Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | 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 | Slightly thinner and narrower body (Redmi) is more comfortable for smaller hands |
| Weight | 189g | 176g | Redmi Note 12S is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.43" | Negligible difference; both offer an immersive viewing experience |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp visuals and clear text |
| Pixel Density | 407 PPI | 409 PPI | Very similar sharpness, no noticeable difference to the naked eye |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors, deep blacks and great contrast |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Redmi Note 12S screen is significantly brighter, more visible outdoors in sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | Redmi Note 12S's chipset offers faster processing speed based on benchmark scores, quicker app loading, and smoother multitasking |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 412,400 | Redmi Note 12S has a higher benchmark score, translating to better real-world performance in resource intensive tasks |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Redmi Note 12S offers better performance in gaming and graphically intensive applications |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP f/1.8 (1/1.7", 0.8µm) | 108MP f/1.8 (1/1.52", 0.7µm) | Redmi Note 12S captures more detail, better suited for large prints, slightly larger sensor for better low-light performance |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP f/2.2 (1/2.8", 0.8µm) | 16MP f/2.4 | Samsung A52 captures more detailed selfies, wider aperture for better low-light |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.2 | Samsung A52 takes higher resolution ultrawide photos |
| Depth Camera | 5MP f/2.4 | None | Samsung A52 can capture depth information for better portrait shots |
| Macro Camera | 5MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Samsung A52 captures more detailed macro photos |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | Samsung A52 has much better video quality, 4k videos and EIS provides stability while filming |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi Note 12S has a larger battery, likely provides longer usage time |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 12S charges faster, reduces waiting time |
| Features | QC2.0, AFC | Reverse charging | Redmi Note 12S can charge other devices |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 13 | Redmi Note 12S has a newer base software version; likely to receive future updates |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac, Dual-Band, Wi-Fi Direct | 802.11ac, Dual-Band, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi MiMO | Redmi Note 12S has Wi-Fi MiMO for better Wi-Fi performance |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 (LE, A2DP, EDR, HID, ANT+) | 5.2 (LE, A2DP, EDR, HID) | Redmi Note 12S has newer Bluetooth technology; potentially better power efficiency and data transfer rates. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 64/128/256 GB | Similar maximum storage options; Redmi Note 12S has a 64GB option as well. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Both phones have options suitable for multitasking; Redmi Note 12S starts with more base RAM |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers storage expansion |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Samsung A52 has better spatial audio, surround sound, better audio separation and immersion |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Redmi Note 12S side-mounted fingerprint scanner is generally faster and more convenient |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Samsung A52 provides a more robust and scratch-resistant display |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Redmi Note 12S includes a compass sensor for better navigation applications, but Samsung Galaxy A52 uses a more standard proximity sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Superior Camera System (Overall): Offers a more comprehensive camera system with higher resolution selfie, wide-angle, depth and macro lenses. It also provides 4k video capabilities, OIS, EIS, and video stabilization.
- Better Audio: Has Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus, providing enhanced spatial audio, surround sound and immersion.
- Better Screen Protection: Uses Gorilla Glass 5, offering better resistance to scratches and damage.
- More Comprehensive Sensors: Has Hall and Geomagnetic sensors that could enhance various functionalities, including magnetic field detection.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S Advantages:
- Better Performance: Higher AnTuTu score due to the Helio G96 chipset translates to smoother multitasking and better app loading speed
- Significantly Brighter Display: 1000 nits brightness makes it much better for outdoor visibility in sunlight
- Larger Battery and Faster Charging: 5000mAh battery with 33W fast charging provides longer usage times and faster recharging.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.2 may offer better power efficiency and data transfer speeds.
- More Convenient Fingerprint Sensor: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor is generally faster and more intuitive to access.
- Newer Operating System: Comes with Android 13, likely to receive future updates and features.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung A52: Sacrifices some performance, battery life, and fast charging speed for a better overall camera system, better audio, and sturdier screen.
- Redmi Note 12S: Prioritizes performance, battery life, and screen brightness over a more comprehensive camera system, better audio, and sturdier screen.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52:
- Ideal User: Casual photographers who value camera quality, users who enjoy multimedia with superior audio quality, individuals who prioritize a robust build, and those who appreciate the versatility of a 4k enabled camera system.
- Use Cases: Taking high-quality photos and videos, listening to music and watching movies with enhanced audio, everyday use, outdoor use.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S:
- Ideal User: Gamers, users who prioritize battery life and fast charging, users that need high screen brightness for outdoor visibility, and individuals who want a modern device with a newer OS.
- Use Cases: Playing games, extended usage throughout the day without worrying about battery life, outdoor use in bright sunlight, and multitasking.
Price-to-Value: Both phones offer great value for their price range, however, the Redmi Note 12S offers more performance at a possibly lower price point making it a better value proposition for budget-conscious buyers.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is camera quality? If photography is a priority, the Samsung A52 offers a more comprehensive system with more features.
- How important is battery life and charging speed? If you need long battery life and faster charging, the Redmi Note 12S is the better choice.
- Where will you primarily use the phone? If you will be using it mostly outdoors under bright sunlight, the Redmi Note 12S is better because of its brighter screen.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Photography Enthusiast): If you frequently take photos and videos and value a good camera system, the Samsung Galaxy A52 is the better choice.
- Scenario 2 (Performance-Focused User): If you prioritize smooth gaming and better performance, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is the better option.
- Scenario 3 (Outdoor Use): If you spend a lot of time outdoors in bright sunlight, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S has the brighter display making it easier to see and use.
- Scenario 4 (Budget-Conscious User): If you want the most performance for your money, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is the more budget friendly option.
My Choice
If I were choosing between the Samsung Galaxy A52 and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S.
Reasoning:
Although the Samsung A52 offers a better camera system and superior audio, the practical advantages of the Redmi Note 12S are more compelling for my typical usage. I value performance and battery life, and the Redmi Note 12S offers a newer chipset, a bigger battery, and faster charging. Additionally, the much brighter screen on the Redmi Note 12S is a significant advantage as I often use my phone outdoors in bright daylight. While the camera is important, the Redmi Note 12S still offers good quality, and the trade-off in terms of performance and battery is more beneficial for my daily use. Also, the more modern OS and side-mounted fingerprint sensor of the Redmi Note 12S makes it a more future-proof device. Finally, the slightly lower price point of the Redmi Note 12S makes it an overall more appealing purchase.
