Smartphone Comparison: Oppo A54 5G vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Oppo A54 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.9 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm | Redmi Note 12 is slightly taller and wider; A54 5G is slightly thicker. Minimal real-world difference in hand feel. |
| Weight | 190g | 188g | Negligible difference in weight; both feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 12 offers slightly more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both have the same sharpness; text and images appear equally crisp. |
| PPI | 405 | 395 | Very similar pixel density; both displays appear equally sharp. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Redmi Note 12 offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency, especially with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Redmi Note 12 provides smoother scrolling and animations, more responsive feel in games. |
| Brightness | 0 nits (unconfirmed) | 1200 nits | Redmi Note 12 has significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6nm) | Redmi Note 12's newer chipset results in better overall performance and power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 216,504 | 460,800 | Redmi Note 12 is significantly faster, offering smoother app loading, better multitasking, and a better gaming experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 | Both use the same GPU, but the Redmi Note 12 likely has a better-optimized configuration. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both offer comparable battery life for a full day of typical use. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | 33W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | Redmi Note 12 charges considerably faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Inbox charger 10W, non-removable | Non-removable | A54 5G includes a charger in the box, but the charger is slower; Neither phone has a removable battery. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP f/1.7, 1/2" sensor | 48MP f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor | A54 5G has a slightly wider aperture and larger sensor, potentially better low-light performance but the Redmi Note 12 has a better sensor in most conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.0, 1/3.13" sensor | 13MP f/2.45 | A54 5G has slightly higher resolution and wider aperture, potentially better selfies in good light conditions. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.2, 1/4" sensor | Both have comparable wide-angle cameras. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Both have comparable macro lenses. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | A54 5G has an additional B&W lens. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps (EIS), Slow-mo 120fps | 1080p@30fps, Slow-mo 120fps | Both record similar quality video with similar slow-motion capabilities. |
| DxOMark | Not Available | Main Score: 69, Photo: 74, Video: 49 | Redmi Note 12 shows good photo capabilities and decent video capture. |
| Features | Quadruple camera, Laser AF, CDAF | Triple camera, Ultra stable video, Exposure Compensation, RAW | Both offer a range of features, but the Redmi Note 12 provides more professional control and options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Redmi Note 12 has a newer OS out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band, Direct, Hotspot, MiMO | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band, Direct, Hotspot, MiMO | Both phones have similar Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, A2DP, LE, aptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.1 LE, A2DP, LE, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Redmi Note 12 lacks aptX support but both share other high quality codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1) | Both offer good GPS options. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones offer the same dual SIM features. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Redmi Note 12 has a larger base storage option. |
| RAM | 4/8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Redmi Note 12 offers more RAM variants, with 6GB being an option. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Basic | Both have similar audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both have the same side-mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unconfirmed | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Redmi Note 12 has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Redmi Note 12 has a different proximity sensor which may have some functional advantages in certain conditions. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Oppo A54 5G Advantages:
- Wider Standard Camera Aperture: The f/1.7 aperture allows more light, potentially better low-light performance, although the sensor is not as advanced.
- Black & White Camera: Dedicated monochrome lens offers creative photo possibilities and improved contrast in B&W images.
- Included Charger: Includes a basic 10W charger in the box.
- More GPS Options: Includes QZSS & other GPS options.
- Slightly better selfie sensor: Wider aperture and larger pixel size.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency. The 120Hz refresh rate is significantly smoother than the 90Hz of the A54 5G.
- Higher Brightness: Significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight due to 1200 nits brightness.
- Much Faster Performance: The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 offers significantly better performance as shown by the almost 2x AnTuTu score, leading to smoother and faster user experience.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging time compared to the A54 5G's 18W.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 12 out of the box.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides better screen protection.
- Better Main Camera Sensor: Although it has a smaller sensor the newer sensor has better performance in many conditions.
- Better Software Features: Features like ultra stable video, exposure compensation and RAW format give more control to users.
- More RAM Options: Offers a 6 GB variant of RAM which can be more suitable for multitasking.
Trade-offs:
- Oppo A54 5G: Trades performance, display quality, and charging speed for potentially better low-light photos (due to aperture) and an included charger. However, the Redmi Note 12 is significantly better in almost every other metric.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: Lacks the dedicated B&W camera of the A54 5G, but this is a very niche feature, and the Redmi Note 12 has the overall better camera experience.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Oppo A54 5G Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: For those looking for the most affordable phone with basic 5G connectivity.
- Users who want an included charger: For those who prefer a charger to come in the box and do not want to spend money on a fast charger.
- Users who value a Black & White camera: For users looking for this specific niche feature.
Use Cases:
- Basic social media use
- Web browsing
- Casual photography
- Daily communication
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Ideal User:
- Media consumers: Users who value a high-quality display for watching videos, browsing, and gaming.
- Users who value performance: Those who want smoother app performance, multitasking and better gaming.
- Users who value display quality: Those who want a high refresh rate screen with good visibility.
- Users who want a faster charging experience: Those who do not want to spend much time charging their phone.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming
- Watching videos and movies
- Outdoor use in bright sunlight
- Photography and videography (more control with RAW)
- Fast and responsive everyday use.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How much do you value display quality? If display is a top priority, the Redmi Note 12's AMOLED and 120Hz refresh rate is a clear winner.
- How important is performance? If you play games or use demanding apps, the Redmi Note 12's superior performance is essential.
- Do you need a Black & White camera? If this is a creative requirement, the Oppo A54 5G offers this feature, however, it may not be the best image quality.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget User: If your main concern is budget, the Oppo A54 5G is cheaper and it provides basic functionality with a charger in the box.
- Performance User: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 for significantly better overall performance, display quality, and faster charging.
- Casual User: For average use, the Redmi Note 12 gives better all-around experience.
- Photography User: While the Oppo A54 5G may have a wider aperture and a dedicated B&W lens, the Redmi Note 12 offers more image quality, a more modern sensor, and more software features.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12.
Explanation:
While the Oppo A54 5G has a slightly better low-light aperture and B&W camera, the Redmi Note 12 is superior in virtually every other meaningful aspect for the average user. Its AMOLED display is noticeably better with more vibrant colors and higher brightness, the smoother 120Hz refresh rate enhances daily usage and gaming, and the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chip provides much better performance for app usage, multitasking, and gaming. The faster charging is also a big advantage. The inclusion of a B&W camera in the A54 5G is a niche feature and does not outweigh all the advantages of the Redmi Note 12. The slight camera advantages that the Oppo A54 has also do not translate to a significant difference in photo quality. Therefore, the Redmi Note 12 offers a much more compelling all-around user experience.
