1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm | 162 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm | Redmi Note 11 4G is slightly more compact, but both have similar width and thickness. |
| Weight | 205g | 181g | Redmi Note 11 4G is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for long periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Identical screen sizes for both phones. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Redmi Note 11 4G's display is significantly sharper, with much higher detail and clarity. |
| PPI | 270 | 405 | Redmi Note 11 4G offers a much crisper visual experience. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | Both phones use LCD technology, with similar viewing angles and color accuracy. However, the specific technology used by Xiaomi is unknown. | |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Redmi Note 11 4G offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have similar peak brightness, although the number itself is not realistic. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) | Redmi Note 11 4G's chipset is more powerful. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 253,100 | Redmi Note 11 4G is significantly faster, handles apps and games much more smoothly. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Redmi Note 11 4G offers better graphics performance for gaming and video. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera Resolution | 48MP (f/2.0) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Redmi Note 11 4G has slightly higher resolution and a wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Front Camera Resolution | 8MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.0) | Redmi Note 11 4G has slightly better low light performance due to the wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | N/A | Samsung A12 has a dedicated telephoto zoom lens, providing a hardware-based optical zoom, however, this will not be very high quality at just 2MP. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Redmi Note 11 4G offers a higher resolution wide-angle camera for more detailed shots. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | N/A | Samsung A12 has a dedicated depth sensor, allowing for potentially better portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP (f/2.4) | Redmi Note 11 4G has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Similar video recording capabilities in terms of resolution and frame rate for both phones. |
| Slow-Motion Recording | No, 30 fps | Yes, 120 fps | The Redmi Note 11 4G offers slow-motion recording with a higher frame rate. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Panorama | 4K Video, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, RAW | The Redmi Note 11 4G has 4k video capability and digital stabilization, plus the ability to save in RAW. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life for both devices. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 18W fast charging | Redmi Note 11 4G charges slightly faster. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable, 9W reverse wired charging | Redmi Note 11 4G can charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 11 | The Redmi Note 11 4G has a slightly newer OS version, but the Samsung A12 is confirmed upgradable to Android 12. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Redmi Note 11 4G supports faster WiFi speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Redmi Note 11 4G has a newer version of Bluetooth, potentially offering better range and power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Redmi Note 11 4G supports more satellite navigation systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM) | Both phones support two SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 128 GB | Redmi Note 11 4G is only available in 128 GB, whereas the A12 also has options for less storage. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 4/6 GB | Similar RAM options, suitable for moderate multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither of the devices support expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Stereo Speakers | Redmi Note 11 4G provides a more immersive audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both have similar fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Redmi Note 11 4G has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 has additional sensors suitable for more advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Dedicated Telephoto and Depth Lenses: Offers a hardware-based telephoto lens for optical zoom and a dedicated depth sensor for potentially better portrait mode.
- Multiple Storage Options: The A12 comes in different storage configurations, offering options with lower prices.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Helio G88 chipset offers much faster processing and graphics performance, resulting in a smoother and more responsive user experience.
- Sharper and Smoother Display: Higher resolution and 90Hz refresh rate for a much better visual experience.
- Better Camera Quality: Higher resolution wide-angle lens, wider apertures on main and selfie cameras for better low-light performance, and has a macro camera.
- Faster Charging: 18W charging for quicker top-ups.
- Stereo Speakers: Enhanced audio experience with stereo speakers.
- Reverse Charging: Can act as a power bank to charge other devices.
- Better Screen Protection: Comes with Gorilla Glass 3 for better protection from scratches and impacts.
- More Modern Connectivity: Has a newer version of Bluetooth, and faster WiFi.
- Better Sensor Suite: Includes a compass and gyroscope for enhanced functionality.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung A12: The A12's advantage is that it has a slightly better camera setup with a depth sensor and telephoto lens, but the rest of the specifications are far behind the Redmi Note 11 4G.
- Redmi Note 11 4G: The Redmi has no real disadvantage compared to the Samsung A12, with better performance, better camera quality, better display and more functionality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12 Ideal User:
- Basic Users with Low Budget: Users who primarily need a phone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and casual browsing, with a very tight budget.
- Users Needing Telephoto Lens: If zoom capability is important, the A12 has a dedicated telephoto lens, although this would not be very high quality at 2MP.
- Users who don't need the best performance: Those who do not mind having a slower performing phone, and don't plan on playing any heavy games.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A12:
- Making phone calls and texting.
- Basic social media use.
- Casual web browsing.
- Taking occasional pictures in good lighting conditions, with a slight advantage in zoomed photography.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G Ideal User:
- Performance-Conscious Users: Users who value smooth performance, responsive apps, and gaming.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who frequently watch videos, browse social media, and enjoy media consumption.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value better camera quality and more features, such as 4K video and RAW.
- Users who want a better screen: Those who prioritize high resolution, better brightness and smoothness.
Use Cases for Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G:
- Mobile gaming.
- Streaming high-definition videos.
- Taking detailed pictures and videos in various lighting conditions.
- Multitasking with several apps open.
- Using GPS and navigation.
- Charging other devices.
- Viewing media outdoors due to better brightness.
Price-to-Value:
- Redmi Note 11 4G Offers a higher price-to-value due to superior features in most aspects and significantly better performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The A12 comes in different storage options, which may make it cheaper in some instances.
- How important is performance and camera quality to you? The Redmi Note 11 4G is superior in both of these aspects.
- Do you need features like stereo speakers, fast charging, reverse charging, or a 90Hz display? These features are exclusive to the Redmi Note 11 4G.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget User: If your main goal is to save money and you do not need the best performance, then the Galaxy A12 might be a better option. However, the Redmi Note 11 4G offers much more for the price.
- Multimedia User: The Redmi Note 11 4G is the clear choice, with its superior display, stereo speakers, and better performance.
- Mobile Gamer: The Redmi Note 11 4G is much better due to its superior chipset, better GPU and 90Hz display.
- Photography Enthusiast: The Redmi Note 11 4G is superior due to its better main and selfie cameras, plus an 8MP wide angle camera, and macro lens. It also supports 4k video, and RAW image saving.
- General user: The Redmi Note 11 4G is the better choice in almost all scenarios.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G. The significant performance improvement, superior display, better cameras, and additional features like faster charging and stereo speakers make it the far better device. While the Samsung A12 offers a dedicated telephoto and depth camera, the other advantages of the Redmi Note 11 4G far outweigh this. The Redmi Note 11 4G offers a much more enjoyable and versatile user experience for a similar price, with much better overall value. The only reason to get the Samsung A12 would be if the price difference is extreme.
