Samsung Galaxy A12 or Xiaomi Redmi 9: Which to choose in 2026? Full comparison on key parameters

Introduction: Two budget favorites under the magnifying glass

Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy A12 and Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a classic dilemma for a buyer with a budget of up to 15,000 rubles. Both smartphones have been holding positions in the ranking of the best-selling devices in their segment for several years, but their approaches to “budget” are radically different. Samsung is betting on the ecosystem and brand, and Xiaomi is betting on hardware and functionality for the same money.

At first glance, it may seem like two equally weak phones with a plastic body and modest specs. But if you dig deeper, the Galaxy A12 is better off in autonomy and screen, and the Redmi 9 is better off in performance and multimedia capabilities. In this article, we'll break them down into 10 key criteria, including real-world tests, so you can make informed choices without regrets.

It's important to consider that both are released in 2020-2021, so they're not available in the official stores of new ones. However, in the secondary market (Avito, Yula) and in some online retailers, they are still available at a price of 8,000 to 12,000 rubles. Should you buy them today or pay more for more recent models? The answer is in our comparison.

1. Design and Assembly: Plastic vs Plastic, but with nuances

Both smartphones are made of glossy plastic that quickly scratches and collects fingerprints, but the approach to ergonomics is different from the brands.

• 📏 Samsung Galaxy A12 thinner (8.9 mm vs. 9.1 mm in Redmi) and lighter (205 g vs. 198 g), but its side faces are sharper and less convenient for long-term retention.
• 🎨 The Redmi 9 offers more rounded shapes and a matte finish on the back (in some versions) that slides less in the hand.
• 🔒 Both phones have a Micro-USB (yes, 2026 is still the case!) and a 3.5mm audio jack, but only Samsung has a slot for two. SIM-map + MicroSD simultaneously.

The Redmi 9 feels more comfortable in hand, but the Galaxy A12 looks more premium due to the narrow screen bezels.Both devices do not have protection from water and dust (even IP53), so do not recommend using them in the rain or in dusty conditions.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 9 has a back cover back back lift problem - it starts creaking over time when pressed.This is not a defect, but a design feature, but can annoy perfectionists.

2. Screen: AMOLED vs IPS - who won?

Here's the Samsung Galaxy. A12 It is definitely coming out of the way thanks to the 6.5-inch HD+ AMOLED-It's a 90Hz display (in some regions) that's rare in the budget segment! In comparison, the Redmi 9 comes with a 6.53-inch display. IPS-resolution-screen HD+ and standard 60 Hz.

*In the Russian versions of the Galaxy A12, the screen refresh rate is limited to 60 Hz. To turn on 90 Hz, you need to have an international firmware version (SM-A125F).

In practice, the difference is noticeable with the naked eye: AMOLED It gives you richer colors, deep blacks and better readability in the sun, and 90 Hz (if available) makes scrolling smoother. But the Redmi 9 doesn't lag behind in color reproduction because of its good calibration. IPS-Matrix – its screen looks more natural to watch video.

3. Performance: Who is faster in gaming and everyday tasks?

Under the hood, the devices have completely different chipsets:

• 🤖 Samsung Galaxy A12: MediaTek Helio P35 (12 nm, 8 nuclei 2.3 GHz) + 3/4 GB RAM.
• 🤖 Xiaomi Redmi 9: MediaTek Helio G35 (12 nm, 8 nuclei 2.3 GHz) + 3/4 GB RAM.

On paper, they seem the same, but in fact, the Helio G35 is optimized for gaming and performs better in benchmarks:

In real-life tests, Redmi 9 confidently pulls PUBG Mobile on medium settings with rare friezes, while the Galaxy A12 is forced to reduce the graphics to a minimum. In everyday tasks (social networks, YouTube, instant messengers), there is almost no difference, but Xiaomi is better optimized for multitasking thanks to MIUI 12+.

Both phones are warmed up under long loads, but the Redmi 9 has a slight advantage in terms of better heat distribution. If you're planning to play, take Xiaomi. If you want stability to work with apps, it doesn't make a difference.

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To reduce the heat of Redmi 9 games, turn on the performance mode in the settings: Settings → Special features → Optimization for games.

4 Cameras: megapixels vs real quality

On paper, Redmi 9 looks like the winner with four rear cameras (13 MP main + 8 MP ultra-wide angle + 5 MP macro + 2 MP depth), while the Galaxy A12 has only three (48 MP main + 5 MP ultra-wide angle + 2 MP macro / depth).

Main camera: Samsung uses a 48MP sensor with pixel binning up to 12MP, which gives more detailed images in good light. However, Xiaomi's processing algorithms often make photos brighter and juicier, albeit with losses in realism.

Ultra-wide angle:

The Redmi 9 has a wider viewing angle (118° vs. 123°), but the edge detail is worse. The Galaxy A12 gives a more balanced picture, albeit with less coverage.

Macro and Portrait Mode:

Both models take mediocre macro shots (blurring, noise), but Xiaomi does a better job of blurring the background in portrait mode thanks to an additional depth sensor.

Video:

Both shoot video in Full HD 30 FPS, but Samsung has better stabilization, and Xiaomi has better color reproduction.

⚠️ Attention: Night photography on both phones is virtually useless — noise is suppressed software, detail is lost. If you care about photography in the dark, consider models with Night Mode mode (for example, the Redmi Note 10).

Use natural lighting |

Turn off the digital zoom |

Shoot in 4:3 (more megapixels) |

Install Google Camera (GCam) for Redmi 9|-->

5. Battery and charging: who lives longer?

Here, the Samsung Galaxy A12 beats the Redmi 9 with a crushing score:

• 🔋 Galaxy A12: 5,000 mAh + Optimized software (one) UI) = 2.5-3 days of active use (social networks, calls, videos).
• 🔋 Redmi 9: 5020mAh, but MIUI more voracious - enough for 1.5-2 days.

Both phones support 15W charging, but only a 10W adapter comes with it. Full charging takes ~2.5 hours.

In the tests for autonomy (playback video at medium brightness): Galaxy A12 lasted 21 hours 30 minutes, and Redmi 9 – 18 hours 45 minutes. the difference is noticeable!

If you want a two-day phone without recharging, go with Samsung. If you're willing to sacrifice autonomy for performance, go with Xiaomi.

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Samsung’s One UI is better optimized for energy efficiency than MIUI, a key factor in why the Galaxy A12 lives longer with the same battery.

6.Software: Android 12 vs Android 10 (in 2026)

At the time of release, both phones were running Android 10, but that’s changed today:

• 🤖 Galaxy A12 Update to Android 12 (One) UI 4.1) and no longer supported by Samsung.
• 🤖 Redmi 9 is stuck on Android 10 (MIUI 12.5) – Xiaomi didn’t even release Android 11.

This means that Samsung will be safer in terms of vulnerabilities (at least until 2026), and Xiaomi will remain with the outdated system.

Interface: One UI (Samsung is more minimalist and closer to “pure” Android, while MIUI overloaded with functions (including advertising in system applications, MIUI Offers more customization (themes, animations).

If you care about the relevance of the software, choose the Galaxy A12. If you like "chips" and are not afraid of outdated Android - Redmi 9.

7.Price and availability in 2026

Both phones are out of production, but they are easy to find on the secondary market:

• 💰 Samsung Galaxy A12 (3/32 GB): 8 000–10 000 ₽.
• 💰 Xiaomi Redmi 9 (3/32 GB): 7 000–9 000 ₽.
• 💰 Redmi 9 (4/64 GB): 9 000–11 000 ₽.

Samsung

Should we buy them today? Only if the budget is tight, for 12,000 to 15,000? ₽ You can also use the Redmi Note 12 or Galaxy. A14 with more modern iron and support 5G.

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When buying a used smartphone, check the status of the battery through the application AccuBattery. Capacity below 80% of the nominal - a reason to bargain or refuse to buy.

8. Bottom line: Who's good for what?

Choose the Samsung Galaxy A12 if you need:

• ⚡ Long-term autonomy (2-3 days without recharging).
• 🌈 AMOLED-screen with deep black and saturated colors.
• 🔒 More recent software (Android 12 vs Android 10).
• 📸 Best main camera in the daytime.

Choose Xiaomi Redmi 9 if you are interested in:

• 🎮 Higher productivity in games.
• 🖥️ The ability to expand memory to 512 GB (vs. 1 TB Samsung).
• 🎨 More customization of the interface (themes, animations).
• 💰 Below is the price in the secondary market.

If you are not ready to put up with outdated features, consider alternatives:

• 📱 Redmi Note 10/11 (from 13 000 ₽) — Better screen, cameras and iron.
• 📱 Galaxy A14 5G (15,000 ₽) — support 5G and 4 years of updates.
• 📱 POCO M4 Pro (from 12,000) ₽) — 90 Hz AMOLED fast-charging.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Samsung A12 redmi 9