The Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho and Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive sub-$200 5G smartphone market. Both aim to deliver 5G connectivity without breaking the bank, but they achieve this with different approaches to chipset design and feature prioritization. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing overall performance and 5G responsiveness, the Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G emerges as the stronger contender. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700, built on a more efficient 7nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Samsung’s Exynos 850, despite both featuring similar core counts. However, Samsung’s brand recognition and software experience may appeal to some.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, August 09 | 2022, March 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 09 | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 205 g (7.23 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS, recording | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red | Graphite Gray, Chrome Silver, Aurora Green |
| Models | SM-A127F/DSN, SM-A127F/DS, SM-A127F, SM-A127M, SM-A127U | 22041219G, 22041219NY |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.67 W/kg (head) 1.38 W/kg (body) | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho
- Familiar Samsung One UI experience
- Established brand reputation
- Potentially wider carrier compatibility
- Less powerful Exynos 850 chipset
- Slower 15W charging
- 8nm process less efficient than 7nm
Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G
- More powerful Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset
- Faster 18W charging
- 7nm process for better efficiency
- Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be polarizing
- Potentially less brand recognition in some markets
- May require more software updates
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity. However, the lack of detailed display specs necessitates a focus on the chipset's ability to drive the UI smoothly. The Redmi 10 5G’s more powerful GPU, stemming from the Dimensity 700, will likely translate to slightly smoother scrolling and animations, even if the resolution and refresh rates are similar.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but detailed sensor information is limited. It’s safe to assume both will include a primary sensor, an ultrawide, and potentially macro/depth sensors. Given the price point, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. The Redmi 10 5G’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Dimensity 700 chipset could offer an advantage in dynamic range and noise reduction, especially in low-light conditions. The presence of a more capable chipset suggests better computational photography capabilities.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm) utilizes a more modern architecture with 2x Cortex-A76 performance cores alongside 6x Cortex-A55 efficiency cores. This contrasts with the Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho’s Exynos 850 (8nm), which employs 8x Cortex-A55 cores. The A76 cores in the Dimensity 700 offer significantly higher single-core performance, crucial for app launch times and responsiveness. The 7nm fabrication process also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially leading to longer sustained performance under load. This means the Redmi 10 5G is better suited for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
Battery Life
The Redmi 10 5G’s 18W charging is a slight advantage over the A12 Nacho’s 15W charging. While neither is exceptionally fast by today’s standards, the 18W charging will reduce the time to reach a full charge. The actual battery life will depend on usage patterns and the efficiency of the respective chipsets. The Dimensity 700’s 7nm process should contribute to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting any difference in battery capacity (which isn't specified in the provided data).
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho if you prioritize a familiar Android experience with Samsung’s One UI and value brand recognition. It’s a solid choice for basic smartphone tasks and media consumption. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G if you prioritize performance for gaming and multitasking, and want a more modern chipset architecture that delivers better efficiency and 5G speeds. It’s ideal for users who want more from their budget 5G phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Samsung A12 Nacho struggle with demanding games like PUBG?
The Exynos 850 is a capable chip for basic tasks, but it will likely struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG at higher settings. Expect frame drops and potentially noticeable lag. The Redmi 10 5G’s Dimensity 700 offers a significantly better gaming experience due to its more powerful GPU and CPU.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Redmi 10 5G reliable and compatible with all 5G networks?
The Redmi 10 5G supports a wide range of 5G bands, but compatibility will depend on your carrier and region. It’s crucial to check with your carrier to ensure the phone supports the specific 5G frequencies they use. The Dimensity 700 chipset includes an integrated 5G modem known for its reliable performance.
❓ How does Xiaomi’s MIUI software compare to Samsung’s One UI in terms of bloatware and updates?
MIUI is known for being feature-rich but often comes with pre-installed apps (bloatware). Samsung’s One UI generally offers a cleaner experience with less bloatware. Historically, Samsung has provided more consistent and timely software updates compared to Xiaomi, although Xiaomi has been improving in this area.
