The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Cubot Note 40 and Xiaomi Redmi 12C aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly accessible price point. However, they achieve this with different approaches to core components, particularly their chipsets. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Helio G85 chipset, with higher clocked Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable performance edge in everyday tasks and light gaming, offsetting the identical charging and similar battery capacity of the Cubot Note 40.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 41 | 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 |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, October 16 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, October 16 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.8 x 75.8 x 10.1 mm (6.53 x 2.98 x 0.40 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 | 222 g (7.83 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 6GB 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 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide)
2 MP (macro) | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5200 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Purple, Green, Blue | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | - | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | About 90 EUR | £ 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 Note 40
- Potentially lower price point
- Unisoc chipset offers decent efficiency
- Likely lightweight design
- Inferior CPU performance compared to the Redmi 12C
- Limited information available on key specs
- Potentially lower camera quality
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Faster Helio G85 chipset for smoother performance
- Larger 5000mAh battery for extended use
- Often includes a 50MP main camera
- 10W charging is slow
- Build quality may be basic
- Software experience can be cluttered with bloatware
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize standard LCD panels, and detailed specs like brightness and color gamut are unavailable. However, the Redmi 12C’s larger 6.71-inch display (vs. the Note 40’s unspecified size) offers a more immersive viewing experience. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, typical for this price bracket. Color accuracy will likely be similar, leaning towards the acceptable but not exceptional.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance will be limited on both devices. Detailed sensor information is lacking, but it’s safe to assume both rely on budget sensors. The Redmi 12C often includes a 50MP main sensor, which, while not exceptional, is likely superior to whatever sensor the Note 40 employs. The presence of a 2MP depth sensor on the Redmi 12C is a common inclusion, but its practical benefit is minimal. Image processing will be basic on both, with limited dynamic range and detail in challenging lighting conditions. Expect acceptable results for social media sharing in good light.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C’s MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm) features two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, paired with six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz. The Cubot Note 40 uses the Unisoc T606 (12nm) with two Cortex-A75 cores at 1.6 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz. The higher clock speeds on the G85 translate to faster single-core performance, impacting app launch times and general responsiveness. While both are octa-core designs, the G85’s architecture provides a tangible advantage in CPU-bound tasks. Both devices will likely be paired with 4GB of RAM, further emphasizing the chipset as the primary performance differentiator. Thermal management is unlikely to be a concern on either, given the modest processing power.
Battery Life
Both the Cubot Note 40 and Xiaomi Redmi 12C feature 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds – expect around 2.5 to 3 hours for a full charge. Battery capacity is a critical factor, but specific numbers for the Note 40 are unavailable. The Redmi 12C typically features a 5000mAh battery. Given the similar chipsets and display technologies, the Redmi 12C’s larger battery capacity will likely translate to slightly longer battery life, potentially offering a full day of moderate use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot Note 40 if you prioritize a potentially lower price and are primarily focused on basic smartphone functions like calling, texting, and light social media browsing. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C if you want a more responsive experience for multitasking, smoother app launches, and a slightly better gaming capability, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G85 in the Redmi 12C handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G85 can run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at lower graphics settings (Balanced or Low) to maintain a stable frame rate. It's not a gaming powerhouse, but it's capable of providing a playable experience for casual gamers.
❓ Is the 10W charging on either phone a significant drawback?
Yes, 10W charging is quite slow by modern standards. Be prepared to leave the phone plugged in for several hours to fully charge it. It's best to charge overnight or during periods of inactivity.
❓ How does the Unisoc T606 in the Cubot Note 40 compare to other processors in this price range?
The Unisoc T606 is a decent entry-level processor, but it generally underperforms compared to the MediaTek Helio G85 found in the Redmi 12C. It's suitable for basic tasks, but will struggle with more demanding applications.
❓ What kind of software experience can I expect on the Xiaomi Redmi 12C?
The Redmi 12C typically runs Xiaomi's MIUI, which is based on Android. MIUI is feature-rich but can be somewhat cluttered with pre-installed apps (bloatware). It also has a distinct visual style that some users may not prefer.
