Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12 and the Samsung Galaxy A24 4G. This isn't just a spec sheet showdown; it’s about how these numbers translate into your everyday mobile experience.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of the key technical specifications, along with their real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Samsung Galaxy A24 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm, 179g | 162.1 × 77.6 × 8.3 mm, 195g | Xiaomi 12 is more compact and lightweight, better for one-handed use and pocketability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.5" | Samsung A24 offers a larger display for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer sharp visuals, with negligible real-world difference in clarity. |
| PPI | 419 | 396 | Xiaomi 12 has slightly crisper text and images due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both feature vibrant and contrast-rich AMOLED panels. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi 12 provides smoother animations, especially noticeable during scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1000 nits | Xiaomi 12 is slightly more visible in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Xiaomi 12 has significantly faster performance, better for demanding apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 411,900 | Xiaomi 12 has a much higher benchmark score, indicating faster processing. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Xiaomi 12 has a more powerful GPU for better graphics rendering. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Xiaomi 12's larger sensor and the Sony IMX766 may capture more details and handle low light better, the slightly wider aperture on the A24 means more light reaching the sensor |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14" Samsung JD1 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Xiaomi 12 captures higher resolution selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Xiaomi 12 has a higher resolution wide angle lens. A24 has a wider aperture for more light. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi 12 captures more detailed macro shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS | 1080p@30fps with EIS | Xiaomi 12 supports professional-grade 8K video with more advanced video stabilization. |
| DxOMark Score | 113 overall, 118 photo, 121 video | Not tested | Xiaomi 12's camera performs better in overall quality based on DxOMark benchmark scores |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Samsung Galaxy A24 4G has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging, 50W wireless, 10W reverse | 25W Fast Charging | Xiaomi 12 charges much faster, with wireless and reverse charging capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13, Upgradeable to 17 | Samsung Galaxy A24 4G comes with a more up-to-date Android version and a guarantee to be upgraded further. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Xiaomi 12 has faster WiFi with Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Samsung A24 has a newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | More satellite systems | Standard GPS | Xiaomi 12 supports more satellite systems for improved location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB | Xiaomi 12 offers more storage, comes with up to 256GB. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 4GB, 6GB or 8GB | Xiaomi 12 has more RAM, providing better multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic | Xiaomi 12 has enhanced audio capabilities with spatial sound and better speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Samsung Galaxy A24 4G has a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi 12 has superior screen protection. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12:
- Strengths: The Xiaomi 12 is a performance powerhouse, boasting a top-tier Snapdragon chipset, ample RAM, and a smooth 120Hz display. Its camera system is also notably superior, especially in video and selfie quality. The fast charging, both wired and wireless, is a significant advantage.
- Competitive Advantages: It stands out with its superior processing power, advanced camera capabilities (including 8K video), significantly faster charging, and premium audio features.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: It has a smaller battery capacity than the A24 and lacks expandable storage, which could be a consideration for heavy users.
Samsung Galaxy A24 4G:
- Strengths: The A24 provides a larger display, a more up-to-date Android OS and a longer update guarantee, a newer Bluetooth version and a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor offers better convenience.
- Competitive Advantages: It's a more budget-friendly option with a focus on long-lasting battery life, making it suitable for extended usage without frequent charging.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: Its performance is significantly lower than the Xiaomi 12. The camera quality is also inferior. Slower charging speeds.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12:
- Ideal Users: Tech enthusiasts, gamers, content creators, and anyone who prioritizes performance, camera quality, and fast charging.
- Use Cases: Gaming, high-resolution video recording, content creation, professional photo editing, and heavy multitasking.
Samsung Galaxy A24 4G:
- Ideal Users: Budget-conscious users, casual phone users, and individuals who need reliable battery life and basic smartphone functions.
- Use Cases: Social media, web browsing, media consumption, and day-to-day tasks where long battery life is crucial.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- Performance: Do you prioritize top-tier performance for gaming and demanding apps, or is basic functionality and reliability sufficient?
- Camera: Are you a photography enthusiast who needs the best possible image and video quality, or is an adequate camera sufficient for your needs?
- Battery Life vs. Charging Speed: Do you prefer a phone with a larger battery that lasts longer, or a phone with faster charging capabilities?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Power User: If you're into gaming, editing videos, and enjoy a smooth and responsive interface, the Xiaomi 12 is the clear winner.
- For the Budget-Conscious User: If you need a reliable phone for everyday tasks with a focus on long battery life, the Samsung Galaxy A24 4G is the better choice.
- For the Average User: If you want a good middle ground, the Xiaomi 12 is still better than the A24 in nearly every scenario, if you can get it at a good price.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would go with the Xiaomi 12. Here’s why:
As a tech journalist and someone who values performance and camera capabilities, the Xiaomi 12 is far more appealing. I regularly push my phones to their limits with tasks like video editing, photography, and heavy multitasking, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and superior camera system of the Xiaomi 12 would deliver an experience that the A24 cannot. The fast charging is also a feature that I use often. While the A24 offers a larger battery and is more budget-friendly, the performance gap is too wide to ignore. The Xiaomi 12 caters to my specific needs and preferences.
