The Ulefone Note 7 and Xiaomi Redmi 12C represent two distinct approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The Note 7 aims for affordability above all else, utilizing older hardware, while the Redmi 12C attempts to offer a more modern experience with a newer chipset, albeit at a slightly higher price point. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C is the superior choice. Its Helio G85 chipset delivers significantly better performance than the Ulefone Note 7’s MT6580, making it more capable for everyday tasks and even light gaming. While the Note 7 is cheaper, the performance gap justifies the price difference for all but the most basic users.
| 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 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, April. Released 2019, April | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 156.1 x 73.7 x 9.7 mm (6.15 x 2.90 x 0.38 in) | 168.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 177.5 g (6.28 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 600 x 1280 pixels (~232 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 92.3 cm2 (~80.2% 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 | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6580 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 8.1 Oreo (Go edition) | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | 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 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
2 MP
2 MP | - |
| 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 | 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 | microUSB 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 |
| Stand-by | Up to 374 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 9 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Po 3500 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold, Twilight | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | Q345 | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | About 120 EUR | £ 132.99 / € 107.41 |
| SAR | - | 1.08 W/kg (head) 0.64 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.35 W/kg (head) 0.86 W/kg (body) | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Ulefone Note 7
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Potentially longer standby time due to less demanding hardware
- Significantly slower performance
- Outdated chipset architecture
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Much faster performance with Helio G85
- More responsive user experience
- Better suited for gaming and multitasking
- Slightly higher price
- Slow 10W charging
- Basic camera system
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Details regarding panel type (IPS vs. TFT) and resolution are missing for the Ulefone Note 7, suggesting a basic implementation. The Redmi 12C, while also likely utilizing a basic IPS LCD, benefits from a larger 6.71-inch screen. The absence of high refresh rates on both devices is expected at this price point. Color accuracy and brightness are likely to be similar, leaning towards the basic side, but the Redmi 12C’s larger size provides a more immersive viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, meaning basic functionality. Details regarding sensor sizes are unavailable for both, but given the price point, expectations should be tempered. The Redmi 12C likely benefits from slightly better image processing capabilities due to its more modern chipset. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the Redmi 12C is largely a marketing gimmick; its image quality will be limited. Focusing on the main sensor performance, the Redmi 12C will likely produce more usable images in various lighting conditions.
Performance
The performance disparity is the most significant difference between these two phones. The Ulefone Note 7’s Mediatek MT6580, built on a 28nm process, features a quad-core Cortex-A7 CPU. This architecture is several generations old and struggles with modern multitasking. In contrast, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C’s Helio G85 (12nm) utilizes an octa-core configuration with a mix of Cortex-A75 and A55 cores. The A75 cores provide a substantial performance boost for demanding tasks, while the A55 cores handle background processes efficiently. This translates to a noticeably faster and more responsive experience on the Redmi 12C, particularly when launching apps or switching between them. The 12nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature similar battery capacities, though specific numbers are missing for the Ulefone Note 7. The Redmi 12C’s 10W charging is slow by modern standards, but adequate for overnight charging. The more efficient Helio G85 chipset in the Redmi 12C will likely result in slightly better battery life despite potentially similar capacity, as it requires less power to perform the same tasks. The Ulefone Note 7’s older chipset will likely drain the battery faster under load.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone Note 7 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your smartphone usage is limited to calls, texts, and very light browsing. It's a functional device for those with minimal demands. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C if you prioritize a smoother user experience, occasional gaming, and future-proofing, even if it means spending a bit more. The Redmi 12C offers a more versatile and enjoyable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 12C be able to run popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G85 in the Redmi 12C is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to use low to medium graphics settings for a smooth experience. The Ulefone Note 7’s MT6580 will struggle significantly with PUBG, even on the lowest settings.
❓ Is the Ulefone Note 7 a good option for someone who primarily uses WhatsApp and makes calls?
Yes, the Ulefone Note 7 is perfectly adequate for basic communication tasks like WhatsApp and phone calls. Its limitations become apparent when attempting more demanding applications. If your usage is truly minimal, the Note 7’s lower price might be appealing.
❓ Does the Redmi 12C support fast charging, and how long does it take to fully charge?
The Redmi 12C only supports 10W wired charging, which is relatively slow. Expect a full charge to take around 3-4 hours from 0%.
❓ How much storage does each phone have, and is it expandable?
While specific storage configurations vary, the Redmi 12C typically comes with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage and supports microSD card expansion. Details regarding the Ulefone Note 7's storage are less clear, but it likely offers similar options with microSD expansion.
