The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the Tecno Pop 5 LTE 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 Tecno Pop 5 LTE thanks to its significantly more powerful Helio G85 chipset, resulting in smoother performance and better gaming capabilities. While both are budget options, the Redmi 12C offers a more compelling package for the price.
| 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 | LTE | 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 |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 25 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 25 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 76.1 x 8.8 mm (6.49 x 3.00 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 |
| Weight | - | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, HIOS 7.6 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 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 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP
Secondary unknown camera | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ice Blue, Deepsea Luster, Turquoise Cyan | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | BD4, BD4i, BD4a | 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) |
Tecno Pop 5 LTE
- Very affordable
- Long battery life (likely)
- Large display
- Weak performance
- Basic camera
- Outdated chipset
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Better performance (Helio G85)
- Improved camera
- Slightly more premium design
- Slightly more expensive than Pop 5 LTE
- 10W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.5-inch HD+ displays, offering decent viewing angles for everyday use. However, the Redmi 12C's display might have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potentially better panel technology, though this is difficult to confirm without detailed testing. Both are adequate for media consumption but don't expect flagship-level visuals.
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 have basic camera setups, the Redmi 12C is likely to produce slightly better photos, especially in well-lit conditions. Both will struggle in low light.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 12C shines. The Helio G85 chipset is a noticeable upgrade over the Unisoc SC9863A. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user interface on the Redmi 12C. The Pop 5 LTE will struggle with more demanding apps and games.
Battery Life
The Tecno Pop 5 LTE is likely to have a slight edge in battery life due to its less power-hungry chipset and potentially larger battery capacity (though specific capacity figures are often not readily available). Both phones should comfortably last a full day with moderate usage.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Pop 5 LTE is ideal for users prioritizing basic functionality, extended battery life, and a very tight budget. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is a better choice for those seeking a smoother user experience, improved gaming performance, and a slightly more premium feel, even within the budget category.
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 Tecno Pop 5 LTE will struggle with even basic games.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
While both offer decent battery life, the Tecno Pop 5 LTE likely has a slight advantage due to its less demanding chipset.
❓ Is the Redmi 12C worth the extra cost?
Yes, the Redmi 12C's improved performance and camera make it worth the slightly higher price, especially if you plan to use your phone for more than just basic tasks.
