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M31 is huge so if it only fills 1/3 of a 12mm eyepiece field it's likely you are only seeing the core of the galaxy.
Next to the LMC and SMC the next most impressive external galaxy by far is NGC 253 in Sculptor and it's riding high at the moment - about 60 degrees above the western horizon. Much more satisfying viewing for many than Andromeda and one of my favourite objects.
If you have dark skies, you might also like to try for M33 (Pinwheel Galaxy) in Triangulum, a face on spiral pretty close to M31, much fainter but a little higher above the northern horizon at the moment. Both of these can both be seen in an 8" from dark skies.
Screen shots from Starry Night attached.
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