Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy A24 4G. I'll break down the specs, highlight the key differences, and offer some guidance to help you decide which phone might be a better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A24 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 74.6 x 8.2mm | 162.1 x 77.6 x 8.3mm | Xiaomi slightly taller, A24 slightly wider; both similar thickness |
| Weight | 204g | 195g | A24 feels marginally lighter, better for extended use. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi has superior screen protection. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.73" | 6.5" | Xiaomi has a slightly larger screen; more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2340 | Xiaomi's display is noticeably sharper, clearer. |
| PPI | 521 | 396 | Xiaomi's display offers finer detail; sharper text, and crisper images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; equally good for content consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi has smoother scrolling, better gaming; more fluid animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1000 nits | Xiaomi significantly better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Helio G99 | Xiaomi offers significantly faster processing speeds for demanding apps & gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 1,177,498 | 411,900 | Xiaomi is dramatically faster overall, smoother for heavy tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Xiaomi offers far superior graphics for gaming and visual-heavy applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.28" | 50MP, f/1.8 | Samsung has a slightly wider aperture; both capture high-resolution photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14" | 13MP, f/2.2 | Xiaomi has significantly higher resolution for selfies; captures more detail. |
| Wide Angle | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" | 5MP, f/2.2 | Xiaomi has a much higher resolution; captures far wider scenes in much more detail. |
| Portrait Mode | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/2.76" | N/A | Xiaomi offers a dedicated portrait lens for enhanced depth effects; not available on A24. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | A24 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots; Xiaomi doesn't have a macro lens. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS, Slow Motion: 1920fps | 1080p@30fps, EIS, Slow Motion: 120fps | Xiaomi is far more capable for professional video recording with higher resolution options, higher slow-motion framerates and enhanced HDR recording. |
| DxOMark Score | 129 | N/A | Xiaomi's camera is objectively better, better overall scores, photo and video, |
| Camera Features | Lots of features | More Basic Features | Xiaomi has advanced features like optical zoom, RAW capture, and Night Mode not found on the A24. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | A24 has a slightly larger battery, potentially longer runtime on paper. |
| Charging | 120W wired, 50W wireless | 25W wired | Xiaomi has incredibly fast wired charging and also supports wireless charging. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging, Surge P1 chip | Non-removable | Xiaomi has additional capabilities for charging other devices and advanced charging management. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | A24 has a slightly newer version of Android out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Xiaomi supports the faster Wi-Fi 6 standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | A24 has a newer Bluetooth standard for better efficiency |
| GPS | Advanced GPS | Standard GPS | Xiaomi supports multiple satelites for more accurate location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128GB | Xiaomi offers more storage options for users who need more space; 256gb version is double A24's |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 4/6/8GB | Xiaomi offers more RAM options for better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res | Basic Audio Features | Xiaomi provides a more immersive audio experience, better audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | A24 has a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Sensors | Barometer, Light sensor | Proximity Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor | Xiaomi has more sensors, including a barometer for more environmental information; Samsung has a geomagnetic sensor for more accurate compass readings. |
| ## 2. Key Insights |
Xiaomi 12 Pro Strengths
- Display: Significantly higher resolution and pixel density, smoother 120Hz refresh rate, and dramatically higher brightness.
- Performance: Top-tier Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset provides exceptional performance for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Camera: Superior camera system with higher-resolution sensors, additional portrait mode lens, 8K video, and advanced features like optical zoom, RAW capture and a much better DxOmark score.
- Charging: 120W fast wired charging and 50W fast wireless charging are far superior to the Samsung device.
- Audio: Enhanced audio quality with Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers.
- Connectivity: Supports advanced Wi-Fi 6 and more satellite systems for enhanced accuracy.
Samsung Galaxy A24 4G Strengths
- Battery: Slightly larger battery capacity.
- Newer Android version: Ships with Android 13 out of the box.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Provides a more convenient unlocking experience.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
- Price: Likely more affordable than the Xiaomi 12 Pro.
- Bluetooth: Features Bluetooth 5.3 over the 5.2 found in the Xiaomi.
Trade-offs
- Xiaomi 12 Pro: Higher price point and slightly heavier weight, lack of macro lens.
- Samsung Galaxy A24 4G: Much weaker performance, lower display quality, inferior camera system, lacks wireless charging and slower wired charging, basic audio.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 Pro: Ideal for
- Power users: Those who need top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and other demanding tasks.
- Content creators: Users who need high-quality cameras for photos and videos, particularly 8K video recording capabilities, and would benefit from high resolution editing.
- Multimedia enthusiasts: Those who appreciate a high-quality display with high resolution, refresh rate and brightness, and immersive audio experiences.
- Tech enthusiasts: Users who want the latest technology and advanced features.
Samsung Galaxy A24 4G: Ideal for
- Budget-conscious buyers: Those looking for a reliable phone at a lower price point.
- Casual users: Individuals who primarily use their phones for basic tasks like social media, browsing, and communication.
- Users with basic photography needs: Those who want decent photos and videos without needing advanced features.
- Users who want the newest version of android: Those who want a brand-new phone with the latest android version out of the box.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide between these phones:
What is your priority: performance or affordability?
- If performance is key for demanding tasks and gaming, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the obvious choice.
- If budget is the main consideration, the Samsung Galaxy A24 4G makes more sense.
How much do you value display quality and camera capabilities?
- For a premium visual experience and professional-grade photos and video, choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro.
- If you just need basic photos and video, the Samsung Galaxy A24 4G is sufficient.
What is your expected daily usage?
- For heavy multitasking, content creation, and gaming the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the better choice due to its strong processor, high refresh rate screen and advanced camera.
- For basic usage like social media, browsing, and communication, the Samsung Galaxy A24 4G will suffice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer: Choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro. Its superior chipset and high refresh rate display will provide the smoothest gaming experience.
- Scenario 2: Casual User: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A24 4G. It handles everyday tasks well and comes at a more budget-friendly price.
- Scenario 3: Aspiring Photographer/Videographer: Choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro. Its advanced camera system offers more features and better quality results.
- Scenario 4: On-the-go productivity: Choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro. Its top-tier performance and 120W charging will help you fly through tasks wherever you are.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two devices, I would pick the Xiaomi 12 Pro, without question. As a tech journalist, the enhanced performance for multitasking, video and photo editing is key. The superior display, which offers a sharper, brighter experience would be important to me on a daily basis as a heavy user. I often find myself needing to take photos and videos for reviews, and having the superior camera system would be invaluable. While it is a little heavier than the Samsung, I prefer the more premium build, faster charging, better audio and advanced functionality that it offers. The additional battery features and additional sensors are also incredibly useful for my work.
