Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Nokia C12 Pro and Xiaomi Redmi 12C are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C edges out the Nokia C12 Pro thanks to its significantly more powerful processor and generally better performance. While both offer basic functionality, the Redmi 12C provides a smoother experience for everyday tasks and light gaming. Both share similar charging speeds and basic camera capabilities.
| 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 | LTE | 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 | 2023, March 21 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 21 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 160.6 x 74.3 x 8.8 mm (6.32 x 2.93 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 | 177.4 g (6.24 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| | Splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~278 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 95.8 cm2 (~80.3% 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 (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 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 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Wireless FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Cyan, Charcoal, Light Mint | 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) |
Nokia C12 Pro
- Clean Android experience
- Nokia's brand reputation for reliability
- Durable build quality (typically)
- Slower processor
- Limited performance
- Basic camera features
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Better performance thanks to Helio G85
- Slightly better display quality
- More feature-rich software
- Xiaomi's MIUI can be cluttered
- Potential for more ads (depending on region)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.51-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles for the price. However, the Redmi 12C's display might have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to Xiaomi's generally more refined display technology. Expect similar resolution and pixel density.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a dual-camera setup, typically including a 13MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. Image quality will be comparable in good lighting conditions, but the Redmi 12C's processor might offer slightly better image processing. Low-light performance will be average on both devices.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 12C shines. The MediaTek Helio G85 chipset is noticeably faster than the Unisoc SC9863A1. Expect smoother multitasking, quicker app loading times, and a more responsive user interface on the Redmi 12C. The Nokia C12 Pro will feel a bit sluggish, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. Charging speeds are identical at 10W wired, meaning a full charge will take around 2-3 hours.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Nokia C12 Pro? Users prioritizing a clean Android experience and Nokia's brand reputation. Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C? Those seeking better performance and a slightly more feature-rich experience within a similar budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C's Helio G85 chipset provides significantly better gaming performance compared to the Nokia C12 Pro's Unisoc SC9863A1.
❓ Is the Nokia C12 Pro worth buying if I prefer a clean Android experience?
Yes, if a clean Android experience is a top priority, the Nokia C12 Pro is a good option. However, be prepared for slightly slower performance.
