Xiaomi consistently delivers impressive value in the budget phone market. The Poco C50 and Redmi 12C are two contenders vying for your attention. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? This comprehensive comparison will break down their key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi 12C is the clear winner. While the Poco C50 is a very affordable option, the Redmi 12C's significantly more powerful Helio G85 chipset, improved display, and slightly better camera make it a more compelling choice for most users, despite a potentially small price difference.
| 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, 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, January 03 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 10 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.49 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 | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| | Dust & splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% 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 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB 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 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
0.08 MP (depth) | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 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 |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio, recording | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Country Green, Royal Blue | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | MZB0D3DIN, 220733SPI, 220733SPH | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | About 80 EUR | £ 132.99 / € 107.41 |
| SAR | 0.87 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) | 1.08 W/kg (head) 0.64 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Poco C50
- Extremely affordable
- Large battery capacity
- Durable build (likely)
- Weak performance
- Basic display
- Limited camera capabilities
- Slow charging
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Better performance (Helio G85)
- Larger and better display
- Improved camera
- Slightly more modern design
- Slightly more expensive than Poco C50
- 10W charging is still slow
Display Comparison
The Redmi 12C boasts a 6.71-inch 720 x 1650 resolution display, offering a larger viewing area and generally better color reproduction compared to the Poco C50's likely smaller and less vibrant display (specs are limited, but generally smaller and lower resolution). The Redmi 12C's display also tends to be brighter, improving outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
While both phones feature basic camera setups, the Redmi 12C generally offers better image quality thanks to its more capable processor and potentially improved image processing algorithms. Expect more detail and better low-light performance from the Redmi 12C's camera.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 12C shines. The Helio G85 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Helio A22 in the Poco C50. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience on the Redmi 12C. The Poco C50 will struggle with more demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Both phones offer a large 5000mAh battery, suggesting similar battery life in typical usage. However, the Redmi 12C's more efficient chipset might give it a slight edge in overall endurance.
Buying Guide
The Poco C50 is ideal for users on the absolute tightest budget who prioritize basic functionality and long battery life over performance. The Redmi 12C is better suited for those who want a smoother experience for everyday tasks, light gaming, and a slightly better camera without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Poco C50 good for gaming?
The Poco C50's Helio A22 chipset is not well-suited for gaming. Expect low frame rates and stuttering even in less demanding games.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both have 5000mAh batteries, but the Redmi 12C's more efficient chipset might give it a slight advantage in real-world usage.
❓ Can the Redmi 12C handle multitasking?
Yes, the Redmi 12C's Helio G85 chipset is capable of handling multitasking much better than the Poco C50.
