The Honor X5c and Xiaomi Redmi 12C represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both devices aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but subtle differences in their core components – specifically the chipset and charging capabilities – can significantly impact the user experience. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Honor X5c emerges as the slightly better choice. While both phones share a similar price bracket, the Helio G81’s Cortex-A75 cores, though older, provide a marginal performance edge in sustained tasks. The 15W charging, while not fast, is superior to the Redmi 12C’s 10W offering, reducing downtime.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 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 | 2025, October 05 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, October 05 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 167 x 77 x 7.9 mm (6.57 x 3.03 x 0.31 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 | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G81 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 15, MagicOS 9 | 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, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | · 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF - LATAM only
· 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide) - MEA, SEA, AF, Eurasia
Auxiliary lens | 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 |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | 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 Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5260 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ocean Cyan, Midnight Black, Tidal Blue, Meteor Silver | 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) |
Honor X5c
- Slightly better CPU performance due to G81’s Cortex-A75 implementation.
- Faster 15W charging for reduced downtime.
- Potentially better software optimization due to mature chipset.
- May be slightly more expensive than the Redmi 12C.
- Detailed display specifications are unavailable.
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Generally lower price point.
- Slightly higher clock speed on Cortex-A55 cores (minimal impact).
- Widely available through Xiaomi’s extensive retail network.
- Slower 10W charging.
- Potentially less optimized software experience.
Display Comparison
Neither Honor nor Xiaomi provide detailed display specifications beyond resolution. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels. The absence of high refresh rates is expected. The real-world difference in display quality will likely be minimal, focusing on color calibration and viewing angles, which are not specified. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, contributing to a larger overall footprint.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are expected to feature a primary camera alongside depth and macro sensors. However, detailed sensor specifications are unavailable. Given the market segment, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. The 2MP macro cameras on both devices are unlikely to deliver significant detail and are primarily for marketing purposes. The aperture of the main sensor will be a key determinant of low-light performance, but this information is not provided. Expect similar image processing styles focused on boosting saturation and contrast.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Honor X5c features the Mediatek Helio G81, while the Redmi 12C uses the Helio G85. Both are 12nm chips with an identical CPU core configuration – two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores. However, the Redmi 12C’s Cortex-A55 cores are clocked slightly higher at 1.8 GHz versus 1.7 GHz on the X5c. This minor clock speed difference is unlikely to be noticeable in everyday use. The G85 generally offers a slightly more powerful GPU, but the real-world impact on gaming will be limited by the shared RAM configurations and display resolution. The X5c’s G81 benefits from a slightly more mature driver support, potentially leading to better optimization.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both are likely to house a 5000mAh battery, standard for this price range. The key differentiator is charging speed: the Honor X5c supports 15W wired charging, while the Redmi 12C is limited to 10W. This translates to a noticeably faster 0-100% charge time on the X5c, reducing the time spent tethered to a power outlet. While 15W isn’t ‘fast charging’ in the modern sense, it’s a significant improvement over 10W for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor X5c if you prioritize slightly better sustained performance for tasks like light gaming or multitasking, and appreciate the faster charging speed. This phone is ideal for users who need a reliable daily driver without breaking the bank. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C if you are looking for the absolute lowest price and are willing to accept a slower charging experience and potentially slightly less responsive performance in demanding scenarios. It’s a good option for basic communication and light social media use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G81 in the Honor X5c handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Helio G81 can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but expect to play at lower graphics settings (Medium or Low) and frame rates to maintain a stable experience. The chipset isn’t designed for demanding gaming, and sustained performance may be limited by thermal throttling. The Redmi 12C with the G85 will offer a similar gaming experience.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Honor X5c and the Xiaomi Redmi 12C from 0%?
With 15W charging, the Honor X5c will likely take around 2.5 to 3 hours to fully charge from 0%. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C, with its 10W charging, will take considerably longer, potentially exceeding 4 hours. This difference is significant for users who frequently need to quickly replenish their battery.
❓ Is the difference in CPU clock speed between the Helio G81 and G85 (1.7GHz vs 1.8GHz on the A55 cores) noticeable in everyday tasks?
The 100MHz difference in clock speed on the Cortex-A55 cores is unlikely to be perceptible during typical smartphone usage like browsing, social media, or messaging. The more impactful difference lies in the overall chipset optimization and the maturity of the driver support, where the G81 may have a slight edge.
