The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for your money. Two contenders vying for your attention are the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. Both promise a lot, but which one delivers the best overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12 edges out the A14 5G thanks to its faster charging, brighter display, and generally smoother performance. However, the A14 5G boasts exceptional battery life and a potentially more reliable software experience, making it a strong contender for those prioritizing longevity.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 2, 5, 66, 77 Sub6/mmWave - USA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - India | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 04 | 2022, October 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 12 | Available. Released 2023, January 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm (6.53 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 202 g (7.13 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD, 90Hz | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - SM-A146BOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - SM-A146P | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Exynos 1330 (5 nm) - SM-A146BMediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) - SM-A146P | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MP2 - SM-A146BMali-G57 MC2 - SM-A146P | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI Core 7 | Android 12, MIUI 14 (International), MIUI 13 (India) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - USA onlymicroSDXC (dedicated slot) - International | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0" |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio (Exynos 1330 chipset only), recording | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer (USA only) | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 22 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Light Green, Dark Red, Silver | Frosted Green, Matte Black, Mystique Blue |
| Models | SM-A146B, SM-A146B/DS, SM-A146P, SM-A146P/DS, SM-A146U, SM-A146U1, SM-A146U1/DS, SM-A146W, SM-A146P/N, SM-A146P/DSN, SM-S146VL, SM-A146M | 22111317I, 22111317G |
| Price | $ 77.63 / C$ 151.00 / £ 97.00 / € 159.79 / ₹ 14,990 | € 151.99 / $ 219.99 / ₹ 11,999 |
| SAR | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.56 W/kg (head) 1.28 W/kg (body) | 0.68 W/kg (head) 0.91 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 130h
|
Endurance rating 101h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1334:1 (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-26.8 LUFS (Good)
|
-28.0 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 307886 (v9)
GeekBench: 1727 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 360745 (v9)
GeekBench: 1998 (v5.1), 2017 (v6) |
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
- Exceptional battery life
- Samsung's One UI
- 5G connectivity
- Potentially more reliable software updates
- Lower peak brightness
- Potentially slower performance (depending on chipset)
- Slower charging speed
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Faster charging (33W)
- Brighter display
- Generally smoother performance
- Potentially better camera
- Shorter battery life compared to A14 5G
- Xiaomi's MIUI can be divisive
- Software update reliability can be a concern
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 12 takes the display crown with a measured peak brightness of 706 nits, significantly higher than the A14 5G's 519 nits. While both offer excellent contrast ratios (1334:1 for A14 5G and 'Infinite' for Redmi Note 12), the Redmi Note 12's brightness makes it more usable outdoors. The Redmi Note 12 also likely has a higher resolution panel, contributing to a sharper image.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is subjective and requires more detailed testing. Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but specific sensor details and image processing algorithms are crucial. Based on general expectations, the Redmi Note 12 might offer slightly better image quality due to potentially better hardware, but Samsung's image processing could provide a different aesthetic. Low-light performance is a key area to consider.
Performance
The Redmi Note 12's Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset generally offers better performance than either of the A14 5G's chipsets (Exynos 1330 or Dimensity 700). While both phones are capable of handling everyday tasks, the Redmi Note 12 will feel snappier and more responsive, especially when multitasking or playing less demanding games. The A14 5G's performance will vary depending on the chipset variant.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G shines in battery life, boasting an impressive endurance rating of 130 hours. The Redmi Note 12's endurance rating is 101 hours, still respectable but significantly lower. However, the Redmi Note 12's 33W charging offers a much faster charging experience, potentially offsetting the difference in battery capacity.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is ideal for users who prioritize battery life above all else and appreciate Samsung's One UI. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is a better choice for those seeking faster charging, a brighter screen, and a slightly more powerful processor for everyday tasks and light gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G has significantly better battery life with an endurance rating of 130 hours compared to the Redmi Note 12's 101 hours.
❓ Is the Redmi Note 12 worth the extra cost?
If you prioritize faster charging, a brighter display, and smoother performance, the Redmi Note 12 is likely worth the extra cost. However, if battery life is your top concern, the A14 5G remains a compelling option.
