1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 76.1 x 9.1 mm | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | The Redmi Note 12S is more compact and easier to handle, especially for smaller hands, while the A32 5G is bulkier. |
| Weight | 205g | 176g | The Redmi Note 12S is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and less tiring to carry around. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.43" | Negligible size difference; both provide a good viewing area for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2400 | The Redmi Note 12S has a much sharper and clearer display, providing a better visual experience for reading, browsing, and watching videos. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 409 PPI | The Redmi Note 12S's display is noticeably crisper, with less pixelation, leading to sharper text and images. |
| Technology | TFT LCD | AMOLED | The Redmi Note 12S offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, resulting in a significantly more visually appealing display. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The Redmi Note 12S provides smoother scrolling and animations, leading to a more fluid and responsive user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits (Spec Missing) | 1000 nits | The Redmi Note 12S is much more visible under bright sunlight, making it more practical for outdoor use. The A32 5G's brightness is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7nm) | Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) | The Redmi Note 12S has a more powerful chipset based on the AnTuTu scores, leading to faster app loading, better multitasking, and smoother gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 249,720 | 412,400 | The Redmi Note 12S shows significantly better performance overall. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G57 MC2 | While both are Mali-G57, the A32 5G has a slightly more powerful configuration, though the overall performance is lower than the Note 12S due to the chipset |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2" | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.52" | The Redmi Note 12S captures more detail and has better low-light performance due to higher resolution and larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.4 | The Redmi Note 12S has a higher resolution selfie camera. The A32 has a slightly wider aperture for low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Comparable wide-angle lens capabilities. |
| Depth Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | The A32 5G has a dedicated depth sensor, potentially providing better portrait mode results. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | The A32 5G has a higher resolution macro camera, enabling better close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | 1080p@30fps | The A32 5G has the capability to record 4k video while the Redmi Note 12S is limited to 1080p. Both record slow-motion at 120 fps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity, expect comparable battery life under similar usage. |
| Charging | 15W | 33W | The Redmi Note 12S charges significantly faster, reducing the time spent plugged in. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | The Redmi Note 12S can charge other devices via reverse charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (max 13) | Android 13 | The Redmi Note 12S has a newer Android version out of the box and might have slightly longer software support compared to the A32 5G. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Dual Band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Direct, Display | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Dual Band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Direct, Display, Wi-Fi MiMO | The Redmi Note 12S supports Wi-Fi MiMO, which can provide faster and more stable Wi-Fi connections in ideal situations. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.2 LE | The Redmi Note 12S has a more recent Bluetooth version for potentially better connection stability and efficiency. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB | The Redmi Note 12S provides more storage space options, which is advantageous for users with large media libraries or app collections. |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB | 6GB or 8GB | Both offer options for smooth multitasking depending on the variant chosen. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The Redmi Note 12S offers stereo speakers and Hi-Res audio, which generally leads to a richer and more immersive audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | side-mounted | side-mounted | Both phones use similar side-mounted fingerprint sensors for device unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The Redmi Note 12S provides better screen protection against scratches and minor impacts. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | The Redmi Note 12S has a more comprehensive set of sensors, including a compass and gyroscope, which can enhance gaming and certain other applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G Advantages:
- 4K Video Recording: Offers higher resolution video recording capability.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Potentially better portrait mode photos.
- Higher Resolution Macro Lens: Enables more detailed close-up photos.
- Slightly more powerful GPU Configuration: Potentially better gaming performance compared to Xiaomi Note 12S, though overall performance is lower due to the chipset
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S Advantages:
- Significantly Better Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, AMOLED technology, and refresh rate for a superior visual experience.
- Lighter and More Compact Design: More comfortable to hold and carry.
- Faster Performance: Significantly higher AnTuTu score for smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging drastically reduces recharge time.
- Higher Resolution Primary Camera: Captures more detail and offers better low-light performance.
- Newer Android OS: Comes with Android 13 out of the box, with potentially longer software support.
- Better screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
- Stereo Speakers and Hi-Res Audio: Enhanced audio experience.
- More storage options: Offers a 256GB variant.
- Reverse charging: Can charge other devices.
- More comprehensive sensors: Has a compass, and gyroscope.
Trade-offs:
- The A32 5G offers 4K video recording and a dedicated depth sensor but suffers from an inferior display, chipset, and charging capabilities compared to the Redmi Note 12S.
- The Redmi Note 12S lacks a dedicated depth sensor and 4k video recording, but excels in most other aspects, especially display quality and performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users who prioritize 4K video recording and may prioritize a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode photos.
- Users who take close-up photos frequently: The higher resolution macro lens provides better detail for close-up photos.
Use Cases:
- Casual video recording in well-lit conditions.
- Basic social media usage and web browsing.
- General usage with less demanding apps.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S Ideal User:
- Media Consumers: Individuals who watch a lot of videos and browse a lot of content benefit from the superior display.
- Mobile Gamers: The higher performance chipset and smoother refresh rate offer a better gaming experience.
- Users who value faster charging: Quick recharge times.
- Users who value good image quality: The 108MP camera captures good photos with a lot of detail.
- Users who value good audio experience: Stereo Speakers and Hi-Res Audio.
Use Cases:
- Daily usage that involves media consumption and multitasking.
- Mobile gaming and running demanding apps.
- Users who require good camera quality and fast charging.
- Users who listen to music often on the phone with the stereo speakers.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality? If a vivid, sharp display with good outdoor visibility is a priority, the Redmi Note 12S is the better choice.
- Is fast charging important for your usage? If you need to quickly top up your battery, the Redmi Note 12S is far superior.
- Do you prioritize camera features and video quality over other features? If so, the 4k recording and dedicated depth sensor on the A32 5G might be better for your needs.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-conscious and Basic Use: If you are on a very tight budget, and only intend to use the phone for very basic tasks, and are ok with an older phone, the A32 5G might suffice.
- Media Consumption & Daily Use: If you watch a lot of videos and want a visually appealing experience with better performance for daily tasks, the Redmi Note 12S is the better choice.
- Gaming: If you intend to play games on your phone, the Redmi Note 12S is the better choice.
- Camera Lovers: The Redmi Note 12S's 108MP camera is a huge advantage, but the A32 5G may be preferable if 4K video recording is a must, and the user can accept the lower-quality display and performance.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S.
Here's my reasoning:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and brightness is a significant advantage for my personal use, which includes a lot of content consumption and browsing.
- Better Performance: The Redmi Note 12S's significantly better performance as indicated by the AnTuTu score, makes it a better option for my general usage.
- Faster Charging: The 33W fast charging is essential for my fast-paced lifestyle, as it allows me to quickly top up the phone during short breaks.
- Better Audio: The Stereo speakers and Hi-Res audio is a great advantage compared to the A32 5G.
- Newer Software: The fact that the Redmi Note 12S comes with a newer version of Android (Android 13 vs Android 11) makes it more future-proof.
- Build quality: The Redmi Note 12S uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for screen protection, making it more durable.
While the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G has its strengths, such as 4K video recording and dedicated depth sensor, the overall advantages of the Redmi Note 12S – in terms of display, performance, charging, audio, build quality and software – make it the more compelling option for my use case. I believe the areas where the Redmi Note 12S excels are more important for daily usage, outweighing the advantages offered by the A32 5G for me.
