Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and the Samsung Galaxy S24+. We’ve got a clear David vs. Goliath scenario here, and I’m excited to break down what these differences mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on the practical impact of each specification:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.9 × 76.2 × 8 mm | 158.5 × 75.9 × 7.7 mm | Redmi Note 12 is taller and slightly thicker. S24+ is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 188g | 196g | Redmi Note 12 is lighter, which can be noticeable during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Both are similar in size; S24+ is marginally larger. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3120 | S24+ has a significantly sharper and clearer display, noticeably better for detail-rich content and text. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 395 | 513 | S24+ is much sharper and more detailed than the Redmi Note 12 |
| Technology | AMOLED | Unknown | Redmi Note 12 has AMOLED offering better contrast, vibrant colors, and deeper blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones have smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 2600 nits | S24+ is much brighter, making it significantly easier to use in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | S24+ is dramatically more powerful, faster in app loading, multitasking, and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 460,800 | 1,639,695 | S24+ is over 3.5x faster in benchmarks, which directly translates to a more fluid and responsive user experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 750 | S24+ has vastly superior graphics performance, ideal for demanding games and GPU-intensive applications. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4900mAh | Both phones offer similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable endurance. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | S24+ charges faster, getting you back up and running more quickly. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass, Reverse, 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless | S24+ has advanced features like bypass charging (powering the phone without charging the battery), wireless, and reverse wireless. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57", 1.0µm | S24+ has a larger sensor and bigger pixels capturing more light for superior low-light performance and detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45, 1.12µm | 12MP, f/2.2 | S24+ has a slightly wider aperture, which is good for low light, but lower resolution on selfie. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9", 1.0µm | S24+ provides an extra level of versatility with a telephoto lens for better optical zoom. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12µm | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | S24+ has a larger sensor and bigger pixels with slightly better low-light and more detailed wide angle photography. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Redmi Note 12 includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, though resolution is low. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@24/30fps | S24+ supports significantly higher video recording resolution, making it a much more capable device for video content creators. |
| DxoMark Score | Main: 69 Photo: 74 Video: 49 | None | Redmi Note 12 has been tested on DxoMark but there are no details regarding the S24+ camera performance |
| Camera Features | Digital Zoom, PDAF, HDR, Night Mode, and more | Night Mode 2.0, 4K/8K Video, OIS, Optical zoom, and more | S24+ has additional features: Night Mode 2.0, 4K Video, 8K Video, Optical zoom, Optical Stabilization (OIS). Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 has Ultra stable video, Continuous autofocus and manual focus. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | S24+ ships with a newer version of Android and is likely to receive more future updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6E | S24+ supports newer WiFi standard, faster speeds, lower latency and better in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.3 | S24+ has the newest Bluetooth Version, offering better efficiency and connection stability. |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | S24+ has more satellite system which provides better accuracy of the location |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM/eSIM | S24+ supports eSIM for digital carrier switching while both can use two SIM cards for different carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | S24+ offers larger storage options, which is beneficial if you store many high-res photos, videos, and games. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 12GB | S24+ has significantly more RAM, offering superior multitasking and handling of RAM-heavy apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Noise Cancellation Mic, Stereo Speakers | S24+ offers better audio experiences with stereo speakers for immersive media consumption. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic | Redmi Note 12 provides a more advanced side-mounted sensor that is usually faster and more convenient. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S24+ provides superior screen protection against scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | S24+ includes a Barometer and Hall sensors and a standard proximity sensor, while the Xiaomi uses an ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Strengths: Excellent AMOLED display for its price point, decent battery life, and a lightweight design. It's a solid choice for budget-conscious users who want a good display.
- Competitive Advantages: Strong value for money with its AMOLED display, side-mounted fingerprint sensor and decent battery.
- Trade-offs: Significantly less powerful, lower-resolution display, basic camera setup, and older Android software. Its main trade-off is performance for price.
- Limitations: Lack of advanced features such as expandable storage, wireless charging, and advanced video capabilities.
Samsung Galaxy S24+:
- Strengths: Top-tier performance, brilliant high-resolution display with superior brightness, advanced camera system with telephoto lens, and premium build quality. It's a powerhouse designed for demanding users.
- Competitive Advantages: Cutting-edge chipset, superior display, versatile camera system, faster charging with wireless options, and newer Android version.
- Trade-offs: More expensive compared to the Redmi Note 12.
- Limitations: No expandable storage and a less user-friendly fingerprint scanner.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Best Suited For: Budget-conscious consumers, students, or users who prioritize media consumption over performance. Ideal for everyday tasks, social media, and browsing.
- Use Cases: Streaming videos, social media, light gaming, and browsing.
- Price-to-Value: The Redmi Note 12 offers excellent value if you are on a tight budget and need a good display.
Samsung Galaxy S24+:
- Best Suited For: Power users, gamers, photographers, content creators, and users who want the best performance and features available.
- Use Cases: High-end gaming, video editing, professional photography, and demanding apps.
- Price-to-Value: The S24+ is a premium device with a price tag that reflects its capabilities and cutting-edge features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to guide your decision:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a new phone? This will likely be the biggest factor in your decision, as the S24+ is much pricier.
- Performance: How important is top-tier performance, especially for gaming or resource-intensive tasks? If you need the best, the S24+ is a clear winner.
- Camera Quality: Do you value a versatile camera system with features like a telephoto lens and high-resolution video? If so, the S24+ is the way to go.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Conscious: If you have a tight budget, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 will get the job done with its good display and solid battery life.
- Casual User: If your needs are basic and you don't require heavy performance, the Redmi Note 12 will serve you well.
- Power User: For gaming, video editing, and other resource-heavy tasks, the Samsung Galaxy S24+ is the clear choice.
- Photography Enthusiast: The Galaxy S24+ with its superior camera system will provide the most flexibility and highest quality images.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would opt for the Samsung Galaxy S24+. My reasoning comes down to a few key factors:
- Performance: As someone who uses their phone extensively for productivity, research, and a bit of gaming, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is a must-have. The speed and responsiveness are critical for my workflow.
- Display Quality: The S24+'s higher resolution, brighter display, would provide a superior visual experience, which I value highly, particularly when consuming media.
- Camera Versatility: I do a good bit of photography, and the S24+'s telephoto lens, superior wide-angle, and impressive video capabilities make it the better choice for capturing memories and content.
While the Redmi Note 12 is a good phone at an affordable price point, the S24+ ticks every single box in terms of performance, display, camera, and build quality, making it worth the investment for my needs. The additional features like wireless charging, bypass charging, and a more feature rich Bluetooth are icing on the cake.
