The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Wiko T3 and the Xiaomi Redmi 12C. Both promise affordability, but which one delivers the better overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C edges out the Wiko T3 thanks to its superior Helio G85 chipset, offering noticeably better performance and gaming capabilities. While the Wiko T3 is a decent option, the Redmi 12C's improved processing power and slightly better camera make it the more compelling choice for most users.
| 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, 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 | 2021, December | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 76 x 9.2 mm (6.51 x 2.99 x 0.36 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.7% 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 | Octa-core (4x2.3 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 11 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 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, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 48 MP, AF
5 MP
2 MP | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | 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 | Yes | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold | 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) |
Wiko T3
- Affordable
- Decent battery life
- Simple and easy to use
- Underpowered chipset
- Basic camera
- Potentially slower charging
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Better performance (Helio G85)
- Improved camera
- Slightly better value
- 10W charging is slow
- HD+ display may not be ideal for all
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.53-inch displays, likely with HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles and color reproduction for everyday use. The Redmi 12C might have a slightly brighter panel, but a direct comparison would require testing. Expect similar screen quality overall.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 12C likely boasts a more versatile camera system, potentially including a higher resolution main sensor and additional lenses. While both phones offer decent image quality in good lighting conditions, the Redmi 12C should perform better in low light and offer more creative options. Expect both to offer a basic front-facing camera for selfies.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 12C shines. The Helio G85 chipset is significantly more powerful than the Helio P35. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a better gaming experience on the Redmi 12C. The Wiko T3 will handle basic tasks adequately, but will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature batteries in the 5000mAh range, promising all-day battery life with moderate usage. The Redmi 12C's 10W charging is a slight disadvantage compared to potentially faster charging solutions on the Wiko T3 (though specifics are needed). Expect similar battery endurance in real-world use.
Buying Guide
The Wiko T3 is a good option for users prioritizing a simple, reliable phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light browsing. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is ideal for those seeking a more responsive experience, better gaming performance, and a slightly more capable camera, all while staying within a tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Helio G85 chipset.
❓ Does the Wiko T3 have NFC?
NFC availability on the Wiko T3 varies by region. Check the specific model's specifications before purchasing.
❓ What is the storage capacity of each phone?
Both phones typically offer options for 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card.
