Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. Xiaomi Redmi A3x
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Xiaomi Redmi A3x | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 168.4 × 76.3 × 8.3 mm | Redmi A3x is slightly taller and thinner; M12 is thicker, may feel bulkier. A3x's slimmer profile will feel more modern. |
| Weight | 212g | 193g | Xiaomi Redmi A3x is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for one-handed use and extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.71" | Xiaomi Redmi A3x has a slightly larger screen, offering a more immersive experience for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1650 | Both are HD+ displays, adequate for daily use. Minor difference in resolution is not noticeable in everyday use. |
| PPI | 270 | 268 | Both have similar pixel density; sharpness is nearly identical, no practical difference |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD of the A3x typically offers better viewing angles and color accuracy compared to the PLS LCD of the M12. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer a 90Hz refresh rate, resulting in smoother scrolling and animations than standard 60Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness of both phones is unknown, but if both are equal it should be fine for indoor use but may struggle in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Unisoc T603 (22 nm) | The Exynos 850 (8 nm) in the M12 is more power-efficient, while the Unisoc T603 (22 nm) is less efficient but delivers a significantly higher benchmark score. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 239,000 | Xiaomi Redmi A3x has significantly better overall performance. It will feel much faster in daily use, especially with multitasking and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 (ARM Mali-G52) | 8 (Mali-G57 MP1) | The Mali-G57 MP1 in the A3x is a newer architecture that should give better gaming experience than the Mali-G52 of the M12. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Samsung Galaxy M12's main camera has much higher resolution and a wider aperture, resulting in better low-light performance and more detail in photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Samsung Galaxy M12's selfie camera has higher resolution and can produce more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | Samsung Galaxy M12 offers an additional wide-angle lens for more versatile photography. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy M12 offers an additional depth sensor for creating portrait shots with a blurry background. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy M12 has a macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both have similar video quality, suitable for casual use. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, offering similar battery life for typical usage. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 10W fast charging, Li-Ion | Samsung Galaxy M12 supports faster charging; it will take less time to fully charge than the Xiaomi Redmi A3x. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Xiaomi Redmi A3x comes with a newer Android version which is updated to Android 16, giving it more longevity with the latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Xiaomi Redmi A3x supports more modern WiFi standards, offering faster speeds and better range on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 4.2 LE | Samsung Galaxy M12 has a newer Bluetooth version for better range and audio transmission. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Both phones offer similar location capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both offer dual SIM capability; allowing use of 2 sims simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 64/128 GB | Both offer similar storage options, adequate for most users. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 3/4 GB | Samsung Galaxy M12 can have more RAM (6GB), offering better performance for multitasking; 3GB/4GB on the A3x. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both use the same method for fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Xiaomi Redmi A3x has Gorilla Glass 3 which makes the screen more scratch resistant than the screen on M12. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Samsung M12 has more motion tracking sensors like the gyroscope and Hall, offering more advanced functionalities in games and apps that use these sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, plus wide-angle, macro, and depth lenses offer more versatility.
- Faster Charging: 15W charging is quicker than the 10W charging of the A3x.
- More RAM: Available with up to 6GB of RAM for smoother multitasking.
- Advanced Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0 provides better wireless audio quality and range
- More Sensors: Gyroscope and hall sensor enable more accurate motion sensing, enhancing gaming and other motion-based applications.
Xiaomi Redmi A3x Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Unisoc T603 chipset offers much higher performance, resulting in a smoother overall experience.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 14 (updated to Android 16), providing the latest features and security patches.
- Lighter & Thinner Design: More comfortable to hold and carry due to its lower weight and slim profile.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 offers better scratch resistance.
- Better Display Technology: IPS LCD offers better viewing angles and color accuracy than the PLS LCD on the M12.
- Modern WiFi Standards: Supports 802.11ac standard, offering faster Wi-Fi speeds.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy M12 sacrifices some performance and design for a better camera system and slightly faster charging.
- The Xiaomi Redmi A3x prioritizes performance, screen quality, and newer software, sacrificing some camera versatility and charging speed.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Ideal User: Casual photographers who want a versatile camera system with multiple lenses, users who want slightly faster charging, users who prioritize more RAM.
- Use Cases:
- Social media photography and sharing
- Casual gaming and media consumption
- Daily tasks where more RAM is helpful
- Price-to-Value: A decent option for users who prioritize camera features.
Xiaomi Redmi A3x:
- Ideal User: Users who want smooth performance and a modern software experience, those who consume a lot of media, users who want a lighter device.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday use such as browsing, social media, and media consumption
- Mobile gaming
- Users who want a future-proof phone with updated software
- Price-to-Value: Excellent value for users who prioritize performance and a modern user experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is camera versatility? If you prioritize having multiple lenses for different shooting situations, the Galaxy M12 is better. If you mainly take everyday pictures, the A3x is good enough.
- How crucial is smooth, fast performance? The Redmi A3x offers significantly better performance, making it ideal for gaming and app-heavy use.
- Do you want a device with the latest software and security updates? The A3x ships with Android 14 (and future update), offering longevity.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Social media enthusiast who loves taking photos: Choose the Samsung Galaxy M12 for its versatile camera system.
- Scenario 2: A user who values smooth performance and future-proof software: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi A3x for its better performance and newer Android OS.
- Scenario 3: Casual user who needs a balance of features for everyday use: Consider the Xiaomi Redmi A3x for its balanced performance, design and display.
My Choice: Xiaomi Redmi A3x
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Redmi A3x. While the Samsung Galaxy M12 has a more versatile camera system on paper, the A3x's significantly superior performance, newer Android version, better display technology, and lighter design make it a more compelling daily driver. The difference in benchmark scores indicates a substantial real-world performance gap, which would be noticeable in everyday use. Additionally, the screen protection and modern Wi-Fi standard on the A3x are features I value in a modern smartphone.
