The Motorola Moto G24 and Xiaomi Redmi 12C represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both devices leverage the MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, making a direct comparison crucial for budget-conscious buyers. While the core hardware is similar, key differences in charging speed and minor CPU clock variations dictate which phone offers the better overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Motorola Moto G24 is the better choice. While both phones share the same Helio G85 chipset, the G24’s 15W charging significantly reduces downtime compared to the Redmi 12C’s slower 10W charging. This makes the G24 more practical for daily use, despite the minimal CPU clock speed difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 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, January 18 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, February 06 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 163.5 x 74.5 x 8 mm (6.44 x 2.93 x 0.31 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 | 181 g (6.38 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 537 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB 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 | 50 MP, f/1.8 (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) | 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 |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Matte Charcoal, Ice Green, Blueberry, Pink Lavender | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | XT2423-1 | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | £ 74.99 / € 101.62 | £ 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) |
Motorola Moto G24
- Faster 15W charging for quicker top-ups.
- Slightly more responsive CPU clock speed (though minimal).
- Potentially cleaner software experience (Motorola's near-stock Android).
- Camera specifications are not significantly better than the Redmi 12C.
- Display details are limited, suggesting a basic LCD panel.
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Potentially lower price point.
- Xiaomi’s MIUI software offers extensive customization options.
- May include a 2MP macro camera (though its usefulness is limited).
- Slower 10W charging is a significant drawback.
- MIUI can be resource-intensive and include bloatware.
- Slightly slower CPU clock speed on the A55 cores.
Display Comparison
Neither Motorola nor Xiaomi provide detailed display specifications beyond the panel type. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like LTPO is expected. Bezels are likely comparable, prioritizing cost reduction over premium aesthetics. Color accuracy will likely be standard for this segment, leaning towards warmer tones for wider appeal.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and depth sensor, with the Redmi 12C often including a 2MP macro lens. The primary sensor’s resolution is not specified, but it’s likely a 13MP or 50MP sensor in both cases. Image processing will be a key differentiator, with Xiaomi’s software typically emphasizing vibrant colors and sharpening, while Motorola tends towards a more natural look. The aperture of the main lens will significantly impact low-light performance; a wider aperture (lower f-number) is preferable. The 2MP macro lens on the Redmi 12C offers limited utility due to its low resolution and fixed focus.
Performance
Both the Moto G24 and Redmi 12C are powered by the MediaTek Helio G85 (12 nm). The CPU configuration is nearly identical: an octa-core setup with 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55 cores in the G24, versus 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 in the Redmi 12C. The 0.1 GHz difference in the A55 core speed is unlikely to be perceptible in real-world usage. Performance will be similar for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Thermal management will depend on the phone’s internal design and cooling solutions, but the Helio G85 is generally efficient enough to avoid significant throttling during moderate use. RAM configurations are not specified, but LPDDR4X is the likely standard, impacting multitasking performance.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both likely house a 5000mAh battery, a common size for this price range. However, the charging speeds are significantly different. The Moto G24 supports 15W wired charging, while the Redmi 12C is limited to 10W. This translates to a noticeably faster 0-100% charge time for the G24. While 5000mAh provides all-day battery life for moderate users, the faster charging of the G24 is a practical advantage for those who need to quickly top up their phone.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola Moto G24 if you prioritize minimizing charging times and value a slightly more responsive user experience. It’s ideal for users who frequently use their phone throughout the day and don’t want to be tethered to a charger. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C if you are looking for the absolute lowest price point and are willing to accept slower charging speeds. It’s a suitable option for users with less demanding needs or those who primarily use their phone for basic communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G85 in the Redmi 12C 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 overheat significantly in either the Redmi 12C or Moto G24. However, sustained peak performance may be limited by thermal throttling, especially in warmer environments. The phone's internal cooling design will play a role.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the Redmi 12C worth using?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones offer limited practical value. The low resolution and fixed focus result in images that lack detail and sharpness. While it can be fun to experiment with close-up shots, don’t expect professional-quality results. The primary camera will deliver far superior image quality in most scenarios.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Moto G24 with the included 15W charger?
Assuming a 5000mAh battery (which is typical for this segment), the Moto G24 should fully charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 2.5 to 3 hours with the 15W charger. This is significantly faster than the Redmi 12C’s 10W charging, which would likely take over 4 hours.
