Samsung Galaxy A54 vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro: A Comprehensive Mid-Range Smartphone Showdown

Daven Klarsen September 14, 2023

While both, Samsung’s Galaxy A54 and Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 12 Pro come packed with an impressive array of features, they each bring their own unique strengths to the table. In this comprehensive review, we’ll leave no stone unturned, meticulously examining every facet of these smartphones. Our mission? To equip you with the insights needed to discern which of these remarkable devices aligns best with your specific needs and preferences.

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Buy Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro – Buy Samsung Galaxy A54

Design Differences:

Let’s kick things off with the design of these smartphones. Samsung’s Galaxy A54 marks a return to form for the Galaxy A50 series, following the success of the A52s and a somewhat underwhelming A53. On the other hand, the Redmi Note 12 Pro, true to Xiaomi’s Redmi lineup, packs solid specifications at an attractive price point.

In terms of design, both phones sport a fairly straightforward approach with flat backs and plastic frames. However, there’s a subtle distinction between them – the Galaxy A54 features a rounded frame, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro opts for a flat one. The Redmi is slightly lighter in hand but taller due to its larger screen.

Screen Specs, Quality, and Features:

The screen size is a noticeable difference between these two devices, with the Redmi Note 12 Pro boasting a larger 6.67-inch display compared to the Galaxy A54’s 6.4 inches. This larger screen can be an advantage for those who value a bigger canvas for multimedia consumption and productivity tasks.

Moreover, the Redmi Note 12 Pro goes a step further by offering Dolby Vision support in addition to HDR10 Plus, which is available on both phones. These displays are crisp 120Hz OLED panels with good brightness levels, ensuring an immersive visual experience.

Waterproofing and Audio:

When it comes to durability, the Galaxy A54 takes the lead with its higher level of Ingress Protection (IP67) against water submersion, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro offers IP53-rated splash-proofing.

Additionally, the Redmi Note 12 Pro scores points with its inclusion of a headphone jack, which means you won’t need an adapter to use traditional headphones. Both phones feature stereo speakers, but the A54 seems to offer a more balanced sound profile.

Fingerprint Readers and Additional Features:

In the realm of biometric security, the Redmi Note 12 Pro opts for a side-mounted fingerprint reader embedded into the power button, whereas the Galaxy A54 features an optical under-display fingerprint sensor. Your preference for the placement of the fingerprint sensor might influence your choice.

The Redmi Note 12 Pro further distinguishes itself with an IR blaster, allowing you to control appliances remotely. On the other hand, the Galaxy A54 counters with a microSD slot, enabling expandable storage – a feature many users value.

Operating System and UI:

Both phones come with different user interfaces on top of the Android core. The Galaxy A54 runs on Samsung’s One UI over Android 13, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro features Android 12 with Xiaomi’s MIUI skin. These UIs offer distinct organizational and aesthetic elements.

However, Samsung gains a clear advantage in terms of software support, promising four more OS updates compared to Xiaomi’s commitment of just two. This longer software support not only ensures longevity but also more timely security updates, making the Galaxy A54 a safer choice in the long run.

Chipset and Hardware:

Under the hood, both phones are powered by Qualcomm chipsets. The Galaxy A54 is equipped with an Exynos 1380 chip, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro houses a MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chipset. Both chipsets offer 5G capabilities, with the Galaxy outperforming the Redmi by 10 to 20% in CPU and GPU benchmarks. However, it’s important to note that neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, but they handle everyday tasks with ease.

Battery Life and Charging:

Both phones are equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, but the Galaxy A54 manages to squeeze out better battery life. It scored an impressive endurance rating of 119 hours in our tests, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro trailed slightly behind with 97 hours of endurance.

However, the Redmi Note 12 Pro strikes back with faster charging capabilities, supporting 67W charging with the included adapter, while the Galaxy offers 25W charging without an adapter. In half an hour, the Redmi can charge from 0 to 78%, while the Galaxy goes from 0 to 56%.

Camera Specifications, Photo, and Video Quality:

Let’s shift our focus to the cameras, where both phones offer compelling options. The Galaxy A54 boasts a 50-megapixel main camera, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 5-megapixel macro camera. In contrast, the Redmi Note 12 Pro features a 50-megapixel main camera, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide shooter, and a 2-megapixel macro lens.

While these differences might seem minor, the Galaxy A54 appears to be tailored more towards camera enthusiasts. It consistently edges out the Redmi Note 12 Pro in camera performance, including better photo and video quality. Both phones support 4K video recording, but neither provides electronic stabilization at this resolution. If stabilization is a priority, recording in 1080p would be your best bet.

Selfie Camera Quality:

When it comes to selfie camera quality, the Galaxy A54 stands out with its 32-megapixel front-facing camera, delivering crisp and detailed selfies. In contrast, the Redmi Note 12 Pro’s 16-megapixel selfie camera produces likable but less detailed shots. Moreover, the Galaxy can record 4K selfie videos, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro is limited to 1080p recording with the front camera.

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Buy Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro – Buy Samsung Galaxy A54

Conclusion:

After a thorough examination of the Samsung Galaxy A54 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro, it’s clear that both devices have their strengths and weaknesses. On one hand, the Galaxy A54 offers better Ingress Protection, longer battery life, expandable storage, and more extended software support. Its camera performance, especially in selfie mode, also stands out.

On the other hand, the Redmi Note 12 Pro shines with its larger screen, a headphone jack, and an IR blaster for added convenience. The inclusion of faster charging and a more budget-friendly price tag makes it an enticing option for those looking to save some cash.

In the end, the choice between these two smartphones may come down to your specific needs and priorities. The Galaxy A54 appears to be a more well-rounded device, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro offers excellent value for money. Whichever one you pick, rest assured that you’re getting a competitive mid-range smartphone.

Pros and Cons: