Choice between Xiaomi Redmi 9T Samsung Galaxy A12 — It's a classic dilemma for those looking for a budget smartphone with a good value for money, both models launched in 2021, but still remain relevant in the secondary market and in new trim levels from official retailers. 9T Offers a powerful 6000mAh battery and processor from Qualcomm, and on the other – Galaxy A12 delight AMOLED-The screen and the Samsung ecosystem.
But which one is really better? In this article, we'll compare devices across 12 key parameters -- from performance to ergonomics -- and make recommendations based on your priorities: gaming, photography, autonomy or durability. Spoiler: if you want a full-day smartphone without recharging, the choice is obvious -- but there are nuances that you didn't know about.
We tested both models in real-world conditions, reviewed customer feedback from 2023 to 2026, and analyzed current prices in the market, and at the end of this article, we will have an interactive survey to help you decide on your choices, as well as an FAQ to answer the most common customer questions.
1 Display: AMOLED vs IPS - what's more important to your eyes?
The screen is something you interact with every day, so its quality is critical. - Samsung Galaxy A12 fitted 6.5-inch HD+ AMOLED-resolution-screen 1600×720. Main advantage AMOLED — It's a deep black color (the pixels just turn off) and a high contrast, which makes it juicier. But the resolution is modest, and if you look closely, you can see the graininess of the text.
Xiaomi Redmi 9T, in turn, he suggests 6.53-inch IPS-resolution-screen 2340×1080 (Full HD+). There is no deep black, but the detail is higher, and the color reproduction is more natural. IPS-The matrix is better suited for watching videos and working with text, but loses AMOLED sunny.
- 🔹 Galaxy A12: AMOLED, low-resolution (HD+), brightness up to 410 nits.
- 🔹 Redmi 9T: IPS, Full HD+, brightness up to 400 nits, but less saturated colors.
- 🔹 Winner: Depends on priorities. For multimedia, Galaxy A12, Read and Detail - Redmi 9T.
⚠️ Attention: Galaxy A12 budget-wise (SM-A125F) fixed PLS TFT-display AMOLED! Before buying, check the model with the seller - it is critical for the quality of the picture.
2. Performance: Snapdragon 662 vs Helio P35 - who's faster?
Under the hood of Redmi 9T It runs an 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) processor with clock speeds up to 2.0 GHz. It is a more modern chipset than its competitor, with support for 5G-Networking (in some regions) and better optimization for gaming. In the AnTuTu 9 test, it scores about 180,000-200,000 points, which is 30 to 40 percent higher than the Galaxy. A12.
Samsung Galaxy A12 is equipped with MediaTek Helio P35 (12 nm), which is weaker in multitasking and graphics. In everyday tasks (social networks, messengers), the difference is not noticeable, but in games like PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact Redmi 9T keeps a stable 30-40 FPS at medium settings, while the Galaxy A12 begins to “slow down” after 15-20 minutes.
- 🎮 Games: Redmi 9T Wins with the Snapdragon 662 and the Adreno 610 graphics accelerator.
- 📱 Multitasking: 4GB of RAM in both models, but MIUI 12 (on Redmi) better optimized for background processes.
- 🔋 Heating: Galaxy A12 warms up more during prolonged loads due to less efficient cooling.
| Parameter | Xiaomi Redmi 9T | Samsung Galaxy A12 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| Graphics | Adreno 610 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| AnTuTu 9 | ~190 000 | ~130 000 |
| Support for 5G support | Yes (in some regions) | No. |
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Whether you need a smartphone for gaming or long-term multitasking, the Xiaomi Redmi 9T is the clear leader in performance.
3. Battery and autonomy: 6000 mAh vs 5000 mAh
One of the key arguments in favor of Xiaomi Redmi 9T is the battery capacity of 6000 mAh, which provides 2-2.5 days of active use (at 5-6 hours of screen per day).For comparison, the Galaxy A12 has a battery of 5000 mAh, which lasts 1.5-2 days in the same scenario. The difference is especially noticeable when watching video or navigation: Redmi 9T loses ~ 8-10% of charge per hour, and Galaxy A12 – 12-15%.
Both smartphones support fast charging at 15 watts, but the Galaxy A12 comes with a more powerful adapter (15 watts vs. 10 watts for Redmi).The Redmi 9T takes ~2.5 hours to fully charge, and the Galaxy A12 takes ~2 hours.
⚠️ Attention: At Redmi 9T micro--USB instead USB-C, uncomfortable 2026 A year. A12 — modern USB-C, The cable is often short (only a short one). 0.5 ).
- 🔋 Capacity: 6000 mAh (Redmi) 9T) vs 5000 mAh (Galaxy) A12).
- ⚡ Charging: 15 watts both, but Samsung charges faster by 20-30 minutes.
- 📊 Real autonomy: Redmi 9T Wins 30-40% in working time.
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To extend the life of the Redmi 9T battery, turn off the Optimized Charging feature in the battery settings – it limits the charge to 80%, but reduces recharge cycles.
4 Camera: 4 module vs 4 module - who takes better pictures?
On paper, both models have four rear cameras, but their real-world capabilities are very different. Xiaomi Redmi 9T is equipped with:
- Basic module: 48 MP (f/1.8) with phase autofocus.
- Ultra wide angle: 8 MP (120°).
Macro: 2 MP (focus 4 cm).
Depths: 2 MP (for portrait mode).
Samsung Galaxy A12 offers:
- Basic module: 48 MP (f/2.0) without phase autofocus.
- Ultra-wide angle: 5 MP (123°).
- Macro: 2 MP.
- Depths: 2 MP.
Both smartphones take decent pictures for their class during the day, but the Redmi 9T is better at detailing and focusing speed. In nighttime, Samsung has the advantage of its processing algorithms being less aggressive and the photos are more natural (albeit with noises). Macro cameras on both devices are practically useless, with a 2MP resolution giving a strong soap when zoomed in.
- 📸 Daytime snaps: Redmi 9T Leads in detail and focus.
- 🌙 Night shooting: Galaxy A12 It gives less "plastic" photos.
- 🎥 Video: Both filmed in Full HD 30 FPS, Samsung has better stability.
How to turn on the night mode on Xiaomi Redmi 9T?
Memory and expansion: eMMC 5.1 vs UFS 2.1
Both smartphones are available in 3/32GB, 4/64GB and 4/128GB variants, but there is a key difference in the type of memory. Xiaomi Redmi 9T uses eMMC 5.1, and Samsung Galaxy A12 (in 2021 and later versions) uses UFS 2.1.
Reading/write at UFS 2.1 is 2-3 times faster (up to 800 MB/s vs 250 MB/s at eMMC).
Apps on the Galaxy A12 open faster, especially after a reboot.
Both devices support microSD up to 1TB, but Samsung has a separate slot (no hybrid), while Xiaomi has a hybrid (second SIM or memory card).
⚠️ Attention: At Redmi 9T When using microSD as internal memory (Adoptable Storage function), lags may occur.
| Parameter | Redmi 9T | Galaxy A12 |
|---|---|---|
| Type of memory | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 (in new versions) |
| Reading speed | ~250MB/s | ~800MB/s |
| MicroSD slot | Hybrid (SIM2 or card) | Separate (SIM2 + microSD) |
6.Software: MIUI vs One UI
Xiaomi Redmi 9T runs MIUI 12/13 (upgrade to MIUI 14 is possible but without Android 13).The interface is overloaded with advertising and unnecessary services, but offers flexible settings (like changing icons or navigation gestures).The Samsung Galaxy A12 comes with One UI 3.1/4.1 based on Android 11/12 and will get an update to Android 13 (but no further).
The benefits of One UI:
- Cleaner interface without ads.
Best Optimization for Weak Iron.
Longer supported (4 years of security updates from Samsung vs 2 years from Xiaomi).
The benefits of MIUI:
More out-of-the-box features (e.g., second space or read mode).
More frequent updates (though not always stable)
- 🤖 Android version: Galaxy A12 — to Android 13, Redmi 9T — Android 12 maximum.
- 🔄 Samsung promises 4 years of security patches, Xiaomi 2.
- 🎨 Customization: MIUI more flexible, but One UI steady.
Disable Advertising in MIUI|Install Alternative Launcher |Configure navigation gestures |Update all applications-->
7. Design and Ergonomics: Plastic vs Plastic
Both smartphones are made of plastic, but the design approach is different.The Xiaomi Redmi 9T has a textured back panel with a matte coating that doesn't slide or collect prints.The Samsung Galaxy A12 is sleek but with a geometric pattern that also reduces finger marks.
The dimensions of the model are almost identical:
Redmi 9T: 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm, 198 g.
- Galaxy A12: 164×75.8×8.9 mm, 205 g
The connectors and buttons are standard, but Samsung has a 3.5 mm audio jack (the Redmi 9T does not have one), but Xiaomi has an IR port for controlling the equipment.
⚠️ Attention: Galaxy A12 In some lots there is a back cover back backlash – check this when buying, especially in the secondary market.
8.Price and relevance in 2026
As of this writing (2026), prices for new devices vary:
- Xiaomi Redmi 9T (4/64 GB): 12 000–15 000 ₽.
- Samsung Galaxy A12 (4/64 GB): 13 000–16 000 ₽.
On the Redmi secondary market 9T You can find it for 8,000 to 10,000. ₽, Galaxy A12 — for 9,000 to 12,000. ₽. The cost depends on the state of the battery and the availability of the box.
Purchase recommendations:
If you want the maximum amount of autonomy, take the Redmi 9T.
- If it matters AMOLED-Screen and stable updates – Galaxy A12.
For gaming and performance, the Redmi 9T is unique.
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In 2026, both smartphones are inferior to new budget players (for example, Redmi 12C or Galaxy A14), but remain relevant for the secondary market or as a spare device.