Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 vs. Samsung Galaxy A14 – Which smartphone do we recommend?

Whenever big technology companies announce their new models of super advanced smartphones it seems that the world stops, but the truth is that there is another very important market that we should not ignore, that of the most affordable smartphones. They do not have the most cutting-edge and avant-garde technologies, but they offer a good balance for those who are looking for versatile smartphones and cannot spend that much money. Therefore, today we want to show you a comparison between two of the best-selling cheap smartphones of the moment: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and Samsung Galaxy A14. Small aside: we have chosen the 5G version of the Samsung Galaxy A14, which has some differences compared to the standard version.

It cannot be denied that, if there is a brand that has known how to position itself for its affordable smartphones, it is Xiaomi. However, this does not mean that other major players in the sector, such as Samsung, are less competitive. In fact, the two models we have chosen have one characteristic, and that is that they have practically the same price. This allows us to focus exclusively on its features, and choose the one that has the functionalities most in line with what we are looking for.

In this case, there are some issues in which there are hardly any differences, such as screen size and resolution, battery capacity or the possibility of incorporating a dual SIM. However, there are other aspects in which there are changes. The most important are the processor and the cameras, but they are not the only ones. If you are thinking of buying one of these two smartphones and you are not sure which one to choose, keep reading our article to decide!

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 vs Samsung Galaxy A14 – Comparative table

In the following table, we summarize all the main features of the two smartphones so that you can check, at a glance, which one best suits what you are looking for. Attention!

Let’s compare their designs

The first impression is always important, let’s not fool ourselves. In terms of size, they have very similar dimensions, with the Samsung Galaxy A14 being somewhat larger and about 25 grams heavier. However, they have the same screen size, because the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 barely has a bezel around the screen, but practically takes up the entire space. In the case of the Samsung, the feel is a little less sophisticated because it has a thicker edge. Consequently, they have the same screen resolution, although there is a significant difference in brightness.

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 has twice the maximum brightness, something that is due to it having an AMOLED screen. For its part, the Samsung Galaxy A14 has an Infinity-V screen, with less capacity to emit brightness and, therefore, less ideal for outdoor conditions. This is also influenced by the fact that the Samsung does not have a specified IP index, which is the parameter by which we measure the resistance of smartphones to water and dust. For its part, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 has an IP53 level, so we know that it has good resistance to dust, but not so good to water.

Furthermore, both are available in various colors that you can choose from depending on market availability.

Two different processors

One of the most important differences between the two models we have chosen is the processor they incorporate and, in turn, the operating system they have. In this sense, it is also important to highlight that each version of smartphone has a different processor. That is, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 has a different processor than the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G, for example.

In the case of our two protagonists, we see a Snapdragon 685 processor in the Xiaomi, and a MediaTek Dimensity 700 in the Samsung. In general, both have similar performance, although we like the processing speed of the Mediatek better.

Regarding the operating system, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 has MIUI 14, based on Android 13. The Samsung Galaxy A14 is based on the Android 13 operating system, so they support practically the same applications.

The resolution of the cameras, another differential point

Let’s talk, now, about another of the key components in a smartphone: the cameras. It should be noted that the two smartphones have three rear cameras and one front camera. In the case of the selfie camera, it is the same in both, because in both it has a resolution of 13 MP. On the other hand, there are differences in image quality between the rear cameras, because they have different resolutions . Specifically, the ultra wide angle camera, which is 8 MP on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and 2 MP on the Samsung Galaxy A14. 

In addition to the ultra-wide-angle camera, the two smartphones have a 50 MP main camera and a 2 MP macro camera. But the fact that they have a wide angle of different resolution alters the result of the photos, and we are more convinced by the artistic quality that the Xiaomi achieves.

How long does the battery last on both phones?

It depends on the use we make of it, because, in both cases, they have the same capacity, 5000 mAh. The theory says that they can last up to 2 days; Practice generally shows us that the battery lasts approximately 24 hours. But, in this sense, it is difficult to establish a standard duration, because it varies a lot depending on what applications we use, how many we have open at the same time, how frequently, etc.

What we can compare is the fast charging capacity, present in both phones. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 has a 33-watt fast charging system, compared to 15 watts for the Samsung Galaxy A14. The result is that the Xiaomi mobile takes a little less time to recharge the battery.

The sensors mark another small variation

The name smart mobile is not random, but responds to the multiple capabilities that smartphones have. To achieve this, they integrate a set of sensors that are also worth checking. In cases where the phones we compare are more tied, like this one, they can help tip the balance. For example, we see that both models have a fingerprint unlock sensor, but only the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 also has a facial recognition system. 

Regarding the rest of the sensors, both phones have a proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, gyroscope, accelerometer and compass. In addition, they are compatible with NFC technology for contactless payments, as well as Bluetooth versions 5.0 and 5.2, respectively.

Which cheap smartphone is more interesting?

The decision between these two smartphones depends on what factors are most important to you. The first thing you should keep in mind is that the differences they present are not so important as to make us opt, directly, for one of them. In fact, that is one of the reasons why their price is practically the same, which makes the decision a little more complicated. Therefore, we base ourselves, fundamentally, on the cameras and the processor, which are the elements in which there are the most differences.

On the one hand, we are more convinced by the processor of the Samsung Galaxy A14, because it has a somewhat higher data processing speed (Samsung is difficult to beat on this, friends). However, we like the camera set of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 better, because the support of the 8 MP ultra-wide-angle camera over the 2 MP one is noticeable. In addition, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 has a slightly faster fast charging system.

But, as you see, they are not such significant differences that, yes or yes, we recommend the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. What we advise you is to think about what are the priority aspects for you and which of the two you think satisfies them better . Likewise, he thinks that, since they are very equal, the satisfaction will be similar in both cases.