Okay, let's break down these two contenders, the Samsung Galaxy A04s and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12, with a focus on what really matters to you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these phones stack up, translating technical specs into real-world benefits:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm | The Redmi Note 12 is slightly taller and thinner, but both have a similar feel in hand. The A04s is slightly bulkier, which might be noticeable if you prefer a sleeker profile. |
| Weight | 195g | 188g | The Redmi Note 12 is a bit lighter, making it more comfortable for longer use and in your pocket. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | The Redmi Note 12 offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2400 | The Redmi Note 12 boasts a much sharper display with a significantly higher pixel density, meaning clearer text, images, and videos. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | The Redmi Note 12’s AMOLED screen offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and is more energy-efficient, especially when using dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The Redmi Note 12 has a smoother display with a higher refresh rate, making scrolling and animations look fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | The Redmi Note 12 is far brighter, leading to better visibility in direct sunlight, while the A04s seems to have no brightness information. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) | The Redmi Note 12’s Snapdragon chipset is more advanced and faster, giving you snappier performance overall. |
| Antutu Score | 117,300 | 460,800 | The Redmi Note 12’s much higher benchmark score indicates drastically better performance for gaming, multitasking, and everyday use. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Adreno 619 | The Redmi Note 12's GPU is much more capable, resulting in better gaming visuals and performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.8) | 48MP (f/1.8) | Both have a similar aperture, the A04s is slightly higher in resolution, but the Redmi Note 12 comes with a better sensor |
| Front Camera | 5MP (f/2.2) | 13MP (f/2.45) | The Redmi Note 12's front camera captures much sharper, more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP (f/2.2) | The Redmi Note 12 gives you the option for wide-angle shots, which is absent on the A04s. |
| Depth Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | The A04s has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, the Redmi Note 12 will use the software to produce similar results. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Both offer a 2MP macro lens, but expect similar performance on both. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, 34 fps slow motion | 1080p@30fps, 120 fps slow motion | The Redmi Note 12 offers better slow-motion capabilities. |
| Camera Features | Basic | Advanced | The Redmi Note 12 has more advanced features like image stabilization, night mode, and RAW capture for greater creative control. |
| DxoMark Score | Not tested | Mobile (69), Photo (74), Video (49) | This shows the Redmi Note 12 has a decent camera overall for a mobile phone. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both offer the same battery capacity, meaning similar battery life on paper. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | The Redmi Note 12 charges much faster, meaning less time tethered to the wall. |
| Other | |||
| Software | Android 12, up to 14 | Android 12 | The Samsung has an advantage that it can be upgraded to android 14 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5, MIMO | Redmi Note 12 has MIMO for better wireless signal, slightly better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Redmi Note 12 has a newer bluetooth version and additional codecs for better wireless audio. |
| Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | The Redmi Note 12 offers more base storage options. |
| RAM | 3/4GB | 4/6/8 GB | Redmi Note 12 has more RAM and more options available, which is better for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage, you need to plan out how much storage you'll need. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 3 | The Redmi Note 12 has Gorilla Glass, which will make the screen more scratch-resistant. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Fingerprint, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity | The Redmi Note 12 has additional sensors that could be useful for gaming and other apps. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- Strengths:
- Decent main camera resolution (50MP) and a dedicated depth sensor.
- Large battery capacity for all-day use.
- The ability to upgrade to Android 14
Competitive Advantages:
- Its depth sensor might be beneficial to portrait photography users.
Limitations:
- The PLS LCD screen is not as good as AMOLED, lacks brightness
- The processor is underpowered compared to Redmi, the user would encounter lag when using demanding apps.
- The lower antutu score makes it a bad choice for gaming and other heavy processing usage.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
Strengths:
- Superior AMOLED display with high resolution, refresh rate, and brightness.
- Much faster Snapdragon chipset for smooth performance.
- Advanced camera features, including a wide-angle lens and better slow-motion recording.
- Faster charging speed significantly reduces charging times.
- More RAM and Storage options
Competitive Advantages:
- A premium display experience usually found in higher-end models.
- The stronger processor makes a large difference in responsiveness and performance.
- The higher camera quality is ideal for content creation and social media.
Trade-offs:
- No dedicated depth sensor for portrait photography.
- Both of these phones do not have an option for expandable storage, which means the user needs to plan for how much storage they will use.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A04s is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals seeking a basic smartphone with a decent camera and battery life for general use.
- Users With Simple Needs: Those who primarily browse the web, make calls, and occasionally take photos, and do not need high performance.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is best for:
- Performance Seekers: Users who want smooth multitasking, gaming, and fast overall responsiveness.
- Media Enthusiasts: Individuals who prioritize a high-quality screen for video streaming, gaming, and social media.
- Photography Lovers: Those who want a more versatile camera with better video capabilities.
- Value-Conscious Shoppers: Users looking for the best specs for their money.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to consider:
- How important is display quality to you? If you prioritize vibrant colors, deep blacks, and outdoor visibility, the Redmi Note 12 is the clear winner. The A04s will be more washed out due to being an LCD screen.
- What is your priority: camera or performance? If you value fast, smooth operation and are more likely to play games or use demanding applications, the Redmi Note 12 is much better. If you are an avid photographer, you might prefer the Samsung due to the depth sensor, however, the overall camera on the Redmi Note 12 is higher quality.
- How much storage and RAM do you think you'll need? Both of these phones do not allow for storage expansion, if you feel like 128 GB or more is needed, the Redmi Note 12 might be better because the Samsung has the possibility of only being available with 32 GB. Also, the RAM availability on the Redmi Note 12 can be up to 8 GB whereas the Samsung only goes up to 4 GB.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Everyday Basic User - If you only make calls, message, and browse the web, the Galaxy A04s will get the job done, but I would suggest the Redmi Note 12 as the screen and performance will be better overall, and the price shouldn't be that much higher for the overall gains in usability.
- Scenario 2: Casual Gamer/Media Consumer - The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is the better option because of the screen and processor.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious Photographer - While the Samsung has a depth sensor, it is better to go for the Redmi Note 12 with higher camera quality overall and also because of the better video recording capabilities.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I'd go with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. The significantly better display, faster processor, and more versatile camera make it the superior option overall. The difference in performance, display and features is just too large to ignore. While it's a bit more advanced, the overall gains in usability will be worth it. The Redmi Note 12 gives you better value for your money. While the Samsung is a good budget phone for very basic needs, it is much more underpowered and underfeatured than the Redmi Note 12.
