The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Lava Yuva Pro and Xiaomi Redmi 12C are two contenders vying for dominance. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price, they take different approaches. The Redmi 12C boasts a more powerful chipset, while the Yuva Pro focuses on a streamlined software experience. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G85 chipset provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Lava Yuva Pro, making it more capable for multitasking and gaming. While both share the same 10W charging, the Redmi 12C’s processing power justifies the slight price difference.
| 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 | 2022, October 11 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 11 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.35 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 |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 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 | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lenses | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), AF
other unspecified cameras | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 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 | 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 | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Metallic Black, Metallic Blue, Metallic Grey | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | LIX402 | 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) |
Lava Yuva Pro
- Potentially cleaner software experience
- May be more affordable
- Simple and easy to use
- Significantly weaker performance
- Unspecified battery capacity
- Likely lower camera quality
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- More powerful Mediatek Helio G85 chipset
- Larger 5000mAh battery
- Larger display size
- Slower 10W charging
- May include bloatware
- Potentially less refined software
Display Comparison
Neither Lava nor Xiaomi provide display specifications beyond size. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels. The Redmi 12C’s larger screen size (6.71 inches vs. the Yuva Pro’s 6.5 inches) offers a more immersive viewing experience. However, without data on brightness, color gamut coverage, or resolution, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. Expect both displays to be adequate for basic use but lacking in vibrancy and sharpness compared to higher-end devices.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse for both devices. The Redmi 12C likely features a 50MP main sensor, common in this price bracket, while the Yuva Pro’s camera specifications are unknown. Without knowing sensor size, aperture, or image processing capabilities, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the Redmi 12C’s higher megapixel count suggests potentially better detail capture in good lighting conditions. Both phones likely include basic camera features, but don’t expect flagship-level image quality.
Performance
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C’s Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm) chipset is the clear performance leader. Its octa-core configuration, featuring two 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and six 1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, provides a significant boost over the Lava Yuva Pro’s unspecified chipset. The Helio G85’s architecture allows for smoother app launches, faster multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience. While neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, the Redmi 12C will handle popular titles like PUBG Mobile at lower settings with more stability. The Yuva Pro will likely struggle with graphically intensive games.
Battery Life
Both the Lava Yuva Pro and Xiaomi Redmi 12C are equipped with 10W wired charging. This slow charging speed means a full charge will take a considerable amount of time – likely over 3 hours. Battery capacity is also unspecified for the Yuva Pro, while the Redmi 12C has a 5000mAh battery. The Redmi 12C’s larger battery, combined with the more efficient Helio G85 chipset, should translate to longer battery life, potentially lasting a full day with moderate use. The Yuva Pro’s battery life will likely be shorter, especially with heavier usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Yuva Pro if you prioritize a clean, uncluttered Android experience and are primarily focused on basic communication tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It’s ideal for first-time smartphone users or those seeking a simple, reliable device. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C if you need a phone capable of handling more demanding apps, occasional gaming, and multitasking without significant slowdowns. It’s a better fit for users who want more versatility from their budget smartphone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi 12C’s Helio G85 chipset capable of running popular games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Helio G85 can run PUBG Mobile, but you’ll need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low and the frame rate to achieve a smooth experience. It’s not a dedicated gaming phone, but it’s significantly more capable than the Lava Yuva Pro for gaming.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge both the Lava Yuva Pro and the Xiaomi Redmi 12C?
With both phones utilizing 10W charging, expect a full charge to take approximately 3 to 4 hours. This is a relatively slow charging speed, so it’s best to charge them overnight.
❓ Does the Xiaomi Redmi 12C come with a lot of pre-installed bloatware?
Xiaomi phones are known to include some pre-installed apps (bloatware). However, many of these can be uninstalled, freeing up storage space and improving the user experience. The amount of bloatware can vary depending on the region.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls, texts, and WhatsApp?
The Lava Yuva Pro is a suitable option for basic communication. However, the Redmi 12C’s superior performance will still provide a smoother experience even for these simple tasks, and it offers more future-proofing if your needs evolve.
