When it comes to budget smartphones in Australia, two names often stand out: Xiaomi’s Redmi 9A and Samsung’s Galaxy A12. Both phones offer solid features at affordable prices, but if you’re shopping on a budget and want the best bang for your buck, which one should you pick? This comprehensive comparison will break down everything Australian buyers need to know — from specs, price, and performance to camera quality and battery life.

Whether you’re buying your first smartphone, upgrading on a tight budget, or just want a reliable everyday device, this guide will help you make an informed decision tailored to Aussie users’ needs.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Redmi 9A and Samsung Galaxy A12: Quick Overview

3. Design and Build Quality

4. Display Specifications: Size and Quality Matter

5. Performance and Processor Details

6. Camera Quality: Who Clicks Better Photos?

7. Battery Life and Charging

8. Storage and Memory Options

9. Software and User Experience

10. Price and Where to Buy in Australia

11. User Reviews and Real-World Performance

12. Accessories and Support Options

13. Final Verdict: Which Should Aussies Choose?

14. FAQs

1. Introduction

Budget smartphones have evolved significantly over the past few years, especially in Australia, where consumers expect a good balance of performance, camera quality, and battery life—all without breaking the bank. The Redmi 9A and Samsung Galaxy A12 are two of the most talked-about contenders in this segment.

Both phones have their loyal fans and unique strengths. This article dives deep into their specifications and practical use cases, helping you decide which is the better fit for your lifestyle and budget.

2. Redmi 9A and Samsung Galaxy A12: Quick Overview

3. Design and Build Quality

The Redmi 9A sports a simple yet sturdy plastic body with a textured rear panel, giving it a decent grip. Its design feels practical, though it leans towards a more basic, budget-friendly look.

In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy A12 has a more refined plastic build with a glossy finish and curved edges, making it feel slightly more premium despite the budget price tag. Both phones are lightweight and comfortable for daily use, but Samsung’s design edges out slightly for users who care about aesthetics.

4. Display Specifications: Size and Quality Matter

Both phones come with a 6.5-inch HD+ display, but there are subtle differences:

• Redmi 9A uses an IPS LCD panel with 720 x 1600 pixels resolution. It’s bright and adequate for watching videos, scrolling social media, and casual browsing, but colours aren’t as punchy as higher-end screens.

• Samsung Galaxy A12 also has a 720 x 1600 PLS IPS display but offers slightly better colour reproduction and viewing angles, thanks to Samsung’s display expertise.

For everyday Aussie users streaming Netflix, watching YouTube, or reading, both displays do the job, but the Galaxy A12 gives a bit more vividness and sharpness.

5. Performance and Processor Details

When it comes to power, both phones are designed for light to moderate use rather than heavy multitasking or gaming.

• The Redmi 9A is powered by the MediaTek Helio G25, an entry-level chipset focused on energy efficiency. It handles basic apps, calls, and messaging well, but struggles with demanding games or heavy multitasking.

• The Samsung Galaxy A12 uses the MediaTek Helio P35, which offers better performance than the Helio G25, supporting smoother navigation, better app management, and occasional light gaming.

For Australians who want a phone for everyday tasks—browsing, streaming, social media—the Galaxy A12’s processor is noticeably more capable.

6. Camera Quality: Who Clicks Better Photos?

Camera quality is a crucial factor for many Aussie buyers. Here’s how the Redmi 9A and Galaxy A12 stack up:

• Redmi 9A comes with a single 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. It’s capable of decent shots in good lighting but lacks versatility and struggles in low light.

• Samsung Galaxy A12 features a quad-camera setup: 48MP main sensor, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth sensor. The 8MP front camera is sharper too. It captures more detailed and vibrant images, offers more shooting modes, and performs better in diverse scenarios.

For photo enthusiasts or social media lovers in Australia, the Galaxy A12 provides a clear advantage.

7. Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is one of the strongest points for both phones:

• Both the Redmi 9A and Samsung Galaxy A12 sport a 5000mAh battery, which comfortably lasts a full day or more with moderate use—perfect for busy Aussies on the go.

• Charging speed differs, though: the Galaxy A12 supports 18W fast charging, while Redmi 9A comes with slower charging capabilities, meaning longer times plugged in.

8. Storage and Memory Options

• Redmi 9A offers 2GB or 3GB RAM options and 32GB or 64GB storage, expandable via microSD up to 512GB.

• Samsung Galaxy A12 provides more choices with 3GB, 4GB, or 6GB RAM, and 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB storage options, also expandable.

More RAM and storage on the Galaxy A12 make it a better choice for Aussie users who keep many apps, photos, and videos on their phones.

9. Software and User Experience

• The Redmi 9A runs MIUI 12 based on Android 10, which is feature-rich but sometimes comes with bloatware.

• The Samsung Galaxy A12 ships with One UI 3.1 on Android 10, offering a clean, user-friendly interface with regular software updates and security patches—something Australian buyers appreciate.

Samsung’s software is generally considered more polished and better optimised for everyday use.

10. Price and Where to Buy in Australia

• The Redmi 9A price in Australia generally sits between AUD 150-180, making it an ultra-budget option.

• The Samsung Galaxy A12 price ranges from AUD 200-250, offering more features but at a slightly higher cost.

For buying, Australians can find both phones on popular platforms like JB Hi-Fi, Amazon Australia, and online marketplaces like WiseMarket Australia, where you may find exclusive discounts, flexible payment plans, and seasonal deals.

11. User Reviews and Real-World Performance

Aussie user reviews often praise the Redmi 9A for its excellent battery life and affordability but note its limited performance and basic camera.

The Galaxy A12 receives positive feedback for its balanced specs, better camera system, and user-friendly experience. Some mention occasional lag but overall find it a reliable daily driver.

12. Accessories and Support Options

Both phones support a range of accessories, such as cases, screen protectors, and power banks, available from local retailers and online stores.

Samsung benefits from a more extensive official service network in Australia, offering peace of mind with warranty and repair services.

13. Final Verdict: Which Should Aussies Choose?

• Choose Redmi 9A if you:
  • Want the lowest possible price.

  • Need long-lasting battery life for calls and casual use.

  • Are okay with basic performance and camera.

• Choose Samsung Galaxy A12 if you:
  • Want a better display and camera setup.

  • Prefer smoother performance and more RAM/storage options.

  • Value software updates and reliable customer support.

For most Australians looking for a budget phone that balances price and performance, the Samsung Galaxy A12 is the smarter choice. However, the Redmi 9A remains a worthy pick for those prioritising affordability above all else.