1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-12-21 | 2022-11-01 | The Redmi Note 12 Pro is a significantly newer device, likely with more modern features and software. |
| Size | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | 163 × 76 × 8 mm | The phones are similar in size, but the Redmi Note 12 Pro is slightly thinner, potentially making it more comfortable to hold. |
| Weight | 205g | 187g | The Redmi Note 12 Pro is noticeably lighter, which can make a difference during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | The Redmi Note 12 Pro has a slightly larger screen, providing a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | The Redmi Note 12 Pro has a much sharper display, leading to clearer text and images. |
| PPI | 270 | 395 | The higher pixel density on the Redmi Note 12 Pro results in a noticeably crisper and more detailed screen. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED displays offer superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, making the Redmi Note 12 Pro display much more appealing. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The 120Hz refresh rate on the Redmi Note 12 Pro results in smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | The Redmi Note 12 Pro's significantly higher brightness makes it much easier to view the screen in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio P35 (12nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6nm) | The Dimensity 1080 is a much more powerful and efficient chip, offering superior performance in all tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 573,200 | The Redmi Note 12 Pro provides significantly better performance (almost 5.5x), making it much faster for gaming, apps, and multitasking. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G68 MC4 | The Mali-G68 MC4 in the Redmi Note 12 Pro is significantly more powerful, leading to better graphics performance in games and other apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery capacities, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | The Redmi Note 12 Pro charges much faster, reducing the time you spend plugged in. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP f/2.0 1/2" | 50MP f/1.88 1/1.56" | The Redmi Note 12 Pro has a slightly higher resolution sensor that is much larger with a wider aperture, resulting in better low-light photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.2 | 16MP | The Redmi Note 12 Pro has a higher-resolution selfie camera, potentially resulting in clearer and more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | The Galaxy A12 has a dedicated telephoto lens, which allows for some optical zoom capability. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/1.9 | The Redmi Note 12 Pro has a higher resolution ultrawide camera with wider aperture , potentially resulting in better wide-angle photos. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP f/2.4 | The Redmi Note 12 Pro includes a dedicated macro lens, allowing for very close-up photography, which the Samsung A12 does not have. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | The Galaxy A12 includes a dedicated depth sensor, which allows for better portrait mode photos with background blur.. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@up to 120fps | The Redmi Note 12 Pro supports higher resolution video recording, and offers smoother recording due to support of 1080p at 60/120 fps. |
| DXOMark Mobile | 90 | 102 | The Redmi Note 12 Pro shows better image quality with a higher overall score, resulting in better picture quality. |
| Features | Quadruple camera | Triple Camera, OIS, 4k Video | The Redmi Note 12 Pro has OIS which allows for clear videos, has 4K video capability and a triple camera setup while Samsung has a quadruple camera but lacks the features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to 12 | Android 12 | The Redmi Note 12 Pro has a more recent version of Android out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | The Redmi Note 12 Pro supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Redmi Note 12 Pro uses a newer version of Bluetooth which uses lower energy and has better sound quality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The Redmi Note 12 Pro supports more satellite systems, potentially resulting in more precise location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | The Redmi Note 12 Pro offers much more storage capacity, especially on the high-end configuration. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 6/8/12 GB | The Redmi Note 12 Pro has more RAM, which allows for smoother multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | The Redmi Note 12 Pro offers better audio features, leading to a more immersive experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both devices utilize side-mounted fingerprint sensors for quick access. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The Redmi Note 12 Pro provides superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity | The Redmi Note 12 Pro contains more sensors for better functionality. |
| ## 2. Key Differences Analysis |
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Dedicated Telephoto lens: Offers some optical zoom capabilities.
- Portrait depth sensor: Allows for more detailed portrait mode.
- Lower price point: Usually available at a lower price.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness. Offers a much better viewing experience.
- Significantly Better Performance: Much faster processor, more RAM, and better graphics. Offers a smoother experience with heavy apps and games.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging significantly reduces charge time.
- Better Cameras: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, and a larger main sensor with wider aperture for low-light performance, ultrawide camera and dedicated macro lens
- More Storage: Offers more base storage and a higher capacity option.
- Modern Connectivity: Supports newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions for faster and more reliable connections.
- Better Audio: Stereo Speakers and Dolby Atmos for better audio quality.
- Superior Build Quality Corning Gorilla Glass 5 screen for better scratch and drop resistance
- More Sensors: Gyroscope and Compass sensor for better gaming and functionality.
Trade-offs:
- The Redmi Note 12 Pro is more expensive than the Galaxy A12.
- The Galaxy A12 offers a dedicated telephoto and portrait lens where the Redmi doesn't, but the Redmi has superior overall camera performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users with basic needs. Good for seniors or those new to smartphones.
- Use Cases: Basic communication, simple browsing, occasional photos, casual social media use.
- Strengths: Affordability, simple interface and enough camera lenses.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro:
- Ideal User: Users looking for a balanced phone with excellent performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
- Use Cases: Gaming, streaming video, photography, social media, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Strengths: Superior display, performance, camera quality, charging speed and build quality.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Redmi Note 12 Pro offers a significantly better price-to-value ratio for users who prioritize performance, display, and camera.
- The Galaxy A12 suits those on a very tight budget and don't prioritize advanced features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Galaxy A12 is the more affordable option, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro is significantly more expensive.
- How important are performance and display quality to you? The Redmi Note 12 Pro is the clear winner in both categories.
- What are your primary use cases for the phone? If it's mainly for basic tasks, the Galaxy A12 might suffice. For more demanding use, the Redmi Note 12 Pro is recommended.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Basic Use: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A12. It will cover basic tasks adequately at a lower price.
- Scenario 2: Balanced Performance, Good Camera: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. It offers a great mix of performance, display, and camera quality.
- Scenario 3: Heavy Gaming, Media Consumption: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. Its superior performance and display make it ideal for gaming and streaming.
- Scenario 4: Casual Camera Use: Both phones have some limitations, with the Samsung having more lenses for basic use cases, but the Redmi has a much better main camera for quality images. Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro if quality is your main goal.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. While it is more expensive, the differences in display quality, performance, and camera capabilities are significant. The AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate is a huge upgrade, and the vastly superior processor will ensure a much smoother and responsive experience in everyday tasks and for more demanding use cases. The faster charging is also a significant convenience, and the improved camera will produce much better photos and videos in most scenarios. Overall the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro provides a much better user experience and feels like a more modern device. The Samsung A12 only benefits those on an extremely tight budget where the benefits of the Redmi are not financially viable.
