Xiaomi Poco C40 vs Redmi 12C: A Detailed Budget Phone Showdown

The Xiaomi Poco C40 and Redmi 12C are both contenders in the fiercely competitive budget smartphone market. Both offer compelling features at affordable prices, but which one truly delivers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Redmi 12C edges out the Poco C40 thanks to its significantly faster processor (Helio G85 vs JLQ JR510), better camera performance, and slightly more modern design. While the C40 boasts a larger battery, the Redmi 12C's overall performance and features make it the better choice.

PHONES
Phone Names	Xiaomi Poco C40	Xiaomi Redmi 12C

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, 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	2022, June 06	2022, December 31
Status	Available. Released 2022, June 17	Available. Released 2023, January 01

Body
Dimensions	169.6 x 76.6 x 9.2 mm (6.68 x 3.02 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
Weight	204 g (7.20 oz)	192 g (6.77 oz)
	Dust & splash resistant	-

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass	-
Resolution	720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density)	720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density)
Size	6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio)	6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 400 nits	IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	JLQ JR510 (11 nm)	Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm)
GPU	Mali-G57 MC1	Mali-G52 MC2
OS	Android 11, MIUI 13 for POCO	Android 12, MIUI 13

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 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), PDAF Auxiliary lens	50 MP, (wide), PDAF 0.08 MP (depth)
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, HDR
Single	5 MP, f/2.2	50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF Auxiliary lens
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	-
Single	5 MP, f/2.2	5 MP, f/2.2, (wide)
Video	1080p@30fps	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
Infrared port	Yes	-
NFC	Yes (market/region dependent)	Yes (market/region dependent)
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
Radio	FM radio	FM radio
USB	USB Type-C 2.0	microUSB 2.0
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity	Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer
	-	Virtual proximity sensing

Battery
Charging	18W wired	10W wired
Type	Li-Po 6000 mAh	Li-Po 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Power Black, Coral Green, Poco Yellow	Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple
Models	220333QPG	22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L
Price	About 110 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)

Xiaomi Poco C40

Massive 6000mAh battery
Very affordable price
Large display for media consumption

Weak processor performance
Lower quality camera
Outdated design
Slow charging (18W)

Xiaomi Redmi 12C

Faster processor (Helio G85)
Better camera quality
Slightly more modern design
Faster charging (10W)

Smaller battery than Poco C40
HD+ display resolution

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.71-inch HD+ (1600 x 720) IPS LCD display. While the resolution is the same, the Redmi 12C's slightly better color accuracy and brightness contribute to a marginally improved viewing experience. The Poco C40's display is adequate but lacks the vibrancy of the Redmi 12C.

Camera Comparison

The Redmi 12C's camera system is noticeably better. It typically features a 50MP main sensor, offering more detail and better low-light performance compared to the Poco C40's likely lower-resolution main sensor. While both have secondary sensors, the Redmi 12C's image processing is generally superior.

Performance

This is where the Redmi 12C shines. The Mediatek Helio G85 chipset offers a substantial performance boost over the JLQ JR510 in the Poco C40. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user interface on the Redmi 12C. The C40's chipset is adequate for basic tasks but struggles with more demanding applications.

Battery Life

The Poco C40 holds a slight advantage in battery capacity, often featuring a 6000mAh battery compared to the Redmi 12C's 5000mAh. However, the Redmi 12C's more efficient chipset and optimized software often result in comparable real-world battery life.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi Poco C40 is ideal for users prioritizing maximum battery life and a very low price point, primarily for basic tasks like calling and messaging. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is a better fit for users who want a smoother experience for everyday use, including social media, light gaming, and photography.