Looking for a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank? The TCL 30+ and Xiaomi Redmi 12C are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one reigns supreme? This detailed comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C edges out the TCL 30+ thanks to its significantly faster Helio G85 chipset, offering a smoother overall experience. While the TCL 30+ has slightly faster charging, the Redmi 12C's performance advantage makes it the better pick for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM) | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA/APAC | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 38, 40, 66 - LATAM | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 27 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 20 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.2 x 7.7 mm (6.48 x 2.96 x 0.30 in) | 168.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 184 g (6.49 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 650 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 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 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
2 MP, f/2.4, (depth) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | - | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (T676K only) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5010 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Tech Black, Muse Blue | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | T676K, T676J | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | About 220 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) |
TCL 30+
- Faster charging (18W)
- Large display
- Decent battery life
- Slower processor (Helio G37)
- Potentially less vibrant display
- Lower performance in games
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Faster processor (Helio G85)
- Better performance
- More versatile camera
- Generally better value
- Slower charging (10W)
- Potentially less premium build quality
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.7-inch displays, but the Redmi 12C likely has slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to more modern panel technology. The TCL 30+’s display is generally adequate but may lack the vibrancy of the Redmi 12C.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 12C generally offers a more versatile camera system, often including a higher resolution main sensor and potentially better image processing. While both phones offer decent image quality in good lighting, the Redmi 12C tends to perform better in low-light conditions. Both likely have a basic macro lens.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 12C shines. The Helio G85 is a noticeable upgrade over the Helio G37 in the TCL 30+. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better performance in games on the Redmi 12C. The TCL 30+ can feel sluggish at times.
Battery Life
Both phones have large batteries (around 5000mAh), offering all-day battery life. However, the TCL 30+ has 18W charging, while the Redmi 12C is limited to 10W. This means the TCL 30+ will charge faster, but battery life itself is comparable.
Buying Guide
The TCL 30+ is a good option for users prioritizing slightly faster charging and a potentially better display (depending on specific panel variations). The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is ideal for those seeking a more responsive and fluid experience for everyday tasks and light gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Helio G85 chipset. The TCL 30+ can handle basic games, but struggles with more demanding titles.
❓ Does the TCL 30+ have NFC?
Some variants of the TCL 30+ include NFC, but it's not a universal feature. Check the specific model you're considering. The Redmi 12C typically includes NFC.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Xiaomi generally offers better software support and updates for their Redmi series. TCL's update track record is less consistent.
