Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely compromise on features? The Xiaomi Redmi 12C and Samsung Galaxy A04 are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C takes the crown. Its significantly more powerful Helio G85 chipset delivers noticeably better performance for gaming and everyday tasks compared to the Galaxy A04's Helio P35. While both offer decent value, the Redmi 12C provides a smoother experience.
| 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 - International | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, December 31 | 2022, August 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 01 | Available. Released 2022, October 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 168.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 164.4 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, One UI Core 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) | 50 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.51", 0.7µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple | Black, Green, White, Copper |
| Models | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L | SM-A045F, SM-A045F/DS, SM-A045M |
| Price | £ 132.99 / € 107.41 | About 70 EUR |
| SAR | 1.08 W/kg (head) 0.64 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) | 0.32 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- More powerful chipset (Helio G85)
- Better gaming performance
- Often a higher resolution display
- Versatile camera system
- Slower charging (10W)
- MIUI can be a bit cluttered
- Build quality is mostly plastic
Samsung Galaxy A04
- Samsung brand recognition
- Slightly larger screen (potentially)
- Clean and simple One UI interface
- Weaker chipset (Helio P35)
- Slower performance
- Less versatile camera
- Slow charging (10W)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.71-inch displays, but the Redmi 12C typically has a slightly higher resolution (720 x 1650 vs 720 x 1600) leading to marginally sharper visuals. The Redmi 12C also often boasts a higher refresh rate (60Hz vs 60Hz), though this can vary by region. Color accuracy is generally acceptable on both, but don't expect flagship-level quality.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 12C generally offers a more versatile camera system, often including a higher resolution main sensor (50MP vs 50MP) and potentially additional macro or depth sensors. Image quality is generally good in well-lit conditions on both, but the Redmi 12C tends to produce slightly more detailed and vibrant photos. Low-light performance is adequate on both, but not exceptional.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 12C truly shines. The Helio G85 chipset is considerably more powerful than the Helio P35. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a better gaming experience on the Redmi 12C. The Galaxy A04 can feel sluggish at times, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones typically feature a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life for moderate users. Charging speeds are similar, both limited to 10W wired charging, which is relatively slow by modern standards.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is ideal for users who prioritize performance and gaming on a budget. The Samsung Galaxy A04 is a good option for those who value the Samsung brand, a slightly larger screen, and a more straightforward user experience, even if it means sacrificing some speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones offer similar battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage thanks to their 5000mAh batteries. However, the Redmi 12C's more efficient chipset might give it a slight edge.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A04 worth buying?
The Galaxy A04 is a decent option if you prioritize the Samsung brand and a simple user interface. However, the Redmi 12C offers significantly better performance for a similar price.
