Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A12 vs. Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | 160.5 × 75.7 × 6.8 mm | Mi 11 Lite 5G is noticeably thinner and shorter, potentially more comfortable to hold and pocket, while A12 is bulkier |
| Weight | 205g | 159g | Mi 11 Lite 5G is significantly lighter, making it easier to use for longer periods without fatigue |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.55" | Virtually identical screen size, minimal difference |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Mi 11 Lite 5G has a much sharper display, better for reading text, viewing images, and watching videos |
| PPI | 270 | 402 | Mi 11 Lite 5G's higher pixel density results in a clearer and more detailed image |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | Mi 11 Lite 5G has superior color reproduction, deeper blacks, better contrast, and improved viewing angles, with more power efficiency for dark mode |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Mi 11 Lite 5G offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have the same peak brightness according to the spec, however this should be checked against real-world data. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7350-AB Snapdragon 780G (5 nm) | Mi 11 Lite 5G's chipset is significantly more powerful, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 567,671 | Mi 11 Lite 5G has much better performance across the board |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 642 | Mi 11 Lite 5G's GPU is considerably better, enabling smoother and more detailed graphics rendering in games and apps |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2" sensor | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/1.97" sensor | Mi 11 Lite 5G's main camera is better in terms of resolution, aperture, and sensor size, likely resulting in improved low-light performance and image quality |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 20MP, f/2.24 | Mi 11 Lite 5G has higher selfie resolution for sharper images |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | A12 has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Mi 11 Lite 5G wide-angle has a higher resolution, capturing more detail in group shots or landscape photos |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | A12 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode with background blur |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.4 | Mi 11 Lite 5G has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@up to 120fps | Mi 11 Lite 5G records higher-resolution and higher frame-rate videos, offering more options for content creation |
| Video Stabilization | No | EIS | Mi 11 Lite 5G offers Electronic Image Stabilization for smoother videos |
| Slow-motion Video | 30fps | 960fps | Mi 11 Lite 5G has a higher slow motion option |
| DXoMark | 90 | Not tested | Only the Samsung A12 has been tested with a score of 90 |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4250mAh | Galaxy A12 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life |
| Charging | 15W fast charging, Li-Ion | 33W fast charging, Li-Polymer | Mi 11 Lite 5G charges much faster despite having a smaller battery |
Software and Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 10 (up to 12) | Android 11 (up to 13) | Mi 11 Lite 5G offers a more recent version of Android and more updates available |
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (WiFi 6) | Mi 11 Lite 5G has faster and more reliable WiFi speeds |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | Mi 11 Lite 5G has more up-to-date Bluetooth capabilities |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Mi 11 Lite 5G has better satellite support for precise and reliable location services |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 32 GB, 64 GB, or 128GB | 128GB or 256 GB | Mi 11 Lite 5G has more base storage and offers a higher maximum capacity for apps, photos and videos |
| RAM | 3 GB, 4 GB or 6 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | Mi 11 Lite 5G has more RAM options for smoother multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage |
Audio, Security, Build, Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio | Basic | Stereo speakers, Hi-Res Audio, 2 mics | Mi 11 Lite 5G has superior audio output, making media consumption more enjoyable, and clearer voice recording |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both offer basic fingerprint security |
| Build Quality | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Mi 11 Lite 5G has superior screen protection, increasing durability |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, proximity, accelerometer | Fingerprint, accelerometer, compass, gyroscope, ultrasonic proximity virtual | Mi 11 Lite 5G has more sensors for advanced functionality |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery could offer slightly longer battery life compared to the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G under similar usage.
- Telephoto and Depth Cameras: Offers dedicated telephoto and depth sensor cameras, although the quality of these is not detailed.
- Slightly more affordable: Typically found at lower prices.
Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with higher resolution, refresh rate and brightness
- Significantly Better Performance: Much more powerful chipset and GPU, translating to faster and smoother usage
- Enhanced Camera System: Higher resolution main and selfie camera, better video quality, macro lens
- Faster Charging: 33W charging for much quicker charging times
- Superior Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass 6 for better scratch protection.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio
- Newer Software: Ships with a more recent version of Android with an option to update more
- Better Connectivity: More robust WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities
Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G provides a better overall experience at the cost of a smaller battery and is typically found at a higher price point compared to the Samsung Galaxy A12.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A12:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those prioritizing affordability over top-tier performance.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Those who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, basic browsing and occasional photos.
- Users that value large battery: For those who prioritize a large battery for longer use.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A12:
- Casual social media browsing, basic communication, and checking emails.
- Simple photography and video for sharing with friends and family.
- A secondary phone with good battery life.
Ideal User for Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G:
- Performance-Oriented Users: Those who want a fast phone for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Media Consumers: Those who watch videos, browse photos, and listen to music regularly on their phone.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want good image quality and a versatile camera system.
- Users that value high-quality display: For those who prioritize a vibrant, smooth and crisp display.
Use Cases for Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G:
- Gaming, video editing, streaming videos at higher resolution.
- High-quality photography for social media or personal use.
- Smooth scrolling and browsing, along with more efficient multitasking.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Samsung A12 is generally more budget-friendly.
- How important is performance and gaming? If performance is a priority, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G is significantly better.
- How important is the display and camera quality? The Mi 11 Lite 5G offers far better quality in both.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic User, Limited Budget: If you need a basic smartphone for calls and messaging with a good battery on a strict budget, the Samsung Galaxy A12 could be sufficient.
- Scenario 2: Media Enthusiast, Moderate Budget: If you consume a lot of media and want great display and performance without spending top-dollar, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: Performance User, Moderate Budget: If you require better camera performance and overall speed, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G will be your best bet.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G.
Here's why:
- Overall Experience: The Mi 11 Lite 5G offers a significantly better user experience in virtually every area. The superior display, significantly better performance, better camera, faster charging, and more robust build quality make it a more compelling daily driver.
- Future-Proofing: The more powerful processor, newer operating system, and better connectivity options make the Mi 11 Lite 5G a more future-proof device.
- Worth the cost difference: While the A12 is cheaper, the Mi 11 Lite 5G offers far more value, justifying the higher cost with its substantially improved performance and quality.
While the larger battery on the Samsung Galaxy A12 is a plus, the improved features of the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G significantly outweigh this. The Mi 11 Lite 5G provides a much better and smoother experience overall, making it the better choice for the majority of users who want a well-rounded device.
