The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme C33 2023 and Xiaomi Redmi 12C are two strong contenders. Both offer compelling features at an affordable price, but which one truly delivers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will break down every aspect, helping you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C edges out the Realme C33 2023 thanks to its slightly more powerful Helio G85 chipset, resulting in smoother performance. While both offer decent battery life and cameras, the Redmi 12C's processing advantage makes it the preferred pick for everyday tasks and light gaming.
| 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 | 2023, March 14 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 14 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.7 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 | 187 g (6.60 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, Realme UI S | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | 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 |
| | UFS 2.2 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sandy Gold, Aqua Blue, Night Sea | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | RMX3627 | 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) |
Realme C33 2023
- Stylish design
- Large display
- Decent camera for the price
- Lightweight
- Less powerful chipset
- Slow charging
- May lack RAM/storage options compared to Redmi 12C
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Better performance (Helio G85)
- Slightly better camera quality
- Good value for money
- Reliable brand
- Design might be less appealing to some
- Slow charging
- Display brightness could be improved
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a large 6.74-inch display, but the Redmi 12C often has slightly better color accuracy and brightness. The Realme C33 2023 might offer a slightly more vibrant display depending on the panel used, but this can vary. Resolution is generally 720 x 1650 pixels on both.
Camera Comparison
Both phones typically feature a 50MP main camera, but image quality can vary. The Redmi 12C often produces slightly more detailed and vibrant photos, especially in good lighting conditions. Both have secondary depth sensors for portrait mode. Front cameras are generally 8MP on both.
Performance
The Redmi 12C's MediaTek Helio G85 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the Unisoc Tiger T612 in the Realme C33 2023. Expect smoother app loading, faster multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Redmi 12C. The G85's GPU is also more capable.
Battery Life
Both devices typically offer a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate usage. Charging speeds are limited to 10W on both, so expect relatively slow charging times.
Buying Guide
The Realme C33 2023 is ideal for users prioritizing a stylish design and a slightly larger screen for media consumption. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is better suited for those who need a bit more processing power for multitasking and occasional gaming, even within the budget segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C's Helio G85 chipset offers significantly better gaming performance compared to the Realme C33 2023's Unisoc Tiger T612.
❓ Are the cameras on these phones any good?
Both cameras are decent for the price, but the Redmi 12C generally produces slightly better image quality, especially in well-lit conditions. Don't expect flagship-level performance.
