Looking for a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank? The Realme Narzo 50A and Xiaomi Redmi 12C are popular contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
Both phones share the same chipset, but the Narzo 50A edges out the Redmi 12C with faster charging and reverse charging capabilities. The Redmi 12C might offer slightly better availability and potentially a more competitive price depending on your region. Overall, the Narzo 50A provides a more complete package.
| 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 | 2021, September 24 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 07 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.9 x 9.6 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.38 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 | 207 g (7.30 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 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 570 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | 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 |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Oxygen Blue, Oxygen Green | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | RMX3430 | 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) |
Realme Narzo 50A
- Faster 18W Charging
- Reverse Wired Charging
- Triple Camera System
- Potentially better software optimization
- May be slightly more expensive
- Design might be less appealing to some
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Potentially lower price
- Wider availability
- Large display
- Slower 10W Charging
- Dual Camera System
- Less versatile camera
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a large 6.5-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution. While specific panel types (IPS, LCD) aren't explicitly stated, expect decent viewing angles and color reproduction for everyday use. The Narzo 50A might have a slightly better screen-to-body ratio due to its design.
Camera Comparison
The Narzo 50A typically features a triple camera setup (50MP main, 2MP macro, 2MP depth) while the Redmi 12C has a dual camera setup (50MP main, 2MP depth). Image quality will depend on software processing, but the Narzo 50A's additional macro lens offers more versatility. Both phones likely offer a 8MP front camera for selfies.
Performance
Powered by the same Mediatek Helio G85 chipset, performance should be largely similar in everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. However, software optimization could play a role, with Realme's UI potentially offering a smoother experience. Expect adequate performance for the price point.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate usage. The Narzo 50A's 18W wired charging is significantly faster than the Redmi 12C's 10W charging. The Narzo 50A also includes 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices.
Buying Guide
The Realme Narzo 50A is ideal for users who prioritize faster charging and the convenience of reverse charging. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is a good option for those seeking a budget-friendly device with a potentially lower price tag and wider availability, especially if charging speed isn't a major concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
Both phones offer similar gaming performance due to the same chipset. Light to moderate games should run smoothly on both devices.
❓ Is the Realme Narzo 50A worth the extra money?
If faster charging and reverse charging are important to you, then the Narzo 50A is likely worth the extra investment. Otherwise, the Redmi 12C offers a solid budget option.
