Xiaomi dominates the ultra-budget smartphone space, but navigating their lineup can be tricky. The Poco C71 and Redmi 12C represent compelling options under $150, yet cater to slightly different priorities. This comparison dissects their core components – from chipset architecture to charging speeds – to determine which device delivers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Poco C71 is the better choice. While both phones aim for affordability, the Poco C71’s Unisoc T7250 chipset offers a modest performance advantage over the Redmi 12C’s Helio G85, making it more responsive for everyday tasks and light gaming. The faster charging is a welcome bonus.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - Global | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - Global | 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 | 2025, April 04 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, April 08 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 171.8 x 77.8 x 8.3 mm (6.76 x 3.06 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 | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.88 inches, 112.4 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T7250 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 15 or Android 15 (Go edition), up to 2 major Android upgrades | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 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 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/1.8, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio, recording | 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5200 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Power Black, Cool Blue, Desert Gold | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | 25028PC03I, 25028PC03G | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | £ 59.98 / € 76.41 / ₹ 6,199 | £ 132.99 / € 107.41 |
| SAR | 0.82 W/kg (head) 0.77 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 C71
- Newer Unisoc T7250 chipset offers a performance edge.
- Faster 15W wired charging reduces downtime.
- Potentially better thermal management due to newer architecture.
- Less established brand recognition compared to Redmi.
- Camera specs are currently unknown.
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Well-established Redmi brand with a large user base.
- Generally lower price point.
- Widely available and easily serviceable.
- Slower Helio G85 chipset.
- Slower 10W wired charging.
- Often includes a low-resolution 2MP macro camera.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Detailed specs like resolution and peak brightness are missing, but we can assume they are similar – around 720p+ and 400-500 nits respectively. The focus here isn’t on visual fidelity, but on basic usability. Bezels are likely comparable, prioritizing cost reduction over premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance will be largely dependent on software processing, as both phones likely feature modest sensors. Details are missing, but we can expect a primary sensor around 13MP. The Redmi 12C often includes a 2MP macro lens, which offers limited practical benefit due to its low resolution. The Poco C71’s camera setup is unknown, but focusing on the main sensor’s quality and software optimization is key. Expect acceptable results in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The Poco C71’s Unisoc T7250 (12nm) features a dual-core Cortex-A75 setup clocked at 1.8GHz, paired with six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6GHz. The Redmi 12C uses the MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm) with a similar configuration – dual Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8GHz. While the Helio G85 has a slightly higher clock speed on its A75 cores, the Unisoc T7250’s newer architecture and potentially improved efficiency could translate to better sustained performance. Both will handle basic tasks well, but the Poco C71 should exhibit less lag during multitasking. RAM configurations are likely similar, impacting overall responsiveness.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified, but both likely house around a 5000mAh battery, standard for this segment. However, the Poco C71’s 15W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Redmi 12C’s 10W charging. This translates to a noticeably faster 0-100% charge time, reducing downtime and improving convenience. While both should offer all-day battery life with moderate use, the faster charging of the Poco C71 is a practical benefit.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Poco C71 if you prioritize a slightly smoother user experience and faster charging, even if it means sacrificing a bit of brand recognition. It’s ideal for users who frequently switch between apps or enjoy casual mobile gaming. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C if you prefer a more established brand with a wider community support, and your usage is primarily focused on basic communication and media consumption. It’s a solid choice for first-time smartphone owners or those on a very tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T7250 in the Poco C71 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Unisoc T7250 can run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at lower graphics settings (Balanced or Low) to maintain a stable frame rate. It's not a gaming powerhouse, but it's capable of casual gaming sessions. The Helio G85 in the Redmi 12C offers similar gaming performance.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between 10W and 15W really noticeable on the Redmi 12C and Poco C71?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. 15W charging on the Poco C71 will shave off a significant amount of time compared to the Redmi 12C’s 10W. Expect roughly a 30-60 minute difference for a full charge, making the Poco C71 more convenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube?
Both phones are perfectly adequate for these tasks. However, the Poco C71’s slightly more powerful processor will result in smoother scrolling and faster app loading times, even if the difference isn’t dramatic. For basic social media and video consumption, either phone will suffice.
