The LG K11 Plus and Xiaomi Redmi 12C represent two approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The K11 Plus, utilizing an older Mediatek MT6750, prioritizes a known quantity, while the Redmi 12C leverages the newer, though still entry-level, Mediatek Helio G85. This comparison dissects their core differences to determine which device delivers the best experience for the price.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C emerges as the better choice. Its Helio G85 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the LG K11 Plus’s older 28nm MT6750, making it more responsive for everyday tasks and light gaming. While both phones are firmly in the budget category, the Redmi 12C offers a more future-proofed experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - LMX410YC | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40 - LMX410YC | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 - LMX410ZCW | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2018, July. Released 2018, July | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 148.7 x 75.3 x 8.7 mm (5.85 x 2.96 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 162 g (5.71 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~277 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.3 inches, 77.4 cm2 (~69.2% 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 (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6750 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T860MP2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 7.1.2 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 8.1 (Oreo) | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 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, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", PDAF - LG K11+
8 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", PDAF - LG K11α | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 18mm, 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 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 | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS, recording | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Moroccan Blue, Terra Gold, Black | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | LMX410, LMX410FC, LMX410YC, LMX410HC, LMX410EO, LMX410ZCW, LMX410BCW, LM-X410S | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | About 140 EUR | £ 132.99 / € 107.41 |
| SAR | - | 1.08 W/kg (head) 0.64 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.81 W/kg (head) | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
LG K11 Plus
- Established Brand Reputation (LG)
- Potentially Lower Price (depending on market)
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Outdated Chipset (MT6750)
- Less Efficient CPU Architecture
- Likely Inferior Camera Performance
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- More Powerful Chipset (Helio G85)
- Larger Battery Capacity (5000mAh)
- Better Gaming Performance
- Slower Charging Speed (10W)
- Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be bloated
- Less Brand Recognition in some markets
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to boast a high-end display. Specifications are unavailable for the LG K11 Plus's display, but given its market segment, it likely features a 720p LCD panel. The Redmi 12C also utilizes a 720p LCD, but the newer chipset allows for potentially better image processing. The real difference lies in the underlying architecture; the Redmi 12C’s chipset can handle display tasks more efficiently, potentially leading to smoother scrolling and animations. Both will likely suffer from limited viewing angles and color accuracy.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are expected to feature basic camera setups. Details are scarce for the LG K11 Plus, but it likely includes a single main sensor and potentially a basic front-facing camera. The Redmi 12C typically features a 50MP main camera, which, while not exceptional, offers a significant advantage over the likely lower-resolution sensor in the K11 Plus. Image processing capabilities are also superior on the Redmi 12C due to the more modern ISP within the Helio G85. Expect limited low-light performance from both devices, and avoid relying on any included 'macro' lenses, as their 2MP resolution provides minimal detail.
Performance
The core difference between these phones is the chipset. The LG K11 Plus’s Mediatek MT6750, fabricated on a 28nm process, features an octa-core CPU split into two clusters: four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.5GHz and four at 1.0GHz. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C’s Helio G85, built on a more efficient 12nm process, employs a more modern CPU configuration with two Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8GHz. This translates to significantly better single-core performance on the Redmi 12C, crucial for app launch times and general responsiveness. The Helio G85 also features a more capable GPU, offering a better gaming experience, albeit still limited to low settings in demanding titles. The older MT6750 will struggle with multitasking and graphically intensive applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the LG K11 Plus, but given its market positioning, it’s likely around 3000-4000mAh. The Redmi 12C features a 5000mAh battery, providing a substantial advantage in longevity. However, the Redmi 12C is limited to 10W wired charging, meaning a full charge will take a considerable amount of time. The MT6750 in the K11 Plus, being less efficient, will likely drain the battery faster under similar usage, despite potentially having a smaller capacity. The Redmi 12C’s larger battery and more efficient chipset combine for a better overall battery experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K11 Plus if you prioritize a device from a well-established brand with a proven track record, and your usage is limited to very basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C if you prefer a more responsive user experience, occasional gaming, and a chipset built on a more modern manufacturing process, even if it means sacrificing brand familiarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 12C struggle with popular apps like Facebook and WhatsApp?
While the Helio G85 isn't a powerhouse, it's more than capable of handling everyday apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and web browsing. You might experience slight loading times, but the overall experience should be smooth enough for casual use. The LG K11 Plus’s MT6750 will likely feel noticeably slower.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Redmi 12C a significant drawback?
Yes, 10W charging is slow by modern standards. Expect a full charge to take over 3 hours. However, the Redmi 12C’s 5000mAh battery provides excellent longevity, meaning you won’t need to charge it as frequently. The LG K11 Plus may charge slightly faster, but its smaller battery and less efficient chipset will require more frequent top-ups.
❓ Can the Redmi 12C handle any mobile games?
The Redmi 12C can handle less demanding mobile games like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you’ll need to play at low settings and potentially reduce the frame rate for a smooth experience. The Helio G85’s GPU is a step up from the MT6750 in the K11 Plus, making it the better choice for casual gaming.
