Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A12 vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm | 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1 mm | Similar size, but the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is thinner by 0.8mm, making it slightly more pocketable. |
| Weight | 205g | 201.8g | Negligible difference in weight; both feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G offers a slightly larger screen, providing a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G's display is significantly sharper with more detail visible. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 395 | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G offers crisper text and images, particularly noticeable when viewing photos and text. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G's AMOLED screen has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to the A12's LCD. Better for media consumption and dark mode usage. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G's 120Hz refresh rate provides significantly smoother scrolling and animations, making the user interface feel more fluid and responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G's significantly higher brightness makes the screen much easier to view in direct sunlight. Samsung Galaxy A12's screen brightness isn't specified making it difficult to recommend for outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G's chipset provides vastly superior performance for daily tasks, gaming, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 397,200 | The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is much faster, resulting in snappier app loading, smoother transitions, and superior gaming capability compared to the A12. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 618 | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G's GPU offers significantly better graphics processing for gaming and other GPU-intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5020mAh | Both phones offer comparable battery capacity, meaning they should offer similar battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G charges significantly faster, which can be very convenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G can charge other devices, adding extra versatility. Both phones do not allow for battery replacement. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear (Main) | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2" | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G's main camera captures more detailed photos, especially in good lighting conditions, thanks to its larger sensor and higher resolution. |
| Selfie | 8MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13" | The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G takes higher-resolution selfies, capturing more detail. |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Galaxy A12 offers a dedicated telephoto lens, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G relies on digital zoom for distant subjects. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G has a slightly higher-resolution wide-angle camera with a larger sensor, potentially capturing more detail. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Both offer similar depth sensors for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G has a dedicated macro lens, useful for taking close-up shots of small subjects. The Galaxy A12 lacks a dedicated macro lens. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G can record significantly higher-quality video with 4K resolution. |
| DXOMark Score | 90 (Mobile) | N/A | Samsung Galaxy A12 has a DXOMark score of 90 (for mobile) while Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G was not tested. |
| Features | Standard features | 4K video, DIS, CAF, RAW, Night mode | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G includes advanced camera features, while Galaxy A12 offers basic options only. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (up to 12) | Android 11 | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G ships with a newer version of Android by default. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G has more advanced WiFi standards for better speeds and connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G has a more power-efficient and potentially more stable Bluetooth connection. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G can more accurately pinpoint your location using more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones offer Dual SIM capabilities for using two numbers at once. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128GB | 128/256GB | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G has much more internal storage, and a minimum of 128GB. |
| RAM | 3/4/6GB | 6/8GB | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G has significantly more RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage, so users must rely on cloud services. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G has superior sound quality via Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both phones offer convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G has a screen that is much more resistant to scratches. The screen protection of the A12 is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Ultrasonic Proximity, Fingerprint | Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G includes additional sensors like gyroscope, and compass, making it more suitable for gaming and navigation related apps. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- Telephoto Lens: Offers a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed photos.
- Price: The Galaxy A12 is likely more affordable, making it accessible to budget-conscious users.
- More sensor options (some): Includes a standard proximity sensor.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate, higher resolution, and much greater brightness for better outdoor visibility.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 732G is considerably faster than the Helio P35, offering smoother multitasking, gaming, and overall responsiveness.
- Much Faster Charging: 67W fast charging significantly reduces charging time compared to the Galaxy A12's 15W charging.
- Better Camera: Higher resolution main camera, ultrawide camera, macro camera, and better video recording capabilities with 4K support.
- More RAM and Storage: Comes with more RAM (6/8 GB) and more storage (128/256 GB) options for better multitasking and media storage.
- Enhanced Audio: Offers Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers for an improved audio experience.
- Superior Build Quality: Features Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for screen protection.
- More sensors: Includes gyroscope, compass, and an ultrasonic proximity sensor.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used to charge other devices.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A12: Trades performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and features for affordability.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G: Slightly more expensive, might not suit users who need a telephoto lens, but offers major improvements in almost all other categories.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users looking for a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light social media.
- First-Time Smartphone Buyers: Easy-to-use device for users who are new to smartphones or don't require high-end features.
- Users with Basic Needs: Those who mainly need a phone for communication and occasional web browsing, and who don't need high-quality photos and high performance.
Use Cases:
- Basic communication.
- Simple social media browsing.
- Occasional casual photos.
- Users who prioritize affordability.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G Ideal User:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who enjoy watching videos, playing games, and consuming other media.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a capable camera system for both stills and video.
- Power Users: Users who need a fast phone for multitasking, gaming, and resource-intensive apps.
- Users Who Value Display Quality: Those who want a smooth and vibrant viewing experience.
- Users who need fast charging: Those who want to quickly top up their batteries.
- Gamers: Those who want a fast phone for mobile gaming.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming.
- High-quality photo and video recording.
- Watching videos and streaming.
- Multitasking with multiple apps.
- Navigation and location-based services.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Samsung Galaxy A12: Offers good value for basic functionality at a low price point.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G: Offers exceptional value, providing a wide array of high-end features for a mid-range price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What's your budget? If price is the primary concern, the Galaxy A12 may be the only viable option.
- How important is display quality and performance? If smooth scrolling, vibrant colors, and fast operation are important, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is the clear winner.
- What are your camera needs? If a better all-around camera system and video recording quality are desired, then Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is much better. However if a telephoto camera is needed Galaxy A12 is the only option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget-Conscious User): If your budget is very tight and you need basic functionality, the Samsung Galaxy A12 is a reasonable choice, though it will feel slow compared to the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G.
- Scenario 2 (Multimedia User): If you frequently watch videos, play games, or use apps, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is a much better option with its superior display, performance, and audio.
- Scenario 3 (Photography Enthusiast): If photography is a priority, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G with its higher-resolution camera, 4K recording, and additional features offers superior image quality. The Galaxy A12 has a telephoto, but overall quality and versatility are not as good.
- Scenario 4 (Fast Charging User): If quick charging and the ability to charge other devices is important, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is significantly better.
My Choice and Explanation
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G.
Here's why:
- Superior User Experience: The AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, higher resolution, and significantly higher brightness makes a massive difference in day-to-day usage. Scrolling feels smoother, images look sharper, and visibility in sunlight is far better.
- Performance Boost: The Snapdragon 732G provides a noticeable upgrade in performance, making the phone feel faster and more responsive. This is crucial for multitasking, gaming, and general use.
- Better Camera Capabilities: The higher-resolution main camera, better selfie camera, macro lens, and 4K video recording make the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G a much more capable camera phone. The loss of telephoto on the Redmi is worth the tradeoff for overall camera quality.
- Fast Charging: The 67W charging is a significant convenience, allowing me to quickly top up the battery when needed.
- Future Proofing: With more RAM, storage, and a newer chipset, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is more future-proof.
- Added Extras: Features like stereo speakers, Hi-Res Audio, and reverse charging add significant value.
While the Galaxy A12 may be more affordable, the significant improvements in display, performance, camera, and charging that the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G offers are well worth the extra investment for a much better overall smartphone experience. The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G offers a better user experience that justifies its higher price point.
