1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 165.9 × 76.2 × 8 mm | Redmi Note 12 is slightly taller, thinner, and lighter, making it potentially more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Weight | 212g | 188g | Redmi Note 12 is noticeably lighter, improving portability and comfort. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 12 offers a slightly larger viewing area. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Redmi Note 12 provides much sharper visuals with significantly more detail. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 395 | Redmi Note 12 will have significantly clearer text and images. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | Redmi Note 12 has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. Also more power-efficient for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Redmi Note 12 provides slightly smoother animations for scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Redmi Note 12 is vastly superior for outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) | Redmi Note 12 has a significantly more powerful chipset, offering faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 460,800 | Redmi Note 12 is much faster overall, suitable for gaming and demanding applications. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Adreno 619 | Redmi Note 12 has a more capable GPU, leading to better graphics performance, especially for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery life, but actual endurance will vary with usage patterns. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Redmi Note 12 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2" | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | Samsung has a larger sensor size while Xiaomi has a wider aperture. Redmi Note 12 should do better in low-light |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.45 | Redmi Note 12 has a higher resolution for sharper selfies. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | Redmi Note 12 captures wider and more detailed shots. |
| Depth Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy M12 has a dedicated depth sensor, useful for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have similar macro lens capabilities. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both can capture full HD videos. |
| Slow-motion Video | No | Yes, 120fps | Redmi Note 12 can shoot slow motion videos. |
| DxoMark Score | N/A | 69 (Mobile) | Redmi Note 12's camera has been tested and has a reasonable score, especially in photography. |
| Camera Features | Quad camera, PDAF | Triple camera, digital image stabilization, RAW, Night Mode | Redmi Note 12 offers a more advanced feature set for photographers with video stabilization, manual controls, and RAW. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Redmi Note 12 has a newer OS and may receive updates longer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Redmi Note 12 supports 5GHz Wi-Fi, offering potentially faster and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | Redmi Note 12 offers newer Bluetooth version for better energy efficiency and reliability |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1) | Redmi Note 12 supports more satellite systems for potentially better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Redmi Note 12 offers higher storage options. |
| RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Redmi Note 12 offers higher RAM options for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Basic | Both phones offer similar basic audio. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Fingerprint (side) | Fingerprint (side) | Both offer convenient side-mounted fingerprint readers for security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Redmi Note 12 offers improved screen scratch resistance. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Redmi Note 12 provides a more complete sensor suite for wider range of capabilities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Offers a dedicated 2MP depth sensor which should enhance portrait mode.
- Potentially Larger Main Camera Sensor: While both phones have a 48MP main camera, the M12 has a larger 1/2" sensor size compared to 1/2.76" on the Note 12, which could result in better low-light performance.
- Lower Price: Typically retails at a lower price point, offering budget-friendly option.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with higher resolution, pixel density, brightness, and refresh rate results in a much better visual experience.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset offers much better performance than the Exynos 850.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging greatly reduces charge time.
- Better Camera Features: Digital image stabilization, RAW capture, slow-motion video, and night mode significantly enhance camera capabilities.
- Higher Storage Options: Offers up to 256GB of storage.
- More RAM: Offers up to 8GB of RAM for smoother multitasking.
- More modern Software: Comes with Android 12 compared to Android 11 of the Galaxy M12
- Improved Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass 3 for better scratch and damage resistance.
- More Comprehensive Sensor Set: More sensors for more features.
- Better Connectivity: Superior Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy M12: Offers a depth sensor that the Note 12 lacks, but at the cost of a lower-quality display, inferior performance, and slower charging. The M12 offers a lower initial price point.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: More expensive but offers a superior all-round experience with a better screen, performance, charging and camera. Lacks a dedicated depth sensor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for an affordable smartphone.
- Basic Use Cases: Users who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, browsing, and social media.
- Casual Photographers: People who take occasional photos and are not very concerned about low-light or detailed photography.
- Users who are not concerned about performance or screen quality: People who do not play many games or use demanding applications.
Specific Use Cases for Galaxy M12:
- A secondary phone for making calls and messaging.
- A phone for users who don't require a lot of storage or processing power.
- Basic social media, browsing, and video streaming.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Ideal User:
- Performance Seekers: Those who value a smooth and fast user experience.
- Media Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos or play games.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a decent mobile photography experience with features like RAW capture, night mode, and slow motion video.
- Value-Conscious Buyers: Those who want a balance of features and performance without breaking the bank.
- Long-Term Users: Those who want a phone that will remain relevant for a longer period of time.
Specific Use Cases for Redmi Note 12:
- Gaming and running demanding applications.
- Watching high-resolution videos and movies.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos with advanced features.
- Everyday use including social media, browsing, and productivity apps
- Users who need to rely on their phone for navigation due to more comprehensive GPS support
Price-to-Value: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 offers much better value for its slightly higher price due to its superior performance, display, and camera features. The Samsung Galaxy M12 is suitable for those on a very tight budget.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone? The M12 is cheaper than the Note 12.
- Primary Use: What will you be using your phone for most often? Gaming, photography, media consumption, or basic communication?
- Performance and Display: How important are fast performance and a good quality screen to you? The Redmi Note 12 is superior in this regard.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Limited Budget, Basic Use: If you have a very tight budget and mostly use your phone for calls, texts, and basic social media, the Samsung Galaxy M12 might be sufficient.
- Scenario 2: Gaming and Media: If you want a phone for gaming, watching high-resolution videos, and running demanding applications, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is the much better choice.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If you're interested in photography and want features like Night Mode, digital stabilization and the option to shoot in RAW, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is clearly the superior option.
- Scenario 4: Everyday All-Rounder: If you're looking for a smartphone that offers a good balance of features and performance for everyday use, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is the better choice.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. While the Samsung Galaxy M12 might be more budget-friendly, the Redmi Note 12 offers a vastly superior user experience in almost every area that matters to me. The AMOLED display with higher resolution and refresh rate, the significantly faster chipset and GPU, the much quicker charging, the improved camera features, and the newer operating system all make it a more compelling choice for the long term. I value a smoother, faster, and more visually pleasing experience, and the Redmi Note 12 delivers on all those fronts. The slightly higher price of the Redmi Note 12 is worth the significantly better performance and feature set. The lack of expandable storage is an issue with both, but the Note 12 does at least offer higher internal storage options.
