The Lenovo K12 (China) and Xiaomi Redmi 10C represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone space. While both aim to deliver essential functionality at a low price point, they diverge significantly in their core processing power and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects these differences, focusing on the implications for everyday use and long-term performance.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Xiaomi Redmi 10C emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 680 chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, offers a noticeable performance uplift and faster charging compared to the Lenovo K12’s Snapdragon 460.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, December 09. Released 2020, December 12 | 2022, March 21 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, March 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 75.7 x 9.2 mm (6.50 x 2.98 x 0.36 in) | 169.6 x 76.6 x 8.3 mm (6.68 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| 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 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Navy Blue, Gray | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green |
| Models | - | 220333QAG, 220333QBI, 220333QNY, 220333QL |
| Price | About 100 EUR | £ 99.00 / € 109.86 |
| SAR | - | 0.96 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) |
Lenovo K12 (China)
- Potentially lower price point.
- Functional for basic tasks.
- Reverse wired charging (niche benefit).
- Significantly slower processor.
- Less efficient chipset (Snapdragon 460).
- Slower charging speed (10W).
Xiaomi Redmi 10C
- Faster and more efficient processor (Snapdragon 680).
- Faster charging (18W).
- Better overall performance and responsiveness.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Potentially similar display quality to K12.
- Camera performance still limited by budget sensors.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on processing, we can infer both likely utilize standard LCD panels. The Redmi 10C’s potential for a slightly higher peak brightness, common in Xiaomi’s offerings, could provide better outdoor visibility. However, without specific nit ratings, this remains speculative. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting the budget nature of both phones. Color accuracy is expected to be standard for this price range, prioritizing power efficiency over color fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, both phones likely feature a primary camera supplemented by basic auxiliary lenses. The Redmi 10C, given Xiaomi’s camera-focused marketing, may benefit from more sophisticated image processing algorithms. The Snapdragon 680’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is also more capable than the 460’s, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. We can assume both will struggle in low-light conditions, but the Redmi 10C has a slight edge due to its superior chipset.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 10C’s Snapdragon 680 (6nm) is a significant upgrade over the Lenovo K12’s Snapdragon 460 (11nm). The 6nm process inherently offers better power efficiency, translating to less heat generation and potentially sustained performance during prolonged use. The CPU configuration further highlights this: the Redmi 10C features 4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold cores alongside 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver cores, compared to the K12’s 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 and 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240. This means faster processing speeds for demanding tasks. While both are 4G-capable, the 680’s improved modem could offer slightly better connectivity speeds and stability.
Battery Life
While the exact battery capacities are unknown, the Redmi 10C’s 18W charging significantly outperforms the Lenovo K12’s 10W charging. This translates to a much faster 0-100% charge time, a crucial advantage for users who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day. The Snapdragon 680’s 6nm efficiency also contributes to better battery life, potentially offsetting any capacity differences. The K12’s 2.5W reverse wired charging is a niche feature, useful for topping up accessories, but unlikely to be a primary selling point.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo K12 (China) if you need a basic, functional smartphone for minimal tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and are extremely budget-constrained. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10C if you prefer a smoother user experience, faster app loading times, and the convenience of quicker charging, even if it means spending slightly more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 10C handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
While the Snapdragon 680 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it's capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. Expect some occasional stuttering during intense firefights. The Lenovo K12’s Snapdragon 460 will struggle significantly with the same game, requiring very low settings and potentially exhibiting frequent lag.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Redmi 10C compared to the Lenovo K12?
The Redmi 10C’s 18W charging is substantially faster. While exact charge times depend on the charger and battery capacity, expect the Redmi 10C to charge from 0-100% in approximately 2-3 hours, whereas the Lenovo K12 could take 4-5 hours with its 10W charging.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 680 in the Redmi 10C a 5G chip?
No, the Snapdragon 680 is a 4G-only chip. While 5G is becoming more prevalent, the Redmi 10C is positioned as an ultra-budget device and doesn't include 5G connectivity. The Lenovo K12 is also 4G only.
