The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Realme C75x and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R represent compelling options, but cater to slightly different priorities. The C75x emphasizes rapid charging, while the Redmi Note 12R leverages Qualcomm’s newer, more efficient Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset. This comparison will dissect their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device offers the best overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing long-term efficiency and smoother performance, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, built on a 4nm process, provides a noticeable advantage in power efficiency and sustained performance over the Realme C75x’s Helio G81. While the C75x boasts faster 45W charging, the Redmi Note 12R’s superior chipset makes it the more future-proof choice.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, March 07 | 2023, June 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, March 08 | Available. Released 2023, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 165.7 x 76.2 x 8 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm (6.64 x 3.00 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | ArmorShell glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1604 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.2 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 500 nits (typ), 625 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 550 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G81 Ultra (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 613 |
| OS | Android 15, Realme UI 6.0 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.88", PDAF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5" | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired, 100% in 90 min | 18W wired, PD |
| Type | 5600 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Coral Pink, Oceanic Blue | Black, Blue, Silver |
| Models | - | 23076RA4BC |
| Price | About 320 EUR | About 150 EUR |
Realme C75x
- Significantly faster 45W charging
- Potentially lower price point
- MediaTek’s generally good software optimization
- Less efficient Helio G81 chipset
- Potential for thermal throttling
- Likely less refined image processing
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R
- More efficient Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm)
- Smoother multitasking and app performance
- Better long-term performance and efficiency
- Slower 18W charging
- Potentially higher price
- Xiaomi’s MIUI can be resource intensive
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to feature a high-end display. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels. However, details on resolution, brightness, and refresh rate are missing. The Redmi Note 12R’s potential advantage lies in Xiaomi’s generally better color calibration, though this is speculative. Bezels are likely comparable, focusing on cost reduction rather than premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the market segment suggests both will feature a primary camera paired with depth or macro sensors of limited utility. The Redmi Note 12R’s image processing, leveraging Qualcomm’s ISP, is likely to be more refined, offering better dynamic range and noise reduction. The C75x’s camera performance will likely be adequate for social media sharing but won’t compete with higher-end devices. We anticipate similar front-facing camera capabilities on both.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm) is a significant upgrade over the Realme C75x’s MediaTek Helio G81 (12nm). The 4nm process inherently offers better power efficiency, translating to less heat generation and sustained performance. While both are octa-core CPUs, the Redmi Note 12R utilizes 2x Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, offering a performance boost over the C75x’s 2x Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz. This means the Redmi Note 12R will handle multitasking and demanding apps more smoothly. The C75x may show signs of throttling under prolonged load.
Battery Life
The Realme C75x’s 45W wired charging is its standout feature, promising a full charge in approximately 90 minutes. The Redmi Note 12R’s 18W charging with PD is considerably slower. However, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2’s superior efficiency means the Redmi Note 12R will likely offer comparable or even better real-world battery life despite potentially having a similar or slightly smaller battery capacity. The faster charging of the C75x is beneficial for quick top-ups, but the Redmi Note 12R prioritizes longevity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C75x if you absolutely prioritize the fastest possible charging speeds and frequently find yourself needing to top up your battery quickly. It’s ideal for users who don’t engage in demanding tasks like extended gaming. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R if you value a more efficient processor, smoother multitasking, and a device that will likely hold up better over time, even if it means slightly slower charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G81 in the Realme C75x struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G81 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. Prolonged gaming sessions may lead to noticeable thermal throttling, impacting performance. The Redmi Note 12R’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 will offer a smoother and more consistent gaming experience, even at higher settings.
❓ How much of a real-world difference will the 4nm process of the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 make in battery life?
The 4nm process is significantly more power-efficient than the 12nm process used in the Helio G81. This translates to less heat generation and lower power consumption for the same tasks. Expect the Redmi Note 12R to offer noticeably longer battery life, especially during moderate to heavy usage, potentially adding several hours to your daily use.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 12R support Power Delivery (PD) charging with other USB-C chargers?
Yes, the Redmi Note 12R explicitly supports Power Delivery (PD) charging. This means you can use a variety of USB-C PD chargers to charge the device, offering flexibility and convenience. However, it will still be limited to 18W maximum charging speed.
