Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison between the Samsung Galaxy A04s and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S. I'll break down the specs and focus on what they mean for you, the user, in your everyday life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | The A04s is slightly larger and thicker, while the 12S is more compact and comfortable to hold. |
| Weight | 195g | 176g | The 12S is significantly lighter, which makes it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.43" | Minimal difference in screen size. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | The 12S has a much sharper display with more detail, making text and images appear crisper. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 409 | The 12S will provide a noticeably clearer and smoother visual experience. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED on the 12S provides deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors. It's also more efficient for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer a smooth 90Hz refresh rate for scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | The 12S is much better suited for outdoor use on bright days. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | The 12S's Helio G96 is significantly more powerful than the A04s' Exynos 850. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,300 | 412,400 | The 12S will feel much faster in day-to-day use, with smoother multitasking and better performance in games and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The 12S has a more powerful GPU, leading to better gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 108MP f/1.8 | The 12S's main camera captures significantly more detail and performs better in low-light conditions. |
| Front Camera | 5MP f/2.2 | 16MP f/2.4 | The 12S produces significantly better selfies, although the A04s has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP f/2.2 | The 12S offers a wide-angle lens, which allows for more versatile shots. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP f/2.4 | None | The A04s has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode photos, which the 12S lacks. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Both offer similar macro lens capabilities for close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both can record videos at 1080p resolution. 12S has 120fps slow-mo. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity, so you can expect a similar day’s worth of use. |
| Charging | 15W | 33W | The 12S charges much faster, which reduces downtime. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | 12S allows reverse charging. |
| Other | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Android 13 | The 12S comes with a newer version of Android out of the box. |
| Storage Options | 32/64/128 GB | 64/128/256 GB | The 12S offers more internal storage capacity. |
| RAM Options | 3/4 GB | 6/8 GB | The 12S has more RAM, which improves multitasking and overall performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so you are limited to the internal storage. |
| Audio | Basic | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The 12S offers a better audio experience. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The 12S offers more screen protection. |
| GPS Systems | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | The A04s supports QZSS for better location. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | The 12S has a more modern Bluetooth. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | The 12S has a more comprehensive suite for apps and gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A04s
- Strengths:
- A slightly larger display.
- Dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode.
- More GPS systems supported.
- Competitive Advantages:
- The lower price will appeal to people on a tight budget.
- Trade-offs:
- Weaker processor, less RAM, lower-resolution display and no screen protection makes it less desirable to someone who uses their phone a lot.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
- Strengths:
- Significantly more powerful processor for smooth multitasking and gaming.
- Superior AMOLED display with higher resolution, better brightness, and vibrant colors.
- Better camera system, including a higher resolution main sensor, a wide-angle lens, and a vastly superior selfie camera.
- Much faster 33W charging, significantly decreasing downtime.
- Double the available RAM and storage, increasing its ability to multitask.
- Superior audio with Hi-Res Audio and Stereo Speakers.
- Competitive Advantages:
- A far superior choice for everyday performance, multimedia consumption, and photography.
- Trade-offs:
- Lacks a dedicated depth sensor and expandable storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A04s
- Best for:
- Users on an extremely tight budget who need a basic smartphone for communication and light app usage.
- Individuals who prioritize simplicity and do not require high performance or advanced camera capabilities.
- Users who favor a larger screen and portrait photos.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
- Best for:
- Users who prioritize performance, display quality, and camera versatility.
- Gamers or those who multitask on their phones extensively.
- Multimedia consumers who watch videos or listen to music frequently.
- People who want a faster-charging, more responsive, and better-looking display.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you choose, ask yourself these questions:
- Budget: Is price your primary concern, or are you willing to pay more for a better experience?
- Performance Needs: How do you primarily use your phone? Is it for basic communication, or do you need it for gaming, photography, and multitasking?
- Multimedia Preference: Do you prioritize a high-quality display and audio experience for watching videos and listening to music?
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Budget User (Basic Needs): If you’re primarily concerned with price and need a phone for calls, texting, and basic apps, the Samsung Galaxy A04s will serve its purpose.
- Multimedia Enthusiast: If you want the best visual experience for watching videos and playing games, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is the better choice with its superior AMOLED display, higher resolution, and stereo speakers.
- Heavy User/Gamer: If you do a lot of multitasking, and want to play mobile games, or use more advanced apps, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S will be the better choice. The more powerful chipset and extra RAM will result in a smoother, more responsive user experience.
- Photography Lover: If capturing photos is a must, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S excels with its higher resolution camera, wide-angle lens, and higher resolution selfie lens.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd go with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S. The differences in display quality, performance, and camera capabilities are too significant to ignore. The AMOLED screen, more powerful processor, and vastly superior camera make it a more versatile and enjoyable device for my everyday needs. While it may come at a higher price point, the enhanced user experience would justify that cost to me. Plus, faster charging means less downtime, which is always a bonus.
