1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.9 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 165.9 × 76.2 × 8 mm | Redmi Note 12 is taller and wider, while A32 is slightly thicker. Redmi Note 12 might feel larger in the hand. |
| Weight | 184g | 188g | Both phones have virtually identical weight. Negligible difference. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.67" | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 has a slightly larger screen, offering a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same FHD+ resolution; expect similar sharpness for daily use. |
| PPI | 411 | 395 | Both have similar pixel density. Negligible difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks, suitable for content consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Redmi Note 12 provides smoother scrolling and animations; a subtle but noticeable difference. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 offers vastly better visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G80 (12 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) | Redmi Note 12 has a more modern and efficient chipset resulting in better overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 200,458 | 460,800 | Redmi Note 12 offers significantly faster app loading, multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 619 | Redmi Note 12 has a more capable GPU for gaming and graphically intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar battery life for a full day's use. |
| Charging | Li-Ion | 33W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | Redmi Note 12 charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both have non-removable batteries. No practical difference. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 48MP | A32's main camera has higher resolution, but sensor size and image processing also matter. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 13MP | A32 has a higher resolution front camera which could result in more detailed selfies |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.8 | Identical light-gathering capability at the main camera's widest aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.2 | Both phones have identical specifications, expect similar image quality |
| Portrait mode (depth) | 5MP | None | A32 has a dedicated depth sensor which may produce more accurate portrait photos. |
| Macro lens | 5MP | 2MP | A32's macro lens captures more details in close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both phones record similar quality video for everyday use, Redmi Note 12 has slow-motion |
| DXOMark Score | N/A | 69 (Mobile) | Redmi Note 12 provides a reference point for photo/video quality. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple Camera | Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Ultra stable video, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), RAW, Night Mode | Redmi Note 12 has more advanced features such as stabilization and RAW capture |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Android 12 | Redmi Note 12 has a newer base OS which may have better features |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi MiMO | Both have similar WiFi but Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 supports more advanced WiFi configurations. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | Redmi Note 12 has a newer Bluetooth version with power saving features |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1) | Redmi Note 12 has more advanced GPS support for better accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM functionality |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Redmi Note 12 offers higher storage options. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Both phones come in similar RAM configurations. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports memory cards, so choose storage wisely. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio | Basic Audio | Both phones have similar audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Redmi Note 12 has a more modern fingerprint scanner |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 3 | Redmi Note 12 offers better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual | Both have a comprehensive suite of sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: The 64MP main camera may capture slightly more detailed images in optimal conditions compared to the Redmi Note 12's 48MP sensor.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: The 5MP depth sensor can lead to potentially better portrait mode photos with more accurate background blur.
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: The 20MP front camera may offer more detailed selfies than the Redmi Note 12's 13MP one.
- More Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Has some additional sensors like Hall and Geomagnetic not on Redmi Note 12
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset offers a substantial performance boost compared to the Helio G80 in terms of app loading, multitasking, and gaming, as seen in the AnTuTu scores.
- Brighter Display: The 1200 nits brightness makes the display much more usable in bright sunlight than A32's.
- 120Hz Refresh Rate: Makes everyday use feel much smoother than the 90Hz on A32
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging significantly reduces battery charging time compared to Samsung's standard speed.
- More Advanced Camera Features: Features like digital image stabilization, ultra-stable video, continuous autofocus, PDAF, and RAW capture provide better flexibility and quality in photography and videography.
- Newer OS & Bluetooth: Comes with a newer version of Android and Bluetooth, potentially offering improved features and efficiency.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 offers better resistance to scratches and minor impacts.
- More Storage Options: Available with up to 256 GB of internal storage.
- Better GPS: Supports more accurate GPS, which is useful for navigation and location based services.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A32: The trade-off for the A32 is slightly better camera specs on paper, but with significantly lower overall performance, screen brightness and charging speed.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: The Redmi Note 12 prioritizes performance, display, and newer tech, but has a slightly less detail focused camera system.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32:
- Ideal User: Casual users who prioritize a higher resolution main camera and a dedicated portrait sensor for social media photos.
- Use Cases: Social media enthusiasts who take many selfies and portraits and people who value the camera specs. Good for light everyday usage.
- Value: Good choice if found at a significant discount, otherwise not as good of a value proposition compared to Redmi Note 12
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Ideal User: Users who want a smooth, responsive phone for everyday use and gaming, and prioritize a bright display and fast charging.
- Use Cases: Mobile gamers, people who consume a lot of video content, those who value outdoor visibility and individuals who use their phone frequently throughout the day and want a quick charge.
- Value: Offers a great price-to-performance ratio, delivering a significant upgrade in core areas like performance, display brightness, and charging speed.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- How important is performance for you? If you do a lot of gaming or use demanding apps, the Redmi Note 12 is clearly superior.
- How often do you take photos? If casual photography is your priority, the A32 might be okay, but for more advanced features, Redmi Note 12 has better options.
- How important is display brightness and fast charging? If you spend a lot of time outdoors or need to quickly top up your phone, the Redmi Note 12 is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You're a mobile gamer who plays games that demand a lot of resources and need a smooth, responsive experience with great battery life.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 due to its superior performance and 120Hz refresh rate.
- Scenario 2: You primarily use your phone for social media and taking selfies, and occasionally watch videos on a device indoors.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 as although the camera is slightly better on A32, the Redmi Note 12 provides better performance and smoother experience in general use
- Scenario 3: You need a reliable smartphone for everyday tasks and prefer the Samsung brand, and camera is your main priority.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A32 if it is sold at a large discount over the Redmi Note 12, otherwise the Redmi Note 12 is the better choice.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. The performance difference is substantial, which impacts every aspect of using the phone, from app loading to multitasking. The brighter 120Hz screen is a huge advantage for outdoor use and also makes the UI feel much smoother. While the A32 has a higher-resolution main camera, the Redmi Note 12's additional camera features and superior image processing will result in better images for general use. The faster charging is also a very useful feature. Unless there's a large price difference, the Redmi Note 12 simply offers a better overall experience and is a better value for the vast majority of users.
