The Samsung Galaxy F13 and Xiaomi Redmi 12C represent two of the most competitive segments in the smartphone market: the ultra-budget category. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy F13 emerges as the slightly better choice. While the Redmi 12C offers a lower price, the F13’s more efficient Exynos 850 chipset, built on a smaller 8nm process, provides a smoother overall experience and potentially better long-term performance despite the slower charging.
| 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, 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, June 22 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 29 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 165.4 x 76.9 x 9.3 mm (6.51 x 3.03 x 0.37 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 |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, One UI Core 5 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 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 | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Waterfall Blue, Sunrise Copper, Nightsky Green | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | SM-E135F, SM-E135F/DS | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | About 150 EUR | £ 132.99 / € 107.41 |
| SAR | 0.55 W/kg (head) | 1.08 W/kg (head) 0.64 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.45 W/kg (head) 1.36 W/kg (body) | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy F13
- More efficient Exynos 850 chipset
- Faster 15W charging
- Potentially better software experience
- Slightly smaller battery capacity
- Limited display specifications
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Lower price point
- Larger display size
- Larger battery capacity (5000mAh)
- Less efficient Helio G85 chipset
- Slower 10W charging
- Potentially more thermal throttling
Display Comparison
Neither Samsung nor Xiaomi provide display specifications beyond the basic resolution. However, the choice of panel technology and quality is likely similar in this price bracket – expect IPS LCDs. The key difference lies under the hood. The Redmi 12C’s larger display size (6.71 inches vs. 6.6 inches on the F13) may appeal to media consumers, but the lack of detailed display specs makes it difficult to assess color accuracy or brightness. Both will likely struggle in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a multi-camera setup, but details are sparse. It’s safe to assume both will include a primary camera and depth/macro sensors. Given the price point, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. Without specific sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner. However, Samsung’s image processing algorithms generally offer more refined results, potentially giving the F13 an edge in image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic and offers limited practical benefit.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C utilizes the MediaTek Helio G85, a 12nm chipset with a heterogeneous core configuration – two Cortex-A75 cores for peak performance and six Cortex-A55 cores for efficiency. The Samsung Galaxy F13, however, features the Exynos 850, fabricated on a more efficient 8nm process. While both are octa-core CPUs, the Exynos 850’s architecture, with all Cortex-A55 cores, is optimized for sustained performance rather than burst speeds. This translates to smoother multitasking and potentially less thermal throttling during prolonged use. The 8nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially extending battery life. The Redmi 12C’s Helio G85 may offer slightly higher peak performance in benchmarks, but the F13’s Exynos 850 is likely to provide a more consistent user experience.
Battery Life
The Redmi 12C has a 5000mAh battery, while the Galaxy F13 has a slightly smaller battery. However, the Exynos 850’s 8nm process efficiency gives the F13 a fighting chance in real-world battery life. The Redmi 12C supports only 10W charging, a significant drawback compared to the Galaxy F13’s 15W charging. This means the Redmi 12C will take considerably longer to fully charge, potentially offsetting the benefit of the larger battery capacity. For users who frequently need to top up their phone throughout the day, the F13’s faster charging is a clear advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy F13 if you prioritize consistent performance for everyday tasks and appreciate a more refined software experience. It’s ideal for users who frequently switch between apps or enjoy light multitasking. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C if your primary concern is affordability and you primarily need a phone for basic communication – calls, texts, and occasional social media browsing. It’s a solid option for first-time smartphone users or those on a very tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Galaxy F13 overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850, built on an 8nm process, is relatively efficient. While it won't deliver flagship-level gaming performance, it's unlikely to overheat significantly during moderate gaming. Expect some throttling after prolonged use, but it shouldn't be a major issue for casual gamers.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
Generally, no. 2MP macro cameras on budget phones offer limited detail and image quality. They are often included as a marketing feature but rarely produce usable photos. You're better off using the main camera and cropping in for close-up shots.
❓ Can the Redmi 12C handle games like PUBG Mobile at acceptable frame rates?
The Helio G85 can run PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. Expect to play at medium or low settings to avoid stuttering and lag. The Exynos 850 in the F13 will likely offer a more consistent experience, even at similar settings.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge each phone?
The Samsung Galaxy F13, with its 15W charging, will take approximately 2.5 - 3 hours to fully charge. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C, with its slower 10W charging, will take significantly longer – around 4-5 hours to reach 100%.
