Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Blackview A53 Pro and Xiaomi Redmi 12C are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C takes the win. While the Blackview A53 Pro is a decent budget option, the Redmi 12C's superior chipset, slightly better camera, and generally more polished software experience make it the more compelling choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - USA | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 40 - International | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 25, 26, 28, 41, 66 - USA | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 03 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.9 x 9.4 mm (6.48 x 3.03 x 0.37 in) | 168.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194.6 g (6.88 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, Doke OS 3.0 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.0 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 12 MP
other unspecified camera | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Unspecified | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5080 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Rock Grey, Murky Black, Starry Blue | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | - | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | - | £ 132.99 / € 107.41 |
| SAR | - | 1.08 W/kg (head) 0.64 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Blackview A53 Pro
- Very affordable
- Large battery
- Decent for basic tasks
- Weak performance
- Mediocre camera
- Basic software
- Slow charging
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Better performance than A53 Pro
- Improved camera
- More polished software
- Good battery life
- 10W charging is slow
- HD+ display isn't the sharpest
- Plastic build
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch HD+ display, offering a similar viewing experience. Color accuracy and brightness are typical for this price range, with neither phone excelling in this area. The Redmi 12C might have slightly better color reproduction due to Xiaomi's generally more refined display calibration.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 12C generally offers a better camera experience. While both have a primary 50MP sensor, the G85's image signal processor (ISP) allows for better image processing and low-light performance. The A53 Pro's camera is adequate for basic snapshots, but lacks the detail and dynamic range of the Redmi 12C.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 12C shines. The Helio G85 chipset is significantly more powerful than the Helio G35. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Redmi 12C. The A53 Pro will struggle with more demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Both phones offer a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. However, the Redmi 12C's more efficient chipset means it will likely last slightly longer under heavy use. Charging speeds are identical at 10W wired.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Blackview A53 Pro? Users prioritizing a very basic, ultra-budget device for calls and simple tasks. Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C? Anyone seeking a more capable budget phone with better performance, a slightly improved camera, and a more reliable software experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Helio G85 chipset.
❓ Do both phones have NFC?
The Blackview A53 Pro typically does not have NFC. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C often includes NFC, but it's best to confirm the specific variant you're purchasing.
❓ What is the storage capacity of each phone?
Both phones are typically available in 32GB and 64GB storage options, expandable via microSD card.