OnePlus Nord N20 SE vs Xiaomi Redmi 12C: The Ultimate Budget Battle

The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for your money. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the OnePlus Nord N20 SE and the Xiaomi Redmi 12C. Both promise a lot, but which one truly delivers?

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Redmi 12C edges out the Nord N20 SE thanks to its significantly faster processor and better overall performance. While the Nord N20 SE boasts faster charging, the Redmi 12C's superior chipset makes it the more compelling choice for most users seeking a budget-friendly device.

PHONES
Phone Names	OnePlus Nord N20 SE	Xiaomi Redmi 12C

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - Global	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Global	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
	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 26, 28, 38, 41, 66 - LATAM	CDMA2000 1xEV-DO

Launch
Announced	2022, August 05	2022, December 31
Status	Available. Released 2022, August 08	Available. Released 2023, January 01

Body
Build	Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back	-
Dimensions	163.8 x 75 x 8 mm (6.45 x 2.95 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
Weight	187 g (6.60 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 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio)	6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM)	IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)	Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm)	Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm)
GPU	PowerVR GE8320	Mali-G52 MC2
OS	Android 12, OxygenOS 12.1	Android 12, MIUI 13

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 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, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens	50 MP, (wide), PDAF 0.08 MP (depth)
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, HDR
Single	8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm	50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF Auxiliary lens
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Single	8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm	5 MP, f/2.2, (wide)
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes, with dual speakers	Yes

Comms
Bluetooth	5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD	5.1, A2DP, LE
NFC	No	Yes (market/region dependent)
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS	GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
Radio	No	FM radio
USB	USB Type-C 2.0, OTG	microUSB 2.0
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer
	-	Virtual proximity sensing

Battery
Charging	33W wired, 50% in 34 min, 100% in 69 min	10W wired
Type	Li-Po 5000 mAh	Li-Po 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Blue Oasis, Celestial Black	Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple
Models	CPH2469	22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L
Price	About 190 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)

OnePlus Nord N20 SE

Faster Charging (33W)
Clean Software Experience (OxygenOS)
Potentially slightly better main camera

Slower Processor (Helio G35)
Less Responsive Performance
Slower Software Updates (potentially)

Xiaomi Redmi 12C

Faster Processor (Helio G85)
Smoother Performance
Better Value for Money
Good Color Accuracy on Display

Slow Charging (10W)
MIUI Software (can be cluttered)
Potentially less refined camera processing

Display Comparison

Both phones feature large 6.43-inch displays, but the Redmi 12C typically has slightly better color accuracy and brightness. The Nord N20 SE's display is adequate, but not a standout feature. Resolution is likely similar, around 720p+.

Camera Comparison

The Nord N20 SE likely has a slightly better main camera sensor, potentially resulting in marginally better image quality in ideal lighting conditions. However, the Redmi 12C's image processing is generally good. Both phones offer decent cameras for the price, but don't expect flagship-level results.

Performance

This is where the Redmi 12C shines. The Helio G85 chipset is noticeably faster than the Helio G35 in the Nord N20 SE. Expect smoother multitasking, quicker app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Redmi 12C. The Nord N20 SE will feel sluggish by comparison.

Battery Life

The Nord N20 SE's 33W fast charging is a significant advantage, allowing for much quicker top-ups. The Redmi 12C's 10W charging is considerably slower. Both phones likely have similar battery capacities (around 5000mAh), so battery life should be comparable between charges, despite the charging speed difference.

Buying Guide

The OnePlus Nord N20 SE is ideal for users prioritizing fast charging and a cleaner software experience. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is a better fit for those who need a smoother, more responsive device for everyday tasks and light gaming, even if it means slower charging.