Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy M12 vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G
1. Specifications Comparison
Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Launch Date | 2021-04-30 | 2023-03-30 | The Redmi Note 12 4G is a newer device by almost 2 years, likely benefiting from more recent software and hardware advances. |
Dimensions | 164 x 75.9 x 9.7 mm | 165.7 x 76 x 7.9 mm | The Redmi Note 12 4G is slightly taller and significantly thinner, making it feel more modern and possibly more comfortable to hold. The Galaxy M12 is thicker and has a larger overall volume. |
Weight | 212g | 183.5g | The Redmi Note 12 4G is noticeably lighter, which is better for prolonged use and carrying in your pocket. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | The Redmi Note 12 4G offers a slightly larger screen, which can be better for media consumption and gaming. |
Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | The Redmi Note 12 4G has a much sharper display, resulting in clearer text and images. |
Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 395 PPI | The Redmi Note 12 4G's higher pixel density means a significantly more detailed and crisp viewing experience. |
Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | The Redmi Note 12 4G's AMOLED screen offers superior colors, contrast (deeper blacks), and energy efficiency, especially with dark mode enabled. |
Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The Redmi Note 12 4G's 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations smoother and more responsive. |
Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | The Redmi Note 12 4G is dramatically brighter, ensuring better visibility in direct sunlight. The Galaxy M12's display information is missing, making comparison hard. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Exynos 850 (8nm) | Snapdragon 685 (6nm) | The Snapdragon 685 in the Redmi Note 12 4G is a more modern and powerful chip, likely offering better performance and energy efficiency. |
AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 338,900 | The Redmi Note 12 4G has significantly better performance, translating to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
GPU | Mali-G52 | Adreno 610 | The Adreno 610 in the Redmi Note 12 4G is a more capable GPU, which will perform better in graphically intensive tasks like gaming. |
Camera | |||
Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | The Redmi Note 12 4G has a slightly higher resolution and a wider aperture (f/1.8), which should result in better low-light performance. The Galaxy M12 has a larger sensor size which can improve low light. |
Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.45 | The Redmi Note 12 4G has a higher resolution selfie camera, which can capture more detailed selfies. The Galaxy M12 has a wider aperture for better low light. |
Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | The Redmi Note 12 4G has a higher resolution wide-angle camera, enabling more detailed wide shots. |
Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The Galaxy M12 has a dedicated depth sensor that may improve portrait photos. |
Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both phones have a 2MP macro lens, so macro photo performance will likely be similar. |
Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record video at 1080p at 30fps, no significant difference. |
DxOMark | N/A | 63 (Mobile) | The Redmi Note 12 4G has a camera score of 63 on DxOMark Mobile, while the Galaxy M12 has not been tested. It suggests the Redmi Note has a much better camera. |
Battery | |||
Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity. |
Charging | 15W | 33W | The Redmi Note 12 4G charges significantly faster, reducing waiting time. |
Features | Non-removable | Reverse, Non-removable | The Redmi Note 12 4G offers reverse charging, enabling it to charge other devices. |
Software | |||
OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | The Redmi Note 12 4G runs on a more recent version of Android, which generally provides better performance, security, and access to newer features. It is also upgradable to Android 14. |
Connectivity | |||
Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | The Redmi Note 12 4G supports 5GHz Wi-Fi (802.11ac), potentially offering faster internet speeds. |
Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 LE | Both have Bluetooth 5.0 with minor feature differences. |
GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | The Redmi Note 12 4G supports Galileo for potentially more precise location tracking. |
SIM | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Both phones have the same dual SIM capabilities. |
Storage | |||
Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 64/128/256 GB | The Redmi Note 12 4G offers more internal storage options, especially a 256 GB variant which is great for users who keep a lot of media and apps. |
RAM | 3/4/6 GB | 4/6/8 GB | The Redmi Note 12 4G has more RAM, which makes it better at multitasking and handling resource-intensive applications. |
Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
Other | |||
Audio | Basic features | Basic features | Both have similar audio capabilities. |
Security | Side fingerprint | Side fingerprint | Both phones offer side-mounted fingerprint sensors. |
Build Quality | Unknown Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | The Redmi Note 12 4G has better screen protection with Gorilla Glass 3. |
Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Redmi Note 12 4G adds a compass sensor for more accurate location and navigation capabilities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology, higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and brightness provide a much better visual experience.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 685 chipset and higher AnTuTu score mean faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging dramatically reduces charging time compared to the Samsung's 15W.
- More Modern Software: Android 13 offers a better user experience and access to newer features (upgradeable to Android 14)
- Larger Storage Options: A 256GB storage option is available, better for those with large media libraries.
- Lighter Build: Easier to handle and more portable.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides better protection against scratches and minor drops.
- Galileo GPS Support: Better location accuracy.
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: May offer slightly better portrait mode photos.
- Larger Main Camera Sensor: Slightly larger sensor on the main camera could perform better in some low-light situations, although the smaller aperture limits its effectiveness.
- Wider Aperture on Selfie Camera: May result in slightly better low-light selfies, although the resolution is lower.
- Gyroscope Sensor: Both phones include it.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy M12 sacrifices a lot in display and performance for a lower price and is now quite outdated.
- The Redmi Note 12 4G doesn't have a dedicated depth sensor, but compensates with better software and processing power.
- The Galaxy M12 is thicker and heavier.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Users with a tight budget seeking a basic smartphone for everyday tasks (calls, texts, basic browsing).
- Users who prioritize battery life and don't need high performance.
- Users who want a larger camera sensor for better low light photography.
- Users who prioritize a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photos.
Use Cases:
- Basic communication and social media.
- Light web browsing and email.
- Simple photography and video recording.
Ideal User for Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G:
- Users who value a high-quality display for media consumption and gaming.
- Users who want a smoother and more responsive smartphone experience.
- Users who want faster charging capabilities.
- Users who want more storage capacity for their files, photos, and apps.
- Users who want more RAM for better multitasking performance.
- Users who want more future-proof software with Android 13 (upgradeable to Android 14).
Use Cases:
- Watching videos, streaming, and playing mobile games.
- Multitasking between apps efficiently.
- Taking high-quality photos and videos.
- Frequent social media use.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Samsung Galaxy M12 is likely more budget-friendly, but the Redmi Note 12 4G provides a much better experience for the extra cost.
- How important is the display quality? If a high-quality display is a priority, the Redmi Note 12 4G is clearly the better choice.
- How much do you value performance? For smoother and faster performance, the Redmi Note 12 4G has a considerable advantage.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If your budget is extremely tight, and you only need a basic smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy M12 is an option (but not recommended due to its age and the inferior user experience)
- Average User: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G offers much better value with its superior display, performance, and faster charging capabilities.
- Power User/Media Enthusiast: The Redmi Note 12 4G is ideal with its AMOLED display, faster processor and larger RAM.
My Choice and Explanation
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G.
The reason is simple: it offers a significantly better user experience across almost all key aspects. The AMOLED display is a major upgrade, providing vastly superior visuals for everyday tasks and media consumption. The vastly improved processing power ensures that the device feels fast and responsive, making multitasking and gaming enjoyable. The faster charging is a very practical advantage, and the more modern Android version is a welcome addition. Although the Galaxy M12 has some advantages in its camera system, the overall performance, display, and modern software of the Redmi Note 12 4G far outweigh these. The Redmi Note 12 4G represents much better value for money, making it the sensible choice for the vast majority of users. The Galaxy M12 is too old and lacks the performance and features to be recommended in 2024.