The Realme V20 and Xiaomi Redmi 12C represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The V20 leverages a more modern 7nm process and 5G connectivity, while the Redmi 12C focuses on a larger display and a slightly different chipset optimization. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme V20 emerges as the stronger contender. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset, built on a 7nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Redmi 12C’s 12nm Helio G85, especially in demanding tasks. While both offer 10W charging, the V20’s superior processing power makes it the better choice for those prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing.
| 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 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June 13 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 13 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.1 x 8.1 mm (6.47 x 2.96 x 0.32 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 | 184 g (6.49 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 (~82.6% 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 (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, ColorOS 12 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB 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 | 13 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 | Yes | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Unspecified | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | Yes | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | 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 (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 | Black, Blue | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | RMX3611 | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | About 160 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 V20
- Superior chipset performance (Dimensity 700)
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- More efficient 7nm process for better battery life
- Potentially smaller display
- Slow 10W charging
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Larger display for media consumption
- Competitive price point
- Decent performance for basic tasks
- Less powerful chipset (Helio G85)
- Less efficient 12nm process
- No 5G connectivity
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. The Redmi 12C’s larger size is its primary advantage, offering a more immersive viewing experience for videos. However, without specific brightness or color accuracy data, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. The Realme V20’s display, while potentially smaller, benefits from the chipset’s ability to drive it more efficiently, potentially resulting in smoother animations. We anticipate both displays will struggle in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups, and detailed sensor information is lacking. It’s safe to assume both will include a primary camera and potentially a depth or macro sensor. Without knowing the megapixel counts or aperture values, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the Dimensity 700’s image signal processor (ISP) in the Realme V20 is likely more advanced, potentially resulting in better image processing, dynamic range, and low-light performance. The Redmi 12C’s camera will likely suffice for casual snapshots, but the V20 should offer a more refined photographic experience.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme V20’s Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm) significantly outperforms the Xiaomi Redmi 12C’s Helio G85 (12nm). The 7nm process allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency, translating to better sustained performance and less heat generation. While both CPUs feature an octa-core configuration, the Cortex-A76 cores in the Dimensity 700 are architecturally superior to the Cortex-A75 cores in the Helio G85, offering a performance boost in CPU-intensive tasks. This advantage extends to gaming, where the V20 will deliver higher frame rates and a smoother experience. The V20’s 5G modem is another key differentiator, offering future-proof connectivity.
Battery Life
Both devices are equipped with 10W wired charging, a slow standard in 2024. Battery capacity is not specified, but given the price point, we can expect capacities around 5000mAh in both devices. The Dimensity 700’s superior power efficiency in the Realme V20 will likely translate to slightly better battery life despite the same charging speed. The 7nm process allows the V20 to accomplish more per watt, meaning it can maintain performance for longer on a single charge. Expect both phones to take several hours to fully charge from 0-100%.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme V20 if you need a phone capable of handling moderate gaming, smoother multitasking, and benefit from 5G connectivity for faster data speeds. It’s ideal for users who want a device that feels more responsive and will remain usable for longer. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C if you prioritize a larger display for media consumption and are primarily focused on basic smartphone functions like calling, texting, and light social media use. It’s a solid option for first-time smartphone buyers or those on a very tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme V20 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Realme V20’s Dimensity 700 chipset is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve a consistently smooth frame rate. The Helio G85 in the Redmi 12C will struggle more with these titles, requiring even lower settings and potentially experiencing noticeable lag.
❓ Is the 10W charging speed on either phone a significant drawback?
Yes, 10W charging is quite slow by modern standards. Expect both phones to take over 3 hours to fully charge from 0 to 100%. This is a compromise made to keep the price down, and users accustomed to fast charging will find it frustrating. Consider a faster charger if charging speed is a priority, but ensure compatibility.
❓ Does the Realme V20's 5G connectivity actually matter for most users?
Currently, 5G coverage is still limited in many areas. However, the Realme V20’s 5G modem future-proofs the device, allowing you to take advantage of faster data speeds as 5G networks expand. If you live in an area with 5G coverage or anticipate traveling to one, the V20 offers a significant advantage.
