Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A12 vs. Xiaomi Redmi A2
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Xiaomi Redmi A2 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | 164.9 × 76.8 × 9.1 mm | Very similar size; negligible difference in pocket |
| Weight | 205g | 192g | Xiaomi Redmi A2 is slightly lighter, may feel more comfortable during long use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.52" | Virtually identical screen size; no noticeable difference |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Same sharpness; both suitable for general use but not as sharp as FHD displays |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 269 PPI | Nearly identical sharpness; indiscernible difference |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD generally offers better viewing angles and color reproduction than PLS LCD |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Standard smoothness; neither offers a smoother scrolling experience |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Unable to assess display brightness |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) | Helio G36 in Redmi A2 offers a bit better performance for everyday tasks and light gaming compared to the Helio P35 in A12 |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 127,000 | Redmi A2 is slightly faster; apps will load quicker and user interface is smoother |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 | Same GPU; similar graphics performance; neither is designed for intense gaming |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0 (Samsung S5KGM2) | 8MP, f/2.0 | Galaxy A12 captures higher-resolution photos (48MP vs. 8MP); likely more detail in well-lit environments |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Galaxy A12 takes higher-resolution selfies; may be slightly clearer |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not available | Galaxy A12 has a dedicated telephoto lens, allowing for some optical zoom |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | Not available | Galaxy A12 can capture more in a single frame; useful for landscapes and group photos |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not available | Galaxy A12 has a dedicated depth sensor to produce a better bokeh effect |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record same quality videos; suitable for casual use |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 90, Photo: 0, Video: 0 | Not available | Only the Samsung A12 was tested and its score indicates basic camera performance |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera | Dual camera, Manual focus | Galaxy A12 is more versatile with multiple lenses while Redmi A2 offers manual focus for precise control |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life; both should last a full day with moderate use |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | Galaxy A12 charges faster, reducing waiting time |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Standard non-removable batteries |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 | Redmi A2 has a more recent version of Android out of the box |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n, Dual band, Hotspot, Direct | 802.11a/b/g/n, Hotspot, Direct | Samsung Galaxy A12 additionally supports: Dual band |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 LE | Both support Bluetooth 5.0; Galaxy A12 provides more profiles; Redmi A2 is more energy efficient |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Identical location services |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both offer Dual SIM with standby |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32 GB/64 GB/128 GB | 32 GB/64 GB | Samsung A12 offers more storage with a 128 GB variant; better for users with many media files. |
| RAM | 3 GB/4 GB/6 GB | 2 GB/3 GB/4 GB | Samsung A12 can have 6GB RAM, allowing for moderate multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Basic audio features | Both provide a standard audio experience |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic security features | Galaxy A12 offers more convenient biometric security via fingerprint |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Unable to assess screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Accelerometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Samsung Galaxy A12 includes a fingerprint sensor for easy and quick unlocking; Xiaomi Redmi A2 uses a virtual sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- More Versatile Camera System: The Galaxy A12 features a quad-camera setup (48MP main, ultrawide, depth, and telephoto), which provides much more flexibility for different types of photos compared to the Redmi A2's dual setup.
- Faster Charging: The 15W fast charging on the A12 will get you back to full battery faster than the 10W of the Redmi A2.
- Fingerprint Sensor: The physical fingerprint sensor on the A12 provides a more secure and faster way to unlock your phone.
- Higher RAM Capacity: The A12 can have up to 6 GB of RAM, while the Redmi A2 maxes out at 4 GB. This will help with multitasking.
- More Internal Storage Options: The A12 has a 128 GB storage variant, while the Redmi A2 does not.
Xiaomi Redmi A2 Advantages:
- Slightly Better Performance: The Helio G36 chipset gives the Redmi A2 a minor advantage in daily tasks compared to the A12's Helio P35.
- More Recent Android Version: The A2 ships with Android 12, giving it a more modern software experience right out of the box.
- Lighter Design: At 192g, the Redmi A2 is slightly lighter than the A12, which could make it more comfortable to hold and use for long periods.
- IPS Display: The IPS LCD in Redmi A2 may offer better viewing angles than the PLS LCD in the A12.
Trade-offs:
- The Galaxy A12's superior camera system comes at the cost of slightly older software and a heavier build.
- The Redmi A2's newer OS and lighter build is offset by the lack of the extra cameras, fingerprint scanner and faster charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12 Ideal User:
- Casual photographers: People who enjoy taking photos and want flexibility with a variety of camera lenses (wide, telephoto)
- Users who prioritize Security: Those who value the security and speed of a physical fingerprint sensor
- People who want longer battery life: The 5,000mAh battery plus 15W charging is better for those who need all-day battery.
- Multitaskers: Users who want more RAM for better performance with multiple apps running.
- Those who need more storage: Users that need 128 GB of storage for all their media and applications.
Use Cases:
- Taking photos of landscapes, groups, and portraits.
- Quickly unlocking the phone with a physical fingerprint sensor.
- Those who want all day battery and quicker charging.
Xiaomi Redmi A2 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious buyers: Those who prioritize getting the most up-to-date OS on a budget
- Users who prioritize a lighter phone: People who want a device that’s light for comfortable handling
- Casual users Primarily using their phone for calls, messaging, and social media with some light gaming.
- Users who prioritize performance: The newer chipset is a bit more performant than the A12.
Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks such as browsing the web, messaging, and light social media
- Those who want a modern Android version with its latest features.
- Those who want a lightweight phone to use.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is camera versatility?
- If a range of lenses is important, the Galaxy A12 is the better choice.
- If a basic camera is sufficient, the Redmi A2 will work fine.
- Is faster charging and biometric security a priority?
- If yes, then Galaxy A12.
- If not, the Redmi A2's trade-offs are more reasonable.
- How important is the latest Android version and light weight?
- If yes, then Xiaomi Redmi A2.
- If not, the Galaxy A12 is a solid choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography Enthusiast on a Budget: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A12 for the versatile quad-camera setup.
- Scenario 2: Value-Conscious User with basic needs: The Xiaomi Redmi A2 is a better fit with its slightly better performance, newer OS, and lighter design.
- Scenario 3: Those seeking security and speed: The fingerprint sensor and faster charging of the Galaxy A12 make it the best choice.
Final Recommendation
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A12. Here's why:
- Camera Versatility: As someone who takes a fair number of photos, the multiple lenses and higher resolution camera on the A12 provide more flexibility and better image quality for various scenarios. I find the telephoto and wide-angle lenses to be very useful in my day-to-day life.
- Fingerprint Security: I value the convenience and security of a physical fingerprint sensor. It's a faster, more reliable option than relying on a pin or pattern to unlock.
- Faster Charging: I appreciate the ability to quickly top up my battery, especially during busy days. The A12's 15W fast charging is a significant advantage in this regard.
- RAM and Storage: The extra RAM on the 6GB model will mean smoother performance overall, and the option of 128 GB of storage is preferable to the 64GB limit on the Redmi A2.
While the Redmi A2 has its merits, like the newer Android version and lighter design, these factors don't outweigh the camera versatility, security and faster charging that the Galaxy A12 provides for my specific needs. The A12 is the phone that offers the best balance of features for my priorities, even if it's slightly older.
