The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the vivo Y11 (2023) and the Xiaomi Redmi 12C aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dissects those differences and helps you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and light gaming, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C is the better choice. Its Helio G85 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the vivo Y11’s Helio P35, making everyday tasks and app loading smoother. While both offer similar battery and charging capabilities, the Redmi 12C’s processing power gives it the edge.
| 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, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1x | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, April 01 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 01 | 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 12, OriginOS Ocean | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 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 | 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 | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 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, proximity | 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 | Cosmic Grey, Orchid Blue | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | V2236A | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | About 120 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) |
vivo Y11 (2023)
- Potentially more reliable software experience (depending on user preference)
- 5W reverse wired charging (niche feature)
- Established brand reputation
- Significantly weaker processor performance
- Less responsive user experience
- Likely less capable camera processing
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- More powerful Helio G85 chipset
- Smoother multitasking and app loading
- Better gaming performance for casual titles
- MIUI software can be polarizing
- 10W charging is relatively slow
- Build quality may feel less premium
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. Without specific display specs (resolution, brightness), the comparison hinges on panel quality, which is difficult to ascertain without direct testing. However, the focus should be on usability rather than visual fidelity given the price point. Expect adequate viewing angles and color reproduction for everyday tasks.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are expected to feature basic camera setups. Without detailed sensor information, it’s safe to assume both rely on primary sensors for most image capture. The Redmi 12C’s image processing, while not flagship-level, is generally more refined than vivo’s entry-level offerings. The presence of a dedicated camera app with more features is also likely. The marketing materials for both devices often highlight megapixel counts, but sensor size and lens aperture are far more critical for image quality. Expect adequate performance in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low-light scenarios.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C’s MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm) is a significant upgrade over the vivo Y11’s Helio P35 (12nm). The G85 features a more modern CPU architecture – 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores alongside 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores – compared to the Y11’s 4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 configuration. The Cortex-A75 cores in the G85 provide a substantial boost in single-core performance, translating to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. While both are 12nm chips, the architectural improvements of the G85 outweigh the clock speed difference. The Redmi 12C will handle more demanding apps and light gaming with greater ease.
Battery Life
Both the vivo Y11 (2023) and the Xiaomi Redmi 12C are equipped with 10W wired charging. This is a relatively slow charging speed, meaning a full charge will take approximately 2-3 hours. While battery capacity isn’t specified, both likely house around a 5000mAh battery, standard for this price range. The slightly more efficient Helio G85 in the Redmi 12C *may* translate to marginally better battery life, but real-world usage will be the deciding factor. The 5W reverse wired charging on the vivo Y11 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 Y11 (2023) if you prioritize a brand known for reliability and a slightly more conservative approach to software. It’s a solid option for basic communication and light social media use. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C if you want a more responsive experience, especially when multitasking or playing casual games, and are comfortable with Xiaomi’s MIUI software.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 12C struggle with popular apps like Facebook and WhatsApp?
No, the Helio G85 in the Redmi 12C is more than capable of handling everyday apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and browsing. The improved CPU architecture ensures a smoother experience compared to the vivo Y11’s Helio P35, even with multiple apps open.
❓ Is the 10W charging speed on either phone a major drawback?
Yes, 10W charging is relatively slow by today’s standards. Expect a full charge to take around 2-3 hours. However, both phones likely have large enough batteries (around 5000mAh) to last a full day with moderate use, mitigating the impact of slow charging.
❓ Can the Redmi 12C handle any mobile games?
The Redmi 12C can handle casual mobile games like PUBG Mobile (on lower settings), Free Fire, and Call of Duty Mobile. While it won’t deliver a high-end gaming experience, the Helio G85 provides a noticeable improvement over the Helio P35 in the vivo Y11 for gaming.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Both phones are perfectly adequate for calls and texts. However, the Redmi 12C’s more responsive processor will make navigating the phone and accessing contacts slightly faster. The choice then comes down to brand preference and software ecosystem.
