1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.7 mm | 163 × 76 × 8 mm | Xiaomi is slightly thinner and more compact, may feel more comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 212g | 187g | Xiaomi is significantly lighter, better for prolonged usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Xiaomi has a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Xiaomi offers much sharper, clearer images with significantly more detail. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 395 | Xiaomi's display will look significantly crisper, text will be sharper, image quality much better. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | Xiaomi has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. Better viewing experience overall. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Xiaomi provides smoother scrolling and animations, a slightly more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | Xiaomi is vastly brighter, providing better visibility in direct sunlight. Samsung's brightness is unknown, which may mean it is not very high. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | Xiaomi has a significantly more powerful processor, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 573,200 | Xiaomi offers drastically better performance, more future-proof. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Xiaomi has better graphics capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Similar resolution but Xiaomi's sensor is likely better. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/1.88 | Xiaomi's wider aperture allows more light, better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.56" | Xiaomi's larger sensor captures more light, better dynamic range. |
| Main Camera Sensor Model | Samsung S5KGM2 | Sony IMX766 | Xiaomi's sensor is known to be superior, generally delivers better image quality. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.00 µm | Xiaomi has larger pixels, better low-light sensitivity. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 16MP | Xiaomi captures more detailed selfies with better clarity. |
| Wide Angle Resolution | 5MP | 8MP | Xiaomi's ultrawide camera is better, captures more detail. |
| Wide Angle Aperture | f/2.2 | f/1.9 | Xiaomi's wider aperture allows for more light in ultrawide shots. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP | None | Samsung has dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP | 2MP | Similar macro cameras in terms of resolution. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Xiaomi supports higher video resolution, better quality recording. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | Xiaomi provides much more stable and smooth videos. |
| Slow-motion | No, 30fps | Yes, 960 fps | Xiaomi offers more versatile slow-motion capabilities. |
| DxOMark Score (Mobile) | Not Tested | 102 | Xiaomi has been tested by DxOMark and received a score of 102. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery sizes, likely similar battery life. |
| Charging | 15W | 67W | Xiaomi has much faster charging, significantly reduces charging time. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Xiaomi has a newer Android version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Xiaomi supports newer, faster Wi-Fi standards and Dual band, Wi-Fi MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | Xiaomi has newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Xiaomi offers more location systems for better accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32GB/64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Xiaomi has larger base storage option, plus a higher maximum storage option. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB/6GB | 6GB/8GB/12GB | Xiaomi offers higher RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for extra storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi has enhanced audio experience with better quality sound and a wider soundstage. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Similar biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Xiaomi's screen is much more durable. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Depth Camera: Dedicated depth sensor for potentially better portrait mode effects compared to relying on software.
Slightly wider range of sensors: Includes a Hall sensor, which is not present in Xiaomi device.
Potential price: Likely to be much cheaper than the Xiaomi.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and brightness. Significantly better viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Much Stronger Performance: Significantly faster processor and GPU, leading to better app performance, multitasking, and gaming.
- Enhanced Camera: Better main sensor, wider aperture, larger pixels, and more versatile video recording capabilities (4K, OIS).
- Faster Charging: 67W charging drastically reduces charging times compared to the 15W on Samsung, more convenient for quick power-ups.
- Modern Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi standards, better Bluetooth version, and more accurate GPS.
- Stereo Speakers: Better sound quality and immersion than the single speaker found in the Samsung Galaxy M12.
- Better Build Quality: Offers superior screen protection with Gorilla Glass 5.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy M12 provides a portrait mode (depth) sensor that isn't present on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro but the Xiaomi generally has a superior camera system.
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is heavier, but also has a significantly more powerful processor and a much better screen.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy M12 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Those seeking an affordable smartphone for basic tasks.
- Users with simple needs: People who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, and social media browsing, basic photography.
- Users who like to have a dedicated depth sensor that can be used for portrait mode.
Use Cases:
- Everyday communication.
- Casual social media browsing.
- Light media consumption.
- Basic photography in well-lit conditions.
- Users who value Hall sensor.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Ideal User:
- Users who value performance: Those who want a fast phone that can handle multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with good image quality.
- Media Consumers: Users who want a high-quality display for watching videos and browsing content.
- Power Users: Those who need a phone with modern connectivity, fast charging, and good battery life.
Use Cases:
- Mobile Gaming.
- High-quality video streaming and content consumption.
- Photography and videography.
- Heavy multitasking.
- Fast-paced on-the-go usage.
- Users who value better build quality and superior screen protection
Price-to-Value:
- The Samsung Galaxy M12 offers great value at its price point but the performance is lacking, and the display is not very good.
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro offers significantly better specifications across the board but the price may be higher, especially for the 256GB/12GB option. Its price-to-value is still strong due to its superior performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Samsung is likely much cheaper but the Xiaomi is generally better.
- What is your primary use case? Casual use vs gaming or photography.
- How important is display quality? Samsung is below average while Xiaomi has an excellent panel.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic user on a strict budget: If budget is the primary concern, and basic functionality is all that is needed, the Samsung Galaxy M12 is an acceptable choice.
- Scenario 2: Performance-focused user with a moderate budget: If gaming, multitasking, or general performance is important, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: Media consumption and photography enthusiast: If display quality, camera performance and video quality are essential, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is the clear winner due to its superior screen, camera and audio.
- Scenario 4: User who values battery life and charging speed: Both phones have the same capacity, but the Xiaomi's much faster charging capabilities make it a better option.
What I would choose and why!
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. Although it is more expensive, the superior display (AMOLED, higher resolution, 120Hz), much stronger performance (Dimensity 1080), significantly better camera system (larger sensor, OIS, 4K video), faster charging (67W), and enhanced audio (stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos) make it a much better choice for overall user experience. The Samsung Galaxy M12 would only be considered if the budget was extremely tight and high performance and display quality was not desired. In most cases, the Xiaomi provides much better value for its slightly higher price.
