The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Tecno Pop 7 and Xiaomi Redmi 12C represent two of the most popular options. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly low price point, but they take different approaches. The Redmi 12C prioritizes processing power, while the Pop 7 focuses on affordability. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G85 chipset provides a noticeably smoother experience for everyday tasks and even light gaming, a benefit the Tecno Pop 7 simply cannot match. While both offer 10W charging, the Redmi 12C’s performance advantage justifies the potentially slight price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 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 |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 28 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.45 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 |
| Weight | - | 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 (~84.6% 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 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, f/2.0, (wide), AF
0.08 MP, (depth) | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | Dual-LED flas | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 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 | Yes | 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, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Endless Black, Capri Blue | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | BF6 | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | - | £ 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 7
- Likely the most affordable option
- Functional for basic communication
- Simple and easy to use
- Significantly weaker performance
- Likely lower quality display
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- More powerful Mediatek Helio G85 chipset
- Larger display for better viewing
- Better camera performance
- Slightly higher price
- Slow 10W charging
- Still limited for demanding tasks
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Without specific resolution or brightness data for the Tecno Pop 7, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison. However, the Redmi 12C’s larger 6.56-inch display offers more screen real estate. The absence of features like high refresh rates or Gorilla Glass is expected, emphasizing the cost-saving measures taken in both designs. Color accuracy will likely be basic on both, suitable for everyday viewing but not ideal for color-critical work.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar – basic. Both devices will likely feature a primary camera and potentially a secondary depth sensor. Without specific sensor details for the Tecno Pop 7, it’s safe to assume the Redmi 12C’s 8MP main sensor offers a slight advantage in image quality. The Redmi 12C’s image processing will likely be more refined, resulting in better dynamic range and detail in favorable lighting conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP depth sensor on the Redmi 12C allows for basic portrait mode effects, but don’t expect professional-level results. Both devices will struggle in low-light scenarios.
Performance
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C’s Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) is the clear performance winner. This octa-core processor, featuring 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, provides a substantial upgrade over the likely unnamed, and almost certainly less powerful, chipset found in the Tecno Pop 7. The G85’s architecture allows for smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more enjoyable gaming experience. While not a gaming powerhouse, the G85 can handle popular titles at lower settings. The Pop 7 will struggle with even moderately demanding applications. RAM configurations are unknown for both, but the chipset difference will be the dominant factor.
Battery Life
Both the Tecno Pop 7 and Xiaomi Redmi 12C are equipped with 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds. While battery capacity is unknown for the Tecno Pop 7, the Redmi 12C typically features a 5000mAh battery. This capacity, combined with the more efficient Helio G85 chipset, should provide all-day battery life for moderate usage. Expect around 3-4 hours of screen-on time. The slow charging speed means a full charge will take several hours, but this is typical for devices in this price range.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 7 if your primary need is a functional smartphone for basic communication – calls, texts, and WhatsApp – and you prioritize absolute minimum cost. It’s a suitable option for first-time smartphone users or as a backup device. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C if you want a more responsive experience for social media, browsing, and occasional gaming. The Helio G85 chipset offers a significant performance boost, making it a more versatile device for a slightly higher investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 12C run PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Redmi 12C can run PUBG Mobile, but you’ll need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low and the frame rate to a comfortable level. Don't expect a consistently smooth experience, especially in intense firefights. The Helio G85 is capable, but it's not a dedicated gaming chip.
❓ Is the Tecno Pop 7 a good choice for someone who only needs a phone for calls and WhatsApp?
Yes, the Tecno Pop 7 is perfectly adequate for basic communication. If your primary needs are making calls, sending texts, and using WhatsApp, the Pop 7 will fulfill those requirements. It prioritizes affordability over performance, making it a suitable option for minimal smartphone usage.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Redmi 12C with the 10W charger?
Expect the Redmi 12C to take approximately 3-4 hours to fully charge from 0% to 100% using the included 10W charger. While slow by modern standards, this is typical for budget smartphones and can be managed by charging overnight.
