The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Tecno Spark Go and Xiaomi Redmi 12C represent two compelling options for users prioritizing affordability. However, beneath the similar price points lie significant differences in chipset architecture and charging capabilities, impacting real-world performance and user experience. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Spark Go emerges as the stronger choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6400, built on a more efficient 6nm process, delivers noticeably better performance than the Redmi 12C’s Helio G85. While the Redmi 12C offers a slightly larger display, the Spark Go’s faster charging and superior processing power make it the more compelling all-around package.
| 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 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, August 14 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, August 21 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 167.7 x 77.9 x 8 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.31 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 | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6400 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 15, HIOS 15 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 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 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 50 MP | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | 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 | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | 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 | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sky Blue, Ink Black, Turquoise Green | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | KM8 | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | About 100 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 Spark Go
- Faster and more efficient processor (Dimensity 6400)
- Faster 18W charging
- Potentially better image processing
- Display size may be smaller than Redmi 12C
- May be slightly more expensive
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Potentially larger display
- Generally available and well-known brand
- Competitive price
- Slower and less efficient processor (Helio G85)
- Slower 10W charging
- Likely less responsive user experience
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. While the Redmi 12C’s size isn’t specified, it’s generally larger than the Spark Go’s. However, resolution is likely 720p on both, limiting sharpness. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like LTPO is expected. Display quality will likely be similar, with the Redmi 12C offering a larger viewing area, but the Spark Go’s panel may benefit from better color calibration due to the more modern chipset’s image signal processor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones relying on budget sensors. Details on sensor sizes and apertures are unavailable, but it’s safe to assume both feature a primary camera paired with auxiliary lenses of limited utility (likely a 2MP macro and depth sensor). The Dimensity 6400’s more advanced image signal processor (ISP) in the Spark Go *could* result in slightly better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions, but don’t expect flagship-level results. The Redmi 12C’s camera is likely adequate for casual snapshots, but the Spark Go has the potential for marginally improved image quality.
Performance
This is where the Tecno Spark Go pulls ahead significantly. The Dimensity 6400, fabricated on a 6nm process, is a substantial upgrade over the Redmi 12C’s 12nm Helio G85. The Dimensity 6400’s Cortex-A76 cores, clocked at 2.5 GHz, offer a considerable performance boost over the Redmi 12C’s 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The 6nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. While both phones likely feature similar RAM configurations, the superior CPU architecture of the Spark Go will provide a more responsive user experience.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, but both likely fall in the 5000mAh range, typical for this price point. However, the Tecno Spark Go’s 18W charging is a clear advantage over the Redmi 12C’s 10W charging. This translates to significantly faster charging times – potentially reducing a full charge from over 3 hours on the Redmi 12C to around 2 hours on the Spark Go. While battery life will likely be comparable in typical usage, the faster charging of the Spark Go provides a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark Go if you need a phone capable of handling multitasking, moderate gaming, and benefit from faster charging speeds. It’s ideal for students or users who rely on their phone for productivity. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C if you prioritize a slightly larger screen and are primarily focused on basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use, and are less concerned with demanding applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark Go handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Dimensity 6400 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, but you’ll likely need to lower graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. The Helio G85 in the Redmi 12C will struggle more with these titles, requiring even lower settings and potentially experiencing more lag.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Tecno Spark Go a significant improvement over the Redmi 12C’s 10W charging?
Yes, it is. 18W charging will reduce charging times considerably. Expect a full charge on the Spark Go to take around 2 hours, while the Redmi 12C could take over 3 hours. This difference is noticeable for daily use.
❓ How much does software optimization play a role in the performance of these phones?
Software optimization is crucial. While the Dimensity 6400 has a hardware advantage, poorly optimized software could negate some of those benefits. Both Tecno and Xiaomi’s software skins (HiOS and MIUI respectively) have historically been resource-intensive, but recent updates have improved performance. It's worth checking recent user reviews for software-related issues.
❓ Are there any significant differences in the build quality between the Tecno Spark Go and the Xiaomi Redmi 12C?
Both phones utilize primarily plastic construction, typical for this price range. Build quality is likely comparable, with neither device offering a premium feel. Durability will depend on the quality of the plastic used and the overall design.
