The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the TCL 40R and Xiaomi Redmi 12C are two strong contenders vying for your attention. Both offer compelling features at affordable prices, but which one truly comes out on top? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL 40R edges out the Redmi 12C thanks to its significantly more powerful Dimensity 700 chipset, resulting in smoother performance and better gaming. While the Redmi 12C boasts a slightly larger screen, the TCL 40R's superior processing power makes it the more appealing option 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 | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA - T771K, T771K1 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | 7, 28, 66, 71, 78 SA/NSA - T771A | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 26 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 21 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164.5 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 | 192 g (6.77 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 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 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, TCL UI 4.0 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 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 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 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 | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, 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 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | 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 | 15W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Stardust Purple, Starlight Black | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | T771K, T771K1, T771H, T771A | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | About 240 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 40R
- More powerful chipset (Dimensity 700)
- Smoother performance
- Generally better gaming experience
- Decent camera quality
- Slightly smaller screen
- Slower charging (15W)
- May have slightly less RAM/storage options depending on configuration
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Larger display
- Good value for money
- Adequate performance for basic tasks
- Slightly larger battery capacity
- Less powerful chipset (Helio G85)
- Slower performance
- Limited gaming capabilities
- Slower charging (10W)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, with the Redmi 12C having a slightly larger 6.71-inch screen compared to the TCL 40R's 6.67-inch display. Both utilize IPS LCD panels, offering decent color accuracy and viewing angles. However, the Redmi 12C's larger size might be preferable for those who frequently watch videos or browse the web.
Camera Comparison
The TCL 40R typically features a 50MP main camera, along with ultrawide and macro lenses. The Redmi 12C also has a 50MP main camera, often accompanied by depth and macro sensors. Image quality is generally comparable in good lighting conditions, but the TCL 40R's more powerful processor may allow for slightly better image processing. Low-light performance is likely to be similar on both devices.
Performance
This is where the TCL 40R truly shines. The Dimensity 700 chipset is considerably more powerful than the Helio G85 in the Redmi 12C. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding games on the TCL 40R. The Redmi 12C can handle everyday tasks adequately, but will struggle with more intensive applications.
Battery Life
Both phones offer decent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage. The Redmi 12C has a slightly larger battery capacity (5000mAh vs 4000mAh in the TCL 40R), but the TCL 40R's more efficient chipset can help offset this difference. Charging speeds are a significant drawback for both, with both offering only 10-15W wired charging.
Buying Guide
The TCL 40R is ideal for users who prioritize performance and a smoother user experience, especially those who enjoy mobile gaming. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is a good choice for those primarily focused on media consumption and basic tasks, and who value a larger display on a tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The TCL 40R is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Dimensity 700 chipset. It will handle games with higher frame rates and better graphics settings.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
While the Redmi 12C has a slightly larger battery, the TCL 40R's more efficient chipset can result in comparable or even slightly better battery life in real-world usage.
