Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 5G vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | A52 5G is slightly wider and thicker. The Note 12S feels more compact in hand. |
| Weight | 189g | 176g | Note 12S is noticeably lighter, which makes it more comfortable for extended usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.43" | Minimal difference, both screens feel similar. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical clarity and sharpness. |
| PPI | 407 | 409 | Indistinguishable in daily use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | A52 5G offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Note 12S has drastically better visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | Snapdragon offers more reliable overall performance and 5G connectivity. |
| AnTuTu Score | 384,853 | 412,400 | Note 12S has a marginally better benchmark performance, but both are suitable for everyday tasks and some gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Gaming performance is similar on both, although each has a different architecture. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX682 | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.52", Samsung S5KHM2 | Note 12S captures more detailed images in good light. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX616 | 16MP, f/2.4 | A52 5G has better resolution and low-light capabilities for selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", Samsung S5K3L6 | 8MP, f/2.2 | A52 5G captures slightly more detailed wide-angle photos. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 5MP, f/2.4 | Not available | A52 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | A52 5G has better detail for macro shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | A52 5G provides higher quality video and more advanced stabilization. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Note 12S offers better battery life for all-day use. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Note 12S charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | QC2.0, AFC | Reverse charging | A52 5G supports Quick Charge, while Note 12S can charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 14) | Android 13 | Note 12S has a more recent Android version out of the box. The A52 is upgradable to a newer version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual band | 802.11ac, Dual band, Wi-Fi MiMO | Both have similar capabilities with Note 12S supporting Wi-Fi MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | Note 12S has a newer Bluetooth standard offering minor improvements. |
| GPS | Yes | Yes | Similar GPS accuracy on both. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both phones support Dual SIM operation. |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 64/128/256 GB | Both have similar max storage options, but Note 12S has a lower 64 GB option. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Similar performance in multitasking on either. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Note 12S offers better audio immersion and high-resolution playback support. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Note 12S offers a more convenient fingerprint sensor position. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 3 | A52 5G has better scratch resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both have a comprehensive sensor suite with slight differences. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a more fluid visual experience compared to 90Hz.
- Better Camera System: Superior front-facing camera, dedicated depth sensor, and more detailed wide-angle and macro lenses.
- Higher Quality Video: Offers 4K video recording with better stabilization.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass 5 offers more scratch resistance than Gorilla Glass 3.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S Advantages:
- Brighter Display: Significantly higher peak brightness (1000 nits) makes it much more visible under sunlight.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: Longer battery life and quicker recharge time.
- Slightly Better Performance: Marginal improvement in benchmarks for everyday tasks.
- Hi-Res Audio & Stereo Speakers: Offers better audio quality compared to Samsung.
- Newer Android Version out of the box: Ships with Android 13.
- Reverse Charging: Ability to charge other devices.
Trade-offs:
- A52 5G: Trade-off of slightly heavier and less bright screen for better camera and smoother screen.
- Note 12S: Trade-off of slightly less polished camera and slower display refresh for better battery, brightness and audio.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Ideal Users:
- Content Creators: Users who prioritize high-quality video and detailed photography, especially for social media.
- Gamers: Users who benefit from a smoother display and solid overall performance.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who prefer a well-rounded display with more vibrant visuals and better camera.
Use Cases:
- Filming vlogs and creating high-quality content on the go.
- Playing graphically intensive games that benefit from a smoother display.
- Taking detailed photos in a variety of lighting conditions.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S Ideal Users:
- Heavy Smartphone Users: Users who need long battery life and fast charging.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Users who require a bright screen for visibility in sunlight.
- Audio Lovers: Users that prioritize good audio quality.
Use Cases:
- Using GPS navigation or other battery-intensive apps all day.
- Working or consuming media in bright outdoor environments.
- Listening to music or enjoying audiobooks on the go.
Price-to-Value:
- Both phones offer good features for their respective price points. The A52 5G is older, making it sometimes more available at lower prices, making it a better bang for buck. The Note 12S is the newer model. The choice largely depends on which features each user values most.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize camera quality and video features or battery life and display brightness? This will help you decide between the camera advantages of the A52 5G and the battery/brightness advantages of the Note 12S.
- How important is a smooth display (120Hz)? If you are into gaming or demand the best possible visual experience, the A52 5G might be more suitable.
- What is your typical usage environment? If you spend a lot of time outdoors, the high brightness of the Note 12S might be invaluable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Mobile Photographer: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G for better all-around camera capabilities and 4K video recording.
- For the Power User: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S for longer battery life, faster charging, brighter screen and superior audio quality.
- For the Budget-Conscious Gamer: The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G could be a decent option if you find it at a good price and you prioritize the smoother refresh rate.
- For Outdoor Use: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is recommended for its better screen brightness and battery life.
My Choice and Reasoning:
If I were to pick between these two, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S. My reasoning is as follows:
- Battery and Charging: As a heavy smartphone user, I value battery life and fast charging the most, where the Note 12S shines.
- Outdoor Use: I frequently use my phone outdoors. A brighter screen is essential for visibility in daylight. The 1000 nits is a huge upgrade over 0, a non-existent spec for brightness.
- Audio: I often listen to music on the go and the better audio quality is a welcome addition, making it enjoyable to consume media.
- Newer Android Version: I prefer to have the latest software.
- Practicality: Although the A52 5G offers a smoother display and better camera specs on paper, the practical benefits of a long-lasting battery, superior brightness and quality audio would impact my daily usage more.
While the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G has its advantages, they don't align with my priorities as much as the Note 12S does. The differences in camera quality, although noticeable on paper, are something that I'd be able to forgo compared to running out of battery or struggling to see the screen in daylight.
