1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Xiaomi Redmi 12C | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm | 168.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm | Redmi 12C is slightly taller and wider, but negligibly thinner. May feel slightly larger in the hand. |
| Weight | 205g | 192g | Redmi 12C is a bit lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.71" | Redmi 12C has a slightly larger screen, offering a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and browsing. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1650 | Both offer similar clarity. Differences are negligible and unlikely noticeable during day-to-day use. |
| PPI | 270 | 268 | Pixel density is practically the same, meaning similar sharpness on both screens. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD on Redmi 12C generally offers better viewing angles and color accuracy compared to PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both offer a standard 60Hz refresh rate, adequate for daily use but may not be as smooth as higher refresh rate displays. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have the same peak brightness. It is not specified, so we don't know its real-world performance, meaning outdoor visibility in bright sunlight may be challenging. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio P35 (12nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm) | Redmi 12C's Helio G85 offers significantly better performance than the A12's Helio P35, making it smoother for gaming and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 225,154 | The Redmi 12C scores much higher, indicating significantly faster performance, better for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 | The Mali-G52 MC2 in the Redmi 12C is more powerful, providing better graphics performance, essential for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, offering similar potential battery life, depending on usage patterns. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 10W fast charging | A12 charges faster with 15W, reducing charging time compared to Redmi 12C's 10W. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Redmi 12C has slightly higher resolution and wider aperture for better low-light performance and brighter images. The sensor model for Redmi is not listed so I cannot say much about the quality of the sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 5MP | A12 has higher resolution selfie camera, potentially capturing more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP | N/A | A12 has a dedicated telephoto lens allowing for zoomed shots, something the Redmi 12C lacks. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 5MP | N/A | A12 offers a wide-angle lens to capture more of a scene in a single photo, a feature Redmi 12C lacks. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP | N/A | A12 includes a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode with bokeh effect, a feature not available on the Redmi 12C. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi 12C includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, not available on A12. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps; No slow motion, 30 fps | 1080p@30fps; No slow motion, 30 fps | Both phones record video at the same quality, suitable for sharing on social media, though slow motion is limited and could be improved. |
| DXOMark | Main: 90, Photo: 0, Video: 0 | Main: 45, Photo: 50, Video: 43 | Samsung Galaxy A12 scores higher overall, but Xiaomi Redmi 12C performs better in photo and video. These scores must be considered based on their use and testing environment. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Continuous shooting. Digital zoom, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Digital zoom, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | A12 offers a more varied photography experience, while Redmi 12C focuses on better main and low-light performance, but sacrifices extra lens options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10, upgrade to 12 | Android 12 | Redmi 12C comes with a newer OS out of the box, likely offering a more modern user experience, while the A12 may have an outdated OS if it has not been updated to version 12. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n, dual band | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, dual band | Redmi 12C supports newer Wi-Fi standards, potentially offering faster speeds and better connectivity. Redmi 12C supports Wi-Fi Display. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | Redmi 12C features a more recent Bluetooth version with better power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Redmi 12C supports more satellite navigation systems, offering better positioning accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Micro + Nano SIM) | Both support dual SIM functionality, but the A12 is restricted to nano SIM only while the Redmi 12C can use a micro SIM as well. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 32/64/128 GB | Both offer same internal storage options, so users have the same choices. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 3/4/6 GB | Both phones offer the same RAM variants, adequate for everyday use. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage, meaning users are limited to the internal storage option they purchase. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Basic audio features | Both phones offer similar basic audio output for media consumption. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Rear-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor on the A12 may be slightly more convenient for some users. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | A12 has a proximity sensor and light sensor. The Redmi 12C has an ultrasonic virtual proximity sensor, which should behave similarly to a regular proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- More versatile camera system: Includes telephoto, wide-angle, and depth sensors, offering more flexibility for different types of photography.
- Faster charging: 15W charging is quicker compared to the Redmi 12C's 10W.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Some users may find this more convenient and accessible than a rear-mounted sensor.
- Higher Selfie Camera Resolution: A 8MP camera compared to 5MP.
Xiaomi Redmi 12C Advantages:
- Significantly better performance: The Helio G85 chipset offers substantially better processing power than the A12's Helio P35.
- Better Display Technology: IPS LCD generally has better colors and viewing angles than PLS LCD.
- Macro Lens: Offers a specific lens for close up shots.
- Newer Software: Comes with a newer version of Android out of the box.
- Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Standards: Potentially offering faster Wi-Fi and better Bluetooth connections.
- Galileo GPS: Better location tracking thanks to including Galileo satellite support.
Trade-offs:
- A12 prioritizes camera flexibility with multiple lenses, while the Redmi 12C focuses on better overall performance and display quality.
- A12 charges faster, but the Redmi 12C performs noticeably better in day to day use.
- The A12 has a higher DXOMark score but the Redmi 12C has better photo and video scores. This means the tests might have been done differently.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12 Ideal User:
- Casual photographers: Users who like experimenting with different camera modes and lenses for social media sharing.
- Users who value familiarity: Those who are used to Samsung's interface.
- Users who need quick charging: A faster charging speed is important for those who don't like to wait for their phone to charge.
Use Cases:
- Capturing diverse photos using different lenses (wide-angle, zoom, portrait).
- Basic daily usage with a preference for Samsung's ecosystem.
- Users who need a basic phone with a decent camera
Xiaomi Redmi 12C Ideal User:
- Performance-focused users: Those who prioritize smooth performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Budget-conscious buyers: Users who want great value for money with a focus on performance
- Users who value the latest software: Individuals who prefer to have the most updated OS and features.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming on a budget.
- Smooth multitasking and app switching.
- General everyday use with the latest software.
Price-to-Value:
- The Xiaomi Redmi 12C offers better value for the price due to its significantly better performance, especially for users who value smooth operation and modern software. The Samsung Galaxy A12, while having a better camera, is outclassed in many other areas, making it less valuable.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize camera flexibility or overall performance?
- If camera flexibility and faster charging are more important, the Samsung A12 is a better choice.
- If performance and software are the priority, the Redmi 12C is much better.
- Is a newer version of Android important to you?
- The Redmi 12C has a newer Android version which is better if you want to avoid outdated software.
- Do you heavily use resource-intensive apps or games?
- If you do, then the Redmi 12C's superior chipset will be the better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User, Basic Photography
- Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy A12 is an ok option for basic use.
- Scenario 2: Gaming and Multitasking User
- Recommendation: The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is the better option due to its vastly superior processor.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious User
- Recommendation: The Xiaomi Redmi 12C offers greater value for money because of its much better performance.
Final Decision
If I had to choose, I would pick the Xiaomi Redmi 12C. While the Samsung Galaxy A12 offers a more versatile camera system on paper, the Redmi 12C's superior performance is a much bigger benefit in real-world use. The Redmi 12C's newer processor ensures smoother operation, faster app loading, and a better experience in general, making it a more future-proof option. The IPS LCD screen is also preferable for image clarity. While the camera is less versatile, it still has a great main camera and performs well in low-light. The additional modern amenities of a modern bluetooth version, newer wifi standards, and a more up-to-date Android OS are the reasons I would pick it over the Samsung A12. While the Samsung A12 has some upsides, the upsides on the Redmi 12C are far more impactful on a day-to-day basis.
