The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the Honor X6 and the Xiaomi Redmi 12C. Both promise a lot for their price point, but which one truly delivers?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly more powerful Helio G85 chipset, resulting in smoother performance and a better overall user experience. While both offer decent battery life, the Redmi 12C's improved processor efficiency gives it a slight edge. The Honor X6 is a viable option if price is the absolute top priority.
| 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 | 2022, September 21 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 21 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 75.1 x 8.7 mm (6.44 x 2.96 x 0.34 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 | 194 g (6.84 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 (~83.0% 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 MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, Magic UI 6.1 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | 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), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
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 | Yes (VNE-LX1 only) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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 | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ocean Blue, Titanium Silver, Midnight Black | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | VNE-LX1, VNE-LX2, VNE-LX3 | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | About 100 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 X6
- Large Display
- Affordable Price
- Decent Battery Life
- Weak Processor
- Basic Camera
- Slow Charging
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Powerful Processor (Helio G85)
- Better Camera
- Improved Performance
- Slightly Better Battery Life
- Design may be less premium
- 10W Charging is slow
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.8-inch displays, likely with HD+ resolution. While the Honor X6 might have slightly better color accuracy due to Honor's typical display tuning, the Redmi 12C's display is generally brighter and offers better outdoor visibility. Expect similar viewing experiences overall, prioritizing size over high-end visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 12C generally boasts a more versatile camera system. While both likely feature a primary 50MP sensor, the Redmi 12C often includes additional lenses (macro, depth) and better image processing algorithms. Expect better low-light performance and more detailed photos from the Redmi 12C. The Honor X6's camera is adequate for basic snapshots.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 12C shines. The Helio G85 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G25 in the Honor X6. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the Redmi 12C. The Honor X6 will struggle with more demanding apps and games.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have large 5000mAh batteries, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. However, the Redmi 12C's more efficient Helio G85 chipset should translate to slightly better battery endurance, especially during intensive tasks.
Buying Guide
The Honor X6 is a good choice for users on the tightest budget who prioritize a large display and basic functionality. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is ideal for those seeking a more responsive and capable device for everyday tasks, light gaming, and better camera performance without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Helio G85 chipset. The Honor X6 will struggle with even moderately demanding games.
❓ Do both phones have NFC?
NFC availability varies by region. Check the specific model's specifications for your area. Generally, the Redmi 12C has a higher chance of including NFC.
