The Ulefone Note 15 and Xiaomi Redmi 12C represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at a minimal cost, but they take drastically different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C is the superior choice. Its Helio G85 chipset provides a significantly more responsive experience for everyday tasks and light gaming, offsetting the slower 10W charging. While the Ulefone Note 15 is cheaper, the performance gap is too large to ignore.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, June 18 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, June 18 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 157.2 x 75.3 x 8.9 mm (6.19 x 2.96 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 | 179 g (6.31 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.22 inches, 93.4 cm2 (~78.9% 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 | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6580A/WVP (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | 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 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sunset Purple, Diamond Blue, Twilight Black | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | - | 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) |
Ulefone Note 15
- Lowest possible price point
- Potentially longer standby time due to less powerful processor
- Basic functionality for essential tasks
- Extremely slow performance
- Outdated processor architecture
- Likely poor camera quality
- Display specifications unknown, suggesting a low-quality panel
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Significantly faster processor (Helio G85)
- Larger 5000mAh battery
- Larger display size
- More responsive user experience
- Slow 10W charging
- Basic camera system
- LCD display with limited color accuracy
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Specifications for the Ulefone Note 15's display are unavailable, suggesting a basic LCD panel. The Redmi 12C features a 6.71-inch LCD, which is large but likely suffers from limited color accuracy and brightness. The absence of features like high refresh rates or even full HD resolution on either device indicates a focus on cost reduction. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, impacting the overall viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar – underwhelming. Both phones likely feature a primary camera paired with low-resolution auxiliary sensors (details unavailable for the Ulefone). The Redmi 12C’s 50MP main sensor *may* offer slightly better detail in good lighting conditions, but image processing will be limited. Expect significant noise and a lack of dynamic range in challenging lighting. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the Redmi 12C is largely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The performance disparity is the most significant difference between these phones. The Ulefone Note 15’s Mediatek MT6580A, a quad-core Cortex-A7 processor built on a 28nm process, is demonstrably slower than the Redmi 12C’s Helio G85. The Helio G85’s octa-core configuration (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) and 12nm fabrication process deliver substantially improved multi-tasking and application launch speeds. The Cortex-A75 cores in the Redmi 12C provide a noticeable boost in single-core performance, crucial for responsive UI interactions. The Ulefone Note 15 will struggle with anything beyond the most basic apps.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage, but the Redmi 12C’s 5000mAh battery provides a larger capacity than what is typical for the Ulefone Note 15’s likely smaller battery (specifications unavailable). However, the Redmi 12C is limited to 10W wired charging, meaning a full charge will take a considerable amount of time. The Ulefone Note 15’s charging speed is also unknown, but given its price point, it’s unlikely to be significantly faster.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone Note 15 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your smartphone usage is limited to basic communication – calls, texts, and very light web browsing. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C if you want a phone that can handle social media, streaming video, and casual gaming without frustrating lag, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 12C struggle with popular apps like Facebook and WhatsApp?
No, the Helio G85 chipset in the Redmi 12C is capable of running social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly. While it won't offer a high-end experience, it will provide a usable and responsive experience for these common tasks. The Ulefone Note 15 may exhibit noticeable lag.
❓ Is the Redmi 12C suitable for playing mobile games?
The Redmi 12C can handle casual mobile games, but it's not a gaming phone. Games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile will likely require low graphics settings and may still experience occasional frame drops. The Ulefone Note 15 is unlikely to provide a playable experience for even basic games.
❓ 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% with the included 10W charger. This is a relatively slow charging speed compared to modern smartphones, but it's typical for devices in this price range.
❓ What kind of storage options are available on these phones?
The Redmi 12C typically comes in 32GB or 64GB storage configurations, expandable via microSD card. Storage options for the Ulefone Note 15 are unknown, but it likely offers similar limited internal storage with microSD card support.
