The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Umidigi G5A and Xiaomi Redmi 12C aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly accessible price point. However, significant differences in their core hardware, particularly the chipset, dictate vastly different user experiences. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and occasional gaming, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C is the clear winner. Its Helio G85 chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the Umidigi G5A’s Helio A22, making everyday tasks and light gaming noticeably smoother. While both offer similar battery and charging capabilities, the Redmi 12C’s processing power justifies the slight price difference.
| 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, 66 | 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 | 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 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB 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 | 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/2.0, (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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 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 | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite Black, Jade Green, Lavender Purple, Pearl White, Space Gray | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | - | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | About 100 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 G5A
- Extremely affordable price point
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Decent battery life for basic usage
- Significantly underpowered processor
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Poor gaming performance
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Much faster processor (Helio G85)
- Improved multitasking and app responsiveness
- Better gaming performance for casual games
- Slightly higher price than the Umidigi G5A
- 10W charging is relatively slow
- Camera quality is still basic
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on basic usability. While specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are unavailable, the Redmi 12C’s larger market share suggests a potentially better-optimized panel. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like LTPO on either device is expected at this price point.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, leaning towards basic functionality on both devices. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both rely on budget sensors. The Redmi 12C’s larger user base may benefit from more refined image processing algorithms, potentially leading to slightly better image quality in favorable lighting conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Umidigi G5A’s MediaTek Helio A22, a quad-core processor clocked at 2.0 GHz, is designed for basic tasks. Its Cortex-A53 cores are relatively old architecture, resulting in limited multi-tasking capabilities. Conversely, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C features the MediaTek Helio G85, an octa-core processor with a mix of Cortex-A75 (2x2.0 GHz) and Cortex-A55 (6x1.8 GHz) cores. The A75 cores provide a significant performance boost for demanding applications and gaming. This architectural difference translates to a much smoother user experience on the Redmi 12C, especially when switching between apps or running multiple processes simultaneously. The G85 also includes a more capable GPU, making it better suited for light gaming.
Battery Life
Both the Umidigi G5A and Xiaomi Redmi 12C feature 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds. While battery capacity isn’t specified, both are likely to house around a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life with moderate usage. The slower charging speed means a full charge will take approximately 2-3 hours. The efficiency of the Helio G85 in the Redmi 12C might slightly impact battery life during intensive tasks, but the difference is unlikely to be substantial for typical users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi G5A if you need a basic, functional smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media browsing, and are on an extremely tight budget. It’s a suitable option for first-time smartphone users or as a reliable backup device. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C if you prefer a more responsive experience, enjoy occasional mobile gaming, or anticipate using more demanding apps. The G85 chipset provides a significant performance boost for a minimal price increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 12C handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G85 in the Redmi 12C can run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at lower graphics settings (Balanced or Low) to maintain a playable frame rate. The Umidigi G5A’s Helio A22 will struggle significantly with PUBG Mobile, offering a poor gaming experience.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio A22 and Helio G85 noticeable in everyday tasks?
Yes, the difference is very noticeable. The Helio G85’s octa-core architecture and more powerful Cortex-A75 cores result in significantly faster app launch times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall user experience compared to the quad-core Helio A22.
❓ Does either phone support fast charging?
No, both the Umidigi G5A and Xiaomi Redmi 12C are limited to 10W wired charging. This means a full charge will take around 2-3 hours.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls, texts, and WhatsApp?
The Umidigi G5A is sufficient for these basic tasks. However, the Redmi 12C offers a more pleasant experience even for these simple functions due to its faster processor, making it a better long-term investment.
