1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.9 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 163 × 76 × 8 mm | Redmi Note 12 Pro is slightly larger and slightly thinner. Might feel less comfortable for single-hand use. |
| Weight | 184g | 187g | Negligible difference in weight; both feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have similar sharpness. |
| PPI | 411 | 395 | Virtually the same pixel density, so sharpness is comparable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Redmi Note 12 Pro provides a smoother visual experience, especially during scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | Redmi Note 12 Pro is significantly brighter, better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | Redmi Note 12 Pro's chipset is much more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, better multitasking and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 200,458 | 573,200 | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a drastically higher performance, more suitable for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Redmi Note 12 Pro's GPU offers better graphics performance, essential for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life. |
| Charging | Li-Ion | 67W fast charging, Li-Polymer | Redmi Note 12 Pro charges much faster, a huge advantage for users on the go. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766 | Samsung A32 has higher resolution but Redmi Note 12 Pro has a larger sensor and better low light capability. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2 | 16MP | Samsung A32 captures slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/1.9 | Redmi Note 12 Pro’s wider aperture allows for better low-light wide-angle shots. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung A32 has dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" GalaxyCore GC02M1 | Samsung A32 has higher resolution macro. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps; No Stabilization; No Slow-mo | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps; Yes Stabilization; Slow-mo: 960fps | Redmi Note 12 Pro supports significantly higher video quality, better stabilization, and superior slow-motion capabilities. |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | Overall: 102; Photo: 108; Video: 98 | Redmi Note 12 Pro has an independently tested camera with good scores |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, basic features | Triple camera, 4K Video, OIS, digital stabilization, manual, RAW, Night Mode | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers more advanced features, better stabilization and low-light performance |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Android 12 | Redmi Note 12 Pro is newer and comes with a more recent Android version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Redmi Note 12 Pro supports faster and more reliable Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2, LE, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers a newer version with better power efficiency and audio codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Redmi Note 12 Pro supports more satellite systems, potentially offering better location accuracy in certain areas. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both offer Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Redmi Note 12 Pro has the option for more storage. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB/12GB | Redmi Note 12 Pro can be equipped with more RAM, for better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Redmi Note 12 Pro provides much better audio experience with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Redmi Note 12 Pro has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Samsung A32 has additional sensor features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: 20MP vs 16MP, potentially capturing more detail in selfies.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Offers a separate 5MP depth sensor for portrait photography, which might give a better bokeh effect.
- Higher Resolution Macro Lens: A 5MP Macro lens, might capture slightly more detail than the 2MP sensor in the Redmi Note 12 Pro.
- Hall, Geomagnetic Sensors: Additional sensor features.
Practical Implications: The A32 may be preferred if front camera and macro resolution are primary concerns. However, this is a limited advantage.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Chipset: The Dimensity 1080 offers vastly superior performance in all areas, from daily tasks to gaming, leading to smoother user experience.
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: 120Hz provides a smoother and more responsive visual experience.
- Much Higher Brightness: 900 nits makes the display much more usable outdoors in bright conditions.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging greatly reduces the time spent plugged in.
- Better Camera Sensor and Capabilities: Larger sensor, OIS, superior video capabilities including 4K and higher slow motion, better night mode.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos and Stereo Speakers provide a much better audio experience.
- More Modern OS: Comes with Android 12 out of the box
- Faster Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 is faster and more reliable
- More RAM options: up to 12GB of RAM offers better multitasking
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 screen protection.
Practical Implications: The Redmi Note 12 Pro is vastly superior in performance, display, and camera quality. It's a much more modern and capable phone.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy A32 offers more megapixels in the standard camera but it has a smaller sensor than the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro.
- The Samsung Galaxy A32 has a dedicated depth sensor, but the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro has OIS, which will result in a superior portrait mode using the main camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32 Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize selfie camera resolution over overall performance.
- Budget-conscious buyers who still want an AMOLED display.
- Users who do not engage in intensive gaming or video recording.
Specific Use Cases:
- Basic social media browsing, casual photography.
- Making calls and texting.
- Users seeking a basic, affordable AMOLED phone.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Ideal User:
- Users who want a great overall experience with excellent performance, camera, and display.
- Mobile gamers.
- Those who consume a lot of multimedia.
- Users who value fast charging.
- Those who take photos and videos frequently.
Specific Use Cases:
- Heavy social media use and content creation.
- Mobile gaming and demanding apps.
- High-quality photography and videography.
- Watching videos and streaming content.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Redmi Note 12 Pro offers a significantly higher performance and experience for likely a slightly higher cost, therefore is a much better price-to-value ratio. The Samsung Galaxy A32 would only be a better choice for a user with a very limited budget and very specific, basic needs.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance for your daily usage? If you prioritize speed and smooth performance, the Redmi Note 12 Pro is the clear choice. If you are a light user the A32 will be fine.
- How important is camera quality and features? For a better camera and video experience, particularly in low light, the Redmi Note 12 Pro is recommended.
- Is fast charging a priority? If so, the Redmi Note 12 Pro's 67W fast charging is a major advantage.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Light user with a tight budget: The Samsung Galaxy A32 might be adequate if the budget is very limited and the need is for basic communication. However, be aware of it's limited performance.
Scenario 2: Mobile gamer or heavy multimedia consumer: The Redmi Note 12 Pro is the clear choice with its superior performance, display, and audio.
Scenario 3: Photography and Videography enthusiast: The Redmi Note 12 Pro with its superior camera sensor and features like OIS and 4k will capture much better results.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. The performance difference is so significant that it provides a much smoother, more enjoyable experience in every aspect of phone usage. The faster charging, higher refresh rate display, and significantly better camera system are critical upgrades. While the A32 might appeal to those with a very limited budget, the Redmi Note 12 Pro is simply the better overall value for most users by a significant margin. The additional cost (if any) is worth the much improved performance and features it provides.
