Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+. I'll break down the specs, provide key insights, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these phones stack up, emphasizing the practical implications of each spec:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-09-01 | 2022-11-01 | The Xiaomi is newer, so potentially has more modern features and longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm, 189g | 162.9 × 76 × 8.9 mm, 208.4g | The A52s is noticeably lighter and slightly more compact, making it more pocketable and comfortable for long-term use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | The Redmi has a slightly larger screen, which some users will prefer for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer a sharp and detailed Full HD+ experience. |
| Pixel Density | 405 PPI | 395 PPI | Both have crisp displays, with a minor edge to the A52s due to slightly higher pixel density, however this would be imperceivable to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations are identical on both devices. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 900 nits | The Redmi has a minor edge for better visibility under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | Both are powerful mid-range processors; performance will feel very similar for most everyday tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 570,752 | 573,100 | Both devices offer virtually identical performance levels. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G68 MC4 | Different GPUs, but the real-world gaming performance should be similar. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | The Redmi has a larger battery, promising longer usage on a single charge. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | 120W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | The Redmi boasts blazing-fast charging, getting you back up and running in minutes. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX682 | 200MP, f/1.65, 1/1.4", Samsung ISOCELL HPX | The Redmi takes the lead with a higher resolution and larger sensor, translating to more detailed images, especially in good light. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.45 | The A52s has a higher resolution selfie camera, which could be important for some users. |
| Wide-Angle Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" Sony IMX355 | The A52s offers higher resolution in the wide-angle, but the Redmi's sensor size is notable |
| Depth Sensor | 5MP, f/2.4 | N/A | The A52s features a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" GalaxyCore GC02M1 | The A52s takes better macro shots with higher resolution. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS | 4K@30fps | Both devices are capable of 4k video. The Redmi has greater slow motion recording capabilities |
| DxOMark | N/A | 113 (Mobile), 117 (Photo), 117 (Video) | The Redmi’s camera is a solid performer, with good scores in all areas. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera | Triple Camera | The A52s offers a dedicated depth sensor, whilst the Redmi takes the lead in several features |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 14) | Android 12 (upgradeable to 14) | Both will get updated to Android 14. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | Both offer the latest Wi-Fi standards. The Redmi has additional MIMO technology. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | The Redmi has a newer Bluetooth version for potentially more efficient and reliable connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1) | The Redmi has more comprehensive satellite support for potentially more accurate location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both phones offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB | The Redmi has up to 12GB of RAM, excellent for heavy multitasking and demanding games. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither of the devices can be expanded with a microSD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The Redmi offers higher-fidelity sound via Hi-Res Audio and built-in stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The Redmi's side-mounted sensor offers a more modern and likely quicker unlocking experience. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Both phones offer the same level of screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | The A52s features a more comprehensive sensor suite. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G Strengths:
- Lighter and More Compact: The A52s is easier to handle and carry around.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Great for selfie enthusiasts and video calls.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Provides enhanced portrait mode effects.
- Comprehensive Sensor Suite: It also has a more comprehensive sensor suite.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Strengths:
- Superior Main Camera: The 200MP sensor captures significantly more detail and better images overall.
- Significantly Faster Charging: 120W charging is a game-changer for quickly topping up the battery.
- Larger Battery: Offers longer battery life.
- Enhanced Audio: Better sound quality with Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Offers a potentially more stable and efficient connection.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Weight: The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is heavier and bulkier than the A52s, making it less comfortable for one-handed use.
- Selfie Resolution: The Redmi has a lower resolution selfie camera, which may be a drawback for selfie lovers.
- No expandable storage: Both phones do not support expandable storage via microSD cards.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G:
- Ideal For: Users who prioritize a lighter and more comfortable phone, take a lot of selfies and appreciate the depth sensor for portrait photography, and prefer a more comprehensive set of sensors.
- Use Cases: Daily commuters, social media enthusiasts, casual gamers.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+:
- Ideal For: Users who want the best camera performance, longest battery life with incredibly fast charging, and appreciate enhanced audio quality and a larger display.
- Use Cases: Photography enthusiasts, heavy smartphone users, and media consumers.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself these three questions to help narrow down your choice:
- How important is camera quality to you?
- If the main camera is a top priority, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is a clear winner.
- How important is battery life and fast charging?
- If you need all-day battery and quick top-ups, the Redmi is again the best choice.
- Do you prefer a lighter, more compact design or a larger display and bigger battery?
- If comfort and portability are key, the A52s is more suitable, but for media consumption and gaming, the Redmi is preferable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Photography Enthusiast: Get the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ for the outstanding 200MP camera.
- The Power User: The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is best for longer battery life and super-fast charging, allowing you to do all you need, all day long.
- The Casual User: The Galaxy A52s 5G will offer great performance for everyday use with an ergonomic design.
- The Social Media Fan: The selfie performance and video quality should lean you towards the Galaxy A52s.
Which Phone Would I Choose?
Personally, I'd lean towards the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+. As a tech journalist, I need a phone that can keep up with my busy schedule. The combination of a 200MP main camera, significantly faster charging, and a larger battery is just too good to pass up. While I appreciate the lightweight design of the A52s, the Redmi's overall performance and camera quality better suit my needs. The added bonus of Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers makes it a winner for me, especially when testing new audio tech. The bigger, brighter screen is also advantageous when creating content.
Ultimately, your choice should depend on what you value most in a smartphone. Both are great mid-range contenders.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
