1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.8 × 74.5 × 8.4 mm | 162.9 × 76 × 8.9 mm | S20 FE 5G is more compact, potentially easier to handle for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 190g | 208.4g | S20 FE 5G is lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has better scratch and impact resistance on the screen. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers a slightly more immersive viewing experience for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness on both phones. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 900 nits | S20 FE 5G is significantly more visible in direct sunlight. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar vibrant colors and deep blacks on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both phones. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | S20 FE 5G offers slightly better overall performance, especially in graphics-intensive tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 623,000 | 573,100 | S20 FE 5G scores higher in benchmarks, indicating snappier performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G68 MC4 | S20 FE 5G has a more powerful GPU, better for gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 200MP, f/1.65, 1/1.4" | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ can capture more detailed images and offers better low-light performance due to its larger sensor and wider aperture, but the final image quality depends on image processing. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | S20 FE 5G has a higher resolution ultrawide camera. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.0 | None | S20 FE 5G offers optical zoom capabilities. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ can take close-up shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.45 | S20 FE 5G captures more detailed selfies and performs better in low light. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S20 FE 5G can record 4K video at a smoother 60fps. |
| DXOMark | N/A | 113 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has been tested and scored by DXOMark |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ likely offers longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 120W | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ charges much faster. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | None | S20 FE 5G can be charged wirelessly. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | 4.5W | None | S20 FE 5G can wirelessly charge other devices. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a more modern OS out of the box and will likely receive updates for longer. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for adding more storage via microSD. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a slightly newer Bluetooth version, potentially offering better efficiency and connection stability. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G Advantages:
- Brighter Display: Significantly better outdoor visibility.
- Stronger Performance: More powerful chipset and GPU for gaming and demanding tasks.
- Telephoto Lens: Offers optical zoom for better zoomed-in photos.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient charging option.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Can charge other devices wirelessly.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: Significantly quicker charging times.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: Potential for more detailed photos, depending on image processing.
- More Recent: Newer release date, modern software.
- Better Screen Protection: More resistant to scratches and impacts.
Trade-offs:
- Choosing the S20 FE 5G means sacrificing battery life and fast charging for better performance and a brighter display.
- Choosing the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ means sacrificing some performance and display brightness for longer battery life and faster charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G:
- Ideal User: Mobile gamers, outdoor photographers, users who prioritize performance and display quality.
- Use Cases:
- Playing graphics-intensive games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile.
- Taking photos and videos in bright sunlight.
- Using the phone as a portable workstation.
- Price-to-Value: A good option if found at a competitive price, offering flagship-level performance at a mid-range cost.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize battery life, fast charging, and camera resolution.
- Use Cases:
- All-day usage without needing to charge.
- Quickly topping up the battery before heading out.
- Taking high-resolution photos in good lighting conditions.
- Price-to-Value: Excellent value for users on a budget who want a large battery and fast charging.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is battery life to you? If you need all-day battery or multi-day usage, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the better choice.
- How often do you use your phone outdoors in direct sunlight? The S20 FE 5G's brighter display makes it easier to see the screen in bright conditions.
- How important is gaming or other performance-intensive tasks? The S20 FE 5G's Snapdragon 865 offers better performance for demanding applications.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Frequent Traveler: Redmi Note 12 Pro+ for its long battery life and fast charging.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer: Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G for its superior performance.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: Redmi Note 12 Pro+ for its 200MP main camera, understanding that real-world image quality will depend on the image processing.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G. My primary reason for this choice is the superior performance offered by the Snapdragon 865 chipset and the brighter display. While the Redmi Note 12 Pro+'s fast charging and large battery are enticing, I find the S20 FE 5G's performance to be more beneficial for my usage, which includes gaming, video editing, and frequent outdoor use. The presence of wireless charging and reverse wireless charging is a nice bonus as well!
