Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 5G vs. Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 168.6 × 76.3 × 8.2 mm | Redmi 12 5G is taller and slightly wider, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. The A52 5G is slightly thicker. |
| Weight | 189g | 199g | A52 5G is slightly lighter, may be more comfortable for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.79" | Redmi 12 5G offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Both are very similar; differences are not likely noticeable in everyday use. |
| PPI | 407 | 396 | Both are similar, providing sharp visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | A52 5G's AMOLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, enhancing viewing experience, especially in dark environments. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | A52 5G provides smoother scrolling and animations, making the UI feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Neither phone provides peak brightness information. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Redmi 12 5G’s newer 4nm chipset is more power-efficient and offers better performance in benchmarks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 384,853 | 456,552 | Redmi 12 5G has a noticeable performance edge, particularly for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 613 | Redmi 12 5G has a slightly weaker GPU, but the overall performance is still better due to the newer chipset, not a major difference for most users |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi 12 5G's larger battery will likely last longer on a single charge, useful for heavy users. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | A52 5G charges faster, allowing for quicker top-ups. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 | A52 5G has a higher resolution sensor; should capture more detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP f/2.2 | 5MP f/2.2 | A52 5G captures significantly more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP f/2.2 | None | A52 5G can capture wider scenes for landscape shots, group photos. |
| Depth Sensor | 5MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | A52 5G's depth sensor will likely produce better portrait mode images with more natural background blur. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP f/2.4 | None | A52 5G offers dedicated macro lens for close up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps with EIS | A52 5G offers much better video quality with support for 4K resolution and all resolutions have EIS for video stabilization. |
| DXOMark Score | Not available | 63 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G’s overall score was 63; only the Redmi 12 5G was tested for this. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | Digital zoom, Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | A52 5G offers more advanced camera features and video quality while Redmi 12 5G provides PDAF for faster autofocus. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Redmi 12 5G ships with a newer version of Android, but both phones will likely have Android 14. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both offer the same Wi-Fi standards, ensuring good connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Both have similar Bluetooth functionality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | A52 5G supports Galileo for more accurate location. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both have similar storage options; no expandable storage. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 4/6/8GB | Both come with similar RAM options and should be good for multitasking. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Basic audio features | A52 5G provides enhanced audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Redmi 12 5G has more convenient side-mounted fingerprint scanner. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 3 | A52 5G has slightly better scratch and impact protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint; Proximity; Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint; Accelerometer, Compass; Ultrasonic proximity virtual | A52 5G has better sensor package. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors.
- Smoother Visuals: 120Hz refresh rate for a more fluid user interface.
- Better Cameras: Higher-resolution main and selfie cameras, plus a wide-angle and macro lens, offering more versatility. Superior 4k Video.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging compared to 18W.
- Better Audio Quality: Offers Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus for enhanced audio.
- Better Build Quality: Gorilla Glass 5 provides slightly better protection.
- More Sensors: More sensors than Redmi 12 5G.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G Advantages:
- Better Performance: Newer chipset provides a performance edge, particularly for gaming and demanding tasks.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery offers extended battery life.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 13, but both phones should receive Android 14.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Conveniently located on the side of the phone, faster and more convenient to unlock.
- Lower price point: Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G is in a lower price category.
Trade-offs:
- A52 5G: Sacrifices battery life and raw processing power for a better display, cameras, audio, and faster charging.
- Redmi 12 5G: Prioritizes performance and battery life while compromising on display quality, camera versatility and charging speeds.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Ideal Users:
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize a great display for watching videos and enjoying vibrant content.
- Photography Lovers: Users who want versatile camera system with high resolution main and selfie cameras, plus a wide-angle lens.
- Users who prefer faster charging: People who want to quickly top-up their phone.
- Casual Gamers: Those who want a good experience and enjoy games without requiring the highest performance.
- Users seeking premium features: Users who appreciate audio and display quality.
Use Cases:
- Watching movies and TV shows with excellent color and contrast.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos, including group shots and selfies.
- Quickly charging their phone throughout the day.
- Enjoying games with smooth visuals and quick response.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G Ideal Users:
- Performance Seekers: Users who prioritize gaming or demanding tasks and need good raw performance.
- Battery Life Focused: Those who need long-lasting battery life for a full day of use.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who want good performance on a budget.
- Users who prefer a side mounted fingerprint sensor: Prefer the convenience and responsiveness of a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically demanding games for extended periods.
- Using the phone extensively throughout the day without needing to recharge often.
- Everyday browsing and media consumption on a budget.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, media, photography, daily usage)
- How important is display quality and camera versatility to you? (Do you prioritize premium visuals and camera features?)
- Is battery life or performance more crucial? (Do you need a long-lasting device or a fast one?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You love photography and watching videos. Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G for its versatile camera and superior AMOLED display.
- Scenario 2: You are a heavy gamer or need long battery life. Choose the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G for its superior performance and larger battery.
- Scenario 3: You want a good all-rounder with a bit of everything. The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G offers a premium experience with a better display and cameras for daily usage, but for a higher cost.
- Scenario 4: You are on a budget and need a phone that performs well. The Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G is the more budget-friendly option with good battery life and better performance.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally lean towards the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G. While the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G offers a newer chipset and a larger battery, the superior display quality of the A52 5G's AMOLED screen, combined with its significantly better camera system, are more important to me. I also value the slightly faster charging and the more comprehensive sensor suite for a more polished overall experience. While I recognize that the Redmi 12 5G would likely perform better in gaming, my usage patterns lean more towards media consumption and capturing high quality photos and videos, making the A52 5G a better fit for my needs, despite its older processor.
