When it comes to budget smartphones, two models that often rise to the top of the conversation are the Redmi 9A and the Samsung Galaxy A12. Both of these phones offer excellent value for money, boasting impressive features at affordable prices. But which one truly offers the best deal for savvy consumers in Australia and UAE? In this article, we’ll dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Redmi 9A and Samsung Galaxy A12, looking at everything from specifications and performance to pricing and user experience. We’ll also explore how these devices stack up in terms of value for money, making it easier for you to decide which one is the right choice for your needs.

Redmi 9A Overview

The Redmi 9A, manufactured by Xiaomi, is a budget-friendly smartphone that punches well above its weight. Launched in 2020, this phone is designed to give users a premium experience without the steep price tag. With a massive 5000mAh battery, a decent 6.53-inch display, and a 13 MP rear camera, it’s clear that the Redmi 9A was made with value in mind.

Despite being an entry-level device, the Redmi 9A offers a solid set of features that make it a top contender in the budget smartphone market. Its lightweight design and large screen are among the standout features, making it ideal for media consumption, basic gaming, and daily tasks.

Key Specs of the Redmi 9A:

  • Display: 6.53-inch HD+ IPS LCD (1600 x 720 pixels)

  • Processor: MediaTek Helio G25

  • RAM: 2GB / 3GB

  • Storage: 32GB (expandable via microSD)

  • Camera: 13 MP rear, 5 MP front camera

  • Battery: 5000mAh

  • Operating System: MIUI 12 (based on Android 10)

 

 

Samsung Galaxy A12 Overview

The Samsung Galaxy A12 is another highly regarded budget smartphone that aims to strike a balance between affordability and performance. Launched in 2021, the A12 comes with 4GB to 6GB of RAM, a larger display than the Redmi 9A, and multiple cameras for enhanced photography capabilities. The Samsung Galaxy A12 targets users looking for a well-rounded phone with better camera quality, a larger display, and a sleek design.

For Australians, the Galaxy A12 offers one of the best budget Android options, and Samsung’s reputation for quality and durability gives it an edge over some competitors in this price range. However, the price point is slightly higher than the Redmi 9A, so it’s important to weigh up the extra features against the extra cost.

Key Specs of the Samsung Galaxy A12:

  • Display: 6.5-inch PLS TFT (2400 x 1080 pixels)

  • Processor: MediaTek Helio P35

  • RAM: 4GB / 6GB

  • Storage: 64GB / 128GB (expandable via microSD)

  • Camera: 48 MP quad-camera setup (48 MP main, 5 MP ultra-wide, 2 MP macro, 2 MP depth), 8 MP front camera

  • Battery: 5000mAh

  • Operating System: One UI 3.1 (based on Android 10)

 

 

Redmi 9A vs Samsung Galaxy A12: Display and Design

Redmi 9A Display:

The Redmi 9A comes with a 6.53-inch HD+ IPS LCD display. While it’s not the sharpest or most vibrant display available, it still delivers a decent viewing experience for most everyday tasks. The HD+ resolution (1600 x 720 pixels) is perfect for casual media consumption like watching videos or scrolling through social media. However, with a lower pixel density compared to more expensive devices, the screen may appear a bit pixelated when viewing high-definition content.

Samsung Galaxy A12 Display:

On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy A12 offers a 6.5-inch PLS TFT display with a Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels). This higher resolution provides a crisper image with more detail than the Redmi 9A. While it’s still not an AMOLED panel, Samsung’s PLS TFT technology delivers bright and vibrant colours, making it a solid option for users who enjoy watching media and playing games. If you're looking for a better display, the Galaxy A12 holds an edge here.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy A12 – The Full HD+ display is superior to the HD+ screen of the Redmi 9A.

 

 

Performance: Redmi 9A vs Samsung Galaxy A12

Redmi 9A Performance:

The Redmi 9A is powered by the MediaTek Helio G25 chipset, which is designed for basic tasks like web browsing, social media, and light gaming. With 2GB or 3GB of RAM, the Redmi 9A performs well in day-to-day use, but it can struggle with heavy multitasking or running more demanding apps. Gaming on the device is possible, but expect lower settings for smoother performance.

Samsung Galaxy A12 Performance:

The Samsung Galaxy A12 is equipped with the MediaTek Helio P35 processor, which is a slightly more powerful chip compared to the G25. The A12 is available with 4GB or 6GB of RAM, which translates to better multitasking and smoother performance when running multiple apps at once. Casual gaming works well on the Galaxy A12, though intensive gaming will still push the limits of the hardware. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A12 is more future-proof and offers a better overall performance than the Redmi 9A.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy A12 – The higher RAM options and better chipset make the A12 a better choice for performance.

 

 

Camera: Redmi 9A vs Samsung Galaxy A12

Redmi 9A Camera:

The Redmi 9A comes with a 13 MP rear camera and a 5 MP front-facing camera. While the camera is serviceable, it falls behind when compared to higher-end smartphones. Photos are decent in good lighting but can struggle in low-light conditions. The 5 MP front camera offers basic selfies, but the lack of a secondary lens means you miss out on features like portrait mode or ultra-wide shots.

Samsung Galaxy A12 Camera:

The Samsung Galaxy A12 offers a quad-camera setup: a 48 MP main sensor, 5 MP ultra-wide, 2 MP macro, and 2 MP depth sensor. This camera array allows for more versatility, enabling users to shoot everything from wide-angle landscapes to macro close-ups. The 48 MP main sensor takes much better shots, especially in low-light conditions, and the 8 MP front camera delivers clearer and more detailed selfies than the Redmi 9A.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy A12 – The quad-camera setup and better main sensor make the A12 a much more capable device for photography.

 

 

Battery Life: Redmi 9A vs Samsung Galaxy A12

Both phones come with a massive 5000mAh battery, ensuring that they can last through an entire day of use. The Redmi 9A’s optimized MIUI software and power-efficient processor help conserve energy, providing a long-lasting battery life for light users.

The Samsung Galaxy A12, with its PLS TFT display and larger resolution screen, consumes more power, but the 5000mAh battery ensures it still lasts a full day for moderate users. Both phones support 10W charging, so charging speeds are on the slower side, with around 2.5-3 hours to reach a full charge.

Winner: Tie – Both phones offer excellent battery life and last a full day on moderate use.

 

 

Pricing & Value: Redmi 9A vs Samsung Galaxy A12

When it comes to pricing, the Redmi 9A is clearly the more affordable option. In UAE, the Redmi 9A starts at approximately AED 299, while the Samsung Galaxy A12 starts at AED 649 for the base model.

Redmi 9A provides excellent value for price-conscious shoppers, offering a solid experience without breaking the bank. However, if you’re willing to spend a bit more for extra features like a better camera system, a larger display, and better performance, the Samsung Galaxy A12 is a worthwhile upgrade.

Winner: Redmi 9A – Better value for money for those who want a budget device with solid features.

 

 

Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?

Both the Redmi 9A and Samsung Galaxy A12 offer great value for money, but your decision depends on your specific needs:

  • If you’re looking for a super-affordable smartphone that covers basic needs with solid performance, the Redmi 9A is a fantastic choice. It’s a budget-friendly device that provides reliable performance for day-to-day tasks.

  • If you’re willing to spend a bit more for better performance, a superior camera setup, and a better display, then the Samsung Galaxy A12 is the more premium choice in the budget category.

For those in UAE, the Redmi 9A offers better value for money, but if camera quality and a higher-resolution display are your top priorities, the Samsung Galaxy A12 takes the lead.

No matter which phone you choose, be sure to check out WiseMarket UAE for the best prices, promotions, and payment plans available for both devices!