The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Oscal Flat 2C and Xiaomi Redmi 12C aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches: the Oscal prioritizes longevity, while the Redmi 12C focuses on delivering a more responsive user experience. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained usage and battery life, the Oscal Flat 2C is the better choice, thanks to its exceptional 51-hour endurance and 1100 charge cycles. However, if you need a phone for light gaming and smoother app performance, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C’s Helio G85 chipset provides a noticeable advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 19, 20, 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 | 2025, January | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, January | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.2 x 75.2 x 8.8 mm (6.43 x 2.96 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 | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 5 | - |
| 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, 450 nits | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 8x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T603 (22 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition), DokeOS 4.0 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB 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, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12 μm | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | 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 | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Phantom Black, Ripple Blue, Sky Purple | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | - | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | - | £ 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) |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 51:18h endurance, 1100 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class B | - |
| Free fall | Class C (90 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class B | - |
Oscal Flat 2C
- Exceptional battery life (51+ hours)
- High battery cycle count (1100 cycles)
- Potentially better long-term battery health
- Less powerful processor
- Slower app loading times
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- More powerful Helio G85 chipset
- Smoother performance for gaming and multitasking
- Larger screen size (typically)
- Significantly shorter battery life
- Potentially faster battery degradation
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Details on panel technology (IPS, TFT) and resolution are missing, but both likely feature 720p+ displays typical of this price bracket. The focus here is on functionality, not fidelity. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both. Without further data, a direct comparison is difficult, but the Redmi 12C’s larger screen size (typically around 6.7 inches vs the Flat 2C’s 6.5 inches) may offer a slightly more immersive viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups. Details are sparse, but it’s safe to assume both include a primary camera and potentially a depth or macro sensor. Given the price point, image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions but will struggle in low light. The Redmi 12C may have a slight edge due to MediaTek’s image signal processor (ISP) capabilities, but without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to quantify. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and shouldn’t be a deciding factor.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant difference. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C’s MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm) is demonstrably more powerful than the Oscal Flat 2C’s Unisoc T603 (22nm). The Helio G85 features a combination of Cortex-A75 and A55 cores, clocked at 2.0 GHz and 1.8 GHz respectively, offering a substantial uplift in CPU performance compared to the Flat 2C’s all-Cortex-A55 configuration running at 1.6 GHz. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a better experience with graphically demanding games. The 12nm process node of the Helio G85 also contributes to better efficiency than the 22nm Unisoc chip, though the difference is mitigated by the Flat 2C’s larger battery.
Battery Life
Battery life is where the Oscal Flat 2C truly shines. Its reported 51:18h endurance is exceptional for a budget smartphone, significantly outperforming most competitors. The Redmi 12C, while still offering respectable battery life, cannot match this level of longevity. Furthermore, the Flat 2C’s claimed 1100 charge cycles suggest superior battery health retention over the long term. Both phones utilize 10W wired charging, meaning 0-100% charge times will be relatively slow – expect around 2.5-3 hours.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oscal Flat 2C if you need a phone that will reliably last through a full day (and then some) of moderate use, and if battery health over the long term is a primary concern. Its endurance is its standout feature. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C if you prioritize a more responsive experience for everyday tasks and occasional gaming, and are willing to trade some battery life for that performance boost.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc T603 in the Oscal Flat 2C powerful enough for popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram?
While the Unisoc T603 isn't a powerhouse, it is capable of running social media apps like TikTok and Instagram. However, expect some occasional lag or stuttering, especially when multitasking. The Redmi 12C’s Helio G85 will provide a smoother experience for these apps.
❓ How much faster is the Redmi 12C’s Helio G85 compared to the Oscal Flat 2C’s Unisoc T603 in gaming?
The Helio G85 offers a significant performance advantage in gaming. It can handle less demanding games at medium settings, while the Unisoc T603 will struggle with most modern titles. Expect lower frame rates and more frequent frame drops on the Oscal Flat 2C.
❓ Will the 10W charging on either phone feel slow in 2024?
Yes, 10W charging is relatively slow by today’s standards. Both phones will take around 2.5 to 3 hours to fully charge from 0%. However, the Oscal Flat 2C’s exceptional battery life means you won’t need to charge it as frequently.
❓ Does the Oscal Flat 2C’s 1100 charge cycle claim mean the battery will last significantly longer than other phones?
Yes, a higher charge cycle count indicates that the battery is designed to withstand more full charge/discharge cycles before experiencing significant degradation. This suggests the Oscal Flat 2C will maintain a higher capacity over a longer period compared to phones with lower cycle counts.
