1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M12 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.9 x 9.7 mm, 212g | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm, 176g | Redmi Note 12S is more compact and significantly lighter, making it easier to handle and carry for extended use. |
| Build | Unknown Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Redmi Note 12S is more resistant to scratches and minor impacts, improving long-term durability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.43" | Negligible difference in screen size, both will feel similar for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Redmi Note 12S offers much sharper visuals with noticeably clearer text and images, enhancing the viewing experience, especially for media consumption. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 409 PPI | Redmi Note 12S screen appears significantly sharper, with finer detail visible for text, images, and videos. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | Redmi Note 12S has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, making the display more engaging. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, resulting in a more fluid user experience |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Redmi Note 12S is significantly more visible outdoors in bright sunlight, and provides a clearer viewing experience overall. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | Helio G96 is a more powerful chipset that provides faster app launching and better multitasking capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,341 | 412,400 | Redmi Note 12S offers a significant performance boost, resulting in smoother gameplay, faster app loads, and a more responsive experience overall. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Redmi Note 12S has superior graphical performance, resulting in more fluid gaming experience. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP f/2.0 | 108MP f/1.8 | Redmi Note 12S captures more detailed images, better low-light performance with wider aperture and larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.2 | 16MP f/2.4 | Redmi Note 12S captures higher-resolution selfies, potentially with more detail. |
| Wide Angle | 5MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.2 | Redmi Note 12S's wide-angle lens captures slightly higher-resolution photos. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP f/2.4 | Not Available | Galaxy M12 allows for depth effects when taking photos, allowing for a more artistic image with blurred background for portraits |
| Macro Camera | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Both offer similar macro capabilities, allowing for close-up photography of small objects. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both are capable of standard video recording. |
| Slow-motion | No | Yes, 120 fps | Redmi Note 12S can capture slow-motion videos, which enhances creative video recording. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both provide similar battery life, suitable for a full day of average usage. |
| Charging | 15W | 33W | Redmi Note 12S charges much faster, reducing the time spent waiting for the device to be ready. |
| Reverse charging | No | Yes | Redmi Note 12S can be used to charge other devices, serving as a power bank for accessories or other phones. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | Redmi Note 12S ships with a newer Android version, offering potentially more features, better security and longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Redmi Note 12S supports 5GHz Wi-Fi and newer standards for faster and more stable wireless connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | Redmi Note 12S supports a newer and potentially more efficient Bluetooth standard with more efficient low energy consumption |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Redmi Note 12S offers more precise location tracking due to Galileo support. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128GB | 64/128/256GB | Redmi Note 12S provides more storage options, offering the potential to store more media and apps. |
| RAM | 3/4/6GB | 6/8GB | Redmi Note 12S allows for more demanding apps and smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Redmi Note 12S offers higher-quality audio output and immersive listening with stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both offer fingerprint security conveniently on the side of the device. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Redmi Note 12S has a digital compass and ultrasonic proximity sensor, and does not have proximity or Hall sensors, which may cause some variations in certain apps. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy M12 Advantages:
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Allows for better portrait mode photos with a more blurred background.
- Hall Sensor: Can potentially be used with a wider array of cases that support auto-wake/sleep functions.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with higher resolution, brightness, and contrast provides a significantly better viewing experience.
- Higher Performance: More powerful chipset and GPU translate to smoother performance in everyday tasks, gaming and multitasking.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging significantly reduces charging time compared to 15W.
- Better Camera: Higher-resolution main and selfie cameras capture more detail, alongside a larger sensor for better low-light.
- Stereo Speakers: Improves audio immersion.
- More Storage and RAM: Redmi Note 12S is available with higher storage and RAM variants for smoother multitasking.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 13, offering potentially more features, better security and longer software support.
- Better Connectivity: Supports newer WiFi standard and a more precise GPS system.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used as a power bank for other devices.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Galaxy M12: Sacrifices display quality, performance, and camera in favor of a slightly cheaper price point (in some markets) and potentially a better depth sensor.
- Redmi Note 12S: Slightly less portrait mode flexibility due to the lack of a dedicated depth sensor but it offers far better performance, screen quality and camera specifications.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy M12:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users who prioritize affordability and are willing to compromise on some features.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Those who primarily use their phones for basic communication, browsing, and social media.
- Users with good ambient lighting: Because this phone's screen is very low brightness, the user must be indoors or in a shaded area to use this phone without issues.
Specific Use Cases for Galaxy M12:
- Daily driver for calls and messaging for users that don't need a high performance phone or a good screen.
- Light media consumption such as listening to podcasts or audiobooks.
- Simple photography with an interest in blurred background portraits.
Ideal User for Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S:
- Users who value display quality: Those who consume a lot of videos, photos, or games and want a vibrant and sharp display.
- Performance-Oriented Users: Users who play games, multitask heavily, or use demanding apps.
- Photo Enthusiasts: Those who want a capable camera system with higher resolution and better low-light performance.
- Users who value fast charging: Those who do not want to wait for long periods while the phone is charging.
Specific Use Cases for Redmi Note 12S:
- Gaming and entertainment with a vibrant screen and high performance chipset.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos for social media.
- Multitasking with smooth switching between apps due to higher RAM.
- Long days of use where fast charging is needed to top up the battery.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Redmi Note 12S provides far superior features for the increase in price, making it the better value.
- The Samsung Galaxy M12 is budget-friendly but significantly behind in technology.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality to you? If you consume a lot of media, the AMOLED display of the Redmi Note 12S is essential.
- Do you need high performance and fast charging? The Redmi Note 12S offers significantly faster performance and charging speeds.
- What is your budget? The Galaxy M12 may be more affordable, but you must be okay with the compromises made on display, camera, and performance.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User needing only basic functions: Choose the Samsung Galaxy M12 if you need only a very basic smartphone with a low price point, and do not care about a great display, good performance and other things the Redmi Note 12S offers.
- User seeking the best display and performance for the price: Choose the Redmi Note 12S for a superior all-around experience with a much better display, significantly better performance, and an overall better user experience.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S. While the Samsung Galaxy M12 is an option for those on a very tight budget, the Redmi Note 12S is a much better smartphone overall and the value it provides is incredible. The difference in screen quality alone makes it a far superior phone. The AMOLED display is much more vibrant, has higher brightness for good outdoor visibility, and has a higher resolution to make the phone feel much more modern. The improved performance, much better camera, faster charging, and the addition of stereo speakers, all make the Redmi Note 12S a far better choice. While it is more expensive than the Galaxy M12, the overall user experience makes it a much better value for the money. The only situation I could see myself recommending the Samsung Galaxy M12 is if a customer has such a tight budget, they cannot afford any other smartphone.
