Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Infinix Smart 6 and Xiaomi Redmi 12C are two popular contenders in the budget segment. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C edges out the Infinix Smart 6 thanks to its significantly more powerful processor and generally better performance. While both offer decent value, the Redmi 12C provides a smoother experience for everyday tasks and light gaming.
| 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, 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 |
| | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 26 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 26 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 165.6 x 76.4 x 9.1 mm (6.52 x 3.01 x 0.36 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 | - | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 500 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 SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition), XOS 7.6 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB 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 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, AF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 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 | Purple, Ocean Blue, Light Sea Green, Polar Black | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | X6511B, X6511, X6511E | 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) |
Infinix Smart 6
- Large battery
- Simple and easy to use
- Affordable price
- Large display
- Weak processor
- Slow charging
- Basic camera
- Limited storage options
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Better performance
- More versatile camera
- Slightly better display
- More storage options
- Slightly higher price
- Slow charging
- HD+ resolution may not appeal to all
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.6-inch HD+ displays, offering decent viewing angles for media consumption. However, the Redmi 12C's display might appear slightly more vibrant due to potentially better color calibration, though both are adequate for the price range. Expect similar brightness levels.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 12C generally offers a more versatile camera system. While both have a primary 13MP camera, the Redmi 12C often includes additional lenses (macro, depth) for more creative shots. Image quality is generally better on the Redmi 12C, especially in low-light conditions, thanks to its more capable processor and image processing algorithms. Both phones have a front-facing camera around 8MP.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 12C shines. The MediaTek Helio G85 chipset is considerably more powerful than the Unisoc SC9863A. Expect smoother app loading, faster multitasking, and better overall responsiveness on the Redmi 12C. The Infinix Smart 6 will handle basic tasks, but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones boast large 5000mAh batteries, promising all-day battery life. However, the Infinix Smart 6 might slightly outperform the Redmi 12C in pure battery endurance due to its less power-hungry chipset. Charging speeds are identical at 10W, which is relatively slow.
Buying Guide
The Infinix Smart 6 is ideal for users prioritizing simplicity, a large battery, and a very budget-friendly price point. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is a better choice for those needing a bit more performance for multitasking, social media, and occasional gaming, even if it costs slightly more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor. The Infinix Smart 6 can handle very basic games, but will struggle with more demanding titles.
❓ How much storage do these phones offer?
Both phones typically come in configurations with 32GB or 64GB of storage, expandable via microSD card. The Redmi 12C often has more RAM options (3GB/4GB/6GB) which can improve multitasking.
❓ What are the software experiences like?
The Infinix Smart 6 runs XOS, Infinix's custom Android skin. The Redmi 12C runs MIUI, Xiaomi's popular Android skin. Both offer a range of features, but MIUI is generally considered more polished and feature-rich.
