The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Lava Yuva 3 and Xiaomi Redmi 12C aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dissects those differences and helps you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and slightly better gaming performance, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C is the stronger choice. Its Helio G85 chipset, with higher clocked Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable edge. However, the Lava Yuva 3 offers a more modern charging standard, potentially offsetting the performance gap for some.
| 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, 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 | 2024, February 02 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, February 07 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 76 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.99 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 | 192 g (6.77 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 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | 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 | 13 MP, (wide), AF
VGA
Auxiliary lens | 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 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 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, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac | 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 | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Eclipse Black, Cosmic Lavender, Galaxy White | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | - | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | About 80 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) |
Lava Yuva 3
- Faster 18W charging for quicker top-ups.
- Potentially more natural image processing.
- Unisoc chipset offers a different experience for those seeking alternatives to MediaTek.
- Slightly slower CPU performance compared to the Redmi 12C.
- Likely less optimized gaming performance.
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Faster CPU performance for smoother app usage.
- Slightly better GPU performance for gaming.
- Xiaomi’s established software ecosystem and optimizations.
- Slower 10W charging.
- Potentially more aggressive image processing (oversaturation).
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely utilizing LCD panels, common in this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and peak brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are similar – around 720p+ and adequate for indoor use. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like LTPO is expected. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a budget.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature a primary camera and potentially a depth or macro sensor. The Redmi 12C’s image processing is likely tuned for vibrant colors, a common Xiaomi trait. The Yuva 3’s processing may lean towards a more natural look. Given the price point, image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions but will suffer in low light. The presence of a 2MP macro sensor on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and shouldn’t heavily influence your decision.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C’s MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm) features two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, paired with six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz. This contrasts with the Lava Yuva 3’s Unisoc T606 (12nm), which has two Cortex-A75 cores at 1.6 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz. The higher clock speeds on the Helio G85 translate to faster single-core performance, impacting app launch times and overall responsiveness. While both are octa-core designs, the G85’s architecture provides a tangible advantage in CPU-bound tasks. The GPU within the Helio G85 also offers a slight edge for gaming, though both phones will struggle with demanding titles at high settings.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified, but both devices likely house around a 5000mAh battery, standard for this segment. The key difference is charging speed. The Lava Yuva 3 supports 18W wired charging, while the Redmi 12C is limited to 10W. This means the Yuva 3 will charge significantly faster, potentially reaching a full charge in under 2 hours, while the Redmi 12C could take 3+ hours. For users who prioritize quick top-ups, the Yuva 3 is the clear winner. However, the slightly less efficient Helio G85 in the Redmi 12C might negate some of this advantage over extended use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Yuva 3 if you prioritize a more recent charging standard (18W) and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, messaging, and light social media use. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C if you want a more responsive experience for app switching, moderate gaming, and generally smoother performance, even if it means sacrificing faster charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 12C’s Helio G85 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Helio G85 is a relatively efficient chipset. While it may get warm during extended gaming, it’s unlikely to experience significant thermal throttling in the Redmi 12C, given the phone’s plastic construction and likely adequate thermal management for this price point. Expect some performance dip after 30-45 minutes of demanding gameplay.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Lava Yuva 3 a significant advantage over the Redmi 12C’s 10W?
Yes, it is. 18W charging will noticeably reduce the time it takes to fully charge the Lava Yuva 3. While a precise 0-100% time isn’t available, expect a difference of at least an hour, potentially more, in favor of the Yuva 3. This is particularly beneficial for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Can either of these phones handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
Both phones can *run* PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but not at maximum settings. Expect to play at low to medium graphics settings with a stable frame rate. The Redmi 12C’s Helio G85 will provide a slightly smoother experience, but neither phone is designed for high-end gaming.
