The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Umidigi G9C and Xiaomi Redmi 12C aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly accessible price point. However, key differences in their chipsets and charging capabilities dictate which phone is better suited for specific user needs. This comparison dives deep into those differences.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and occasional gaming, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C is the better choice. Its Helio G85 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Umidigi G9C’s Helio G36. While the G9C offers slightly faster charging, the Redmi 12C’s superior processing power delivers a smoother overall experience.
| 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, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 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 | 2024, September | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, September | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 167.2 x 77 x 7.9 mm (6.58 x 3.03 x 0.31 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 | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB 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 | 50 MP, (wide)
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 | 8 MP, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Rock Black, Grass Green | 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 G9C
- Faster 18W wired charging
- Potentially slightly better battery endurance due to less powerful chipset
- Competitive price point
- Less powerful Helio G36 chipset
- Older CPU architecture (Cortex-A53)
- Likely slower app launch times
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- More powerful Helio G85 chipset
- More modern CPU architecture (Cortex-A75)
- Smoother multitasking and app performance
- Slower 10W wired charging
- Potentially slightly shorter battery life under heavy load
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and peak brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are similar – likely 720p+ and around 400 nits. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on basic usability. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both devices, contributing to a larger overall footprint for the screen size.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, relying on software processing to enhance image quality. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both feature a primary camera and potentially a depth sensor. The Redmi 12C’s processing capabilities, stemming from the more powerful chipset, may give it a slight edge in image processing speed and noise reduction. However, don't expect flagship-level results from either device. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C’s MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm) is a significant step up from the Umidigi G9C’s Helio G36 (12nm). The G85 features two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz alongside six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz, offering a more powerful architecture than the G36’s four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.2 GHz and four at 1.6 GHz. The A75 cores provide a substantial boost in single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. While both use a 12nm process, the architectural improvements in the G85 translate to a smoother user experience, especially when multitasking or running demanding apps. The G9C's older Cortex-A53 cores will struggle with more intensive tasks.
Battery Life
Both phones offer adequate battery life for typical daily use. The Umidigi G9C’s 18W wired charging is faster than the Redmi 12C’s 10W charging. This means the G9C will likely reach a full charge more quickly. However, the Redmi 12C’s more efficient chipset may offset the slower charging speed with better overall battery endurance during use. The difference in charging speed is more noticeable for quick top-ups, while the overall daily battery life will depend more on usage patterns.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi G9C if you prioritize a slightly faster charging experience and are primarily focused on basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C if you want a more responsive device capable of handling moderate multitasking, streaming, and light gaming without significant lag. The Redmi 12C is the better option for users who value performance over marginally faster charging.
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 can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but expect to play at lower graphics settings (Medium or Low) to maintain a stable frame rate. The Umidigi G9C’s Helio G36 will struggle with these titles, offering a less enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each phone from 0%?
The Umidigi G9C, with its 18W charging, should fully charge in approximately 2-2.5 hours. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C, with its 10W charging, will likely take around 3-3.5 hours to reach 100%.
❓ Is the difference in CPU architecture (A53 vs A75) really noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is significant. The Cortex-A75 cores in the Redmi 12C provide a much faster single-core performance, resulting in snappier app launches, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall user experience. The older A53 cores in the G9C will feel noticeably slower.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses their phone for social media and web browsing?
While both phones can handle social media and web browsing, the Redmi 12C offers a smoother experience due to its more powerful processor. Pages will load faster, and multitasking between apps will be less laggy.
