Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Samsung Galaxy A04e and Xiaomi Redmi 12C are two popular contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C edges out the Samsung Galaxy A04e thanks to its more powerful Helio G85 chipset, offering noticeably better performance for gaming and everyday tasks. While both are budget options, 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, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 21 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November 07 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 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 | 188 g (6.63 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 (~81.8% 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, One UI Core 4.1 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB 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 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 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 | 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, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, 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, Copper, Light Blue | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | SM-A042F, SM-A042F/DS, SM-A042M, SM-A042M/DS | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | ₹ 7,999 | £ 132.99 / € 107.41 |
| SAR | - | 1.08 W/kg (head) 0.64 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy A04e
- Familiar Samsung UI
- Reliable brand reputation
- Compact size (potentially)
- Weaker performance
- Slower charging
- Lower resolution camera (likely)
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Better performance (Helio G85)
- Larger display
- More versatile camera
- Faster charging (10W)
- Xiaomi's MIUI can be polarizing
- Build quality may feel less premium
Display Comparison
The Redmi 12C boasts a larger 6.71-inch display compared to the A04e's likely 6.5-inch screen (exact specs vary by region). Both utilize HD+ resolution, but the Redmi 12C's larger size offers a more immersive viewing experience. Expect similar color accuracy and brightness levels on both.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 12C generally offers a more versatile camera system, often including a higher resolution main sensor (typically 50MP vs A04e's likely 13MP). While image quality is still limited by the budget price point, the Redmi 12C often produces slightly better results, especially in well-lit conditions. Both phones likely feature basic front-facing cameras.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 12C shines. Its Helio G85 chipset is significantly faster than the A04e's Helio P35. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Redmi 12C. The A04e will handle basic tasks adequately, but struggles with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones typically feature batteries in the 5000mAh range, offering all-day battery life for moderate users. The Redmi 12C's 10W wired charging is a slight advantage over the A04e, which may have slower charging speeds.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A04e? Users prioritizing a familiar Samsung interface and basic functionality. Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C? Those seeking better performance, a slightly larger display, and a more modern design, even on a tight budget.
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.
❓ Does the Samsung A04e have 5G?
No, neither the Samsung Galaxy A04e nor the Xiaomi Redmi 12C support 5G connectivity. They are both 4G LTE devices.
❓ What is the storage capacity of each phone?
Both phones typically come in configurations with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card.
