Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. Xiaomi Redmi A2+
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Xiaomi Redmi A2+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 164.9 × 76.8 × 9.1 mm | Similar size, Redmi A2+ slightly thinner making it more comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 212g | 192g | Redmi A2+ is 20g lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.52" | Almost identical screen size, negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Identical sharpness; expect a similar visual experience. |
| PPI | 270 | 269 | Similar pixel density, barely noticeable difference in screen clarity. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD in Redmi A2+ might offer slightly better viewing angles and color reproduction compared to PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | Samsung Galaxy M12 offers a smoother visual experience with its higher refresh rate, reducing motion blur during scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have the same brightness, however 0 nits is unrealistic; actual brightness not provided. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) | Exynos 850 with 8nm architecture should be more energy efficient but real-world performance depends on the optimization. |
| Antutu Score | 117,341 | 127,000 | Redmi A2+ performs slightly better in benchmark tests which may mean smoother experience in basic tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 (ARM Mali-G52) | PowerVR GE8320 (IMG PowerVR GE8320) | Different GPUs, performance will vary depending on specific applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life should be expected given same battery capacity. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 10W fast charging, Li-Ion | Samsung Galaxy M12 charges faster; Li-Polymer batteries tend to have a longer lifespan |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Batteries cannot be replaced by users |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens Res. | 48MP | 8MP | Samsung Galaxy M12 captures more detailed photos with its significantly higher resolution main camera. |
| Selfie Res. | 8MP | 5MP | Samsung Galaxy M12 will produce slightly more detailed selfie images. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP | None | Only Samsung Galaxy M12 has a wide-angle lens, offering more versatility in photography. |
| Depth Lens | 2MP | None | Only Samsung Galaxy M12 has a depth sensor for portrait mode, allowing for better background blur. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | Only Samsung Galaxy M12 has a macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both phones record videos at the same resolution, which is suitable for social media. |
| Features | Quadruple camera, PDAF | Dual camera, Manual focus | Samsung Galaxy M12 has PDAF for faster focusing while Redmi A2+ allows manual focus, providing more control over focus for advanced users. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Redmi A2+ runs on a newer OS version, likely with some newer features and better security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n, Wi-Fi Display | 802.11a/b/g/n | Both phones support similar wifi capabilities, Samsung Galaxy M12 also supports Wi-Fi Display. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, More Profiles | 5.0 LE, EDR | Samsung Galaxy M12 supports wider range of profiles for greater compatibility with various devices and accessories; Xiaomi Redmi A2+ offers EDR for faster speeds and LE for improved energy efficiency with certain devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Both phones have same location tracking capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones support Dual SIM, with Dual Standby, allowing two SIM cards to be active at the same time. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | Unknown | Samsung Galaxy M12 offers different storage options, while storage options for Redmi A2+ are not stated. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | Unknown | Samsung Galaxy M12 has more RAM which will allow for better multitasking, specific RAM for Redmi A2+ not specified. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Basic audio features | Both phones offer basic audio features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Rear-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor is more ergonomic for quick unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Details regarding screen protection are missing, making it hard to compare. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Samsung Galaxy M12 has gyroscope for more precise motion detection while Xiaomi Redmi A2+ has ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Superior Camera System: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, plus a dedicated wide-angle, depth and macro lens. This offers much more flexibility for different types of photography.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate makes animations and scrolling feel more fluid.
- Faster Charging: 15W charging is faster than Redmi A2+'s 10W charging, reducing downtime.
- More RAM & Storage options: Provides more RAM and storage options which will allow for better performance.
- More Bluetooth Profiles: Offers more compatibility with accessories and devices due to the wider range of Bluetooth profiles.
- More Sensors: Includes a gyroscope that is helpful in motion-based apps and games.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint: Easier and quicker unlocking.
- WIFI Display: Can directly display content on compatible devices.
Xiaomi Redmi A2+ Advantages:
- Newer Android OS: Comes with Android 12, which provides the latest features and security updates.
- Lighter Design: 20g lighter than M12, making it more comfortable for extended use.
- Better Benchmark Performance: Slightly higher AnTuTu score, which translates to better general performance in daily tasks.
- IPS LCD display: Potentially better color accuracy and viewing angles than PLS LCD.
- Ultrasonic Virtual Proximity Sensor: May be a more reliable proximity sensor in some cases.
- Manual Focus: More control over the focus which is helpful for advanced users.
- Bluetooth LE and EDR: Better energy efficiency and speed with compatible devices.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Camera: Samsung Galaxy M12's superior camera system comes at the cost of potentially slower processing and more complex software, while the Redmi A2+ provides a basic experience.
- Display: While Samsung offers a smoother 90hz display, Redmi A2+ offers a potentially better IPS LCD display.
- Charging: Samsung provides faster charging, the Xiaomi has the potentially better Li-ion Battery for long-term use.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 Ideal User:
- Casual Photographer: Users who value versatility in photography and want a range of lens options.
- Media Consumers: Those who watch a lot of videos and would appreciate the smoother 90Hz refresh rate.
- Multitaskers: Users who want better performance, with more RAM and storage for moderate multitasking.
- Users looking for more Bluetooth compatibility: This is beneficial for users that intend to use the phone with many different devices and accessories.
- Users who prefer faster unlock: Side-mounted fingerprint sensors are usually much more convenient for this.
Xiaomi Redmi A2+ Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: People looking for a basic smartphone experience at an affordable price, while having some improvements over older phones.
- Android Enthusiasts: Users who want the latest Android version and a clean software experience.
- Light Users: Those who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, and light browsing with an easier to use OS.
- Users that prefer a lighter weight phone: This could be more comfortable for extended use.
- Users that want manual focus control: This is a useful feature for those that understand how to use manual focus.
Specific Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy M12: Great for capturing family moments, social media content creation, watching videos, and light gaming.
- Xiaomi Redmi A2+: Ideal for everyday communication, browsing, using basic apps, and basic photography without needing complex photo editing options.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is camera quality and versatility?
- If high-quality photos and video are a priority, the Samsung M12 is the better choice.
- Do you prefer a smoother screen or potentially better colors?
- If smoother scrolling is a priority, the Samsung M12's 90Hz display is preferable. If potentially better colors is a priority, the Xiaomi Redmi A2+ is preferable.
- What level of Android OS do you want?
- If having the latest OS is vital, the Redmi A2+ is better, but the Samsung M12 has a functional OS, too.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography Enthusiast on a Budget - Choose the Samsung Galaxy M12 for its versatile camera system despite the slightly older OS.
- Scenario 2: Basic Smartphone User with Latest OS Preference - Choose the Xiaomi Redmi A2+ for its newer OS, lighter design, and decent performance for everyday tasks.
- Scenario 3: User that wants smoother experience - Choose the Samsung Galaxy M12 for its 90Hz display, better multitasking, and generally faster phone experience.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy M12. While the Xiaomi Redmi A2+ offers a newer Android version and lighter weight, the superior camera system and smoother 90Hz display of the Samsung Galaxy M12 are more compelling to me. As a frequent photographer, having the multiple lens options is an important feature for versatility. Additionally, the side-mounted fingerprint sensor and smoother display contribute to a better user experience for my personal use. Although it has an older OS, the Samsung Galaxy M12's practical advantages in camera, display, and performance outweigh the benefits of a newer Android OS version in this comparison. The extra RAM options, Bluetooth profiles, and sensors on the Samsung Galaxy M12 also make it a better all-around choice for my needs.
