The HMD Aura and Xiaomi Redmi 12C represent two compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone space. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a minimal cost, but they achieve this with significantly different hardware approaches. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on the core performance implications of their respective chipsets and how that translates to everyday use.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and occasional gaming, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C is the better choice. Its MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, built on a smaller 12nm process, delivers noticeably improved CPU and GPU performance compared to the HMD Aura’s Unisoc SC9863A1. While both offer similar 10W charging, the Redmi 12C’s performance advantage justifies its slight price premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 20, 28, 38, 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 | 2024, May 23 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, May 23 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.35 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 | 175 g (6.17 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels (~268 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 101.4 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 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 | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glacier Green, Indigo Black | 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) |
HMD Aura
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Reliable for basic communication tasks
- Significantly weaker processor performance
- Less responsive user interface
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Faster and more responsive processor
- Better performance for gaming and multitasking
- More power-efficient chipset
- Potentially slightly higher price
- May not offer significant camera improvements
- Still a budget device with inherent limitations
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, the lack of detailed display specifications (resolution, brightness) necessitates focusing on the chipset's impact on UI smoothness. A more powerful chipset like the Helio G85 in the Redmi 12C will contribute to a more fluid scrolling experience, even if the panel itself is basic.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both devices will feature basic camera setups. The Redmi 12C’s chipset likely offers slightly better image signal processing (ISP) capabilities, potentially resulting in marginally better image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The presence of a more powerful GPU on the Redmi 12C could also aid in post-processing tasks. The focus should be on realistic expectations; neither phone will compete with mid-range or flagship camera performance.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C’s MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm) is a significant upgrade over the HMD Aura’s Unisoc SC9863A1 (22nm). The Helio G85 features two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, providing a substantial boost in single-core performance compared to the Aura’s four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz. This translates to faster app loading times and a more responsive user interface. The 12nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting the slightly larger battery capacity the Aura might have (spec not provided).
Battery Life
Both phones utilize 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds. The actual battery life will depend on the battery capacity (not provided for either device) and the power efficiency of the chipset. Given the Helio G85’s 12nm process, it’s likely to be more power-efficient than the Unisoc SC9863A1’s 22nm process, potentially leading to comparable or even slightly better battery life on the Redmi 12C despite a potentially smaller battery capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the HMD Aura if you prioritize a simple, no-frills experience and are primarily focused on basic communication tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Its lower price point makes it ideal for first-time smartphone users or as a reliable backup device. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C if you want a phone capable of handling more demanding apps, light gaming, and multitasking without significant slowdowns. The Helio G85 provides a tangible performance boost for users who need more than just the basics.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 12C be able to run popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G85 in the Redmi 12C is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but likely at lower graphics settings (Medium or Low) to maintain a playable frame rate. The HMD Aura’s Unisoc SC9863A1 would struggle significantly with this title.
❓ Is the difference in processor speed noticeable in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Redmi 12C’s Helio G85 will result in faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall experience when browsing the web or using social media apps compared to the HMD Aura.
❓ How much faster is the Helio G85 compared to the Unisoc SC9863A1 in real-world usage?
While a precise percentage is difficult to quantify without benchmarks, the Helio G85 offers roughly a 30-50% performance improvement in CPU tasks and a 20-30% improvement in GPU tasks, leading to a significantly snappier experience.
❓ Does the Redmi 12C support fast charging, and how long does it take to fully charge?
Both devices support only 10W charging. A full charge from 0-100% will likely take around 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on battery capacity (not specified).
