The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Umidigi G1, while an older model, remains available and offers a baseline level of functionality. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C represents a more recent entry, boasting a more modern chipset. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device delivers the best experience for the price.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C is the clear winner. Its Helio G85 chipset, built on a 12nm process, provides a substantial performance uplift over the Umidigi G1’s aging MT6739. While both offer 10W charging, the Redmi 12C’s superior processing power makes it better suited for everyday tasks and light gaming.
| 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 | 2022 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.7 x 8.8 mm (6.45 x 2.98 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 | 195 g (6.88 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 (~82.7% 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 MT6739 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | 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, GALILEO, GLONASS, 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 | 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 | Sunglow Gold, Galaxy Blue, Starry Black | 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 G1
- Extremely affordable
- Compact size may appeal to some users
- Functional for basic tasks
- Outdated chipset delivers poor performance
- Likely limited software support
- Inferior battery life compared to Redmi 12C
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Significantly faster Helio G85 processor
- Larger 5000mAh battery for longer runtime
- More modern design and features
- 10W charging is relatively slow
- Still a budget device with compromises in build quality
- Software experience may include bloatware
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. However, the Redmi 12C benefits from a larger screen size (6.71 inches vs. the G1’s 5.5 inches), offering a more immersive viewing experience. While specific brightness data is unavailable, the Redmi 12C’s newer design likely incorporates some improvements in color accuracy and viewing angles, though neither will approach the quality of IPS or AMOLED displays found in higher-end phones.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar in real-world usage, with both devices featuring basic camera setups. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both rely on budget sensors. The Redmi 12C’s larger screen size may offer a slightly better framing experience, but image quality will be heavily dependent on software processing. The presence of a 50MP main sensor on the Redmi 12C (versus an unknown resolution on the G1) suggests a potential advantage in detail capture, though sensor size and lens quality are equally important factors. Avoid relying on any included 2MP macro or depth sensors on either device.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Umidigi G1’s Mediatek MT6739, a 28nm chipset with a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU, is demonstrably slower than the Redmi 12C’s Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm). The Helio G85’s octa-core configuration – featuring two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz – provides a substantial boost in multi-core and single-core performance. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the Redmi 12C. The 12nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially extending battery life under load.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds – expect around 2-3 hours for a full charge. While battery capacity isn’t specified for the Umidigi G1, the Redmi 12C packs a 5000mAh battery. Combined with the more efficient Helio G85 chipset, the Redmi 12C is likely to offer significantly longer battery life, especially during moderate to heavy usage. The 12nm process node of the Helio G85 contributes to lower power consumption compared to the 28nm MT6739.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi G1 if you absolutely need a functional smartphone on the tightest of budgets and are primarily focused on basic communication – calls, texts, and very light app usage. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C if you prioritize a smoother user experience, occasional gaming, and a more future-proofed device, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 12C handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Helio G85 in the Redmi 12C is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you’ll likely need to use low to medium graphics settings to maintain a playable frame rate. The Umidigi G1’s MT6739 will struggle significantly with these titles, offering a poor gaming experience.
❓ How much storage does each phone offer, and can it be expanded?
While specific configurations vary, the Redmi 12C typically comes in 32GB/64GB/128GB storage options with microSD card support for expansion. The Umidigi G1 likely offers 16GB or 32GB of internal storage, also with microSD card expansion. Check the specific model before purchasing to confirm storage capacity.
❓ What Android version do these phones run, and will they receive updates?
The Redmi 12C launched with Android 13, while the Umidigi G1 likely shipped with an older version of Android (potentially Android 8 or 9). Software update support for the Umidigi G1 is likely limited or non-existent, while the Redmi 12C may receive at least one major Android update and security patches for a limited time.
