The Xiaomi Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value for money. But with so many options, choosing the right one can be tricky. We're pitting the Redmi 10 5G against the Redmi 12C to help you decide which budget champion reigns supreme.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi 10 5G offers a significant performance boost thanks to its 5G connectivity and more powerful chipset. However, the Redmi 12C boasts a larger display and potentially better battery life. Ultimately, the 10 5G is the better performer, while the 12C is a strong contender for pure value.
| 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 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 29 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 23 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.35 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 | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 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 |
| | UFS 2.2 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (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 |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite Gray, Chrome Silver, Aurora Green | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | 22041219G, 22041219NY | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | About 100 EUR | £ 132.99 / € 107.41 |
| SAR | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) | 1.08 W/kg (head) 0.64 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G
- Faster Processor (Dimensity 700)
- 5G Connectivity
- Better Performance for Gaming
- Slightly more efficient
- Slightly smaller display
- Slower charging (18W, but often bundled with a 10W charger)
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Larger Display
- Potentially longer battery life
- More affordable
- Good value for money
- Slower Processor (Helio G85)
- No 5G
- Slower charging (10W)
Display Comparison
The Redmi 12C features a larger 6.71-inch display compared to the Redmi 10 5G's 6.59-inch screen. Both utilize IPS LCD panels, but the 12C's larger size provides a more immersive viewing experience. Resolution is generally similar, offering adequate clarity for everyday use.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer a triple-camera setup. The Redmi 10 5G typically features a 50MP main sensor, while the Redmi 12C also has a 50MP main sensor. Image quality is generally comparable in good lighting conditions, but the 10 5G's more powerful processor may offer slightly better image processing. Low-light performance is likely similar on both.
Performance
Here's where the Redmi 10 5G pulls ahead. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset is significantly faster and more efficient than the Redmi 12C's Helio G85. Expect smoother app loading, better gaming performance, and overall snappier responsiveness on the 10 5G. The 7nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
The Redmi 12C often has a slightly larger battery capacity (typically 5000mAh) compared to the Redmi 10 5G (typically 5000mAh). However, the 10 5G's more efficient chipset can offset this, resulting in comparable battery life in real-world usage. Both phones support 10W/18W charging, but the 12C is limited to 10W.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G is ideal for users who prioritize speed, 5G connectivity, and smoother multitasking. The Redmi 12C is a great choice for those seeking a large display, long battery life, and a more affordable price point, especially if 5G isn't a necessity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Redmi 10 5G is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Dimensity 700 chipset.
❓ Does the Redmi 10 5G support 5G?
Yes, the Redmi 10 5G supports 5G connectivity, while the Redmi 12C does not.
❓ Which phone has the better display?
The Redmi 12C has a slightly larger display, offering a more immersive viewing experience.
❓ What is the charging speed of each phone?
The Redmi 10 5G supports 18W wired charging, while the Redmi 12C supports 10W wired charging.