1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | 164.2 × 76.1 × 8.1 mm | The Redmi Note 11 Pro is slightly larger in width and height but thinner, making it potentially feel more modern. The A12 is thicker, which might affect how comfortable it is to hold. |
| Weight | 205g | 202g | The phones are very similar in weight; the difference is negligible. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, no foldable design. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | The Redmi Note 11 Pro's slightly larger screen provides a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | The Redmi Note 11 Pro offers sharper images and text, a noticeable difference for reading, browsing, and viewing media. |
| PPI | 270 | 395 | The Redmi Note 11 Pro's higher pixel density results in a visibly clearer and more detailed display. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | The Redmi Note 11 Pro has superior display technology, resulting in deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors, and superior power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Redmi Note 11 Pro provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience, especially in gaming and fast-moving content. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | The Redmi Note 11 Pro is significantly more usable in bright sunlight, making it better for outdoor use; the A12's brightness is unknown, a major limitation. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The Redmi Note 11 Pro has better protection against scratches and minor drops, while the A12's screen protection is unknown. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | The Redmi Note 11 Pro has a much more powerful chipset, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 405,259 | The Redmi Note 11 Pro has significantly higher benchmark performance, indicating a major difference in processing capability. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The Redmi Note 11 Pro has a superior GPU, which translates to better graphics in games and visually intensive applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2" sensor | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" sensor | The Redmi Note 11 Pro captures significantly more detailed photos with its higher resolution and larger sensor, performs better in low light conditions thanks to the larger aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.4 | The Redmi Note 11 Pro's front camera captures more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The Galaxy A12 offers a telephoto lens, though low resolution, for zoomed images. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | The Redmi Note 11 Pro's wide-angle lens captures slightly more detailed and expansive shots, but both have the same aperture. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Galaxy A12 provides a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Redmi Note 11 Pro can take close-up shots of small objects. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both offer similar video recording, suitable for standard social media use. |
| Slow Motion | No | Yes, 120 fps | The Redmi Note 11 Pro allows capturing slow-motion videos, adding creative flexibility. |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | 90 (Main) | 78 (Main), 81 (Photo), 85 (Video) | The A12 scores higher in overall mobile score, while Redmi Note 11 Pro excels in video and photo tests, making it a better option for camera enthusiasts. |
| Features | Quad camera, various standard features | Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Ultra stable video, Manual focus, RAW, Night Mode, various standard features | The Redmi Note 11 Pro offers more advanced features and controls for photography. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should offer similar battery life under comparable usage patterns. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging, Li-Ion | 67W fast charging, Li-Ion Polymer | The Redmi Note 11 Pro charges significantly faster, allowing for quick top-ups. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both feature non-removable batteries. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 10 (up to 12) | Android 11 | The Redmi Note 11 Pro runs a more recent version of Android. |
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | The Redmi Note 11 Pro supports faster and more stable WiFi connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | The Redmi Note 11 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version, potentially with more efficient and stable connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | The Redmi Note 11 Pro has a more comprehensive suite of satellite navigation systems, potentially for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both allow dual SIM usage. |
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 64/128/256 GB | The Redmi Note 11 Pro offers more storage in its maximum configuration, and also as a standard option. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 6/8 GB | The Redmi Note 11 Pro offers more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers the option for expandable storage. |
| Audio | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | The Redmi Note 11 Pro offers vastly superior audio experience. |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer similar fingerprint sensor security |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | The Redmi Note 11 Pro has a more complete sensor package, suitable for AR apps, accurate orientation and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Telephoto and Depth Lens: The A12 includes dedicated lenses for telephoto and portrait photography, which may appeal to those who need them.
- Slightly Higher DXOMark Mobile Score: While the breakdown shows the Redmi Note 11 Pro does much better in the photo/video category, the overall mobile score is higher on the A12
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED, higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness provide a much better visual experience.
- Much Higher Performance: The chipset and GPU are significantly more powerful, leading to a smoother and more responsive user experience.
- Superior Camera: Higher resolution primary sensor, better low-light performance, and more advanced features like night mode.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging compared to 15W is a huge difference, minimizing downtime.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support offer a better multimedia experience.
- More RAM and Storage Options: Offers better multitasking and more space for media and files.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards, alongside a better suite of GPS systems.
- More Comprehensive Sensors: Includes a Gyroscope, Compass and Ultrasonic proximity, enhancing its capabilities for games, AR and related apps.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy A12 offers a telephoto lens, which the Redmi Note 11 Pro lacks, but at a lower resolution and no real benefits.
- The Samsung A12's mobile score is higher, but the individual scores in DXOMark show that the Redmi Note 11 Pro is the more competent photo/video option.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Someone who needs a basic smartphone for calls, messaging, and light browsing, and does not care about cutting edge features
- Users who prefer specific camera features: The inclusion of a telephoto and a depth lens might attract users who don't need the best camera, but require such options.
Specific Use Cases:
- Basic communication and social media browsing.
- Users who don't require great display quality, a high performing system or fast charging
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro Ideal User:
- Multimedia and gaming enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a great display, good audio, and smooth performance.
- Photography lovers: Those who want a versatile camera system with good quality.
- Users who value a modern experience: Those who want a snappy and responsive device.
- Users who need rapid charging: People who are often on the go and require their phone to charge quickly.
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching videos, playing games, and browsing social media.
- Taking high-quality photos and videos for social media and personal use.
- Running multiple apps at the same time
- Using the device in bright sunlight
- Users who require advanced sensors for advanced functionality
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro offers a significantly better price-to-value ratio due to its dramatically improved display, performance, camera, and charging speeds. The increased cost is justifiable for its substantially better features. The A12 might be a better fit if cost is the only factor in the decision
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? If you need the most affordable option and have low expectations on performance or media consumption, the A12 might suffice.
- How important is performance and display quality? If smooth performance and an excellent display are important, the Redmi Note 11 Pro is a clear winner.
- How important is the camera? If you require a more comprehensive and versatile camera experience with faster charging and improved performance, the Redmi Note 11 Pro is significantly better than the A12.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic Usage: If you only need a phone for calls, texts, and light web browsing, the Samsung Galaxy A12 might be sufficient.
- Scenario 2: Multimedia Consumption: For watching videos, playing games, and browsing social media, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro's superior display, audio and performance will be vastly preferable.
- Scenario 3: Photography: If you need more detailed images and videos, faster charging, better performance and better video recording options, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro is the better choice.
What I would choose and why
Based on the comprehensive analysis, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro. Here's why:
- Superior User Experience: The AMOLED 120Hz display is a game-changer, offering vastly better visual clarity and smoothness. Coupled with a much more powerful processor, the daily experience will be noticeably better for most users.
- Better Multimedia Capabilities: The stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos are a significant upgrade for enjoying videos, music, and games.
- Much Faster Charging: The 67W fast charging is a huge time saver in real-world use.
- Better Camera System: The 108MP main sensor, improved low-light performance, and extra features are much better for serious photos and videos, even if the A12 scored slightly better overall on a single DXOMark score.
- More Future Proof: The better performance, faster connectivity and superior feature set will make the Redmi Note 11 Pro a much better buy in the long term.
While the Samsung Galaxy A12 has a more favorable mobile DXOMark score and does offer a telephoto and depth lens, the practical benefits of the Redmi Note 11 Pro's display, performance, audio, camera, and charging speed are too significant to ignore. The Redmi Note 11 Pro offers a much more modern, capable, and enjoyable user experience, making it a clear winner for most users who can afford it. The Galaxy A12 is only an option if the price is the most important factor.
