The Ulefone Note 19 and Xiaomi Redmi 12C represent two compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone space. While both aim to deliver essential functionality at a low price point, they take different approaches to achieving this. The Note 19 prioritizes battery longevity, while the Redmi 12C focuses on providing a more responsive user experience through a more powerful chipset.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and occasional gaming, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C is the better choice. Its Helio G85 chipset offers a noticeable performance uplift over the Ulefone Note 19’s Unisoc T603. However, if maximizing battery life is paramount, the Ulefone Note 19’s impressive 45:51h endurance makes it a strong contender.
| 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, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International | 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 | 2024, September | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, September | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.2 x 75.2 x 8.8 mm (6.43 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 | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 4 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.2% 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 8x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T603 (22 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8322 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition) | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB 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), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | 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 | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green | 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) |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 45:51h endurance, 1000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class B | - |
| Free fall | Class C (124 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class B | - |
Ulefone Note 19
- Exceptional battery life (45:51h endurance)
- Potentially more efficient processor
- Long-term reliability with 1000 charge cycles
- Significantly slower processor
- Less responsive user experience
- Likely limited gaming capabilities
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Faster and more responsive processor (Helio G85)
- Better performance for gaming and multitasking
- More enjoyable user experience
- Shorter battery life compared to Ulefone Note 19
- May require more frequent charging
- Potentially more thermal throttling under heavy load
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood. We lack specific display specs, but the Redmi 12C’s focus on media consumption suggests a potentially brighter panel. The Ulefone Note 19’s emphasis on endurance may have led to compromises in display brightness to conserve power.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the price point, both phones likely feature basic camera setups. It’s reasonable to assume the Redmi 12C, benefiting from Mediatek’s image signal processing capabilities within the Helio G85, may offer slightly better image quality and processing speed. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and shouldn’t be a deciding factor.
Performance
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C’s Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm) is the clear winner in terms of processing power. Its octa-core configuration, featuring two 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and six 1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, provides a significant advantage over the Ulefone Note 19’s Unisoc T603 (22nm) with its eight 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The Helio G85’s more advanced architecture and smaller manufacturing node translate to faster application loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience. The Ulefone Note 19 will handle basic tasks adequately, but will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Ulefone Note 19 shines in battery endurance, achieving an impressive 45:51 hours of usage. This is likely due to the less power-hungry Unisoc T603 chipset and potentially a more conservative software implementation. The Redmi 12C, with its more powerful Helio G85, will undoubtedly consume more power. Both devices share the same 10W wired charging, meaning neither offers particularly fast charging speeds. The Ulefone Note 19’s longevity is its key advantage, while the Redmi 12C will require more frequent charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone Note 19 if you need a phone that can reliably last through two full days of moderate use, and your primary tasks are communication, basic browsing, and media consumption. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience for social media, light gaming, and multitasking, even if it means charging your phone more frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Ulefone Note 19 struggle with popular apps like TikTok or Facebook?
The Unisoc T603 chipset in the Ulefone Note 19 is adequate for basic app usage, but you may experience noticeable lag and slower loading times with more demanding apps like TikTok or Facebook, especially when multitasking. The Redmi 12C’s Helio G85 will provide a much smoother experience.
❓ Is the Redmi 12C suitable for playing mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Redmi 12C’s Helio G85 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a playable frame rate. The Ulefone Note 19 will struggle significantly with these games, even on the lowest settings.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each phone from 0%?
Both phones utilize 10W charging, which is relatively slow. Expect a full charge to take approximately 3-4 hours for both the Ulefone Note 19 and the Xiaomi Redmi 12C. Neither device supports fast charging.
❓ Does the Ulefone Note 19's long battery life come at the cost of other features?
Yes, the Ulefone Note 19 prioritizes battery life, which likely resulted in compromises in processing power and potentially display quality. It's a trade-off between longevity and overall performance.
