The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Samsung Galaxy M23 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 are two strong contenders. Both offer compelling features at attractive price points, but which one truly delivers the best overall experience? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 edges out the Samsung Galaxy M23 thanks to its superior battery life, faster charging, and brighter display. While the M23 boasts a slightly more powerful chipset, the Redmi Note 12's overall package provides better value for most users.
| 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, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA | 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 | 2022, March 04 | 2022, October 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 08 | Available. Released 2023, January 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.5 x 77 x 8.4 mm (6.52 x 3.03 x 0.33 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 | 198 g (6.98 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 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 120Hz | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 | Android 12, MIUI 14 (International), MIUI 13 (India) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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 | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@480fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio, recording | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | Virtual Proximity Sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 25W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 22 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Deep Green, Light Blue, Orange Copper | Frosted Green, Matte Black, Mystique Blue |
| Models | SM-M236B, SM-M236B/DS, SM-M236L | 22111317I, 22111317G |
| Price | £ 195.34 | € 151.99 / $ 219.99 / ₹ 11,999 |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.78 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) | 0.68 W/kg (head) 0.91 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 101h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.0 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 360745 (v9)
GeekBench: 1998 (v5.1), 2017 (v6) |
Samsung Galaxy M23
- Slightly more powerful chipset
- Samsung's One UI
- Good overall build quality
- Shorter battery life
- Slower charging
- Less bright display
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Exceptional battery life
- Fast charging (33W)
- Brighter display
- Excellent value
- Less powerful chipset
- Xiaomi's MIUI (can be polarizing)
- Plastic build
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 12 takes the display crown with a measured peak brightness of 706 nits, offering better visibility in sunlight. Its infinite contrast ratio (nominal) suggests deep blacks and vibrant colors. The M23's display is likely good, but lacks the same level of brightness and contrast. Both likely feature FHD+ resolution.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely comparable, with both phones offering decent image quality in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance may be a differentiator, but detailed testing is needed. Both phones likely feature a main camera, ultrawide, and macro lens setup.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy M23's Snapdragon 750G chipset provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Redmi Note 12's Snapdragon 4 Gen 1. Expect smoother multitasking and better gaming performance on the M23, although the Note 12 is still capable for everyday tasks.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 12 shines in the battery department, boasting an impressive endurance rating of 101 hours and active use lasting 10 hours and 58 minutes. The M23's battery life is respectable, but falls short of the Note 12's longevity.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy M23? Users prioritizing a slightly faster processor for gaming or demanding apps. Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12? Those seeking exceptional battery life, quick charging, and a vibrant display for media consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy M23's Snapdragon 750G chipset offers better gaming performance than the Redmi Note 12's Snapdragon 4 Gen 1.
❓ How long does it take to charge each phone?
The Redmi Note 12 charges faster with its 33W charging, reaching 50% in 22 minutes, compared to the M23's 25W charging.
❓ Which phone has a better camera?
Both phones offer decent camera performance, but a detailed comparison would require extensive testing. Initial impressions suggest similar quality in good lighting.
❓ Which phone offers better value for money?
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 generally offers better value due to its superior battery life, faster charging, and brighter display, all at a competitive price.
