Alright, let's dive deep into the tech specs of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and Samsung Galaxy A24 4G, translating all that engineering jargon into practical advice for you. It's not just about the numbers; it's about how these phones fit into your life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these phones stack up, with a focus on what it all means for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Samsung Galaxy A24 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.9 × 76.2 × 8 mm, 188g | 162.1 × 77.6 × 8.3 mm, 195g | Redmi Note 12 is slightly taller and lighter; the A24 is a bit wider and thicker. The weight difference of 7g is negligible. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.5" | Redmi Note 12 offers a slightly more immersive experience with its larger screen, great for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer crisp, detailed visuals, though the difference in resolution is negligible. |
| PPI | 395 | 396 | Pixel density is nearly identical - both phones deliver very sharp text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use AMOLED, meaning vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, making for very pleasing screens. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Redmi Note 12’s 120Hz refresh rate provides noticeably smoother scrolling and animation compared to the A24's 90Hz panel. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1000 nits | Redmi Note 12 has the edge for outdoor visibility with its brighter display. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | MediaTek Helio G99 | The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 on the Redmi Note 12 is marginally faster, resulting in a smoother overall experience, especially in graphically intensive games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 460,800 | 411,900 | Redmi Note 12 is slightly more powerful than the A24 on paper, which shows in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The Redmi Note 12's Adreno 619 handles gaming a bit better, especially for graphically demanding titles. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Battery life should be similar between the two, meaning a full day of use for most users. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 12 will charge faster, getting you back in the game quicker when you need it. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | The A24 technically has a higher resolution sensor, but real-world photo quality can come down to other factors like processing and optimization. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45 | 13MP, f/2.2 | The A24's slightly wider aperture on the selfie camera should result in better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | The Redmi Note 12 boasts a higher-resolution wide-angle, allowing for slightly more detailed shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have similar macro cameras, likely for more basic close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, No stabilization | 1080p@30fps with EIS | The A24's video stabilization (EIS) will provide smoother footage when moving while recording. |
| DXOMark | Main Score: 69 | Not tested | The Redmi Note 12 camera is better overall, tested by DXOMark. |
| Camera Features | D, IS, USV, AF, TF, CF, MF, PDAF, CS, GT, P, HDR, FD, WB, ISO, EC, SM, ST, R, NM | D, IS, OIS, AF, TF, PDAF, CS, GT, P, HDR, FD, WB, ISO, EC, SM, ST | Redmi Note 12 has additional features: Ultra stable video, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, RAW, Night Mode. Samsung Galaxy A24 4G has additional features: Optical Stabilization (OIS) |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 | Android 13 | The Galaxy A24 ships with a more recent version of Android, often meaning better features and potentially a longer update lifespan. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi MiMO | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both phones support dual-band Wi-Fi, but the Redmi Note 12 also uses Wi-Fi MiMO, which may offer more consistent connection performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, A2DP, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.3 LE, A2DP | The A24 has newer Bluetooth version offering better range, efficiency and reliability. |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Both phones have excellent location capabilities, The Redmi Note 12 and Samsung Galaxy A24 4G offer a wide range of navigation system support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB | Redmi Note 12 offers more storage, which is great if you have lots of photos, videos, or apps. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Both phones are suitable for general usage with 4/6 GB of RAM, 8 GB is always better. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone lets you expand storage, so you're stuck with what you choose at purchase time. |
| Other | |||
| Security | side-mounted fingerprint | side-mounted fingerprint | Both phones offer solid, reliable biometric authentication. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Redmi Note 12 offers enhanced screen protection which gives piece of mind when dropped. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Light Sensor, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Geomagnetic | The Redmi Note 12 is equipped with extra sensors that could enhance some use cases, specifically gaming. |
Note: D=Digital Zoom, IS=Digital Image Stabilization, USV=Ultra Stable Video, AF=Autofocus, TF=Touch Focus, CF=Continuous Focus, MF=Manual Focus, PDAF=Phase Detection Autofocus, CS=Continuous Shooting, GT=Geotagging, P=Panorama, HDR=High Dynamic Range, FD=Face Detection, WB=White Balance, ISO=ISO Settings, EC=Exposure Compensation, SM=Scene Mode, ST=Self-Timer, R=RAW, NM=Night Mode, OIS=Optical Image Stabilization
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: This phone shines with its smoother 120Hz display, slightly more powerful Snapdragon chipset, faster charging, and a more versatile camera setup with a wider range of photo and video capabilities. It's a great option for those who value responsiveness, gaming, and photography.
- Samsung Galaxy A24 4G: The A24 offers a more recent version of Android, potentially longer software support, a wider selfie aperture for better low light photography, and smoother video recording due to image stabilization. It's a well-rounded choice for users who prioritize a modern software experience and video recording quality.
The key difference comes down to priorities: do you value the smoother experience and versatility offered by the Xiaomi's hardware, or the more up-to-date software experience and stability offered by Samsung's software and stabilization features?
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- The Tech Enthusiast: If you crave the best performance and the smoothest animations, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is your pick. It's a better fit for those who play games, watch a lot of videos, or generally appreciate the responsiveness of a high-refresh-rate screen.
- The Social Media Creator: If you primarily take photos, and videos of friends and family, and prefer smoother stabilized videos, the Samsung Galaxy A24 might be better suited to your needs.
- The Everyday User: If you want a solid, well-rounded device with an updated operating system, both will perform very well. However, the Samsung Galaxy A24 is a good option for an everyday user who prefers a more modern version of Android and good video recording capabilities
- The Value Seeker: Both offer excellent value within the mid-range category. Look at the price tag of both, and see if one outweighs the other and go for the option that fits your budget.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself when deciding:
- Do I prioritize a smoother display experience? If yes, the 120Hz refresh rate of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 may be a more attractive feature.
- Is having the most recent Android version important to me? If yes, the Samsung Galaxy A24 ships with Android 13, potentially getting you more features and security updates in the long run.
- Am I more interested in gaming, or video recording? If you're a mobile gamer, the Xiaomi is better suited. If you plan to use the phone to record video, the A24 might suit you more due to its stabilization.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gaming Enthusiast: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 for its superior display and the slightly more capable chipset.
- Scenario 2: Social Media Content Creator: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A24 for its software enhancements, selfie camera performance and smooth video recording capabilities.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious User: Both phones are priced similarly and offer excellent value. Compare the prices in your area, and take the one that fits your budget the most.
My Choice
If I had to pick, I'd lean towards the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. As someone who appreciates smooth performance, a good display, and a versatile camera, the Redmi Note 12 delivers an overall experience that feels a step above. The slightly better chipset, 120Hz display, and more versatile camera make it a compelling package for my needs. However, if software is a priority to you, you can't go wrong with the A24, and it may end up serving you better, especially with video recording.
