Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A12 vs. Xiaomi Redmi 12
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | 168.6 × 76.3 × 8.2 mm | Redmi 12 is taller and slightly thinner; A12 might feel more compact. |
| Weight | 205g | 198.5g | Redmi 12 is slightly lighter, which can be noticeable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.79" | Redmi 12 offers a more immersive viewing experience with its larger display. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2460 | Redmi 12 has a significantly sharper display, with clearer text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 396 | Redmi 12's higher PPI results in a noticeably more detailed screen. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Redmi 12 generally offers slightly better viewing angles and color reproduction. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Redmi 12 provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness which is currently unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) | Redmi 12's chipset offers better performance for gaming and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 249,400 | Redmi 12 has much faster app loading and better performance overall. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Redmi 12’s GPU is better suited for more demanding graphical tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Redmi 12 has a slightly higher resolution; The actual photo quality depends on other factors. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/1.8 | Redmi 12's wider aperture allows for better low-light photos. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/2.76" | A12’s larger sensor captures slightly more light and may perform better in darker conditions. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 0.64 µm | A12’s larger pixels capture more light and may perform better in darker conditions. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 8MP | Both have the same selfie camera resolution. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.1 | Redmi 12's wider aperture captures slightly more light. |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP | None | A12 has a dedicated telephoto lens for zooming capabilities, which is absent on the Redmi 12. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP | 8MP | Redmi 12 has a higher resolution wide angle lens, capturing more detailed wide shots. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP | None | A12 has a depth sensor for improved portrait mode, which is absent on the Redmi 12. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP | Redmi 12 has a dedicated macro lens for taking close-up photos, which is absent on the A12. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both offer similar standard video recording. |
| Slow-motion | No, 30 fps | Yes, 120 fps | Redmi 12 provides smoother slow-motion video capabilities. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | Redmi 12 includes 4K video recording and RAW image capture. A12 features a panorama mode. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have identical battery capacity, suggesting similar battery life. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging, Li-Ion | 18W fast charging, Li-Polymer | Redmi 12 charges slightly faster. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable, 9W reverse wired charging | Redmi 12 can be used to charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to 12 | Android 13, upgradable to 14 | Redmi 12 provides a newer Android version with more features and updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n, Dual-band | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band | Redmi 12 supports faster Wi-Fi standards including 802.11ac. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE | Redmi 12 has a newer Bluetooth version with improved efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Redmi 12 has improved GPS with Galileo support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both support Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal Storage | 32GB/64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Redmi 12 offers higher base storage (128 GB) and a 256GB option. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB/6GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Redmi 12 provides more RAM for better multitasking, especially the 8GB variant. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Basic | Both have standard audio capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer the same fingerprint sensor for biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Specific screen protection details are missing for both phones. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Redmi 12 has a more comprehensive sensor suite, good for gaming and navigation. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Dedicated Telephoto Lens: Offers a 2MP telephoto lens for optical zoom, which can be useful for some users.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Has a 2MP depth sensor for better portrait mode effects.
- Larger Sensor Main Camera: Has a larger main camera sensor (1/2"), and larger pixel size (0.8 µm) which might result in better low light performance.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Helio G88 chipset and higher AnTuTu score (249,400 vs. 103,000) mean faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities.
- Superior Display: Higher resolution (1080x2460), higher pixel density (396 PPI), and 90Hz refresh rate lead to a sharper, smoother visual experience.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 13 (upgradeable to 14) versus A12's Android 10 (upgradeable to 12), providing newer features and extended support.
- More Storage & RAM Options: Provides higher base storage (128 GB) and a larger RAM option (8 GB).
- Faster Charging and Reverse Charging: Offers 18W fast charging and the ability to charge other devices (9W reverse wired charging).
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for capturing close up images.
- Better Connectivity: Faster Wi-Fi (802.11ac) and a newer version of Bluetooth (5.3).
- More comprehensive Sensor Suite: Including compass and gyroscope for enhanced navigation and gaming.
- Improved Camera Features: Offers 4K video, and RAW image capture
Trade-offs:
- A12: While the A12 has a telephoto and depth camera, they are lower resolution. The A12 also has lower overall performance and a lower-quality display compared to the Redmi 12.
- Redmi 12: The Redmi 12 lacks a telephoto and depth camera, and the slightly smaller main camera sensor might be less effective in low light compared to A12's.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12 Ideal User:
- Users who need telephoto zoom: The A12 is better for users who prioritize dedicated optical zoom functionality.
- Users who prefer the Samsung UI: Some users might be more familiar and comfortable with Samsung's interface.
- Users with very tight budgets: Given that it is an older device, it is likely cheaper.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A12:
- Basic photography with zoom capabilities.
- General use such as browsing, calls, and messaging for non-demanding users.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 Ideal User:
- Performance-focused users: Gamers, multitaskers, and those who want a smooth, responsive phone experience will benefit most from Redmi 12's better performance.
- Media Consumption Enthusiasts: Users who watch videos or browse social media will appreciate the better display.
- Users who want the latest software and features: Android 13 and faster charging are significant advantages.
- Users who need extra storage: For those who require more space for photos, videos and files.
Use Cases for Xiaomi Redmi 12:
- Gaming and other demanding apps.
- Viewing high-resolution content, such as videos and photos.
- Taking photos in well-lit conditions, and macro photography.
- Everyday use with a smooth and snappy experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Requirements: How important are smooth multitasking and gaming capabilities to you?
- Display Quality Preference: Do you prioritize sharper visuals and smoother scrolling?
- Camera Needs: Do you need better zoom capabilities, or would you prioritize 4K Video and macro photography?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Tight budget with basic use. If the budget is very tight and you just need basic functionality the A12 may be the better option, but the Redmi 12 is likely better value for money.
Scenario 2: Multimedia and performance priority. If you value a smooth experience and enjoy media consumption and gaming, the Xiaomi Redmi 12 is a much better choice because of its superior display, performance and features.
Scenario 3: Photography enthusiasts. If you specifically need a telephoto zoom lens, then the Samsung A12 may be suitable but if you prefer macro photography and higher video quality then the Xiaomi Redmi 12 is better.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi 12.
My reasoning is based on the following points:
- Superior Performance: The significantly higher AnTuTu score and better chipset of the Redmi 12 mean a much smoother and more enjoyable user experience, especially for tasks like multitasking and gaming.
- Better Display: The higher resolution, pixel density, and 90Hz refresh rate of the Redmi 12 offer a visibly better display experience, which is crucial for media consumption and everyday use.
- Newer Software: The Redmi 12 runs on Android 13 (upgradable to 14) which provides newer features, security updates, and overall better software support.
- Better Connectivity and Features: The Redmi 12 offers faster Wi-Fi, newer Bluetooth version, and additional features such as macro photography, and reverse charging, making it a more feature-rich device.
- Better storage and RAM: Redmi 12 offers a better storage and RAM configuration.
While the Samsung Galaxy A12 has a telephoto zoom lens and depth camera which could appeal to some users, the overall experience of the Redmi 12 outweighs the A12’s advantages for the majority of users. The Redmi 12 is the more modern and feature-rich device which provides significantly better value.
