Okay, let's dive deep into this comparison between the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G. I'm going to break down the specs and translate them into real-world benefits so you can see which phone fits your life best.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-02 | 2023-08-04 | Redmi 12 5G is newer tech, likely with more up-to-date features. |
| Dimensions (mm) | 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 | Redmi 12 5G is slightly taller and thinner, might feel a bit more modern in hand. |
| Weight (g) | 197 | 199 | Negligible difference, both feel similar in pocket/hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size (inches) | 6.6 | 6.79 | Redmi 12 5G has a slightly larger display, great for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 | 1080 x 2460 | Both offer crisp, clear images, a minor difference in pixel density. |
| PPI | 400 | 396 | Similar sharpness, no visible difference in day to day usage |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD on Redmi 12 5G is generally considered better with viewing angles and color reproduction |
| Refresh Rate (Hz) | 120 | 90 | Galaxy A23 5G provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness (nits) | 0 | 0 | Both are not very bright, and in bright sunlight, you will struggle. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Redmi 12 5G’s newer chip is more efficient and potentially a bit faster in day to day tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 418,000 | 456,552 | Redmi 12 5G offers better benchmark performance for gaming and heavy apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 613 | Galaxy A23 5G's GPU is slightly stronger but, as per the AnTuTu scores, the overall performance of the Redmi 12 5G is better. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity (mAh) | 5000 | 5000 | Both should offer all-day battery life for most users. |
| Charging | 25W (Li-Ion) | 18W (Li-Polymer) | Galaxy A23 5G charges faster, getting you back in action quicker. |
| Features | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | Galaxy A23 5G’s bypass charging can be useful during gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera (MP) | 50MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Comparable main cameras for everyday photos. |
| Selfie Camera (MP) | 8MP (f/2.0) | 5MP (f/2.2) | Galaxy A23 5G is better for selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP (f/2.2) | None | Galaxy A23 5G offers more versatility for different shots. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Both have a depth sensor, but it is only useful in some scenarios. |
| Macro lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | Galaxy A23 5G allows for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both offer similar video capabilities, okay for casual usage. |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | Mobile: 63, Photo: 57, Video: 76 | Redmi 12 5G’s camera performs ok overall. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple, OIS | Dual, OIS, Digital Stabilization | Galaxy A23 5G has a versatile camera system, whereas Redmi 12 5G offers more features in the image processing itself. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 14) | Android 13 (up to 14) | Redmi 12 5G has a more up-to-date base software with better security, same max update though. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both support modern WiFi standards, but Redmi 12 5G has display capability too. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | Galaxy A23 5G has a newer Bluetooth version with more features. |
| GPS | Yes+Galileo+QZSS | Yes | Galaxy A23 5G is slightly more accurate with more satellite support. |
| SIM | Single | Dual | Redmi 12 5G allows you to use two SIMs simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | Not specified | 128/256GB | Redmi 12 5G offers more storage options, important for many. |
| RAM | Not specified | 4/6/8GB | Redmi 12 5G has better multitasking with more RAM options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for extra storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Basic | Basic features, nothing too special. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic biometric protection. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Galaxy A23 5G's display is slightly more durable. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity | Galaxy A23 5G offers additional environmental sensors for enhanced functionality. |
2. Key Insights
- Samsung Galaxy A23 5G:
- Strengths: Smoother 120Hz display, more versatile camera setup (with wide-angle and macro lenses), faster charging, more secure display with Gorilla Glass 5, better Bluetooth version and more accurate GPS with more satellite support.
- Competitive Advantage: The 120Hz display provides a better experience in daily usage and for media consumption. The extra lenses and camera features gives users more options when capturing different kinds of scenarios.
- Trade-offs: Older chipset, less RAM and internal storage options than the Redmi 12 5G.
- Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G:
- Strengths: Newer, more efficient chipset, superior performance as per the benchmark scores, larger display, better base Android version, dual SIM capability, and multiple storage and RAM options..
- Competitive Advantage: Its performance and higher RAM configurations enable smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance..
- Trade-offs: Slower 90Hz display, lacks wide-angle and macro lenses, slower charging, older Bluetooth and less precise GPS than Galaxy A23 5G.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- For the Casual User: If you mostly browse, social media and enjoy watching videos, the Redmi 12 5G is probably your best bet. It offers better performance and more RAM, resulting in snappier performance, plus the larger screen is great for media.
- For the Photo Enthusiast: If you enjoy taking photos and value flexibility, the Galaxy A23 5G is a stronger choice. Its extra lenses, faster charging, more secure display with Gorilla Glass 5 and more precise GPS make it a slightly better option.
- For the Gamer or Heavy User: The Redmi 12 5G will perform better thanks to its newer chipset, and larger storage capacity allowing for more games and apps.
- Value-Focused Shopper: Both phones offer good value, but the Redmi 12 5G is arguably a better choice due to its newer hardware for similar pricing.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Display Smoothness vs. Performance: Do you prefer a smoother scrolling experience with a 120Hz display (Galaxy A23 5G), or a more snappy performance and potentially better gaming experience (Redmi 12 5G) which is a 90 Hz refresh rate?
- Camera Versatility vs Storage and RAM: Do you prioritize a more versatile camera setup with wide-angle and macro lenses (Galaxy A23 5G) or do you need more storage, RAM and the option for dual sim(Redmi 12 5G)?
- Future Proofing: Which do you prefer, a slightly older phone that has some better features such as more precise GPS and faster charging and a more versatile camera setup, or a slightly better performance with the Redmi 12 5G?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "I want a phone for social media and occasional gaming." Go for the Redmi 12 5G for better performance and larger storage, which will allow for more game downloads.
- Scenario 2: "I need a phone that takes great photos and videos and is more future-proof" Go for the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G for the more versatile camera and faster charging.
- Scenario 3: "I need a reliable daily driver, and future proofed": Go for the Redmi 12 5G for the newer chipset, more RAM, and more modern features.
My Choice
If I were picking between these two, I'd lean towards the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G. The newer chipset, superior benchmark scores, and options for more RAM and storage offer better performance and longevity. While the Galaxy A23 5G has a slightly smoother display, the Redmi 12 5G makes better trade-offs, offering a more future-proof option. The slightly larger screen and dual SIM capabilities are also big pluses for me. While the camera isn't as versatile, the overall performance benefits make the Redmi 12 5G a more compelling package for most users. I can live with a slightly less smooth display for the improved performance and features that the Redmi 12 5G provides.
