Okay, let's break down the Xiaomi 12X and Samsung Galaxy A24 4G. I'll put on my tech journalist hat and get right into the nitty-gritty, keeping it relatable and practical.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison of the specs, with a focus on what they mean for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12X | Samsung Galaxy A24 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm | 162.1 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm | The Xiaomi 12X is more compact and easier to handle. The A24 is larger, potentially less comfortable for single-handed use. |
| Weight | 176g | 195g | The 12X feels significantly lighter, making it better for extended use without fatigue. The A24 might feel a bit hefty after a while. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.5" | The A24 offers a slightly larger screen for a more immersive viewing experience, while the 12X is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2340 | Both offer sharp displays. The slight difference in pixel count is negligible in everyday use. |
| PPI | 419 | 396 | The 12X has a slightly sharper image due to the higher pixel density. Text and images will look a bit clearer. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The 12X has smoother scrolling and animations, making it feel more fluid, especially when gaming or browsing. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1000 nits | The 12X can get a bit brighter, making it easier to see in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) | The 12X has a much more powerful processor, resulting in significantly faster app loading, better multitasking, and smoother gaming. The A24 is fine for everyday tasks but can struggle with heavy apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 815,210 | 411,900 | The 12X's benchmark score is nearly double the A24's, a clear indicator of its significantly superior performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The 12X has a more powerful GPU, leading to better graphics performance, especially in gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 50MP, f/1.88, Sony IMX766 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Both have a 50MP main sensor. The Xiaomi 12X uses a Sony IMX766, generally considered a superior sensor; the A24's sensor is unspecified. The A24 has a wider aperture for better low-light capture in theory. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP, f/2.45 | 13MP, f/2.2 | The 12X has a much higher resolution selfie camera for more detailed images. The A24 has a wider aperture on the front-facing camera for better low light performance. |
| Wide-Angle Camera Resolution | 13MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.2 | The 12X offers much higher resolution for wide-angle shots. The A24 has a wider aperture in theory which could help with low light performance. |
| Macro Camera Resolution | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | The 12X has higher resolution macro images for more detailed close ups. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps, various EIS | 1080p@30fps, EIS | The 12X can record significantly higher quality video, including 8K. Both have EIS (electronic image stabilization) for smoother video. |
| Camera Features | Extensive suite, including 8K video, Night Mode, RAW | A decent suite, including PDAF | Xiaomi 12X offers a comprehensive camera suite including advanced features, while the A24 keeps to the basics. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | The A24 has a larger battery, likely offering better battery life. |
| Charging | 67W fast charging | 25W fast charging | The 12X charges significantly faster, which can be very convenient. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 (up to 17) | The A24 has a newer version of Android and a promise of longer software support, meaning it will receive updates and security patches for a longer time. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | Wi-Fi ac | The Xiaomi has newer tech and is capable of more speed and throughput with higher-end WiFi routers. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, aptX, LDAC | 5.3 | The Samsung has the newer bluetooth version. However, the Xiaomi provides higher quality audio codecs for better quality sound. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The Xiaomi is slightly more accurate for location services, especially when in urban environments. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB | The Xiaomi 12X provides much more storage space at the higher end. Neither phone supports external storage. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 4GB, 6GB or 8GB | The Xiaomi 12X has more RAM available for multitasking, particularly when the higher-end configuration is chosen. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | The Xiaomi 12X has much higher quality audio with multiple additional features. |
| Security | |||
| Security | basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The A24's side-mounted sensor is generally considered more responsive and convenient to use than a basic sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | The Xiaomi 12X offers a much better level of screen protection than the A24. |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi 12X: The Performance Powerhouse
- Strengths: The 12X is a clear winner when it comes to performance, with a more powerful chipset, GPU, more RAM, a smoother 120Hz display, and significantly faster charging. It also features a much more capable camera system for video recording and overall image quality, along with better quality audio features.
- Competitive Advantages: Its speed, camera versatility, and premium audio make it suitable for intensive use cases, such as gaming, video editing, and high-quality media consumption.
- Trade-offs: It's older, comes with an older version of Android, and it is a bit smaller than the A24 which may not be ideal for some users. Additionally, its battery may not last as long as the A24.
- Samsung Galaxy A24 4G: The Reliable All-Rounder
- Strengths: The A24 offers a larger display, newer version of Android, and potentially longer battery life. It also provides a more convenient fingerprint sensor for security.
- Competitive Advantages: It's a budget-friendly option with a solid feature set for everyday use. Its battery should allow for longer use periods.
- Trade-offs: It lags far behind the 12X in processing power, camera capabilities, and overall performance. It will not handle demanding applications as well.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi 12X is best for:
- Power users and gamers: Those who need a fast and responsive phone for demanding games and applications.
- Photography and video enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with high-quality video recording capabilities.
- Media consumers: Anyone who appreciates a high-quality display, immersive audio, and a fluid user experience.
- Samsung Galaxy A24 4G is best for:
- Casual users: People who primarily use their phones for communication, social media, and general browsing.
- Budget-conscious buyers: Those who prioritize affordability and reliability over top-tier performance.
- Users who prioritize battery: Anyone who needs a device that can comfortably last all day on a single charge.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you choose:
- Performance Needs: How much power do you need from your smartphone? If you prioritize smooth multitasking and gaming, the Xiaomi 12X is the way to go. If you primarily use your phone for everyday tasks, the Samsung Galaxy A24 4G is adequate.
- Camera Requirements: How important is camera quality? If you need a versatile camera system with high-quality video recording, choose the Xiaomi 12X. If you are a light user, the Samsung Galaxy A24 4G should serve most people.
- Battery Life vs. Fast Charging: Do you prioritize all-day battery life or quick charging? The Samsung Galaxy A24 4G should last longer between charges, while the Xiaomi 12X charges back up significantly quicker.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Gaming & Multimedia: Go for the Xiaomi 12X for its vastly superior performance, better display, and stronger camera capabilities.
- Scenario 2: Everyday Use & Affordability: The Samsung Galaxy A24 4G is a better choice, as it provides good battery life and acceptable performance at a lower price point.
- Scenario 3: Quality Photos and Video: Choose the Xiaomi 12X. Its far superior camera system will provide the best overall results with significantly more features.
What Would I Choose and Why?
If I were buying one of these phones, I'd choose the Xiaomi 12X. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and someone who appreciates the nuances of technology, I prioritize performance and camera versatility. The Xiaomi 12X simply has a more capable system, it will be a much smoother, faster, and more responsive experience with more features. While the Galaxy A24 4G is adequate for some users, the Xiaomi 12X is a clear winner in terms of raw specs, performance, and features for my needs.
I understand the A24 is a more budget-friendly option, but for me, the extra investment in the 12X would pay off with a much more satisfying user experience. I also use my phone as a mobile productivity machine so the extra performance is a necessity. The faster charging also greatly helps with my workflow and the higher-end video features of the 12X will allow me to make higher quality content. Although the battery is smaller than the A24, the charging speed is fast enough that the battery size becomes less of an issue.
This decision reflects my personal preference for a high-performing device over raw battery capacity and newer software. Ultimately, the "better" choice depends on your unique priorities and budget.
