1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.9 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 168.6 × 76.3 × 8.2 mm | Redmi 12 is taller and wider, potentially less comfortable for single-hand use. A32 is slightly thicker, might feel more substantial |
| Weight | 184g | 198.5g | A32 is lighter, might be more comfortable for extended use and pocket-friendly |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.79" | Redmi 12 offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Both have very similar clarity. Differences in sharpness are negligible. |
| PPI | 411 | 396 | Both have comparable sharpness, differences in clarity are very difficult to perceive |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | A32 has superior blacks, contrast, and color vibrancy. It offers better readability in direct sunlight. Redmi 12's LCD screen might appear less vibrant and have lower contrast, and it's more power-hungry when displaying dark images |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | The information about brightness is missing. Cannot determine performance in bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G80 | Mediatek Helio G88 | Redmi 12 offers slightly better overall performance with its newer chipset. Faster app loading and more responsive UI. |
| AnTuTu Score | 200,458 | 249,400 | Redmi 12 scores noticeably higher, indicating better performance in demanding tasks |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Both phones use the same GPU, but potentially have different memory configurations which could impact gaming |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Rear Camera | 64.2MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | A32 captures more detailed images with higher resolution. Redmi 12 has a slightly smaller sensor with the same aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.1 | A32 offers higher resolution selfies, while Redmi 12 has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Both phones offer comparable ultra-wide angle cameras. The sensor is slightly larger in the Redmi 12, resulting in better low-light capabilities |
| Portrait (Depth) Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A32 captures depth-of-field with a dedicated lens, resulting in more natural-looking bokeh |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | A32 captures higher-resolution macro photos |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record the same resolution video. Xiaomi Redmi 12 has slow-motion recording. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple Camera, Panorama, Digital zoom, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Triple camera, 4K Video, Digital zoom, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | Xiaomi Redmi 12 has features like 4k Video and RAW. Samsung A32 has panorama and Quadruple camera. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life for everyday use |
| Charging | Li-Ion, Non-removable | 18W fast charging, Li-Polymer, Non-removable, Reverse charging | Redmi 12 charges faster and can be used as a power bank for other devices |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Redmi 12 offers a newer OS version and has future upgrade potential |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both phones support similar WiFi standards, offering fast and stable connections |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Redmi 12 has the newer version which is more energy-efficient and reliable |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | Redmi 12 offers more storage options, useful for media files and apps |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 4/6/8GB | Both phones offer similar RAM configurations, ensuring smooth multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports memory expansion |
| Other | |||
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Redmi 12 has a more modern and convenient fingerprint sensor |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Redmi 12 has ultrasonic proximity sensor which is usually more accurate and reliable |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen offers vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, enhancing the viewing experience.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, plus a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, resulting in overall better photo quality.
- Lighter Build: Slightly lighter weight may be more comfortable for long-term use and easier to carry.
Practical Implications:
- The AMOLED screen is better for media consumption and users who value color accuracy and contrast.
- The additional cameras give the user more options for different types of photographs, and higher resolution is especially beneficial for print media.
- The lighter build makes it more portable and comfortable for everyday carry.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 Advantages:
- Better Performance: Newer chipset results in faster app loading and smoother overall performance.
- Larger Display: The larger screen is better for multitasking, watching videos, and browsing.
- Fast Charging & Reverse Charging: The 18W fast charging is more convenient, and the reverse charging feature can be a life-saver in certain situations.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 13 out of the box, offering the latest features and better software support.
- More Storage Options: The 256GB storage option provides more space for media and files, reducing the need for external storage or cloud services.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3 is faster and more efficient.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More reliable and convenient when unlocking the phone.
- 4k Recording & Raw Photos: Better video and photo recording flexibility
- More Accurate Proximity Sensor: An ultrasonic sensor is usually more reliable.
Practical Implications:
- The overall performance and more storage is good for power users and people with media files.
- Fast charging makes daily usage more convenient for all.
- The large screen is good for media consumption, gaming and multitasking
- The inclusion of 4K recording and RAW photos is good for those who want more control over the output of their pictures and videos.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A32: Sacrifices performance, fast charging, and latest OS for a superior display and camera system.
- Xiaomi Redmi 12: Sacrifices some camera quality, especially the selfie and macro cameras, for better performance, larger display, and newer software features. The screen is LCD which is less vibrant.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32 - Ideal For:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize display quality for watching videos and browsing photos.
- Casual Photographers: Those who want good quality photos, especially in daylight, and want the depth sensor for portrait mode.
- Users who prefer AMOLED screens: The rich contrast and vibrancy are better for those who are used to AMOLED or have specific visual needs.
- Users who want a smaller device: the size of the phone is better for some users who find larger phones uncomfortable.
Use Cases:
- Watching movies and TV shows on the go.
- Taking a lot of photos, especially portraits and selfies.
- Casual usage and social media browsing.
- Those who want a smaller, lighter phone
Xiaomi Redmi 12 - Ideal For:
- Power Users: Users who prioritize performance, speed and multitasking capabilities.
- Gamers: Mobile gaming can be more fluid on the Redmi 12 due to its improved chipset.
- Users with Large Media Libraries: Those who need ample storage for music, photos, and videos.
- Users who want a future proof device: A newer OS will offer support for longer.
- Users who prefer a large display: The larger screen is better for gaming and media consumption.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive games.
- Multitasking and running multiple apps smoothly.
- Storing a large library of media files on the device.
- Users who value fast charging and being able to use their phone as a power bank.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi Redmi 12 generally offers better value due to better performance, newer OS, and fast charging. The A32 may be better for some users who put extra value on the display quality. The value depends on individual priorities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your top priority: Display quality or overall performance?
- Do you take a lot of selfies and portrait photos, or do you need a device with fast charging and reverse charging?
- How important is having the latest software?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Media Consumption: If watching videos and browsing photos is your primary use case, the Samsung Galaxy A32 is the better choice because of the AMOLED screen's superior color and contrast.
- Scenario 2: Gaming and Multitasking: If you want a smooth performance, the Xiaomi Redmi 12 is better due to its superior performance and fast charging.
- Scenario 3: Photography: If you want better selfies, higher resolution images, and depth of field the Samsung Galaxy A32 is the better option. However, if you want RAW files and 4k recording the Xiaomi Redmi 12 is a better option.
- Scenario 4: Long-term use: If you want a phone with the latest software which will be supported for longer the Xiaomi Redmi 12 is a better option.
- Scenario 5: Portability: If you want a smaller lighter phone the Samsung Galaxy A32 is a better choice.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi 12. While the Samsung Galaxy A32's AMOLED display and higher-resolution cameras are appealing, the overall performance, newer OS, larger screen, fast charging, reverse charging, and more storage offered by the Redmi 12 make it a more practical and future-proof choice. I value the ability to do more with my phone, including playing games and multitasking, and the Redmi 12's features are better suited for these scenarios. The LCD is a trade-off, but I feel the benefits outweigh the disadvantage.
