The TCL 403 and Xiaomi Redmi 12C represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly accessible price point. However, significant differences in their core hardware, particularly the chipset, dictate vastly different user experiences. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C is the superior choice. Its MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, featuring a more modern CPU architecture, provides a noticeably smoother and more responsive experience than the TCL 403’s Helio A22. While both offer basic functionality, the Redmi 12C handles multitasking and light gaming with greater ease.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - T431D | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 - T431D | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T431Q | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 05 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 04 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 x 78.2 x 9.6 mm (6.27 x 3.08 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~74.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB 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, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF
or
5 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm - T431Q only | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps or 720p@30fps (T431Q only) | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.8
or
2 MP, f/2.8 - T431Q only | 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 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 | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Prime Black, Mauve Mist | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | T431D, T431U, T431Q, T431P, T431A, T431E | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | About 80 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 403
- Potentially lower price point (depending on retailer)
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Reliable for basic communication tasks
- Significantly slower performance
- Struggles with multitasking and demanding apps
- Limited gaming capabilities
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Faster and more responsive performance
- Better multitasking capabilities
- Improved gaming experience
- More efficient processor potentially leading to better battery life
- Slower 10W charging
- May be slightly more expensive than the TCL 403
- Still limited camera performance
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Xiaomi provide display specifications beyond resolution in their marketing materials. Assuming typical LCD panels for this price bracket, color accuracy and viewing angles will be limited on both devices. The lack of high refresh rates is standard. The key difference lies in potential brightness; while both are 12nm chips, the G85's greater processing power *could* allow for slightly more aggressive display calibration, but this is speculative without direct testing. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting cost-cutting measures.
Camera Comparison
Both devices likely feature similar low-resolution camera setups, with the Redmi 12C potentially having a slight edge due to the G85’s image signal processor (ISP). The ISP handles image processing, and a more powerful ISP can result in better dynamic range and noise reduction. However, given the likely use of budget sensors in both phones, image quality will be limited, especially in low-light conditions. Focusing on megapixel counts is misleading; sensor size and image processing are far more important. Expect both to perform adequately in well-lit environments but struggle in challenging conditions.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C’s MediaTek Helio G85 is an octa-core processor with a combination of Cortex-A75 (2x2.0 GHz) and Cortex-A55 (6x1.8 GHz) cores. This architecture is substantially more capable than the TCL 403’s quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 processor. The A75 cores provide a significant boost in single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. The Redmi 12C will handle multitasking and moderately demanding apps far more effectively. The Helio A22 in the TCL 403 is designed for extremely basic tasks and will struggle with anything beyond simple operations. The Redmi 12C also benefits from a more modern GPU integrated within the G85, offering a better gaming experience, even at lower settings.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified in the provided data. However, both devices likely house batteries in the 5000mAh range, typical for this segment. The Redmi 12C’s 10W wired charging is slow by modern standards, but the more efficient Helio G85 chipset may translate to slightly better battery life during typical usage. The TCL 403, with its less efficient processor, may require more frequent charging despite a potentially similar battery capacity. Real-world battery life will heavily depend on usage patterns.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 403 if your primary need is a very basic, reliable phone for calls, texts, and extremely light app usage, and you prioritize minimizing cost above all else. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C if you want a phone capable of handling social media, streaming video, and casual gaming without significant lag, and you appreciate a more responsive user interface. The Redmi 12C is the better all-rounder.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 12C be able to run popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the MediaTek Helio G85 in the Redmi 12C is capable of running TikTok and Instagram without significant lag. The octa-core CPU and improved GPU provide enough processing power for these apps to function smoothly, unlike the TCL 403 which may struggle with even basic scrolling.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Redmi 12C a major drawback?
While 10W charging is slow compared to modern fast charging standards, the Redmi 12C’s more efficient Helio G85 chipset means you won’t need to charge it as frequently. Expect a full charge to take around 3-4 hours. Overnight charging is a viable option, and the efficiency gain helps mitigate the slower charging speed.
❓ Can I play games like PUBG Mobile on the Redmi 12C?
You can play PUBG Mobile on the Redmi 12C, but you’ll need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a playable frame rate. The Helio G85 is capable of handling the game, but it’s not a dedicated gaming chipset. The TCL 403 would likely struggle to run PUBG Mobile at all.
