The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Two contenders vying for your attention are the Oppo A17k and the Xiaomi Redmi 12C. But which one delivers the best experience without breaking the bank? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly more powerful Helio G85 chipset, offering noticeably better performance and smoother multitasking. While the Oppo A17k is a decent option, the Redmi 12C's improved processing power makes it the better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 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 | 2022, October 13 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 18 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.6 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 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 | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| | IPX4 water resistance | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda Glass | - |
| 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 (~83.3% 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 MT6765 Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, ColorOS 12.1 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 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, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF | 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, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Navy Blue, Gold | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | CPH2471 | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | About 130 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) |
Oppo A17k
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Lightweight design
- Weak performance
- Basic camera
- Slow charging
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Better performance (Helio G85)
- Improved camera (50MP)
- Faster charging (10W)
- Slightly better display
- Still a budget phone (compromises exist)
- Design may be less premium
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution. The Redmi 12C might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potentially improved panel technology, but both are adequate for their price range. Expect similar viewing experiences.
Camera Comparison
The Oppo A17k typically features a dual-camera setup (likely a 13MP main sensor and a depth sensor), while the Redmi 12C often has a 50MP main camera. While megapixels aren't everything, the Redmi 12C's larger sensor and potentially better image processing should result in sharper, more detailed photos, especially in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance will likely be similar on both.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 12C shines. The Helio G85 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the A17k's Helio G35. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and better gaming performance on the Redmi 12C. The A17k will feel sluggish by comparison, especially with multiple apps open.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a battery capacity around 5000mAh, offering all-day battery life under moderate usage. The Redmi 12C's 10W wired charging is a slight advantage over the A17k, which may have slower charging speeds.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Oppo A17k? Users prioritizing a very basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light social media use, and who are extremely budget-conscious. Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C? Anyone seeking a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday tasks, gaming, and general use, without spending a fortune.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Helio G85 chipset.
❓ Does the Oppo A17k have 5G?
No, neither the Oppo A17k nor the Xiaomi Redmi 12C support 5G connectivity. They are both 4G LTE devices.
❓ What is the storage capacity of these phones?
Both phones typically come in configurations with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card.
