The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Doogee U9, powered by the RK3562, and the Xiaomi Redmi 12C, featuring the MediaTek Helio G85, both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing performance and everyday usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C emerges as the stronger choice. Its Helio G85 chipset, with its octa-core configuration, provides a significantly more responsive experience for multitasking and gaming compared to the Doogee U9’s quad-core RK3562. While both offer 10W charging, the Redmi 12C’s superior processing power justifies its slight price premium.
| 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 | - | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, November | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, November | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 245.3 x 163.3 x 9.9 mm (9.66 x 6.43 x 0.39 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 | 509 g (1.12 lb) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~73.8% 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 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | RK3562 | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB 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 | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5060 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Black, Purple | 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) |
Doogee U9
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- May be more readily available in certain regions
- Significantly weaker processor performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Likely inferior gaming performance
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- More powerful Helio G85 chipset
- Smoother multitasking and app performance
- Better gaming capabilities
- Likely better camera image processing
- Slightly higher price
- 10W charging is relatively slow
- May have more bloatware
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The absence of detailed display specifications (resolution, brightness) suggests a focus on cost reduction. However, the Redmi 12C’s larger market share suggests a higher probability of better panel calibration and color accuracy, even if the underlying technology is similar. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, impacting the overall screen-to-body ratio.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, leaning towards basic functionality on both devices. Without detailed sensor information, it’s safe to assume both feature a primary camera and potentially a depth or macro sensor. The Redmi 12C’s image processing pipeline, benefiting from MediaTek’s ISP, may offer slightly better image quality and dynamic range. The Doogee U9’s camera system is likely to be more basic, prioritizing affordability over image fidelity. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device should be viewed with skepticism; its utility is limited by the low resolution.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C’s MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm) is a clear upgrade over the Doogee U9’s RK3562. The Helio G85’s octa-core architecture – featuring two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz – provides significantly more processing power for demanding tasks. The RK3562’s quad-core 2.0 GHz configuration will likely struggle with multitasking and graphically intensive applications. The 12nm process node of the Helio G85 also contributes to better power efficiency compared to the likely larger node process of the RK3562. This translates to a smoother user experience and potentially longer battery life under load for the Redmi 12C.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 10W wired charging, indicating a similar charging speed – expect around 2-3 hours for a full charge. Battery capacity is not specified, but given the price point, both likely house batteries in the 5000mAh range. The Helio G85’s superior power efficiency in the Redmi 12C could translate to slightly longer battery life despite potentially similar capacity, especially during gaming or video playback. The RK3562’s less efficient architecture may lead to faster battery drain under load.
Buying Guide
Buy the Doogee U9 if you need a basic smartphone for extremely light tasks like calls, texts, and occasional web browsing, and prioritize a potentially lower price point. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C if you prefer a smoother, more capable experience for social media, streaming, and casual gaming, and value a more responsive user interface.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G85 in the Redmi 12C overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Helio G85 isn't a flagship gaming chip, it's generally well-managed in devices like the Redmi 12C. Expect some thermal throttling after extended periods of demanding gaming, but it shouldn't lead to significant performance drops or discomfort. The 12nm process node aids in heat dissipation compared to potentially older nodes used in the RK3562.
❓ Is the RK3562 in the Doogee U9 sufficient for running popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram?
The RK3562 *can* run these apps, but expect a less fluid experience compared to the Redmi 12C. Scrolling and loading times may be slower, and multitasking between apps will be noticeably sluggish. It's suitable for very light social media use, but not ideal for heavy users.
❓ How does the 10W charging affect the daily usability of both phones?
10W charging is slow by modern standards. Both phones will require approximately 2-3 hours to fully charge from 0%. This means overnight charging is almost essential. It's a compromise made to keep the price low, and won't be a major issue for users who primarily charge their phones while sleeping.
❓ Can the Redmi 12C handle games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Redmi 12C can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you'll need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve playable frame rates. Don't expect a high-end gaming experience, but it's capable of casual gaming sessions. The Doogee U9 will likely struggle to run these games smoothly, even on the lowest settings.
