The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Blackview A95 and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S. Both promise a lot, but which one delivers the best overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S edges out the Blackview A95 thanks to its faster charging, slightly better performance, and generally more polished software experience. However, the A95 remains a compelling option for those prioritizing a larger display and potentially a lower price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - EU | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 40 - EU | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 25, 26, 28, 41, 66 - USA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 22 | 2023, March 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February | Available. Released 2023, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 75.5 x 8.6 mm (6.44 x 2.97 x 0.34 in) | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 176 g (6.21 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits (HBM), 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6771V/CT Helio P70 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 20 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
other unspecified cameras | 108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, HDR | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1), BDS (B1) |
| Radio | FM radio | Stereo FM radio, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | 4380 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold, Blue | Onyx Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green |
| Models | - | 2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L |
| Price | About 190 EUR | € 122.47 / $ 149.99 / £ 229.89 |
Blackview A95
- Larger Display
- Potentially Lower Price
- Decent Battery Life
- Slower Performance
- Slower Charging
- Less Polished Software
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
- Faster Performance
- Faster Charging
- Better Camera
- Smoother Software Experience
- Established Brand
- Smaller Display
- Potentially Higher Price
Display Comparison
The Blackview A95 typically features a larger display (around 6.53 inches) compared to the Redmi Note 12S (around 6.43 inches). Both utilize IPS LCD panels, offering decent color accuracy and viewing angles. However, the Redmi Note 12S often boasts a slightly higher refresh rate (90Hz vs. 60Hz on the A95), resulting in smoother scrolling and animations.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi Note 12S typically features a more versatile camera system, often including a higher resolution main sensor (50MP vs. potentially 48MP on the A95) and improved image processing. While both phones can capture decent photos in good lighting, the Redmi Note 12S generally produces more detailed and vibrant images, especially in challenging conditions. Video recording capabilities are also typically superior on the Redmi Note 12S.
Performance
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S, powered by the Helio G96, generally offers better performance than the A95's Helio P70. The G96's Cortex-A76 cores provide a noticeable boost in demanding tasks and gaming. While both phones handle everyday tasks adequately, the Redmi Note 12S feels snappier and more responsive.
Battery Life
Both phones typically offer a battery capacity around 5000mAh, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. However, the Redmi Note 12S's 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the A95's 18W charging.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Blackview A95? Users seeking a large screen for media consumption and gaming on a tight budget. Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S? Those prioritizing faster charging, a smoother user experience, and a more established brand reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is generally better for gaming due to its more powerful chipset and potentially higher refresh rate display.
❓ Is the Blackview A95 a good value for money?
Yes, the Blackview A95 can be a good value if you prioritize a large display and are on a very tight budget. However, the Redmi Note 12S offers a more well-rounded experience for a slightly higher price.
