The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Infinix Hot 30i (50 MP) and the Xiaomi Redmi 12C aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 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 advantage in everyday tasks and light gaming, offsetting the similar battery and charging capabilities of both devices.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 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 | 2023, March 27 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 27 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.4 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 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 | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda Glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G37 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, XOS 12 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB 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 | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0, (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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mirror Black, Glacier Blue, Diamond White, Marigold | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | X669C | 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) |
Infinix Hot 30i (50 MP)
- Potentially newer software updates from Infinix.
- 50MP main camera offers detail in good lighting.
- Slightly higher clocked A53 cores (though less architecturally advanced).
- Helio G37 chipset is less powerful than the G85.
- 10W charging is very slow.
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- More powerful Helio G85 chipset for better performance.
- Cortex-A75 cores provide a smoother user experience.
- Likely better image processing from Xiaomi.
- 10W charging is very slow.
- Software updates may be less frequent than Infinix.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize standard IPS LCD panels, and detailed specs like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are unavailable. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be relatively thick on both, typical for this price bracket. The user experience will be similar – adequate for basic consumption but not ideal for media enthusiasts.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a 50MP main camera, but sensor size and image processing algorithms are crucial differentiators not specified in the provided data. Given Xiaomi’s generally more refined image processing, the Redmi 12C is likely to produce more consistently pleasing results, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The presence of a 50MP sensor on the Hot 30i is a positive, but without knowing the sensor size, it’s difficult to assess its low-light capabilities. The 2MP auxiliary cameras on both devices are largely inconsequential and should be disregarded when evaluating camera performance.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C’s Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) features two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, paired with six Cortex-A55 cores. This configuration provides a significant uplift in single-core performance compared to the Infinix Hot 30i’s Helio G37 (12 nm), which uses four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.3 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.8 GHz. While the G37 has a higher clock speed on its A53 cores, the architectural advantage of the G85’s A75 cores translates to smoother multitasking and faster app loading times. This benefits users who frequently switch between applications or engage in light gaming. The G85 also has a slightly more capable GPU, further enhancing gaming performance.
Battery Life
Both the Infinix Hot 30i and Xiaomi Redmi 12C are equipped with 10W wired charging. This is a significant limitation, meaning a full charge will take a considerable amount of time – likely exceeding 3 hours. Battery capacity is not specified, but given the similar target market and hardware, they likely fall within the 5000mAh range. The slow charging speed means battery optimization and efficient chipset usage are paramount. The Redmi 12C’s more efficient Helio G85 may offer slightly better battery life under sustained load due to its superior architecture.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Hot 30i (50 MP) if you prioritize a slightly newer device and potentially more frequent software updates from Infinix. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C if you value raw performance for the price, particularly if you intend to play mobile games or use demanding applications, as the Helio G85 offers a tangible advantage over the Helio G37.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 12C struggle with popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Helio G85 in the Redmi 12C can handle PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you'll likely need to play at medium graphics settings and potentially lower the frame rate to maintain a smooth experience. The G37 in the Hot 30i will struggle more, requiring even lower settings.
❓ Is the 50MP camera on either phone a significant upgrade over a standard 13MP camera?
A 50MP sensor *can* capture more detail, but it depends heavily on the sensor size and image processing. In good lighting, you'll likely see a difference in sharpness and clarity. However, in low light, the larger sensor (if present) will be more important than the megapixel count.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge either the Infinix Hot 30i or the Xiaomi Redmi 12C with the 10W charger?
Expect a full charge to take approximately 3 to 4 hours with the included 10W charger. This is a significant drawback for both devices, so planning overnight charging is recommended.
❓ Which phone is better for multitasking and switching between apps?
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C, with its Helio G85 and Cortex-A75 cores, is significantly better suited for multitasking. The more powerful cores allow for smoother app switching and reduced lag compared to the Infinix Hot 30i’s Helio G37.
