The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. We pit the Cubot C28 against the Xiaomi Redmi 12C, two contenders aiming to deliver essential features without breaking the bank. While the Cubot C28 lacks detailed specifications in our database, we'll analyze it within the context of its likely market positioning and compare it to the Redmi 12C's known hardware.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and a known quantity, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G85 chipset provides a tangible performance advantage over what we can reasonably expect from the Cubot C28, making it more suitable for daily tasks and light gaming. However, the C28 may appeal to those seeking a potentially lower price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, August | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, August | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Zinc alloy frame | - |
| Dimensions | 58.3 x 46.1 x 13.3 mm (2.30 x 1.81 x 0.52 in) | 168.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 44.5 g (1.59 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 320 x 390 pixels (~250 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.02 inches | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Proprietary OS | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128Mb | 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 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | - | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | No | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, heart rate, SpO2, blood pressure | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 410 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green | 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) |
Cubot C28
- Potentially the lowest price point
- May offer a compact form factor (speculation)
- Basic functionality for essential tasks
- Unknown chipset and performance
- Likely limited software support
- Inferior camera quality (expected)
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Mediatek Helio G85 provides solid performance
- Established brand with software updates
- Larger display for media consumption
- Slow 10W charging
- LCD display lacks advanced features
- Camera performance is average
Display Comparison
Without specific display details for the Cubot C28, we can assume it utilizes a standard LCD panel common in this price bracket. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C features a 6.71-inch LCD, but lacks information regarding peak brightness or color gamut coverage. Given the Redmi 12C's positioning, it likely prioritizes size over high-end display features. The absence of details for the C28 suggests it may have a smaller display or lower resolution, potentially impacting readability and media consumption.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 12C’s camera setup, while not exceptional, is more defined. It likely features a 50MP main sensor, though details on sensor size and aperture are missing. The Cubot C28’s camera specifications are unknown, making a direct comparison impossible. However, budget phones often compromise on camera quality, and the C28 likely features a lower-resolution main sensor and limited image processing capabilities. The Redmi 12C’s potential for better image quality, even in good lighting conditions, gives it an edge.
Performance
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C’s Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) chipset is the clear performance leader here. Its octa-core configuration, with 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, provides a significant boost over the likely entry-level processor found in the Cubot C28. The G85’s architecture allows for smoother multitasking and more responsive app launches. While not a gaming powerhouse, the G85 can handle popular titles at lower settings. The Cubot C28, lacking specific chipset information, likely relies on a less powerful processor, resulting in slower performance and potential lag during demanding tasks.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C includes 10W wired charging. Battery capacity for the Cubot C28 is unknown, but typical budget phones in this segment range from 4000mAh to 5000mAh. The 10W charging on the Redmi 12C is slow by modern standards, taking several hours for a full charge. However, the Helio G85’s 12nm process offers reasonable power efficiency. Without knowing the C28’s battery capacity, it’s difficult to assess its endurance, but the Redmi 12C’s known chipset and charging speed provide a more predictable user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot C28 if you need a phone primarily for basic communication – calls, texts, and very light app usage – and are extremely price-sensitive. Its appeal lies in potentially being the absolute cheapest option. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C if you prefer a more responsive experience for everyday tasks, occasional gaming, and a brand with established software support and a known chipset.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio G85 in the Redmi 12C capable of running popular games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Helio G85 can run PUBG Mobile, but you'll need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low and potentially reduce the frame rate to achieve a smooth experience. It's not a flagship gaming chip, but it's capable of providing playable performance.
❓ How long will the 10W charging take to fully charge the Xiaomi Redmi 12C?
Expect the Redmi 12C to take approximately 3-4 hours to fully charge from 0% to 100% with the included 10W charger. This is a relatively slow charging speed compared to modern smartphones, so it's best to charge it overnight.
❓ Given the lack of detailed specs for the Cubot C28, is it a risky purchase?
Yes, purchasing the Cubot C28 carries a higher risk due to the limited information available. You're relying heavily on the brand's reputation and potentially sacrificing performance and software support compared to more established brands like Xiaomi.
