Alright, let's break down the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and Samsung Galaxy A05s. These two phones occupy a similar space in the budget-friendly market, but they offer distinct experiences. Here's a deep dive, keeping in mind what truly matters for daily use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Samsung Galaxy A05s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.9 × 76.2 × 8 mm | 168 × 77.8 × 8.8 mm | Redmi Note 12 is slightly more compact and thinner, potentially more comfortable for one-handed use. The A05s is bulkier. |
| Weight | 188g | 194g | The Redmi Note 12 is a bit lighter, which could make a difference during longer use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Practically identical screen sizes. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Sharp displays on both, good for everyday use. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 393 PPI | Very similar sharpness, no noticeable difference in clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | AMOLED offers significantly better contrast, deeper blacks and more vibrant colors, as well as better power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Redmi Note 12 provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing overall experience, especially during gaming or fast scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | Redmi Note 12 is much better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. The lack of brightness information on the A05s is concerning. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 680 4G | Redmi Note 12 should handle daily tasks smoother and has superior performance in gaming scenarios. |
| AnTuTu Score | 460,800 | 260,000 | Redmi Note 12 is considerably faster, allowing for smoother multitasking and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 | Redmi Note 12 will provide a better gaming experience. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Similar performance expected in day light, however, the A05s does not have sensor model or pixel size information which could indicate a lower-end sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45 | 13MP, f/2.0 | A05s has a slightly wider aperture which may help in low-light situations. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | Not Available | The Redmi Note 12 offers more versatility with a wide angle lens. |
| Depth Camera | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | The A05s has a dedicated depth camera for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro performance expected from both phones. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps | The A05s provides 1080p recording at 60fps compared to the 30fps of the Redmi Note 12 |
| DxOMark Score | 69, Photo: 74, Video: 49 | Not Available | The Redmi Note 12 offers a decent photo performance, and the video score shows a weakness. |
| Camera Features | Extensive | Basic | Redmi Note 12 offers more camera features, including RAW capture, PDAF, night mode, and more. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer the same capacity and should offer similar battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | The Redmi Note 12 charges slightly faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | A05s ships with a newer version of Android out of the box, but both phones will receive updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Similar WiFi capabilities, but the Redmi Note 12 features Wi-Fi MiMO for potentially more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.1 LE | Both support Bluetooth 5.1. Redmi Note 12 supports LDAC, SBC, AAC. |
| GPS | Extensive | Extensive | Similar GPS functionalities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Similar Dual SIM capabilities. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB | Redmi Note 12 offers more internal storage with a 256GB option and only 128GB as it's highest spec. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB | Redmi Note 12 has an additional 8GB RAM option which improves performance significantly. |
| Expandable Storage | Not Available | Not Available | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | Basic Audio | Basic Audio | Similar audio quality expected. |
| Security | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Similar fingerprint sensor technology. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Redmi Note 12 offers better screen protection. |
| Sensors | Extensive | Basic | Redmi Note 12 has more sensors, important for advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate is a clear win, offering better visuals and smoother interactions. This is very noticeable and enhances the user experience significantly.
- Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset and higher AnTuTu score mean it will perform everyday tasks and gaming better than the A05s.
- Advanced Camera Features: Additional camera features such as RAW, digital image stabilization and more provide better image quality and more flexibility in image capture.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging is quicker than the A05s's 25W.
- More RAM: The option for 8GB of RAM is a significant advantage for multitasking.
- Better Build Quality: Features Gorilla Glass 3 for added screen protection.
- More Sensors: The additional sensors allow for a better user experience in a variety of use cases.
- Trade-offs:
- Older Android version: Ships with Android 12 out of the box, while A05s is Android 13. However, both are expected to receive updates.
- Lacks Dedicated Depth Camera: Does not have a depth camera for portrait mode, but portrait mode is still available.
Samsung Galaxy A05s:
- Strengths:
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 13 out of the box.
- Dedicated Depth Camera: The A05s does have a dedicated depth sensor which could be slightly better than the computational portrait mode found in the Redmi Note 12.
- Better video recording: Features 1080p recording at 60fps compared to the 30fps of the Redmi Note 12
- Trade-offs:
- Lower Performance: The Snapdragon 680 and significantly lower AnTuTu score mean it will be slower and less capable in demanding tasks and games.
- Inferior Display: The PLS LCD screen is noticeably inferior to the AMOLED display of the Redmi Note 12, especially in contrast and outdoor visibility.
- Basic Camera Features: Fewer features than the Redmi Note 12.
- Lower RAM: Maximum of 6GB RAM compared to the Redmi's 8GB, which impacts multitasking capabilities.
- Unspecified Screen Protection: Lack of information on screen protection makes it more prone to scratches and damage.
- Lower Storage: Lower storage is only available up to 128GB and 64GB for it's lowest tier.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Ideal User: Gamers, social media enthusiasts, users who consume a lot of visual content, and those who prefer faster performance and more versatile cameras.
- Use Cases: Gaming, watching videos, capturing high-quality photos in various conditions, and those who need smooth multitasking.
- Samsung Galaxy A05s:
- Ideal User: Those who prioritize a newer Android version out of the box, use their phone for basic day-to-day tasks, take occasional photos, and prefer Samsung's ecosystem.
- Use Cases: Casual browsing, basic social media, and making calls.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is display quality?
- If you value vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good outdoor visibility, the Redmi Note 12 is the clear winner.
- How much performance do you need?
- If you game or multitask heavily, the Redmi Note 12 is superior. If it's for basic tasks and not demanding applications, the A05s is acceptable.
- How important is camera versatility?
- If you take a variety of pictures in different lighting, the Redmi Note 12's extra features and wide angle camera will be useful.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Gamer: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. Its higher performance, 120Hz display, and more sensors will provide a much better experience.
- For the Casual User: If price is the most important factor and you want a basic smartphone with a newer version of Android, the Samsung Galaxy A05s is a decent budget option.
- For the Social Media Enthusiast: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. Its superior display and more versatile camera will enhance your experience.
My Choice and Why
Personally, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. The AMOLED display and 120Hz refresh rate alone are game-changers in this price range; the difference in visual experience between the two is night and day. Add to that the superior performance, better camera features (especially the wide-angle lens), faster charging, higher RAM option, better screen protection, and more sensors, the Redmi Note 12 is simply the better option. The A05s is the cheaper phone with the newer version of Android, but the experience is far less superior to the Redmi Note 12.
For me, the user experience is key, and the Redmi Note 12 delivers a much smoother and more enjoyable experience. Its superior performance and better quality screen will last me longer, and it is more equipped to handle demanding tasks.
