The Honor X5 and Xiaomi Redmi 12C represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device offers the best value for everyday users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C emerges as the better choice. Its Helio G85 chipset, featuring more powerful Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Honor X5’s Helio G25, making it more responsive for daily tasks and light gaming. While charging is slower, the performance advantage is significant.
| 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 | LTE | 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, January 24 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 14 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.98 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 | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB 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 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sunrise Orange, Ocean Blue, Midnight Black | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | VNA-LX2, VNA-LX3 | 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) |
Honor X5
- Potentially slightly better battery life under minimal load.
- May be available at a lower price point in some regions.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Significantly weaker performance compared to the Redmi 12C.
- Less responsive for multitasking and app loading.
- Limited gaming capabilities.
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Noticeably faster performance thanks to the Helio G85 chipset.
- More responsive user interface and smoother multitasking.
- Better gaming performance, even at lower settings.
- Slower 10W charging.
- May be slightly more expensive than the Honor X5.
- Potentially slightly shorter battery life under heavy use.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are similar – likely 720p+ and adequate for indoor use. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on basic usability. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both, contributing to a larger overall footprint.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones relying on budget sensors. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both will struggle in low-light conditions. The Redmi 12C may have a slight edge due to the more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) integrated into the Helio G85, potentially leading to better image processing. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and shouldn't be a deciding factor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C’s MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm) is a clear upgrade over the Honor X5’s Helio G25 (12nm). The G85 utilizes two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz alongside six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz. This contrasts with the X5’s four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.0 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.5 GHz. The A75 cores in the G85 offer significantly higher single-core performance, translating to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The G85 also has a more capable GPU, providing a better gaming experience, even at lower settings. While both use the same 12nm process, the architectural improvements in the G85 are substantial.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device, but both likely house around a 5000mAh battery, standard for this segment. However, the Redmi 12C’s 10W charging is slower than what might be found on some Honor X5 variants (depending on region). The less powerful Helio G25 in the X5 *could* translate to slightly better battery life under light usage, but the performance difference will likely outweigh this benefit for most users. The 10W charging on the Redmi 12C will take longer to fully replenish the battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor X5 if your primary need is a phone for extremely basic tasks – calls, texts, and light social media – and you prioritize a potentially longer-lasting battery due to the less demanding chipset. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C if you want a more fluid user experience, better app loading times, and the ability to handle slightly more demanding applications and games, even if it means slightly shorter battery life and slower charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 12C struggle with popular apps like Facebook and WhatsApp?
No, the Helio G85 in the Redmi 12C is more than capable of handling everyday apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and browsing. The performance difference compared to the Honor X5 is most noticeable when multitasking or running more demanding applications.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Redmi 12C a significant drawback?
While 10W charging is slow by modern standards, it's typical for phones in this price range. Expect a full charge to take around 3-4 hours. The performance benefits of the Redmi 12C outweigh the slower charging speed for most users.
❓ Can the Redmi 12C handle any mobile games?
The Redmi 12C can handle less demanding mobile games like PUBG Mobile (at lower settings), Free Fire, and Call of Duty: Mobile (at lower settings). The Helio G85 provides a better gaming experience than the Helio G25 in the Honor X5, but don't expect flagship-level performance.
❓ Which phone is better for an elderly user who primarily makes calls and sends texts?
The Honor X5 might be a slightly better choice for an elderly user with very basic needs. Its simpler processor and potentially longer battery life under minimal use could be beneficial. However, the Redmi 12C's larger display and more responsive interface could also be advantageous.
