The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Oukitel C31 Pro and Xiaomi Redmi 12C aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly affordable price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison will dissect those differences and determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C emerges as the better choice. Its Helio G85 chipset, featuring Cortex-A75 performance cores, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Oukitel C31 Pro’s Helio P22, making it more responsive for everyday tasks and light gaming. While charging is slow, the overall user experience is smoother.
| 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 | 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 | 2022, December | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, December | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 9.5 mm thickness | 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 | 212 g (7.48 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 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 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Other unspecified cameras | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5150 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Purple, Black | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | - | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | About 110 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) |
Oukitel C31 Pro
- Potentially longer software support (Oukitel's focus)
- May offer a more rugged build quality (brand reputation)
- Competitive price point
- Older Helio P22 chipset delivers slower performance
- Less responsive user experience
- Limited gaming capabilities
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- More powerful Helio G85 chipset for smoother performance
- Faster app loading and multitasking
- Better gaming experience (relative to the C31 Pro)
- Slow 10W charging
- Xiaomi’s MIUI can be resource-intensive
- Potential for bloatware
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting similar power constraints impacting display capabilities. While specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are missing, the Redmi 12C’s larger user base suggests a potentially better-tuned display experience. The Oukitel C31 Pro, being a less mainstream device, may have a less optimized panel. The absence of high refresh rates on either device is standard for this price point.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, both phones likely employ similar budget camera sensors. The Redmi 12C’s larger market share suggests more software optimization for its camera, potentially leading to better image processing. It’s reasonable to assume both devices will struggle in low-light conditions. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests they are largely marketing features and offer limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Oukitel C31 Pro’s MediaTek Helio P22 (MT6762) uses eight Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz. This is a relatively older architecture. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C, however, features the Helio G85 (MT6769Z) with a more modern configuration: two Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz. The A75 cores are significantly more powerful than the A53, resulting in faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. This architectural advantage translates to a more fluid user experience on the Redmi 12C, particularly when switching between applications. The Redmi 12C’s GPU will also outperform the P22’s, offering a better, though still limited, gaming experience.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both likely fall in the 4000-5000 mAh range, typical for this segment. The Redmi 12C’s 10W charging is notably slow. The Oukitel C31 Pro’s charging speed is unknown, but given its focus on value, it’s unlikely to be significantly faster. Therefore, both devices will require several hours to fully charge. Battery life will largely depend on usage patterns, but the more efficient Helio G85 in the Redmi 12C may offer a slight advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oukitel C31 Pro if you prioritize a potentially longer software support lifecycle from a brand focusing on rugged devices and are willing to accept a slower overall experience. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C if you value a more responsive user interface, slightly better gaming performance, and are embedded within Xiaomi’s extensive ecosystem of software and accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 12C struggle with popular apps like Facebook and WhatsApp?
The Redmi 12C’s Helio G85 chipset is sufficiently powerful to handle everyday apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and web browsing without significant lag. While it won’t offer a flagship-level experience, it provides a usable and responsive experience for these common tasks.
❓ Is the Helio G85 in the Redmi 12C capable of playing any mobile games?
The Helio G85 can handle less demanding mobile games like PUBG Mobile (at lower settings), Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and Call of Duty: Mobile (at reduced graphics settings). However, don’t expect to run graphically intensive games at high frame rates. The Oukitel C31 Pro’s Helio P22 will struggle with even these titles.
❓ How much bloatware comes pre-installed on the Xiaomi Redmi 12C?
Xiaomi devices are known for including pre-installed apps (bloatware). The Redmi 12C is no exception. While some of these apps can be uninstalled, others are deeply integrated into the system. This is a common trade-off for the lower price point.
❓ Does the Oukitel C31 Pro receive regular software updates?
Oukitel’s software update track record is less consistent than Xiaomi’s. While they may provide security patches, major Android version updates are less frequent. This is a consideration if long-term software support is important to you.
