Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Samsung Galaxy M04 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 emerges as the winner thanks to its significantly more powerful Helio G85 chipset, offering noticeably better performance for gaming and everyday tasks. While the M04 has a slightly faster charging speed, the Redmi 12C's overall package is more compelling.
| 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, December 10 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, December 16 | 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 (4x2.35 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 | 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 | 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 | 15W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sea Glass Green, Shadow Blue | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | SM-M045F, SM-M045F/DS | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | About 100 EUR | £ 132.99 / € 107.41 |
| SAR | 0.38 W/kg (head) | 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 M04
- Familiar Samsung UI
- Slightly faster charging (15W)
- Decent display
- Weaker processor
- Lower resolution camera
- Can feel sluggish
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- More powerful processor (Helio G85)
- Better camera system (50MP main)
- Smoother performance
- Ultrawide lens
- Slower charging (10W)
- Xiaomi's MIUI can be polarizing
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.5-inch HD+ displays, offering decent viewing angles for media consumption. However, the Redmi 12C's display might have slightly better color accuracy. The M04's display is generally considered adequate, but not exceptional.
Camera Comparison
The M04 typically features a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor, while the Redmi 12C boasts a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. The Redmi 12C's higher resolution main sensor and ultrawide lens generally result in better image quality, especially in well-lit conditions. Low-light performance is comparable on both.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 12C truly shines. The Helio G85 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the M04's Helio P35. Expect smoother app launches, faster multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience on the Redmi 12C. The M04 can feel sluggish at times, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. However, the M04 supports 15W charging, while the Redmi 12C is limited to 10W. This means the M04 will charge slightly faster, but the difference isn't massive.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy M04? Users prioritizing a familiar Samsung interface and slightly faster charging. Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C? Those seeking better performance and a smoother user experience, especially for light gaming and multitasking.
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 Galaxy M04 have 5G?
No, neither the Samsung Galaxy M04 nor the Xiaomi Redmi 12C support 5G connectivity. They are both 4G LTE devices.
❓ Which phone has a better user interface?
This is subjective. Samsung's One UI is generally considered more polished, while Xiaomi's MIUI offers more customization options, but can sometimes feel cluttered.
