The Doogee S41 Plus and Xiaomi Redmi 12C represent distinct approaches to the budget smartphone market. The Doogee prioritizes ruggedness and reliability for demanding environments, while the Redmi 12C focuses on delivering the most features for the lowest possible price. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing durability and reliability in challenging conditions, the Doogee S41 Plus is the clear winner. However, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C offers a more powerful processor and a slightly better user experience for everyday tasks, making it ideal for those on a tight budget who don't require a rugged build.
| 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, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 | 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, December | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, December | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 162.5 x 77.8 x 16.2 mm (6.40 x 3.06 x 0.64 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 | 262 g (9.24 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~61.7% 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 (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 | 128GB 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 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), PDAF
other unspecified cameras | - |
| Video | 1080p | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 6300 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Orange, Green | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | - | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | About 110 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) |
Doogee S41 Plus
- Exceptional durability and ruggedness
- Reliable performance for essential tasks
- Potentially longer battery lifespan due to build quality
- Less powerful processor compared to the Redmi 12C
- Likely a less vibrant display
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- More powerful Mediatek Helio G85 processor
- Better performance for gaming and multitasking
- Potentially larger display for media consumption
- Lacks ruggedness and durability
- Slow 10W charging
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting a focus on cost optimization over display technology. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are missing, the Redmi 12C's larger screen size (typically around 6.71 inches for this series) likely offers a more immersive viewing experience than the S41 Plus. However, the S41 Plus's rugged design may necessitate a more durable, albeit potentially less vibrant, display panel.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the market positioning, it's safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups. The Redmi 12C likely prioritizes a higher megapixel count for its main sensor, aiming for social media-ready photos. The Doogee S41 Plus, while potentially having a lower megapixel count, may focus on image processing optimized for outdoor conditions and durability. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on the Redmi 12C is largely a marketing feature with limited practical benefit.
Performance
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C holds a clear advantage in processing power thanks to its Mediatek Helio G85. Its CPU features 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores compared to the Doogee S41 Plus’s 2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 cores. This 0.4 GHz difference, coupled with slightly faster Cortex-A55 cores (1.8 GHz vs 1.6 GHz), translates to noticeably quicker app loading times and smoother multitasking. The Helio G85 also benefits from a more mature architecture optimized for gaming, offering a better experience for casual gamers. The Unisoc T606 in the S41 Plus is adequate for basic tasks but will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Redmi 12C’s 10W charging is a significant drawback. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Redmi 12C’s slower charging will require considerably longer to reach a full charge. The Doogee S41 Plus, while potentially having a similar battery capacity, benefits from a more robust build quality that may contribute to better long-term battery health. The slower charging speed on the Redmi 12C necessitates planning ahead, while the Doogee’s ruggedness suggests it can withstand more frequent use and charging cycles.
Buying Guide
Buy the Doogee S41 Plus if you need a phone that can withstand drops, dust, and water exposure – perfect for construction workers, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone prone to accidents. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C if you prioritize a smoother experience for social media, streaming, and light gaming, and are looking for the best possible value in a standard smartphone form factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Doogee S41 Plus truly waterproof? What IP rating does it have?
The Doogee S41 Plus is advertised as rugged, but specific IP ratings vary. Typically, Doogee phones in this series achieve IP68 or IP69K ratings, meaning they are dust-tight and can withstand immersion in water for a specified duration and depth. Check the product listing for the exact rating.
❓ Can the Xiaomi Redmi 12C handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Helio G85 in the Redmi 12C can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but expect to play at lower graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a smooth experience. It's not a dedicated gaming phone, so demanding titles may experience occasional lag or stuttering.
❓ What type of charging port does each phone use?
Both the Doogee S41 Plus and Xiaomi Redmi 12C utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. This is a modern standard offering faster data transfer speeds and reversible connectivity.
❓ Is the Unisoc T606 chipset in the Doogee S41 Plus sufficient for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the Unisoc T606 is capable of handling everyday tasks like web browsing, social media, and messaging without significant issues. However, it will struggle with more demanding applications or heavy multitasking.
