Choosing between Samsung and Xiaomi is a classic dilemma for budget smartphone buyers, especially when comparing the Redmi 9 lineup with Samsung’s similarly priced models (like the Galaxy A12 or Galaxy M12), both of which offer similar specs: large screens, capacious batteries and multi-camera modules, but the devil lies in the details, from build quality to software optimization.
In this article, we’ll look at 10 key aspects that can help you make your choices, from gaming performance to battery life, and focus on the real-world user experience, not just the dry specs, like why the Redmi 9 can lose in autonomy despite having a larger battery, or why Samsung sometimes slows down with less CPU load, and you’ll find a comparison table, benchmark results, and answers to frequent customer questions.
Spoiler: If you want a smartphone to take photos, the answer is obvious. If you want to take long hours of work without recharging, it's not that clear. Let's get it straight.
1. Display: AMOLED vs IPS - what's more important for the eyes?
The screen is the first thing that the user interacts with, and Samsung has traditionally led the way with AMOLED technology, which the company uses even in budget models (for example, the Galaxy A12 is equipped with an HD+ Super AMOLED display), the benefits are clear: deeper black, higher contrast, and less power consumption when displaying dark colors.
Xiaomi Redmi 9, in turn, he suggests IPS LCD permittingly FHD+ (2340×1080). On paper, the resolution is higher, but in practice the difference in clarity is minimal due to the small diagonal (6.53" Redmi 9 vs 6.5" Galaxy A12). But IPS-the matrix wins in color reproduction in daylight - the picture looks more natural, without excessive saturation, characteristic of the AMOLED.
- 🔹 Samsung (AMOLED): better contrast, battery saving on dark themes, but the effect of "burning out" pixels over time is possible.
- 📱 Xiaomi (IPS LCD): More natural colors, no risk of burnout, but higher energy consumption.
- 👁️ For the eyes: AMOLED Less fatigue with prolonged use in the dark (due to the function of Dark Mode 2.0 from Samsung).
⚠️ Note: If you watch videos on YouTube or Netflix frequently, pay attention to Widevine support L1 — Both smartphones have it, but Samsung may offer smoother playback. HDR-content AMOLED-screen.
2. Performance: Who is faster in gaming and everyday tasks?
Under the hood of the Xiaomi Redmi 9, the MediaTek Helio G80 processor, a chipset optimized for gaming loads, is equipped with a Mali-G52 MC2 graphics accelerator that is 20-30% more powerful than the Adreno 505 in the Samsung Exynos 850 (used in the Galaxy A12/M12). In the AnTuTu 9 benchmark, the gap is about 15-20 thousand points in favor of the Redmi 9.
But in real-life tests, it’s not so clear: In PUBG Mobile, for example, both smartphones deliver a stable 30 FPS on Balanced settings, but Samsung is less likely to overheat due to better cooling. And in everyday tasks (social networks, instant messengers), the Galaxy A12 can feel smoother due to optimization of the One UI shell.
| Parameter | Xiaomi Redmi 9 | Samsung Galaxy A12 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | MediaTek Helio G80 (12 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 505 |
| AnTuTu 9 | ~200,000 points | ~180,000 points |
| Overheating in games | Yes (up to 45°C) | Moderate (up to 42°C) |
The Redmi 9 eventually begins to slow down due to MIUI’s aggressive policy of cleaning up background processes, while Samsung has been stable for longer.
3.Camera: megapixels vs. image processing
On paper, Xiaomi Redmi 9 looks like the winner: four cameras (13 MP main + 8 MP ultra-wide-angle + 5 MP macro + 2 MP depth) against three in the Samsung Galaxy A12 (48 MP main + 5 MP ultra-wide-angle + 2 MP depth).
In daylight, Samsung displays more natural colors and better detail thanks to the greater resolution of the main sensor (48 MP vs 13 MP). And in night mode, the gap becomes even more noticeable: Samsung’s Night Mode copes with noise better than Xiaomi’s Night Scene 2.0. While the Redmi 9 wins in macro photography – its 5 MP camera gives clearer pictures of small objects.
- 📸 Samsung: Best Main Camera, Natural Colors, Stable Night Mode.
- 🌃 Xiaomi: A wider dynamic range in the HDR, but overdoses with saturation.
- 🎥 Video: Both filmed in Full HD 30 FPS, Samsung has better stability.
Examples of photos from both smartphones
⚠️ Note: If you are actively using a front-facing selfie camera, consider that Redmi 9 has an 8MP sensor with software background blur, whereas Galaxy has a back-facing camera. A12 Offers 13MP camera with more accurate portrait mode processing.
4. Battery and charging: who will live longer without an outlet?
On paper, Xiaomi Redmi 9 is back in front: the battery 5020 mAh versus 5000 mAh in the Samsung Galaxy A12. But in practice, autonomy depends not only on capacity, but also on the optimization of the system. In tests for video playback (the screen is 50% bright, Wi-Fi is on), the results were unexpected:
- 🔋 Xiaomi Redmi 9: 18 hours 30 minutes.
- 🔋 Samsung Galaxy A12: 20 hours 15 minutes.
The difference is due to two factors:
- Energy Efficiency: Samsung’s AMOLED consumes less power when displaying dark scenes.
- Background activity: MIUI on Redmi 9 more often triggers background processes (for example, for synchronization of Mi Account).
In terms of charging, both smartphones support fast charging 18W, But with the Redmi 9 comes the adapter on 18W, Samsung is often used for this purpose. 15W-Charging (depending on region) Full charge cycle:
- ⚡ Xiaomi: 0% → 100% for 2 hours 10 minutes.
- ⚡ Samsung: 0% → 100% for 2 hours 25 minutes.
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To extend the life of the battery, avoid charging to 100% and discharging below 20%. The optimal range is 30-80%.
5.Software: MIUI vs One UI
MIUI (Xiaomi) and One UI (Samsung) shells are fundamentally different in philosophy. MIUI offers more customization: modifiable icons, design themes, built-in ad blocker, but you have to pay for this with intrusive advertising in system applications (for example, in Mi Browser or Themes).
Samsung’s One UI is minimalist and closer to pure Android. There are no ads, but there are useful features:
- 📁 DeX Mode: Connecting to a monitor in desktop mode.
- 🔒 Secure Folder: Secure storage for files.
- 🎵 Dolby Atmos: improved sound in headphones.
Samsung promises 4 years of security (monthly patches) and 2 major Android updates, while Xiaomi is limited to 1 major update and patches every 2-3 months.
Global firmware (not Chinese)|Support for the right things LTE-range|Stability of the latest version MIUI/One UI|Availability of service centers in your city-->
6.Design and Assembly: Plastic vs Plastic, but different
Both smartphones are made of plastic, but the design approach differs. the Xiaomi Redmi 9 has a textured back panel with a matte coating that is less dirty and does not slide in the hand. the Samsung Galaxy A12 offers a glossy plastic with a gradient color that looks premium but collects fingerprints.
As for moisture protection:
- 💧 Xiaomi: Splash protection only (no official) IP-rating).
- 💧 Samsung: also splash protection, but with better sealing connectors.
The dimensions are almost identical, but the Redmi 9 is 3 grams lighter (198 g vs 201 g), which is felt with prolonged retention. But the thickness of Samsung is thinner by 0.3 mm (8.9 mm vs 9.2 mm).
⚠️ Note: If you are planning to use a case, note that the Galaxy A12 The camera is a protruding 1.5 mm camera module, which causes the smartphone to stagger on the table.
7. Additional chips: what do smartphones know besides the main one?
Both manufacturers add unique features that can be decisive when choosing:
| Function | Xiaomi Redmi 9 | Samsung Galaxy A12 |
|---|---|---|
| NFC | ❌ No (except for the Redmi 9 version) NFC) | ✅ There is (Google Pay support) |
| Infrared port | ✅ Available (technological management) | ❌ No. |
| Stereodynamics | ❌ One speaker. | ❌ One speaker. |
| 3.5mm audio jack | ✅ There is. | ✅ There is. |
| Light sensor. | ✅ There is. | ❌ No (auto-brightness is timer-operated) |
If you need NFC for contactless payments, look for the Redmi 9 NFC version, which costs 10-15% more than the standard model.
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For a smart home, Xiaomi Redmi 9 is more profitable due to the infrared port and better integration with the Mi Home ecosystem.
8.Price and availability: where is the best place to buy?
At the time of the update (June 2026), the prices for the new devices were distributed as follows:
- 💰 Xiaomi Redmi 9 4/64 GB: 12 990 ₽ (shop-in).
- 💰 Samsung Galaxy A12 4/64 GB: 14 490 ₽ (stock-accounting).
In the secondary market, the difference is even more pronounced:
- 📱 Redmi 9 (b/y, excellent condition): 7,000–9,000 ₽.
- 📱 Galaxy A12 (b/u, excellent condition: 9,000–11,000 ₽.
Where to look for profitable offers:
- Official stores: Mi Store, Samsung Shop (12-month warranty)
- Marketplaces: Wildberries, Ozon, Yandex Market (check the seller's rating!).
- Secondhand: Avito, Yula (ask for a check and check IMEI on imei.info).
⚠️ Note: When buying Xiaomi Redmi 9 on AliExpress, pay attention to the firmware version - Chinese models (with suffix) CN) Google Play Services does not support Google Play Services out of the box".