The sub-₹10,000 (approximately $120 USD) smartphone segment is fiercely competitive. Both the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India variant) and the Xiaomi Redmi 9AT aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dissects those differences and determines which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) is the better choice. Its Exynos 850 chipset, built on an 8nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Redmi 9AT’s Helio G25, and the 15W charging is a welcome addition. While the Redmi 9AT is cheaper, the performance trade-off is significant.
| 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, 20, 28, 38, 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 | 2020, September 09. Released 2020, September 09 | 2021, August 12 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, August 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.03 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 (~81.1% 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 (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (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 | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| 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 | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 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 | 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 Gray, Sky Blue, Ocean Green | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | M2006C3LVG | SM-A127F, SM-A127F/DS |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | 0.87 W/kg (head) 1.01 W/kg (body) | 0.79 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | 0.78 W/kg (head) 1.03 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Redmi 9AT
- More powerful Exynos 850 chipset
- Faster 15W charging
- Potentially better camera performance
- Slightly higher price
- May have more bloatware
Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)
- Lower price point
- Potentially longer battery life (due to less powerful chip)
- Simple and straightforward software experience
- Significantly weaker performance
- Slower 10W charging
- Less responsive user interface
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. However, the core difference lies in the processing power driving them. The A12’s Exynos 850, being a more capable SoC, can potentially handle more complex display tasks, like smoother animations. While specific brightness nits aren't provided, Samsung generally calibrates its displays for acceptable outdoor visibility, a potential advantage over the Redmi 9AT. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a primary camera as the main selling point, but image quality will vary. Without specific sensor size data, we can infer that the A12 likely has a larger sensor, given Samsung’s tendency to prioritize camera performance even in budget devices. The Exynos 850’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is also more advanced than the Helio G25’s, enabling better noise reduction and dynamic range. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing gimmick; its utility is limited due to the low resolution and lack of autofocus. Focusing on the main sensor’s performance, the A12 is expected to deliver more detailed and vibrant photos, especially in good lighting conditions.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Samsung Galaxy A12’s Exynos 850, fabricated on an 8nm process, is demonstrably more efficient and powerful than the Redmi 9AT’s MediaTek Helio G25 (12nm). The Exynos 850 utilizes Cortex-A55 cores across all eight threads, offering improved IPC (Instructions Per Clock) compared to the mix of A53 cores in the Helio G25. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience. While both CPUs peak at 2.0 GHz, the architectural improvements in the Exynos chip are crucial. The 8nm process also contributes to better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during sustained loads. Gaming, even at lower settings, will be noticeably better on the A12.
Battery Life
While the Redmi 9AT’s battery capacity isn’t specified, it’s likely around 5000mAh, a common size for this price range. The Galaxy A12 also likely features a similar capacity. However, the A12’s 15W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Redmi 9AT’s 10W charging. This means the A12 will charge considerably faster, reducing downtime. The more efficient Exynos 850 also contributes to better battery life, as it consumes less power during typical usage. The combination of faster charging and improved efficiency makes the A12 the clear winner in this category.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9AT if your primary need is an extremely affordable smartphone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use, and you prioritize absolute minimum cost. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) if you value smoother multitasking, slightly better gaming performance, and faster charging, even if it means spending a bit more. The A12 is better suited for users who want a phone that can handle more than just the essentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Galaxy A12 (India) get hot during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 850 isn't a flagship chip, its 8nm process and efficient design mean it manages heat reasonably well. You may experience some warming during extended gaming, but it's unlikely to cause significant throttling or discomfort. The Redmi 9AT’s Helio G25, while less powerful, may also heat up due to its less efficient 12nm process.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
Generally, no. 2MP macro cameras on budget phones suffer from poor image quality due to the low resolution and lack of autofocus. Images will likely appear soft and lack detail. They are primarily included as a marketing feature rather than a genuinely useful camera function. Focus on the main camera for better results.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) handle games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Galaxy A12 can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you'll need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low and potentially reduce the frame rate to achieve a playable experience. The Helio G25 in the Redmi 9AT will struggle significantly with these titles, even on the lowest settings.
❓ Which phone is better for watching videos on YouTube or streaming movies?
The Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) is the better choice for video consumption. The more powerful Exynos 850 will provide smoother playback and potentially better color reproduction. While both phones have similar screen resolutions, the A12’s processing power will ensure a more enjoyable viewing experience.
