The Samsung Galaxy F16 and Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive sub-$200 5G smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential features and connectivity at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The F16 leverages Mediatek's Dimensity 6300, while the Redmi 12 5G opts for Qualcomm's Snapdragon 4 Gen 2. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and potentially better long-term software support, the Samsung Galaxy F16 emerges as the stronger choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6300, built on a 6nm process, offers a slight edge in CPU performance and potentially better thermal management compared to the Redmi 12 5G's Snapdragon 4 Gen 2.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 | 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, March 11 | 2023, August 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, March 13 | Available. Released 2023, August 04 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass), plastic frame, glass back (Gorilla Glass) |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.9 mm (6.47 x 3.07 x 0.31 in) | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm (6.64 x 3.00 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 550 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 613 |
| OS | Android 15, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, HyperOS 2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Unspecified |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C |
| 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 25W wired | 18W wired, PD |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Bling Black, Vibing Blue, Glam Green | Jade Black, Pastel Blue, Moonstone Silver |
| Models | SM-E166P, SM-E166P/DS | 23076RN4BI, 23076RN8DY, 2AFZZRN8DY |
| Price | ₹ 13,300 | € 104.09 / ₹ 15,999 |
| SAR | 1.08 W/kg (head) | 1.09 W/kg (head) 0.88 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.99 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) | 0.98 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy F16
- Potentially better CPU performance with Dimensity 6300
- 6nm process may offer better thermal management
- Samsung's software support is generally longer-lasting
- Slower charging speed (25W vs 18W)
- No PD support for charging
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G
- Faster charging with 18W and Power Delivery (PD)
- Qualcomm ISP may offer better image processing
- Xiaomi often offers more features for the price
- Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 may exhibit more throttling under sustained load
- Xiaomi's MIUI can be bloated with pre-installed apps
Display Comparison
Neither Samsung nor Xiaomi provide display specs beyond the basic resolution. However, the choice of panel technology and refresh rate will be crucial. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels. The absence of LTPO technology suggests neither phone will offer adaptive refresh rates. Bezels are expected to be similar, typical of this segment. Color accuracy will likely be standard, leaning towards vibrant but not necessarily color-accurate for professional use.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, both phones likely feature a primary camera around the 50MP mark, with supporting lenses of lower resolution. The Redmi 12 5G may benefit from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP), known for its computational photography capabilities. The Samsung Galaxy F16 will rely on Mediatek’s ISP. The aperture size of the main sensor will be a key factor; a wider aperture (lower f-number) will allow for better low-light performance. The inclusion of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device would be a significant advantage, but is unlikely at this price point. The 2MP macro cameras often found on these devices offer limited practical value.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy F16’s Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6nm) features a 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 configuration. The Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm) uses a 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 and 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55 setup. While the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 boasts a more efficient 4nm process, the Cortex-A76 cores in the Dimensity 6300 generally offer higher single-core performance. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother overall responsiveness. The 6nm process of the Dimensity 6300 also suggests better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during extended gaming sessions. Both phones likely utilize LPDDR4X RAM, limiting memory bandwidth.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified, but both phones likely house batteries in the 5000mAh range. The key difference is charging speed: the Galaxy F16 supports 25W wired charging, while the Redmi 12 5G offers 18W wired charging with Power Delivery (PD). PD support on the Redmi 12 5G allows for compatibility with a wider range of chargers. While 25W is faster, the efficiency of the charging circuitry and software optimization will determine real-world 0-100% charging times. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2’s 4nm process may contribute to slightly better battery life during light usage, but the Dimensity 6300’s potentially better thermal management could lead to more consistent performance over time.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy F16 if you need a phone capable of handling moderately demanding tasks and appreciate a potentially smoother user experience, especially with multitasking. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G if you prioritize faster charging with PD support and prefer a brand known for its aggressive pricing and feature-packed software, even if it comes with some bloatware.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 6300 in the Galaxy F16 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 6300's 6nm process is designed for improved thermal efficiency compared to older chipsets. While it may get warm during extended gaming, it's less likely to experience significant throttling than the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, which, while on a smaller node, has a less powerful core configuration.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Redmi 12 5G significantly slower than the 25W charging on the Galaxy F16 in real-world use?
While 25W is theoretically faster, the difference in charging times may not be dramatic. The Redmi 12 5G's Power Delivery (PD) support allows it to utilize a wider range of chargers efficiently, potentially mitigating the slower wattage. Software optimization also plays a crucial role.
❓ How does Xiaomi's MIUI software compare to Samsung's One UI in terms of bloatware and updates?
MIUI is known for including a significant amount of pre-installed apps (bloatware), while Samsung's One UI is generally cleaner. Samsung also has a better track record of providing timely software updates and security patches compared to Xiaomi, offering potentially longer-term software support.
