Redmi Note 12 4G on one side, and Galaxy A14 4G on the other: the two new entry-level flagships from Xiaomi and Samsung are available for sale. But, which of these two models deserves your money? Discover our comparison to determine which one is right for you.
Xiaomi has drawn its new Redmi series and which, as usual, comes to offer well-equipped devices with aggressive prices. The giant Samsung for its part unveiled, after its Galaxy S23, its new entry-level models including the Galaxy A14. It does not revolutionize the market, but takes advantage of the brand’s know-how and offers the essentials at a low price.
These two new references are currently on promotion, and seem to be a good deal. But which of the two to choose? We will try to enlighten you in your choice through this comparison by detailing each of the qualities and disadvantages of the two products.
Samsung and Xiaomi smartphones on sale
Smartphones that try to afford a premium look
The materials used on entry-level phones are less noble than others sold more expensively, despite everything the manufacturers generally pay particular attention to the aesthetics of their inexpensive products. The Galaxy A14, for example, partly inherits the design of the S23. The back of the A14 is reminiscent of that of its colleagues, with the sensors visually separated from each other. A minimalist appearance on the back, which is accompanied by very rounded angles and fairly pronounced edges to ensure a good grip in the hand. On Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 12, we find a relatively common, but controlled design, with flat edges and a back that takes fingerprints.
The Samsung Galaxy A14 4G // Source: Titouan Gourlin for Frandroid
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G // Source : Frandroid
For the photo part, the two phones combine three photo sensors. The configuration of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is as follows, a main photo sensor of 50 megapixels, an ultra-wide-angle of 8 Mpx, and a macro sensor of 2 Mpx. A composition similar to its predecessor, but which ignores the depth sensor. Overall, the shots will be good, but not flashy. It is above all the main sensor that does well, even if it risks being quite limited in a darker environment. Regarding the Galaxy A54, it also has a main sensor of 50 Mpx and offers an ultra-wide-angle of 5 Mpx, and a macro sensor of 2 Mpx. Obviously, it’s not the best photophone offered by the South Korean firm, but it provided some good shots, when the light conditions are met.
Still no AMOLED screen on Samsung’s entry-level
On the front, Samsung’s phone does not show modernity with its drop of water in the center of the screen and its fairly pronounced borders; especially on the chin. Difficult to sell these merits, especially when the latter is limited to both an LCD panel in FHD + and a refresh rate of 60 Hz. An altogether classic screen, which will have trouble standing out against the Redmi Note 12 from Xiaomi. For its entry-level, the Chinese firm equips it with a 6.67-inch AMOLED screen with Full HD+ definition (2,400×1,080) and a refresh rate of 120 Hz for optimal fluidity. There is no photo, the Redmi Note 12 offers a better visual experience, also thanks to its more refined borders.
Both smartphones natively take advantage of Android 13, but with a different overlay: one with the MIUI 14 interface and the other with the OneUI 5 interface. We had the opportunity to test the Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus 5G, which also comes with MUI14, but with Android 12. The classic Note 12 therefore has the advantage of being ahead of its big brother. Overall, the interface is fluid, pleasant, and gives access to many options and customizations. As for the Galaxy A14, it will benefit from the same functionalities as on the high-end devices of the Korean firm, but at a much more affordable price. The interface One UI 5 ensures good fluidity in animations. In addition, this smartphone will last a long time, since it benefits from 4 years of software updates.
Effective for everyday use
The South Korean firm turns to MediaTek to run its phone, while the Chinese giant chooses to trust Qualcomm. To go into more detail, the Galaxy A14 4G relies on the Helio G70 chip, coupled with 4 GB of RAM. The SoC is obviously not cut out for gaming, but the smartphone will be relatively fluid on a daily basis when performing simple tasks. Otherwise, if you feel limited by the 64GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot is on hand to expand storage up to 1TB.
The Redmi Note 12 4G integrates the Snapdragon 685 chip associated with 4 GB of RAM. This provides a fairly fluid user experience. For navigation, music, small games, social networks or even consumption of content, the smartphone will not encounter any problem, except for running greedy 3D games. This smartphone is not designed to support such experiences.
Two enduring smartphones, one of which fills up faster
Whether on the Redmi Note 12 or the Galaxy A14, there is a 5,000 mAh battery inside. A fairly generous battery, which allows the phone to last a day and a half, or even two days in moderate use. In the context of more intensive use, the battery may well require a short pit stop from time to time during the day.
And that’s where Xiaomi takes over again, with higher charging power than its rival. The Redmi Note 12 4G is the worst off in its range, and yet with its 33 W, this entry-level smartphone does better than some more expensive competitors. It only takes about thirty minutes to recover half the energy, which is appreciable in this price bracket. On the other hand, if Samsung offers a so-called “fast” charge, that of the Galaxy A14 4G amounts to only 15 W.
Samsung or Xiaomi? Which of his two smartphones to choose?
After having detailed the qualities and the defects of its phones, it is time to take stock to help you in your choice.
The result is undoubtedly the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 scores a lot more against its Korean rival. It is the proud representative of the entry-level segment and offers a polished experience. Its design will suit most of you in terms of handling, as will its honorable performance cut for classic uses. We find the comfort of the 120 Hz OLED screen of very good quality, and a pleasant interface to use. The fast charge, here of 33 W, is a real advantage compared to what is done at this price and offers a little more comfort on a daily basis (especially since the charger is provided).
Where to buy The
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G at the best price?
For the Galaxy A14, its screen offers the bare minimum and the performance does not place it in the most efficient of affordable smartphones. Nevertheless, at this price, the Samsung Galaxy A14 4G has a few tricks up its sleeve to seduce more than one. If you are looking for a phone that is durable, aesthetically neat and competent to run your applications – at least the less demanding ones – all at a low price, this device seems like a good investment. Not to mention a software interface that is still just as pleasant, close to that of the brand’s high-end devices, with 2 years of Android updates and 4 years of security updates.
Where to buy The
Samsung Galaxy A14 4G at the best price?
If the phone from Xiaomi or the Samsung brand has not convinced you, there are other models on the same price bracket. To discover them, we invite you to consult now our guide to the best smartphones under 300 euros in 2023.
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