The sub-$200 5G smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Lava Blaze Nxt and Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G both aim to deliver connectivity and functionality without breaking the bank. However, they take distinctly different approaches to achieving this, primarily in their chipset choices. This comparison dissects those differences and determines which phone offers the best overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, built on a more efficient 4nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift and improved power efficiency compared to the Lava Blaze Nxt’s Helio G37. While the Nxt offers a slightly simpler experience, the Redmi 12 5G’s faster charging and more modern architecture make it the more compelling option.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, November 25 | 2023, August 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, December 02 | Available. Released 2023, August 04 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass), plastic frame, glass back (Gorilla Glass) |
| Dimensions | 164.8 x 76.3 x 8.9 mm (6.49 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm (6.64 x 3.00 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 203.5 g (7.20 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 550 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 613 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, HyperOS 2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP
VGA | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Unspecified |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired, PD |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glass Blue, Glass Red, Glass Green | Jade Black, Pastel Blue, Moonstone Silver |
| Models | - | 23076RN4BI, 23076RN8DY, 2AFZZRN8DY |
| Price | About 110 EUR | € 104.09 / ₹ 15,999 |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 0.88 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.98 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
Lava Blaze Nxt
- Simpler, more streamlined software experience.
- Potentially more affordable price point.
- Reliable for basic communication tasks.
- Outdated Helio G37 chipset limits performance.
- Slow 10W charging.
- Less efficient power consumption.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G
- More powerful and efficient Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset.
- Faster 18W charging with PD support.
- Better 5G connectivity and overall performance.
- Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be resource-intensive.
- Potentially slightly higher price.
- Larger size may not appeal to all users.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. The key difference lies under the hood. While specific display specs are unavailable for the Lava Blaze Nxt, the Redmi 12 5G benefits from a larger 6.79-inch screen. The Redmi 12 5G’s panel is likely to offer better viewing angles and potentially higher peak brightness due to the more modern manufacturing process associated with the Snapdragon chipset’s supporting components.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is challenging. However, given the price point, both phones likely feature a primary camera paired with depth or macro sensors of limited utility. The Redmi 12 5G likely benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP), which generally delivers superior image processing and noise reduction compared to MediaTek’s offerings at this level. The Redmi 12 5G’s ISP will likely provide better dynamic range and more accurate color reproduction. Expect both phones to perform adequately in well-lit conditions, but struggle in low light.
Performance
This is where the most significant disparity emerges. The Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Lava Blaze Nxt’s MediaTek Helio G37 (12nm). The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 features newer Cortex-A78 performance cores alongside more efficient Cortex-A55 cores, resulting in a demonstrably faster CPU. The 4nm fabrication process also contributes to significantly improved thermal efficiency, meaning the Redmi 12 5G is less likely to throttle under sustained load. The Helio G37, while adequate for basic tasks, will struggle with multitasking and graphically intensive games. The Redmi 12 5G will provide a smoother, more responsive experience overall.
Battery Life
The Redmi 12 5G’s 18W charging with Power Delivery (PD) support is a clear advantage over the Lava Blaze Nxt’s slower 10W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the Redmi 12 5G’s more efficient Snapdragon chipset will translate to longer battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity. The faster charging will also significantly reduce downtime, allowing users to quickly top up their device when needed. Expect the Redmi 12 5G to achieve a full charge in considerably less time than the Blaze Nxt.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Blaze Nxt if you prioritize a straightforward, no-frills Android experience and are less concerned with demanding applications or extended gaming sessions. It’s a solid option for basic communication and light social media use. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G if you want a phone capable of handling more intensive tasks, benefit from 5G connectivity, and appreciate faster charging speeds. It’s the better choice for users who want a phone that can keep up with a more dynamic lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 12 5G’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 handle popular games like Call of Duty: Mobile?
While not a gaming powerhouse, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 in the Redmi 12 5G is capable of running Call of Duty: Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. Expect some occasional frame drops during intense action, but it’s a playable experience. The Lava Blaze Nxt’s Helio G37 will struggle to deliver a smooth experience even at the lowest settings.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Redmi 12 5G compared to the Lava Blaze Nxt?
The Redmi 12 5G’s 18W charging with PD is significantly faster than the Blaze Nxt’s 10W charging. While exact 0-100% times will vary, expect the Redmi 12 5G to charge fully in approximately 2-2.5 hours, while the Blaze Nxt could take upwards of 3.5-4 hours.
❓ Does the Redmi 12 5G support carrier aggregation for improved 5G speeds?
The Redmi 12 5G *likely* supports some level of carrier aggregation, but the specific bands supported will vary by region and carrier. Carrier aggregation combines multiple 5G channels for faster data speeds, and is a common feature in modern 5G smartphones. Check with your carrier for compatibility details.
❓ Is the software on the Redmi 12 5G heavily customized with bloatware?
Xiaomi’s MIUI software is known for its customization options, but it also comes pre-installed with a number of apps that some users consider bloatware. While most of these apps can be uninstalled, it’s something to be aware of. The Lava Blaze Nxt typically offers a cleaner, more stock Android experience.
