The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the Tecno Spark Power 2 and the Xiaomi Redmi 12C. Both promise impressive features at affordable prices, but which one truly comes out on top?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C edges out the Tecno Spark Power 2 thanks to its superior chipset and faster processor. While the Tecno boasts faster charging, the Redmi 12C's overall performance and slightly better camera make it the more compelling choice for most users.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 | 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 | 2020, June 17. Released 2020, June 23 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 174.9 x 79.6 x 9.2 mm (6.89 x 3.13 x 0.36 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 | 220 g (7.76 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~256 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.0 inches, 116.4 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, HIOS 6.1 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 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 | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Quad | 16 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), AF
5 MP, 115˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac | 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 | 18W wired, 50% in 60 min | 10W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ice Jadeite, Misty Grey, Fascinating Purple | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | LC8 | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | About 120 EUR | £ 132.99 / € 107.41 |
| SAR | 0.85 W/kg (head) 0.80 W/kg (body) | 1.08 W/kg (head) 0.64 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Spark Power 2
- Faster Charging (18W)
- Potentially Larger Battery Capacity
- Decent Display
- Weaker Processor
- Lower Performance
- Less Capable Camera
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- More Powerful Processor (Helio G85)
- Better Performance
- Improved Camera
- Modern Design
- Slower Charging (10W)
- Potentially Slightly Smaller Battery
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.5-inch displays, likely with HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles and color reproduction for everyday use. The Redmi 12C might have a slightly more modern panel, potentially with better brightness, but both are adequate for the price point.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 12C likely has a more versatile camera system, potentially including a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing. While both phones offer decent camera capabilities for their price range, the Redmi 12C is expected to deliver slightly better image quality, especially in well-lit conditions. Both likely have a front-facing camera around 8-13MP.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 12C shines. The Helio G85 chipset is significantly more powerful than the Helio P22 in the Spark Power 2. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Redmi 12C. The Spark Power 2 will handle basic tasks adequately, but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Tecno Spark Power 2 has a clear advantage here with its larger battery capacity (likely 5000mAh or higher) and 18W fast charging. The Redmi 12C's battery is likely around 5000mAh as well, but with only 10W charging, it will take considerably longer to fully charge.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Spark Power 2 is ideal for users prioritizing fast charging and a larger battery for extended usage. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is a better fit for those seeking smoother performance, a more capable camera, and a more modern design, even if charging is slower.
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.
❓ How long does the Tecno Spark Power 2 take to charge?
The Tecno Spark Power 2 charges faster, reaching 50% in approximately 60 minutes with its 18W charging.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
While both have large batteries, the Tecno Spark Power 2's faster charging might give it a slight edge in overall usability, but the Redmi 12C's efficiency could offset this.
