Samsung Galaxy A12 vs Xiaomi 13T Pro - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date December 21, 2020 September 26, 2023
Release Year 2020 2023

Physical

Volume 110.64 cm³ 104.37 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.17 "/g 3.34 "/g
Weight 205 g 200 g
Height 164 mm 162.2 mm
Width 75.8 mm 75.7 mm
Thickness 8.9 mm 8.5 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Red
  • Blue
  • White
  • Black
  • Meadow Green
  • Alpine Blue

Display

Screen Size 6.5 " 6.67 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 1220 x 2712
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 82.1 % 87.5 %
Pixel Density 270 PPI 446 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 144 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 1200 nits
Peak Brightness N/A 2600 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 118.34 mAh/in² 112.39 mAh/in²
Battery Density 45.19 mAh/cm³ 47.91 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) Mediatek Dimensity 9200+ (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) Octa-core (1x3.35 GHz Cortex-X3 & 3x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPU PowerVR GE8320 Immortalis-G715 MC11

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0 USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 10 13
Maximum OS Version 12 17

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureSamsung Galaxy A12Xiaomi 13T ProPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm162.2 x 75.7 x 8.5 mmXiaomi 13T Pro is slightly smaller and thinner, potentially making it more comfortable to hold and pocket.
Weight205g200gXiaomi 13T Pro is slightly lighter, which might be noticeable during extended use.
Display
Size6.5"6.67"Xiaomi 13T Pro offers a slightly larger viewing area for media consumption and gaming.
Resolution720x16001220x2712Xiaomi 13T Pro has significantly sharper images and text.
Pixel Density (PPI)270446Xiaomi 13T Pro's display is noticeably clearer and more detailed.
TechnologyPLS LCDAMOLEDXiaomi 13T Pro has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors for a richer viewing experience.
Refresh Rate60Hz144HzXiaomi 13T Pro provides much smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming visuals.
Brightness0 nits2600 nitsXiaomi 13T Pro is far more usable in bright sunlight conditions. The Samsung A12's 0 nits is likely a mistake, but the Xiaomi 13T Pro will certainly be much brighter.
Screen ProtectionUnknownCorning Gorilla Glass 5Xiaomi 13T Pro offers better protection against scratches and minor impacts.
Performance
ChipsetMediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 9200+ (4 nm)Xiaomi 13T Pro offers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
AnTuTu Score103,0001,510,298Xiaomi 13T Pro is far more powerful, handling demanding apps and games with ease.
GPUPowerVR GE8320Immortalis-G715 MC11Xiaomi 13T Pro has a much more powerful GPU for superior gaming and graphics performance.
Camera
Main Camera48MP, f/2.0, 1/2", 0.80µm50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.28", 1.22µmXiaomi 13T Pro captures more detailed images, especially in low-light conditions. Larger pixel size translates to better light capture.
Telephoto/PortraitNone50MP, f/1.9, 1/2.88", 0.61µmXiaomi 13T Pro has dedicated telephoto capabilities for better zoomed-in shots and portrait photos.
Selfie Camera8MP, f/2.220MP, f/2.2, 1/2", 0.80µmXiaomi 13T Pro provides higher resolution selfie photos with better detail.
Wide-Angle5MP, f/2.213MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µmXiaomi 13T Pro has a much better wide-angle lens with more detail.
Telephoto Lens2MP, f/2.4NoneSamsung Galaxy A12 has a dedicated telephoto lens.
Portrait Mode2MP, f/2.4NoneSamsung Galaxy A12 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode.
Video Recording1080p@30fps8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, etc.Xiaomi 13T Pro offers far higher resolution video recording and more frame rate options.
Video StabilizationNoYes (EIS)Xiaomi 13T Pro offers electronic image stabilization for smoother videos.
Slow MotionNoYes, 960 fpsXiaomi 13T Pro supports much higher framerate slow motion recording.
DXOMark ScoreMain: 90Main: 131 Photo: 135 Video: 134Xiaomi 13T Pro camera is vastly superior according to DXOMark scores.
Battery
Capacity5000mAh5000mAhBoth phones have similar battery capacity and could provide similar usage time.
Charging15W Fast Charging120W Fast ChargingXiaomi 13T Pro charges extremely quickly, greatly reducing charging times.
Battery TypeLi-IonLi-PolymerLi-Polymer is often more durable and safer in high performance applications.
Software
OSAndroid 10 (Upgradable to 12)Android 13 (Upgradable to 17)Xiaomi 13T Pro will have much longer software support and access to newer features.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi802.11 a/b/g/n802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be (Wi-Fi 7)Xiaomi 13T Pro has vastly superior Wi-Fi with faster speeds and more advanced features.
Bluetooth5.05.4 LEXiaomi 13T Pro has a newer Bluetooth standard.
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BeidouGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, etc.Xiaomi 13T Pro has much better GPS for location services with support for more constellations.
SIMDual Nano SIMDual Nano SIM / eSIMXiaomi 13T Pro supports eSIM for dual-SIM functionality.
Storage
Internal Storage32/64/128 GB256/512/1024 GBXiaomi 13T Pro offers significantly more storage capacity.
RAM3/4/6 GB12/16 GBXiaomi 13T Pro has significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither phone supports expandable storage via microSD.
Audio
Audio QualityBasic audioDolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo SpeakersXiaomi 13T Pro provides superior audio experience with better quality and surround sound.
Security
Fingerprint SensorSide-mountedBasic Fingerprint SensorSamsung A12 has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which is convenient for unlocking and more secure, though it is unclear what the Xiaomi 13T Pro has for a fingerprint sensor, and we will assume it is less advanced.
Sensors
SensorsAccelerometer, Proximity, FingerprintAccelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity, Heart Rate, Proximity, FingerprintXiaomi 13T Pro has a more complete array of sensors for advanced functionality.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:

  • Slightly smaller and more convenient dimensions: It is slightly smaller making it more portable for some users.
  • Dedicated telephoto and depth lenses: Provides dedicated hardware for zoom and portrait effects.
  • Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: The side mounted fingerprint sensor is often more convenient than in-display sensors.

Xiaomi 13T Pro Advantages:

  • Superior display: Offers a larger, higher-resolution AMOLED screen with a much faster refresh rate for a better viewing experience.
  • Significantly faster performance: The high-end processor and ample RAM make it ideal for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
  • Much better cameras: Offers better main, wide-angle, selfie, and telephoto cameras with vastly superior video recording capabilities. The Xiaomi 13T Pro also has far better DXOMark scores.
  • Much faster charging: 120W fast charging greatly reduces charging times.
  • Modern software: Ships with a much newer version of Android with longer software support and a newer bluetooth version.
  • More storage & RAM: Offers significantly more internal storage and RAM, allowing for more data, better multitasking, and more future-proofing.
  • Better Audio: Offers advanced audio features like Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers.
  • Better Connectivity: Supports newer Wi-Fi standards and has more advanced GPS capabilities.
  • eSIM Support: The device supports eSIM in addition to two physical sim cards.
  • More sensors: The Xiaomi 13T Pro has additional sensors such as a compass, gyroscope, and heart rate monitor, making it suitable for advanced applications and gaming.
  • Better screen protection: The device includes Gorilla Glass 5 protection for better durability.

Significant Trade-offs:

  • Price: The Xiaomi 13T Pro will be significantly more expensive than the Samsung Galaxy A12.
  • Software Updates: While the Xiaomi 13T Pro has newer software, Samsung devices tend to have better long-term support, but in this case it is less significant due to the versions used.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy A12 Ideal User:

  • Budget-conscious users: Users who prioritize affordability over high-end features.
  • Basic smartphone users: Suitable for simple tasks like calling, texting, browsing, and light social media.
  • Users who prioritize physical convenience: The device is slightly smaller making it easier to handle and more portable.
  • Users who prioritize dedicated hardware for zooming and portrait modes: The device has two dedicated lenses for this purpose.

Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A12:

  • A basic, affordable smartphone for day-to-day use.
  • A secondary device for calls and messaging.
  • A first phone for a child or a senior user.

Xiaomi 13T Pro Ideal User:

  • Performance-focused users: Gamers, power users, and professionals who need a device that can handle demanding apps.
  • Photography enthusiasts: Users who want a high-quality camera system for photos and videos.
  • Users who value display quality: Ideal for media consumption, gaming, and graphic-intensive tasks.
  • Users who want a fast-charging device: A device for people who do not have much time to charge their phone.
  • Users who want to enjoy cutting-edge tech: The device includes an impressive suite of features including eSIM support, and high-end processing power.

Use Cases for Xiaomi 13T Pro:

  • Mobile gaming and content creation.
  • High-quality photography and videography.
  • Professional multitasking and productivity.
  • Mobile entertainment and media consumption.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions to Consider:

  1. What is your budget? The Xiaomi 13T Pro will be significantly more expensive than the Samsung Galaxy A12.
  2. What are your primary use cases? If you need a device for basic tasks, the Galaxy A12 might suffice. If you need performance and advanced features, the Xiaomi 13T Pro is a better choice.
  3. How important are display quality and camera performance? The Xiaomi 13T Pro has vastly superior display and camera systems.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Basic use, limited budget: If your budget is very tight and you only need a phone for basic tasks, the Samsung Galaxy A12 is a suitable option.
  • Scenario 2: Moderate use, moderate budget: The Xiaomi 13T Pro is highly recommended for its superior display, performance, camera, and overall capabilities if you can afford the price increase.
  • Scenario 3: Performance, camera, and premium features are essential: The Xiaomi 13T Pro is the clear winner due to its much better performance, higher-quality camera, and more features.

My Choice

I would choose the Xiaomi 13T Pro without hesitation. While the Samsung A12 is a budget-friendly option, the Xiaomi 13T Pro is far superior in virtually every way that matters for a modern smartphone. The vastly superior display, significantly faster performance, excellent camera system, much faster charging, modern software, and better connectivity make it a device that is not only more enjoyable to use but also offers much greater long term value. I would be willing to pay extra for the additional capabilities and premium experience it offers. The trade-off in terms of price is well justified by the substantial increase in performance, quality, and features.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Digital media communication
  • Technical storytelling
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.