The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Umidigi C1 Plus and the Xiaomi Redmi 12C aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly low price point. However, significant differences in their core hardware – specifically the chipset – dictate vastly different user experiences. This comparison will dissect those differences to help you choose the best option for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C is the superior choice. Its Helio G85 chipset provides a significantly more responsive experience for everyday tasks and even light gaming, offsetting the shared 10W charging and similar feature sets. The Umidigi C1 Plus remains a viable option for extremely basic use cases.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 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 | 2023 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.46 x 3.01 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 |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.8% 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 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8766 | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13 | 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 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 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 | 4.2, A2DP | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5150 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starry Black, Sunglow Gold | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | - | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | - | £ 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 C1 Plus
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic communication
- Acceptable build quality for the price
- Significantly underpowered processor
- Poor multitasking performance
- Limited gaming capabilities
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Much faster and more responsive processor
- Larger battery capacity for longer runtime
- Better camera performance (likely)
- Still limited by 10W charging
- Display quality is basic
- Software experience may include bloatware
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. While specific details like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are unavailable, the Redmi 12C’s larger screen size (6.71 inches vs. the C1 Plus’s 6.53 inches) offers a more immersive viewing experience. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, and neither supports high refresh rates or advanced features like HDR.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is expected to be modest. Without detailed sensor information, it’s safe to assume both rely on budget sensors. The Redmi 12C likely features a larger main sensor, offering better low-light performance and detail. The presence of a dedicated night mode on the Redmi 12C, a feature often absent on ultra-budget phones, further suggests superior image processing capabilities. Any secondary cameras (often 2MP macro lenses) on either device are unlikely to deliver meaningful results.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 12C truly shines. The MediaTek Helio G85 (MT6769Z, 12nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Umidigi C1 Plus’s MediaTek MT8766. The G85’s octa-core configuration (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) provides significantly more processing power than the C1 Plus’s quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53. The G85’s architecture, utilizing more powerful Cortex-A75 cores, translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience. The 12nm process node also contributes to better power efficiency. The C1 Plus will struggle with anything beyond the most basic apps.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 10W wired charging, meaning charging times will be relatively slow – expect well over 3 hours for a full charge. While battery capacity isn’t specified for the Umidigi C1 Plus, the Redmi 12C packs a 5000mAh battery. This larger capacity, combined with the more efficient Helio G85 chipset, should provide all-day battery life for moderate users. The C1 Plus, with its less efficient chipset, may require more frequent charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi C1 Plus if you prioritize absolute affordability and only need a phone for the most basic tasks – calls, texts, and occasional light browsing. It's a functional device for those on a very tight budget. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C if you value a smoother, more responsive user experience, even for simple tasks, and anticipate occasional gaming or multitasking. The G85 chipset offers a noticeable performance boost that justifies the slightly higher price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 12C handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G85 in the Redmi 12C is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to play at lower graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. Don't expect a high-end gaming experience, but it's playable, unlike the Umidigi C1 Plus which will struggle significantly.
❓ Is the 10W charging on either phone a major drawback?
Yes, 10W charging is slow by modern standards. Expect over 3 hours to fully charge either device. However, given the limited battery capacity and usage patterns of typical users in this price segment, it's a compromise many will have to accept.
❓ Does the Redmi 12C have a fingerprint sensor?
Yes, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, offering a convenient and secure way to unlock your phone. The Umidigi C1 Plus likely relies solely on software-based unlocking methods.
❓ How much storage does each phone offer, and is it expandable?
The Redmi 12C typically comes in 32GB/64GB storage options with microSD card support for expansion. The Umidigi C1 Plus storage configuration is less clear, but it likely offers similar options with microSD expansion. Check the specific model before purchasing.
