Samsung Galaxy A12 vs Samsung Galaxy A40
Our Verdict: The Galaxy A12 and the Galaxy A40 are 28 years apart, which is enough for a real difference. The A12 has the better camera on paper, 48MP versus 16MP, and the A12 packs the bigger battery, 5000mAh against 3100mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use. The A12 has the bigger screen at 6.5" against 5.9", while the A40 has the sharper one at 437 PPI, and the A12 goes up to 128GB of storage, where the A40 tops out at 64GB. The A40 is the better phone; upgrade from the A12 if you want the newer hardware, or hold on if yours still does the job.
Buying outright, the A40 starts at £60 SIM-free.
10 reviews 3.8
8 reviews
Prices updated 10 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy A12
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Samsung Galaxy A40
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 3.1 10 reviews |
3.8 8 reviews |
| Screen | 6.5" | 5.9" |
| Display | Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen | AMOLED |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 270 | 437 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 16 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 8 Megapixels | 25 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6768 Helio P65 | Exynos 7885 |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 3,100 mAh |
| Storage | 32GB, 64GB, 128GB | 64GB |
| OS | Android 10 | Android |
| SIM Type | Standard SIM | Nano SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 4G | Up to 4G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.0 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 149.9 x 69.8 x 7.9 mm | 144.4 x 69.2 x 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 205 grams | 140 grams |
| Water Resistance | Not rated | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts | - | - |
| SIM-free | £66.98 | £59.95 |
| Prices updated 10 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy A12 or Samsung Galaxy A40?
The Samsung Galaxy A12 has the bigger screen at 6.5" compared to the Samsung Galaxy A40's 5.9", the Samsung Galaxy A40 has the sharper display at 437 pixels per inch versus 270, and the Samsung Galaxy A12 uses a Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen panel while the Samsung Galaxy A40 has a AMOLED.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy A12 or Samsung Galaxy A40?
The Samsung Galaxy A12 features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy A40 has a 16 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Samsung Galaxy A12 or Samsung Galaxy A40?
The Samsung Galaxy A40 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £59.95.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy A12 and Samsung Galaxy A40?
The Samsung Galaxy A12 is available in 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, while the Samsung Galaxy A40 comes in 64GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy A12 and Samsung Galaxy A40 use?
The Samsung Galaxy A12 is powered by the Mediatek MT6768 Helio P65, while the Samsung Galaxy A40 uses the Exynos 7885.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy A12 or Samsung Galaxy A40?
The Samsung Galaxy A40 is the more portable of the two: it's 65g lighter at 140 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 144.4 x 69.2 x 7.9 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy A12 or Samsung Galaxy A40?
The Samsung Galaxy A12 is rated Not rated, while the Samsung Galaxy A40 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy A12 and Samsung Galaxy A40 run?
The Samsung Galaxy A12 runs Android 10 and the Samsung Galaxy A40 runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.