The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the vivo Y02t and Xiaomi Redmi 12C aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly accessible price point. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dissects those differences and determines which device offers the best overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C emerges as the better choice. Its Helio G85 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Y02t’s Helio P35, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While both offer similar battery life and charging speeds, the Redmi 12C’s superior processing power makes it the more versatile option.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 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, July 12 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, July 22 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 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 | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~82.5% 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 | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13, Funtouch 13 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 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 | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 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 | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, 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 | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass (market/region dependent) | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Orchid Blue, Cosmic Grey, Sunset Gold | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | V2254, V2252 | 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) |
vivo Y02t
- Potential for simpler software experience (depending on vivo’s FunTouch OS version)
- 5W reverse wired charging offers limited power bank functionality
- Generally lower price point (depending on region and retailer)
- Significantly weaker processor (Helio P35)
- Less responsive user experience
- Struggles with multitasking and demanding apps
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- More powerful processor (Helio G85) for smoother performance
- Better multitasking capabilities
- More responsive user interface
- MIUI software can be resource-intensive and include bloatware
- May be slightly more expensive than the Y02t
- No reverse charging capability
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. Specifics like resolution and peak brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are similar – likely 720p+ and adequate for indoor use. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on basic functionality. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both, contributing to a larger overall footprint for the screen size.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be comparable, and largely unimpressive. Both devices will likely feature a primary camera alongside auxiliary lenses of limited utility. Without specific sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make definitive claims. However, the image processing capabilities of Xiaomi’s MIUI software might offer a slight edge in terms of post-processing and scene optimization. Expect acceptable results in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low-light scenarios. The absence of OIS on either device means image stabilization will rely solely on software algorithms.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 12C pulls ahead significantly. The Mediatek Helio G85, with its 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, represents a substantial architectural improvement over the Y02t’s Helio P35. The P35 relies on older Cortex-A53 cores across the board (4x2.35 GHz & 4x1.8 GHz). The A75 cores in the G85 offer significantly better single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. While both are 12nm chips, the G85’s core design delivers a more fluid experience, especially noticeable when switching between apps or playing less demanding games. The Redmi 12C will handle multitasking and moderately demanding apps with greater ease.
Battery Life
Both the vivo Y02t and Xiaomi Redmi 12C feature 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds. While battery capacity isn't specified, typical capacities for phones in this price range are around 5000mAh. Therefore, expect roughly similar battery life – a full day of moderate use is achievable on both devices. The 5W reverse wired charging on the Y02t is a niche feature, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices, but its slow speed limits its practicality.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y02t if your primary need is a basic, reliable phone for calls, texts, and light social media use, and you prioritize a potentially simpler software experience. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C if you want a phone capable of handling more demanding tasks like casual gaming, streaming video, and running multiple apps simultaneously, even if it means a slightly more complex MIUI interface.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 12C be able to run 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 play at lower graphics settings (Medium or Low) and frame rates to maintain a smooth experience. The Y02t’s Helio P35 would struggle significantly with these titles.
❓ How much bloatware comes pre-installed on the Xiaomi Redmi 12C?
Xiaomi's MIUI is known for including pre-installed apps (bloatware). While the amount varies by region, expect to find several third-party apps pre-loaded. Fortunately, many of these can be uninstalled, freeing up storage space and reducing system resource usage.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio P35 and Helio G85 noticeable in everyday tasks?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The Helio G85’s more modern core architecture results in faster app launch times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall user experience. The Y02t’s Helio P35 will feel sluggish in comparison, especially when multitasking.
❓ Does either phone support fast charging beyond 10W?
No, both the vivo Y02t and Xiaomi Redmi 12C are limited to 10W wired charging. This is typical for phones in this price segment. Expect a full charge to take around 2-3 hours.
