The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for your money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the TCL 406 and the Xiaomi Redmi 12C. Both promise affordability, but which one delivers the better overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C edges out the TCL 406 thanks to its significantly more powerful Helio G85 chipset, resulting in smoother performance and better gaming capabilities. While both offer similar battery life and charging speeds, the Redmi 12C's processing power makes it the more compelling choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 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 |
| | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 26 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 26 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 75.4 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.97 x 0.35 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 | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.3% 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 (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB 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, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 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, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | 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 Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Grey, Lavender Purple | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | T506K | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | About 110 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 406
- Reliable for basic tasks
- Simple and easy to use
- Likely good call quality
- Underpowered processor
- Slow charging
- May struggle with demanding apps
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- More powerful processor (Helio G85)
- Smoother performance
- Better for gaming
- Good battery life
- 10W charging is slow
- Camera quality may not be exceptional
- Software experience can be cluttered
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.5 inches with HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles and color accuracy for the price point, but don't anticipate flagship-level vibrancy or sharpness. The Redmi 12C might have slightly better brightness.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely comparable, with both phones probably offering a main 50MP sensor and a depth sensor. Image quality will depend heavily on software processing. The Redmi 12C's more powerful processor *could* allow for slightly better image processing and potentially better low-light performance, but this is not guaranteed.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 12C shines. The Helio G85 chipset is a noticeable upgrade over the TCL 406's Cortex-A53-heavy CPU. Expect smoother app loading, faster multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the Redmi 12C. The TCL 406 will handle basic tasks adequately, but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. Charging speeds are limited to 10W wired charging on both devices, so expect relatively slow charging times.
Buying Guide
The TCL 406 is a good option for users prioritizing a simple, reliable phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light browsing. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is ideal for those seeking a more responsive experience, including casual gaming and multitasking, without breaking the bank.
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 406 will struggle with even casual games.
❓ How long does the battery last on each phone?
Both phones are expected to offer all-day battery life with moderate usage thanks to their 5000mAh batteries.
❓ Which phone has the better camera?
While both have similar camera hardware, the Redmi 12C's more powerful processor *could* lead to slightly better image processing and potentially better low-light performance.
