Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G. As a tech journalist, I'm not just looking at numbers; I'm trying to understand how these phones fit into your everyday life. Let's break it down like I'm explaining it to a friend who's curious about the tech.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a table to lay out the key specs and their real-world implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.4 × 76.9 × 8.4 mm, 197g | 165.7 × 76 × 7.9 mm, 183.5g | Similar size, but Redmi Note 12 is a bit thinner and lighter making it slightly more comfortable for extended periods. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both phones are standard designs, no foldable tech here |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.67" | Practically identical screen sizes. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp, FHD+ displays. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED on the Redmi Note 12 offers better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colours and improved battery life for dark mode users. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | The Redmi Note 12 is significantly brighter, enhancing visibility in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) | Snapdragon 685 (6nm) | The A23 5G's chipset is noticeably more powerful, offering faster app loading and smoother overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 418,000 | 338,900 | The A23 5G's higher score indicates better overall performance and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 | The Adreno 619 will handle graphically intensive tasks and games better. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1 | Similar main camera performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 13MP, f/2.45 | Redmi Note 12 captures more detailed selfies, but the A23 5G has a wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" Omnivision OV08D10 | Redmi Note 12’s wide-angle lens will capture more detailed shots with its 8MP sensor. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | A23 5G provides dedicated portrait mode depth. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Comparable macro cameras. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, OIS, 120fps Slow-mo | 1080p@30fps, No stabilization, 30fps Slow-mo | A23 5G offers more robust video features like Optical Stabilization and higher slow motion frame rates. |
| DXOMARK Score | Not Available | Mobile: 63/Photo: 54/Video:66 | Redmi Note 12 camera tested by DXO MARK with results for quality. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Identical battery capacity should provide similar battery life on average use. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 12 charges faster. |
| Features | Bypass Charging | Reverse Charging | A23 has bypass charging for better gaming, while Note 12 can act as a power bank. |
| Other | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Redmi Note 12 ships with a slightly newer Android version but both get the same future version. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (ac) | Wi-Fi 5 (ac) | Similar WiFi standards; Xiaomi has dual-band and display. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | A23 5G has a newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A23 has additional QZSS satellite support for more accurate GPS. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Redmi Note 12 supports two SIM cards at once for better connectivity. |
| Storage | N/A | 64/128/256 GB | The Redmi Note 12 has options for higher internal storage, which is important since neither phone offers external storage. |
| RAM | N/A | 4/6/8 GB | Xiaomi offers more RAM variants for better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone can add expandable storage |
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Basic audio features | Similar audio features |
| Security | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones are secure with their fingerprint sensors. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | A23’s screen will have slightly better protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Samsung has additional sensors (barometer) while Redmi has a compass. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G:
- Strengths: The A23 5G shines with its more powerful Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, resulting in a noticeable performance advantage. Its camera system has optical image stabilization (OIS) and a dedicated depth sensor which provides better image quality and the ability to create better bokeh. It also has a newer Bluetooth and better screen protection with Gorilla Glass 5. The phone also features bypass charging that allows users to game longer while plugged in. The GPS system is more accurate with the addition of QZSS
- Competitive Advantage: The A23 5G offers more robust performance, better video quality, enhanced screen protection, bypass charging, and a more accurate GPS system. It's targeted at users who prioritize performance and features over aesthetics and price.
- Trade-offs: It doesn't have the beautiful AMOLED screen of the Redmi Note 12, or the fast charging of 33W. It also only has a single sim and no storage or RAM info provided.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G:
- Strengths: The Redmi Note 12 4G boasts a superior AMOLED display that really stands out with its vibrancy, deep blacks, and great outdoor visibility. It also supports faster charging at 33W, offers more RAM and storage configurations, and features dual SIM support. This phone also includes a reverse charging function that can be used to power other devices.
- Competitive Advantage: The Redmi Note 12 4G excels in display quality, fast charging, storage and RAM options, dual-sim capabilities and reverse charging capability. It’s designed for users who prioritize visual experience, quick battery top-ups, and storage flexibility.
- Trade-offs: It uses a less powerful chipset, has a slightly weaker screen protection and it has no OIS or depth sensor in its camera system.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- For the Power User: If you're someone who needs a phone that keeps up with heavy app use, gaming, and you want the highest video and photo quality, the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is the better pick due to its Snapdragon 695 5G chip and OIS. The bypass charging feature means more gaming time with less heat and battery wear.
- For the Media Lover: If you primarily use your phone for watching videos, browsing social media, and capturing selfies, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G with its vibrant AMOLED screen, fast charging and better storage options will deliver a more enjoyable experience.
- For the Multitasker: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G with its dual SIM, and more RAM options will appeal to users who want to switch between different numbers for work and personal use. The reverse charging feature can also be helpful.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, ask yourself these questions:
- How important is display quality to you? If a vibrant AMOLED display is essential, the Redmi Note 12 4G wins. But, if you want the better image quality from its OIS and depth sensor then the A23 is better.
- Do you need top-tier performance and better video? If so, the more powerful chipset and OIS in the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G will make a difference.
- How critical is fast charging, storage flexibility, and dual sim support? If fast charging and more storage options matter, the Redmi Note 12 4G is the way to go.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming and Heavy App Use: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G for its superior performance, bypass charging, and video capabilities.
- Scenario 2: Casual Media Consumption and Daily Use: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G for its vibrant display, quick charging, and increased storage options.
- Scenario 3: Working Professionals: For those needing dual sim support, reverse charging, and better storage for files the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G is the better choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally go with the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G. While the AMOLED screen on the Redmi Note 12 4G is tempting, I value the performance of the more powerful chipset and optical image stabilization in the camera system, as well as the more accurate GPS and additional sensors for advanced features and games. For me, the better processor and video capabilities and screen protection would make my experience more enjoyable. I can always manage with a slightly slower charge speed and standard storage capacity.
