Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date February 17, 2023 April 26, 2023
Release Year 2023 2023

Physical

Volume 78.83 cm³ 95.71 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.63 "/g 3.65 "/g
Weight 168 g 176 g
Height 146.3 mm 159.9 mm
Width 70.9 mm 73.9 mm
Thickness 7.6 mm 8.1 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Green
  • Graphite
  • Phantom Black
  • Lavender
  • Cream
  • Lime
  • Ice Blue
  • Onyx Black
  • Pearl Green

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.43 "
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 88.1 % 84.5 %
Pixel Density 425 PPI 409 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 1200 nits 700 nits
Peak Brightness 1750 nits 1000 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 104.81 mAh/in² 120.93 mAh/in²
Battery Density 49.47 mAh/cm³ 52.24 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 3900 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 740 Mali-G57 MC2

Connectivity

USB Version 3.2 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.2, OTG USB Type-C 2.0

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 13 13
Maximum OS Version 17

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureSamsung Galaxy S23Xiaomi Redmi Note 12SPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1S23 is significantly more compact and pocketable.
Weight (g)168176S23 is noticeably lighter for comfortable one-handed use.
BuildMissingMissingBuild quality and materials impact durability and premium feel; information unavailable for comparison.
Display
Display Size (inches)6.16.43Note 12S offers a larger screen for media consumption.
Resolution (px)1080 x 23401080 x 2400Similar sharpness due to similar pixel density; Note 12S slightly taller due to aspect ratio.
Display TypeDynamic AMOLED 2XAMOLEDS23's Dynamic AMOLED 2X likely offers better color accuracy, brightness, and HDR performance.
Refresh Rate (Hz)12090S23 provides smoother scrolling and animations.
Peak Brightness (nits)17501000S23 will be significantly more visible in direct sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 2Helio G96S23 boasts significantly faster CPU and GPU for demanding tasks and gaming.
CPUOcta-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)S23's newer and more powerful CPU architecture provides a substantial performance advantage.
GPUAdreno 740Mali-G57 MC2S23 offers a much more capable GPU for gaming and graphics-intensive applications.
RAM (GB)86/8Both offer sufficient RAM for multitasking, though the S23's faster RAM likely improves overall performance.
Camera
Main Camera (MP)50108While Note 12S has higher resolution, S23 likely produces better image quality due to larger sensor size and advanced processing.
Ultrawide (MP)12.28S23's ultrawide likely offers better detail and low-light performance.
Telephoto (MP)10N/AS23 has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, lacking in the Note 12S.
Video RecordingUp to 8K@30fpsUp to 1080p@30fpsS23 offers significantly higher resolution and frame rate video recording capabilities.
Battery
Capacity (mAh)39005000Note 12S has a larger battery capacity, potentially offering longer battery life.
Fast Charging (W)2533Note 12S offers faster wired charging.
Wireless ChargingYes (10W)NoS23 supports wireless charging.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy S23 Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: Significantly faster processor and GPU for smoother multitasking, demanding apps, and gaming.
  • Premium Display: Brighter, more vibrant display with a higher refresh rate for a more responsive and enjoyable viewing experience.
  • More Versatile Camera System: Dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and overall better image quality due to advanced processing.
  • Compact Design: Smaller and lighter for easier one-handed use and portability.
  • Wireless Charging: Added convenience for charging.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S Advantages:

  • Larger Battery: Potentially longer battery life between charges.
  • Faster Wired Charging: Quicker replenishment of battery.
  • Lower Price: Offers a more budget-friendly option.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy S23: Ideal for users who prioritize performance, a premium display, a versatile camera, and a compact form factor. Suitable for demanding tasks, gaming, mobile photography, and content creation.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S: Ideal for budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life and a large screen for media consumption. Suitable for everyday tasks, web browsing, social media, and casual gaming.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The S23 is a more expensive device.
  2. What are your performance requirements? The S23 offers significantly better performance.
  3. What are your priorities in terms of features? Consider camera quality, display quality, battery life, charging speed, and size.

My Choice: Samsung Galaxy S23

While the Redmi Note 12S offers a compelling value proposition with its large battery and lower price, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is my choice. The significantly superior performance, higher quality display, more versatile camera system, and compact design are crucial factors for me. I prioritize a smooth and responsive user experience, excellent photo and video capabilities, and a phone that fits comfortably in my pocket. I am willing to pay the premium for the S23 to get these features. The addition of wireless charging is a welcome convenience. The trade-off of slightly shorter battery life is acceptable given the S23's other advantages. The performance difference between the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and the Helio G96 is substantial and will impact long-term usability, making the S23 a more future-proof choice.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Digital media communication
  • Technical storytelling
  • User-centric technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.