The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the Infinix Smart 7 and the Xiaomi Redmi 12C. Both promise affordability, but which one delivers the better overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C takes the crown. While both are budget options, the Redmi 12C's significantly more powerful Helio G85 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost, making it the better choice for smoother multitasking and gaming. Both offer similar charging speeds and basic features.
| 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 | 2023, February 09 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 22 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 163.8 x 75.6 x 8.7 mm (6.45 x 2.98 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 | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 500 nits | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 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 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, AF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | 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 | 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 | microUSB 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 (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 | Polar Black, Coastal Green, Iceland White, Peacock Blue | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | X6515 | 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 Smart 7
- Large Display
- Long Battery Life
- Affordable Price
- Slow Performance
- Basic Camera
- Outdated Chipset
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Better Performance
- Improved Camera
- More Responsive UI
- Slightly Better Display
- Similar Battery Life to Smart 7
- Slow Charging
- Plastic Build
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.6-inch displays, likely with HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles and brightness for everyday use, but don't anticipate vibrant colors or high contrast ratios. The Redmi 12C might have a slightly better panel due to potentially more modern technology, but the difference will be minimal.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 12C generally offers a slightly better camera system. While both likely feature a primary 50MP sensor, the G85 chipset allows for better image processing and potentially more features. Expect slightly better low-light performance and more detail in photos from the Redmi 12C. Both will struggle in challenging lighting conditions.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 12C shines. The Helio G85 is a substantial upgrade over the Helio A22. Expect smoother app loading, faster multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the Redmi 12C. The Smart 7's A22 will feel sluggish by comparison, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have large batteries (likely around 5000mAh), providing all-day battery life for moderate users. Charging speeds are identical at 10W, so expect relatively slow charging times for both devices.
Buying Guide
The Infinix Smart 7 is ideal for users prioritizing a large display and extended battery life on a tight budget, primarily for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is better suited for users who want a more responsive experience, occasional gaming, and a slightly better camera, even within the budget segment.
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.
❓ Do both phones have NFC?
NFC availability varies by region. Check the specific model's specifications for your area before purchasing.
❓ What is the storage capacity of each phone?
Both phones typically come in 32GB and 64GB storage options, expandable via microSD card.
