Samsung F-AR12ART Review | 46 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£430
  • Avg. price in US: ~$480
  • Cooling capacity: 3.5 kW
  • Seasonal cooling efficiency (SEER): 6.1
  • Maximum indoor-unit sound power level: 55 dB

Samsung F-AR12ART review. Compare 46 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Air Conditioners category and whether it is worth buying.

7.4

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of products in the Air Conditioners category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Air Conditioners category.

Score components:

80.0%

6.9

Technical Score

20.0%

9.4

User score

Very good
6.9

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Air Conditioners category across these key areas: Performance, Features, Design.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Air Conditioners category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

40.0%

3.9

Performance

40.0%

8.7

Features

20.0%

9.3

Design

Good
9.4

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Air Conditioners category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Air Conditioners category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

9.2

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(611)
amazon
3.8
(13)

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

Exceptional
  • 9.4
    Compactness

    Score components:

    30.0%

    8.5

    Indoor unit width

    30.0%

    10

    Indoor unit depth

    20.0%

    9.6

    Indoor unit height

    20.0%

    9.9

    Indoor unit weight

  • 8.3
    Bedroom comfort

    Score components:

    40.0%

    ?

    Night mode

    25.0%

    ?

    Timer

    20.0%

    ?

    Maximum timer duration

    15.0%

    10

    Automatic mode

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Samsung F-AR12ART is a wall-mounted split-system inverter air conditioner belonging to the AR35 series, featuring a cooling capacity of 12,000 BTU (3.5 kW) and a heating capacity of 3.8 kW using eco-friendly R32 refrigerant. Its main advantages include high energy efficiency with an A++ rating for cooling (SEER 6.1) and an A or A+ rating for heating, versatile operation modes (cooling, heating, and dehumidifying), a quiet sleep mode operating at just 22 dB, an HD air filter, and 2-Way Auto Swing for balanced airflow. However, its downsides include an outdoor unit sound power level that can reach up to 65 dB (50 dB regular operational noise), a slightly lower heating seasonal efficiency (SCOP 3.9) compared to premium alternatives, and the legal requirement for costly professional installation by an F-Gas certified engineer.

Technical Specifications of air conditioner Samsung F-AR12ART

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Air Conditioners category across these key areas: Performance, Features, Design.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Air Conditioners category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

40.0%

3.9

Performance

40.0%

8.7

Features

20.0%

9.3

Design

6.9
Samsung F-AR12ART has a technical score of 6.89 points, which is lower than 80.3% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Air Conditioners category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Air Conditioners category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

9.2

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(611)
amazon
3.8
(13)

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

9.4
Samsung F-AR12ART has a user score of 9.42 points, which is higher than 98.9% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Air Conditioners category.
When it matters: When you prefer products in the Air Conditioners category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
10
Samsung F-AR12ART has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 91.6% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Air Conditioners category with their prices.

When it matters: When you are comparing products in the Air Conditioners category and want a good balance between quality and price.

Score components:

60.0%

7.4

Overall score

40.0%

6.7

Price

7.2
Samsung F-AR12ART has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.2 points, which is higher than 57.9% of products in this category.
Split configuration
What it is: Split configuration states how many indoor units are paired with the air-conditioning system, such as mono, dual, triple, quad, or penta split.
When it matters: It matters when you are planning climate control for one room or several rooms from a shared outdoor unit.

Importance: LOW

mono split
Cooling capacity
What it is: Cooling capacity is the rate at which the air conditioner can remove heat from a room, expressed in kilowatts.
When it matters: Adequate capacity is essential for cooling the intended room size without excessive run time or poor temperature control.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: At least 3.5 kW

3.5 kW
Samsung F-AR12ART delivers a cooling capacity of 3.5 kW, which is higher than that of 45.9% of air conditioners and the same as that of 20% of air conditioners.
Indoor-unit capacity configuration
What it is: Indoor-unit capacity configuration shows how the system’s BTU/h capacity is distributed across its indoor units.
When it matters: It matters when sizing a multi-split system for rooms with different cooling loads.

Importance: LOW

12,000 BTU/h
Seasonal cooling efficiency (SEER)
What it is: SEER expresses the air conditioner’s average cooling efficiency over a typical season.
When it matters: A higher SEER generally means less electricity is needed to deliver the same seasonal cooling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: At least 6.1

6.1
Samsung F-AR12ART has a SEER rating of 6.1, which is lower than that of 62.2% of air conditioners and the same as that of 34% of air conditioners.
Seasonal heating efficiency (SCOP)
What it is: SCOP expresses the air conditioner’s average heating efficiency over a typical season.
When it matters: A higher SCOP generally means less electricity is needed to provide the same seasonal heating.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: At least 4.0

3.9
Samsung F-AR12ART has a SCOP rating of 3.9, which is lower than that of 96.2% of air conditioners and the same as that of 3.2% of air conditioners.
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Inverter compressor
What it is: An inverter compressor can vary its operating speed instead of relying only on full-power on and off cycles.
When it matters: Variable compressor output can improve temperature stability, efficiency, and part-load noise.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: yes

yes
Does Samsung F-AR12ART use an inverter compressor? yes. 12.4% of air conditioners do, while 87.6% do not.
Heating function
What it is: A heating function reverses or supplements normal operation to warm the room.
When it matters: Heating extends seasonal usefulness and can replace a separate spot heater in mild weather.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

yes
Can Samsung F-AR12ART heat the room? yes. 7.3% of air conditioners can, while 92.7% cannot.
Active air purification
What it is: Active air purification uses a dedicated treatment function beyond ordinary passive filtration to improve indoor air quality.
When it matters: It is useful when reducing fine particles, allergens, odors, or other airborne contaminants is a priority.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Does Samsung F-AR12ART actively purify the air? yes. 73.7% of air conditioners do, while 26.4% do not.
Includes active air purification such as ionization, plasma, or UV treatment.
Dehumidification mode
What it is: Dehumidification mode removes moisture from room air with reduced emphasis on cooling.
When it matters: This mode improves comfort in humid weather and can help control indoor dampness.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

yes
Does Samsung F-AR12ART include dehumidification mode? yes. 6.8% of air conditioners do, while 93.2% do not.
Fan-only mode
What it is: Fan-only mode circulates room air without running the refrigeration cycle.
When it matters: This mode provides lower-power airflow when cooling is unnecessary.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

yes
Does Samsung F-AR12ART offer fan-only mode? yes. 6.2% of air conditioners do, while 93.8% do not.
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Color
What it is: Color identifies the main exterior finish of the indoor unit.
When it matters: Color matters when the indoor unit remains visible and should suit the room decor.

Importance: LOW

white
Body material
What it is: Body material identifies the primary exterior housing material of the indoor unit.
When it matters: Housing material affects appearance, rigidity, cleaning, and resistance to everyday wear.

Importance: LOW

plastic
Display
What it is: A display shows temperature, operating mode, timer, or status information on the indoor unit.
When it matters: A built-in display makes current settings easier to check without opening an app or using the remote.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Samsung F-AR12ART includes a display (yes); 18% of air conditioners do not, while 82% do.
Display position
What it is: Display position identifies where the integrated display sits on the indoor or main unit.
When it matters: A well-placed display is easier to read from the usual viewing angle without obstructing the room layout.

Importance: LOW

front right
Physical control methods
What it is: Physical control methods identify the supplied remote and user-facing controls on the unit.
When it matters: Physical controls matter when you want to operate the air conditioner without relying on Wi-Fi, an app, or voice control.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: remote control and onboard controls

remote control
Samsung F-AR12ART provides remote control physical controls, ahead of 1.1% of air conditioners and equal to 81.5%.
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Samsung F-AR12ART vs the average air conditioner

  • Active air purification
    Does Samsung F-AR12ART actively purify the air? yes. What about the average air conditioner? no.
    Includes active air purification such as ionization, plasma, or UV treatment.
    What it is: Active air purification uses a dedicated treatment function beyond ordinary passive filtration to improve indoor air quality.
    When it matters: It is useful when reducing fine particles, allergens, odors, or other airborne contaminants is a priority.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Does Samsung F-AR12ART actively purify the air? yes. What about the average air conditioner? no.
  • 1.1 cm shallower indoor unit
    Samsung F-AR12ART has a shallower indoor unit than the average air conditioner (19.4 cm vs 20.5 cm).
    What it is: Indoor unit depth is the front-to-back distance of the wall-mounted unit.
    When it matters: A shallower indoor unit protrudes less into the room and looks less bulky on the wall.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: Up to 22 cm

    Samsung F-AR12ART has a shallower indoor unit than the average air conditioner (19.4 cm vs 20.5 cm).19.4 cm vs 20.5 cm
  • 6.9% lighter indoor unit
    Samsung F-AR12ART has a lighter indoor unit than the average air conditioner (8.1 kg vs 8.7 kg).
    What it is: Indoor unit weight is the net mass of the wall-mounted indoor component.
    When it matters: A lighter indoor unit is easier to lift and places less load on the mounting surface during installation.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: Up to 10 kg

    Samsung F-AR12ART has a lighter indoor unit than the average air conditioner (8.1 kg vs 8.7 kg).8.1 kg vs 8.7 kg
  • 1 dB lower indoor sound power
    Samsung F-AR12ART operates with a quieter indoor unit than the average air conditioner (55 dB vs 56 dB).
    What it is: Maximum indoor-unit sound power level measures the greatest acoustic power emitted by the indoor unit.
    When it matters: A lower value supports a quieter room, which is especially useful in bedrooms and workspaces.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: Up to 55 dB

    Samsung F-AR12ART operates with a quieter indoor unit than the average air conditioner (55 dB vs 56 dB).55 dB vs 56 dB
  • 10x more popular
    Samsung F-AR12ART is more popular than the average air conditioner (10 vs 1).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Air Conditioners category.
    When it matters: When you prefer products in the Air Conditioners category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
    Samsung F-AR12ART is more popular than the average air conditioner (10 vs 1).10 vs 1
  • 17.7% higher user score
    Samsung F-AR12ART has a higher user score than the average air conditioner (9.42 vs 8).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Air Conditioners category.
    When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Air Conditioners category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
    Samsung F-AR12ART has a higher user score than the average air conditioner (9.42 vs 8).9.42 vs 8
  • 0.5 cm lower indoor unit
    Samsung F-AR12ART has a lower indoor-unit height than the average air conditioner (28.5 cm vs 29 cm).
    What it is: Indoor unit height is the vertical dimension of the wall-mounted indoor unit.
    When it matters: A shorter indoor unit needs less vertical wall space and fits above doors or windows more easily.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: Up to 30 cm

    Samsung F-AR12ART has a lower indoor-unit height than the average air conditioner (28.5 cm vs 29 cm).28.5 cm vs 29 cm
  • 16.3% cheaper
    Samsung F-AR12ART is cheaper than the average air conditioner (£430 vs £500).
    Samsung F-AR12ART is cheaper than the average air conditioner (£430 vs £500).£430 vs £500
  • 1 dB lower indoor sound power
    Samsung F-AR12ART operates with a quieter indoor unit than the average air conditioner (55 dB vs 56 dB).
  • Active air purification
    Does Samsung F-AR12ART actively purify the air? yes. What about the average air conditioner? no.
  • 1.1 cm shallower indoor unit
    Samsung F-AR12ART has a shallower indoor unit than the average air conditioner (19.4 cm vs 20.5 cm).
  • 6.9% lighter indoor unit
    Samsung F-AR12ART has a lighter indoor unit than the average air conditioner (8.1 kg vs 8.7 kg).
  • 0.5 cm lower indoor unit
    Samsung F-AR12ART has a lower indoor-unit height than the average air conditioner (28.5 cm vs 29 cm).
  • 3 dB higher outdoor sound power
    Samsung F-AR12ART operates with a louder outdoor unit than the average air conditioner (65 dB vs 62 dB).
  • 0.2 points lower seasonal cooling efficiency
    Samsung F-AR12ART has a lower seasonal cooling efficiency (SEER) than the average air conditioner (6.1 vs 6.3).
  • 55 m³/h lower indoor-unit airflow
    Samsung F-AR12ART delivers a lower indoor airflow rate than the average air conditioner (540 m³/h vs 595 m³/h).
  • 0.1 points lower seasonal heating efficiency
    Samsung F-AR12ART has a lower seasonal heating efficiency (SCOP) than the average air conditioner (3.9 vs 4).
  • 3 m² smaller room coverage
    Samsung F-AR12ART covers a smaller room area than the average air conditioner (32 m² vs 35 m²).
  • Does not support Wi-Fi connectivity
    Samsung F-AR12ART does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average air conditioner supports Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Does not support voice control
    Samsung F-AR12ART does not support voice control, while the average air conditioner supports voice control.
  • Does not support Wi-Fi connectivity
    Samsung F-AR12ART does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average air conditioner supports Wi-Fi connectivity.
    What it is: Indicates whether the air conditioner can connect to Wi-Fi for remote or smart control.
    When it matters: When you want to change settings remotely, set schedules, or integrate the unit with a smart home.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: yes

    Samsung F-AR12ART does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average air conditioner supports Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 3 dB higher outdoor sound power
    Samsung F-AR12ART operates with a louder outdoor unit than the average air conditioner (65 dB vs 62 dB).
    What it is: Maximum outdoor-unit sound power level measures the greatest acoustic power emitted by the outdoor unit.
    When it matters: A lower value reduces the likelihood of disturbing neighbours or nearby outdoor spaces.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: Up to 65 dB

    Samsung F-AR12ART operates with a louder outdoor unit than the average air conditioner (65 dB vs 62 dB).65 dB vs 62 dB
  • 0.2 points lower seasonal cooling efficiency
    Samsung F-AR12ART has a lower seasonal cooling efficiency (SEER) than the average air conditioner (6.1 vs 6.3).
    What it is: SEER expresses the air conditioner’s average cooling efficiency over a typical season.
    When it matters: A higher SEER generally means less electricity is needed to deliver the same seasonal cooling.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: At least 6.1

    Samsung F-AR12ART has a lower seasonal cooling efficiency (SEER) than the average air conditioner (6.1 vs 6.3).6.1 vs 6.3
  • Does not support voice control
    Samsung F-AR12ART does not support voice control, while the average air conditioner supports voice control.
    What it is: Indicates whether the air conditioner can be operated through supported voice assistants.
    When it matters: When hands-free temperature changes and smart-home voice routines are useful.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Samsung F-AR12ART does not support voice control, while the average air conditioner supports voice control.
  • 55 m³/h lower indoor-unit airflow
    Samsung F-AR12ART delivers a lower indoor airflow rate than the average air conditioner (540 m³/h vs 595 m³/h).
    What it is: Maximum indoor-unit airflow is the greatest volume of air the indoor unit can circulate in one hour.
    When it matters: Higher airflow can distribute cooled or heated air more quickly, especially in larger rooms.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: At least 600 m³/h

    Samsung F-AR12ART delivers a lower indoor airflow rate than the average air conditioner (540 m³/h vs 595 m³/h).540 m³/h vs 595 m³/h
  • 0.1 points lower seasonal heating efficiency
    Samsung F-AR12ART has a lower seasonal heating efficiency (SCOP) than the average air conditioner (3.9 vs 4).
    What it is: SCOP expresses the air conditioner’s average heating efficiency over a typical season.
    When it matters: A higher SCOP generally means less electricity is needed to provide the same seasonal heating.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: At least 4.0

    Samsung F-AR12ART has a lower seasonal heating efficiency (SCOP) than the average air conditioner (3.9 vs 4).3.9 vs 4
  • 3 m² smaller room coverage
    Samsung F-AR12ART covers a smaller room area than the average air conditioner (32 m² vs 35 m²).
    What it is: Maximum recommended room area is the largest floor area the manufacturer recommends for effective operation.
    When it matters: It helps match the system to the intended room size and avoid choosing an undersized unit.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: At least 35 m²

    Samsung F-AR12ART covers a smaller room area than the average air conditioner (32 m² vs 35 m²).32 m² vs 35 m²

Graphic comparison of Samsung F-AR12ART and other products in the Air Conditioners category

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Third-party reviews

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

What customers like about Samsung F-AR12ART?

  • High energy efficiency with A++ cooling and A+ heating ratings
  • Whisper-quiet indoor and outdoor operation using digital inverter technology
  • Versatile 4-in-1 functionality covering cooling, heating, dehumidifying, and air purifying
  • Convenient remote management via SmartThings app and Wi-Fi connectivity
  • Fast cooling mode that reaches preferred temperatures rapidly at maximum fan speed
  • Helpful built-in features including a 24-hour timer, automatic self-cleaning, and Good Sleep mode

What customers dislike about Samsung F-AR12ART?

  • Potential cooling efficiency drops and condensation issues if refrigerant lines exceed 3.5 to 4 metres without proper insulation
  • The remote control lacks a backlight, making it difficult to operate in dark rooms
  • The unit defaults to 24°C and maximum fan speed upon startup, failing to remember previous temperature settings
  • Customer support and authorized service response times can occasionally be slow or difficult to navigate
  • Confusing model naming conventions and overlapping documentation can complicate tracking specific features

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