The sub-₹10,000 (approximately $120 USD) smartphone segment in India is fiercely competitive. Both the Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ and the Samsung Galaxy A12 aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches, with Xiaomi prioritizing a slightly more gaming-focused chipset and Samsung opting for a more efficient processor. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and slightly faster charging, the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) emerges as the better choice. Its Exynos 850 chipset, built on a more efficient 8nm process, provides a smoother experience for everyday tasks and better long-term thermal management, despite the Redmi 9 Activ's gaming-centric branding.
| 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, 8, 40, 41 | 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 / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 24 | 2021, August 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 24 | Available. Released 2021, August 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Purple | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | - | SM-A127F, SM-A127F/DS |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | 0.51 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) | 0.79 W/kg (head) |
Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ
- Potentially slightly better gaming performance in less demanding titles.
- Lower upfront cost (likely).
- Xiaomi’s MIUI offers extensive customization options.
- Less efficient Helio G35 chipset.
- Slower 10W charging.
- Older Cortex-A53 CPU cores.
Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)
- More efficient Exynos 850 chipset (8nm).
- Faster 15W charging.
- Modern Cortex-A55 CPU cores.
- Samsung’s One UI offers a cleaner software experience.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Gaming performance isn’t significantly higher than the Redmi 9 Activ.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. However, the core difference lies in the underlying architecture impacting efficiency. While specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are missing, the Exynos 850’s more efficient manufacturing process likely translates to slightly better power management even during display-intensive tasks. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones relying on budget sensors. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both will struggle in low-light conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of autofocus. Image processing will likely favor Samsung’s typically vibrant and saturated style, while Xiaomi often aims for a more natural look. The Exynos 850’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) may offer slightly better noise reduction capabilities.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Samsung Galaxy A12’s Exynos 850 (8nm) is a clear upgrade over the Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ’s MediaTek Helio G35 (12nm). The 8nm process allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency, meaning the Exynos 850 can sustain higher performance for longer periods without overheating. While both CPUs are octa-core, the Cortex-A55 cores in the Exynos 850 are more modern and efficient than the Cortex-A53 cores in the Helio G35. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The Helio G35’s focus is on providing a baseline gaming experience, but it will struggle with demanding titles.
Battery Life
Both phones offer adequate battery life for a full day of moderate use. The Redmi 9 Activ’s 10W charging is noticeably slower than the Galaxy A12’s 15W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Exynos 850’s superior power efficiency means the Galaxy A12 will likely achieve comparable or even better battery life despite potentially having a similar or slightly smaller battery. The faster charging on the Galaxy A12 is a significant convenience factor.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ if you primarily need a phone for very casual gaming and prioritize a slightly lower upfront cost. Its Helio G35 chipset offers a modest performance boost in some gaming scenarios. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) if you value a more balanced experience with better overall performance, more efficient power consumption, and faster 15W charging, making it ideal for daily use and media consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Galaxy A12 tend to overheat during prolonged use, like gaming?
The Exynos 850 is built on an 8nm process, which is significantly more efficient than the 12nm Helio G35 in the Redmi 9 Activ. This means it generates less heat under load, reducing the likelihood of thermal throttling during gaming or other demanding tasks. While it won't deliver flagship-level gaming performance, it will maintain consistent performance for longer periods.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Unfortunately, the 2MP macro cameras on both the Redmi 9 Activ and Galaxy A12 are largely marketing features. The low resolution and lack of autofocus result in images that are often blurry and lack detail. They are unlikely to provide a significant improvement over using the main camera in standard photo mode.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) handle games like PUBG Mobile at acceptable frame rates?
The Galaxy A12 can run PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low and the frame rate to 30fps for a smooth experience. The Exynos 850 isn't a gaming powerhouse, but it's capable of handling less demanding titles without issue. Expect some occasional frame drops during intense firefights.
❓ Which phone is better for watching videos and streaming content?
The Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) is slightly better suited for video consumption due to the more efficient Exynos 850 chipset. This translates to longer battery life while streaming and potentially less heat buildup. While both phones likely have similar display quality, the smoother performance of the Exynos 850 will contribute to a more enjoyable viewing experience.
