Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. Xiaomi Redmi 12C
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Xiaomi Redmi 12C | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Launch Date | 2021-04-30 | 2023-01-01 | Xiaomi Redmi 12C is significantly newer, potentially offering better software support and newer features. |
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 168.8 × 76.4 × 8.8 mm | Redmi 12C is taller, and M12 is thicker. Redmi 12C might feel slightly more modern/sleek in hand due to its thinner profile. |
| Weight | 212g | 192g | Xiaomi Redmi 12C is 20g lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Xiaomi Redmi 12C | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.71" | Xiaomi Redmi 12C offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive media consumption and browsing. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1650 | Both offer similar screen clarity; differences are unlikely to be noticeable in daily use. |
| PPI | 270 | 268 | Virtually identical pixel density. Both displays will look similarly sharp. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD of Xiaomi Redmi 12C generally offers slightly better viewing angles and color reproduction compared to PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | Samsung Galaxy M12 provides smoother scrolling and animations with a 90Hz refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have the same peak brightness, which is unknown. This may impact outdoor visibility. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Xiaomi Redmi 12C | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Xiaomi Redmi 12C has a more powerful chipset which will result in snappier app launches and better overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 225,154 | Xiaomi Redmi 12C has significantly better benchmark performance. Expect a smoother experience for gaming and multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Xiaomi Redmi 12C's GPU likely offers better graphics processing, which is beneficial for gaming and video. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Xiaomi Redmi 12C | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP f/2.0, 1/2" sensor | 50MP f/1.8 | Xiaomi Redmi 12C's main camera might capture better low-light photos with its wider aperture, and slightly higher resolution. However, real-world image quality will depend on other factors such as image processing. The lack of sensor size on the Xiaomi makes it hard to compare accurately. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.2 | 5MP | Samsung Galaxy M12 should capture higher resolution selfies with more detail. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP | Not available | Samsung Galaxy M12 provides a wider field of view, which is great for group photos or landscapes. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP | Not available | Samsung Galaxy M12 has a dedicated depth sensor to capture bokeh effect (blurred background) in portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Both have a 2MP macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record in 1080p at 30fps, adequate for everyday video recording and social media. |
| DxOMark | Not tested | Mobile (45), Photo (50), Video (43) | Xiaomi Redmi 12C has been tested and provides a baseline for camera performance. It is a decent score for the price range. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Xiaomi Redmi 12C | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity, expect comparable battery life for standard usage patterns. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 10W fast charging | Samsung Galaxy M12 charges faster, reducing wait times when topping up the battery. |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer batteries are known to have slightly longer lifespans and are less likely to leak than Li-Ion batteries |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate provides a more fluid user interface experience.
- Versatile Camera System: Includes a wide-angle lens and depth sensor, offering more creative photography options.
- Faster Charging: 15W charging is quicker than the 10W of the Xiaomi device.
- More Bluetooth Profiles: More Bluetooth profiles that might be needed by advanced users
Xiaomi Redmi 12C Advantages:
- Newer Phone: Launched more recently, potentially offering better software support and a longer lifespan.
- Better Performance: Significantly higher benchmark scores translate to snappier performance and smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Larger Display: A slightly larger screen provides a more immersive media viewing experience.
- Better Display Technology: IPS LCD technology offers better viewing angles and color reproduction compared to PLS LCD technology.
- Better Location: Uses more satellite system for better location accuracy.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy M12: Sacrifices performance and camera for a smoother display experience and a more versatile camera system.
- Xiaomi Redmi 12C: sacrifices some camera features and smoothness for better performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 Ideal User:
- Casual users who value a smooth display experience for everyday tasks and social media.
- Users who want more versatile camera options and enjoy taking photos with different fields of view, using the ultrawide angle lens.
- Users that value the Samsung brand
- Users that do not care about performance as much and want a smooth display
Use Cases:
- Casual browsing, social media, watching videos.
- Taking family photos, including landscape shots and group photos.
Xiaomi Redmi 12C Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize performance and want a smoother multitasking and gaming experience on a budget device.
- Users who enjoy watching videos and prefer a slightly larger screen.
- Users who want a newer device and want a longer software support life.
- Users that care about location accuracy
Use Cases:
- Playing mobile games, especially less demanding titles.
- Watching videos, movies, or live streaming.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C generally offers a better price-to-value ratio due to its newer processor and better performance. However, the price difference will be a key factor to consider.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is smooth scrolling and animations (90Hz refresh rate)? If you prefer that above all else, go for the Samsung M12.
- Do you prioritize better performance and multitasking over the camera system and display smoothness? The Redmi 12C excels in performance
- Are you concerned about having the latest software and a longer software support window? The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is significantly newer.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual user, daily tasks - If you just need a reliable phone for social media, browsing and the odd picture, and you prefer a smoother display, the Samsung Galaxy M12 is adequate.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer, Multitasker - If you play mobile games, especially any demanding titles, and want better multitasking, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C's more powerful processor is better.
- Scenario 3: Photo Enthusiast (Budget) - If you want a versatile camera system with a wide-angle lens, the Samsung Galaxy M12 is a good choice. If you are happy with a single main lens and slightly better low-light capture, go for the Xiaomi Redmi 12C.
- Scenario 4: Newer Software: If you need a device that is more up-to-date with the latest software, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C is the best choice.
My Choice
Given the choice, I would personally choose the Xiaomi Redmi 12C. While the 90Hz display on the Samsung M12 is appealing, the significant performance difference, coupled with the newer software and potential for better long-term support makes the Redmi 12C a more sensible option for me. The slightly larger display and better battery life are also welcome bonuses. Even if the camera system is less versatile, the overall experience will be better. Ultimately, the better performance will improve the experience across all daily tasks and the occasional gaming session for me personally.
