The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Tecno Spark 10 and Xiaomi Redmi 12C aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on performance, charging, and the user experience each offers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and occasional gaming, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C is the better choice. Its Helio G85 chipset, featuring Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Tecno Spark 10’s Helio G37. While the Spark 10 offers slightly faster charging, the Redmi 12C’s performance advantage is more impactful for daily use.
| 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, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 23 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.4 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.33 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 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13, HIOS 12 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB 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), 0.7µm, PDAF
0.08 MP, (depth) | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 50 MP, (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF
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 | 8 MP, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | 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 | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, White, Skin Orange | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | KI5q | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | € 151.38 / ₹ 9,899 | £ 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 Spark 10
- Faster 18W charging for quicker top-ups.
- Potentially longer battery life if capacity is higher.
- May be more readily available in certain regions.
- Inferior chipset performance compared to the Redmi 12C.
- Less responsive user experience for multitasking and gaming.
- Likely lower single-core performance.
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Superior chipset performance with Cortex-A75 cores.
- Smoother multitasking and gaming experience.
- More responsive user interface.
- Slower 10W charging.
- May have slightly less battery life if capacity is lower.
- Potentially less widespread availability.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on usability. Without specific display specs, we can assume similar resolutions and brightness levels. Bezels are likely comparable, prioritizing cost-effectiveness over premium aesthetics. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a strong suit on either device, geared towards general consumption rather than color-critical work.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without detailed sensor information, it’s safe to assume both rely on primary sensors around the 13MP mark, paired with auxiliary lenses of limited utility. Image processing will likely prioritize scene recognition and basic enhancements over nuanced detail. The Redmi 12C may have a slight edge due to the more powerful ISP within the Helio G85, potentially enabling faster image processing and slightly better low-light performance, but this is speculative without further data. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing tactic and unlikely to deliver significant photographic value.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C’s MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm) is a significant step up from the Tecno Spark 10’s Helio G37 (12nm). The G85 utilizes two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz alongside six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz. This contrasts with the Spark 10’s four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.3 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.7 GHz. The A75 cores in the G85 offer substantially better single-core performance, translating to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. While the G37’s higher clock speed on the A53 cores might seem appealing, the architectural advantage of the A75 cores in the G85 is more impactful. The Redmi 12C will demonstrably outperform the Spark 10 in CPU-intensive tasks and gaming.
Battery Life
The Tecno Spark 10’s 18W charging is faster than the Redmi 12C’s 10W charging. This translates to a quicker 0-100% charge time for the Spark 10. However, battery life is determined by a combination of capacity and power efficiency. Without knowing the battery capacities of each device, it’s difficult to definitively say which lasts longer. The Redmi 12C’s more efficient Helio G85 chipset *could* offset the charging speed difference, providing comparable real-world battery life despite the slower charging. The faster charging of the Spark 10 is beneficial for users who frequently need to top up their phone quickly.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 10 if you prioritize a slightly faster charging experience and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C if you want a more responsive device capable of handling moderate multitasking and light gaming without significant lag. The Redmi 12C is the better option for users who value performance over marginally faster charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 12C handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Redmi 12C, with its Helio G85 chipset, can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at medium settings with acceptable frame rates. However, don't expect a high-end gaming experience. You may need to lower graphics settings for smoother gameplay, especially in intense scenarios. The Tecno Spark 10 will struggle more with these titles.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each phone from 0%?
The Tecno Spark 10, with its 18W charging, will likely charge from 0-100% in around 2-3 hours, depending on battery capacity. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C, with its 10W charging, will take considerably longer, potentially 3.5-5 hours. This is a significant difference for users who prioritize quick charging.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio G85 and Helio G37 noticeable in everyday tasks?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Helio G85’s Cortex-A75 cores provide a significant boost in single-core performance, resulting in snappier app launches, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall user experience. The Tecno Spark 10 will feel noticeably slower when switching between apps or performing demanding tasks.
