 (81/100 vs 32/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A12 (77/100 vs 29/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy A12 notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 (52/100 vs 31/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A12 (89/100 vs 46/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Samsung Galaxy A12 or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A12 by 44 points (74/100 vs 30/100).
What is the rating of the Samsung Galaxy A12 and the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy A12 has a MobileRank rating of 30/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 — 74/100.
Which has the better camera: the Samsung Galaxy A12 or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on camera score (77/100 vs 29/100).
Which is more powerful: the Samsung Galaxy A12 or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on performance (89/100 vs 19/100).
Should you choose the Samsung Galaxy A12 over the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a better fit for gamers and power users.