Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Samsung Galaxy A04 and Xiaomi Redmi 12C are two popular contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C edges out the Samsung Galaxy A04 thanks to its significantly more powerful Helio G85 chipset, resulting in smoother performance and better gaming capabilities. While both offer decent value, the Redmi 12C provides a more compelling overall experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, August 24 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 10 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) | 168.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, One UI Core 5.0 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.51", 0.7µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green, White, Copper | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | SM-A045F, SM-A045F/DS, SM-A045M | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | About 70 EUR | £ 132.99 / € 107.41 |
| SAR | - | 1.08 W/kg (head) 0.64 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.32 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy A04
- Trusted Samsung brand
- Decent battery life
- Simple and easy to use
- Underpowered chipset
- Slow performance
- Basic camera quality
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Better performance (Helio G85)
- More versatile camera
- Faster charging (10W)
- Good value for money
- Xiaomi's software can be polarizing
- Build quality may feel less premium
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.5-inch displays, but the Redmi 12C often boasts slightly better color accuracy and brightness. The A04's display is adequate, but the Redmi 12C offers a more enjoyable viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 12C generally offers a more versatile camera system, often including a higher resolution main sensor and potentially better image processing. While both phones are not camera powerhouses, the Redmi 12C tends to produce slightly better results, especially in well-lit conditions. Both typically have a basic front-facing camera.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 12C truly shines. The Helio G85 chipset is a noticeable upgrade over the A04's Helio P35. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and improved gaming performance on the Redmi 12C. The A04 can feel sluggish at times.
Battery Life
Both phones typically feature a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life for moderate users. The Redmi 12C's 10W charging is a slight advantage over the A04's likely slower charging speed (often 5W or 7.5W).
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A04? Users prioritizing a trusted brand and basic functionality. Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C? Those seeking better performance for everyday tasks and light gaming, and appreciate a slightly faster charging speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Helio G85 chipset.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A04 worth buying?
The A04 is a viable option if you prioritize brand recognition and basic functionality, but the Redmi 12C offers better overall value.
❓ What is the difference between the chipsets?
The Redmi 12C's Helio G85 is a mid-range chipset, while the A04's Helio P35 is an entry-level chipset. The G85 offers significantly better performance.
