Umidigi A15T vs Xiaomi Redmi 12C: Which Budget Phone Delivers More Power?

The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Umidigi A15T and Xiaomi Redmi 12C aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on real-world performance implications for the average user.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing performance and faster charging, the Umidigi A15T is the clear winner. Its Helio G95 chipset, featuring more powerful Cortex-A76 cores, provides a noticeable advantage in demanding tasks. While the Redmi 12C offers a respectable experience for basic use, the A15T’s superior processing power and 18W charging justify the potential price difference.

PHONES
Phone Names Umidigi A15T Xiaomi Redmi 12C
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced20242022, December 31
StatusAvailable. Released 2024Available. Released 2023, January 01
Body
Dimensions167.6 x 75.3 x 8.6 mm (6.60 x 2.96 x 0.34 in)168.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.01 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight195 g (6.88 oz)192 g (6.77 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1650 pixels (~269 ppi density)720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 106.2 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 500 nitsIPS LCD, 500 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Helio G95 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G76 MC4Mali-G52 MC2
OSAndroid 13Android 12, MIUI 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 8GB RAM32GB 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)
FeaturesLED flashLED flash, HDR
Single-50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF Auxiliary lens
Triple64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single16 MP, f/2.2, (wide)5 MP, f/2.2, (wide)
Video720p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-CmicroUSB 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/acWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer
 -Virtual proximity sensing
Battery
Charging18W wired10W wired
Type5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsSpace Black, Nebula Purple, Glacier BlueGraphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple
Models-22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L
PriceAbout 180 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)

Umidigi A15T

  • More powerful Helio G95 chipset for better performance.
  • Faster 18W wired charging.
  • Potentially better image processing due to the chipset.

  • May be slightly more expensive than the Redmi 12C.
  • No information on display quality.

Xiaomi Redmi 12C

  • Likely more affordable than the Umidigi A15T.
  • Reliable performance for basic tasks.
  • Xiaomi's established brand reputation.

  • Slower Helio G85 chipset.
  • Significantly slower 10W charging.
  • Potentially limited performance in demanding apps.

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on functionality. Without specific display specs, we can assume similar resolutions and brightness levels. The real difference lies elsewhere.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature a primary camera and potentially a depth or macro sensor. Given the price point, image quality will likely be adequate in good lighting conditions, but struggle in low light. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests reliance on software processing for stabilization. The focus should be on the main sensor resolution, which is not provided, but the chipset's ISP capabilities on the A15T may offer slightly better image processing.

Performance

The core distinction between these phones is the chipset. The Umidigi A15T’s Mediatek Helio G95 utilizes two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.05 GHz, paired with six Cortex-A55 cores. This configuration offers a significant performance boost over the Redmi 12C’s Helio G85, which features two Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores. The A76 architecture is demonstrably more efficient and powerful than the A75, translating to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. While both are 12nm chips, the architectural advantage of the G95 is key. The Redmi 12C will handle basic tasks adequately, but the A15T will show its strength in more demanding scenarios.

Battery Life

Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, but both likely fall in the 5000mAh range, typical for this segment. The critical difference is charging speed. The Umidigi A15T supports 18W wired charging, while the Redmi 12C is limited to 10W. This means the A15T will significantly reduce charging times, offering a more convenient user experience. A full charge on the Redmi 12C could easily take over 3 hours, while the A15T should be considerably faster.

Buying Guide

Buy the Umidigi A15T if you need a phone capable of handling moderate gaming, multitasking, and benefit from quicker charging times. This phone is ideal for users who frequently switch between apps or enjoy mobile games. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C if you prioritize a simple, reliable experience for basic communication, social media, and light web browsing, and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. It’s a solid choice for first-time smartphone users or those on a very tight budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Umidigi A15T handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Helio G95 in the Umidigi A15T is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low for a smooth experience. The G85 in the Redmi 12C will struggle with these titles, even on the lowest settings.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each phone from 0%?
With 18W charging, the Umidigi A15T should fully charge in approximately 2-2.5 hours. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C, with its 10W charging, will likely take over 3.5-4 hours to reach 100%.
❓ Is the difference in CPU architecture (Cortex-A76 vs A75) noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the Cortex-A76 cores in the Umidigi A15T offer a performance advantage in tasks like app switching, web browsing, and opening applications. While the difference might not be dramatic for basic use, it becomes apparent when multitasking or running more demanding apps.
❓ Does either phone support fast charging protocols beyond the advertised wattage (e.g., Power Delivery)?
Neither manufacturer explicitly advertises support for advanced fast charging protocols like Power Delivery. It's unlikely either phone will benefit from a higher-wattage charger, and using one may not result in faster charging speeds.