The Xiaomi Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. Two popular contenders are the Redmi 10 and the Redmi 12C. 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 10 edges out the 12C thanks to its more powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset, faster charging, and generally better overall performance. While the 12C is a solid budget option, the 10 provides a noticeably smoother experience for a slight price premium.
| 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 | 2022, March 17 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 24 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 169.6 x 76.6 x 9.1 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 | 203 g (7.16 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1650 pixels (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 106.2 cm2 (~81.7% 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 (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 13 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 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, 26mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 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 |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | 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 (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 | Midnight Black, Pacific Blue, Caribbean Green | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | 220333QAG | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | About 130 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 Redmi 10 (India)
- More powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Faster 18W charging
- Better camera system with ultrawide lens
- Slightly sharper display
- Slightly more expensive than the 12C
- Design might be considered less modern by some
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- More affordable
- Larger display
- Decent battery life
- Less powerful Helio G85 chipset
- Slow 10W charging
- Lower resolution display
- Subpar performance
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.43-inch and 6.71-inch respectively, HD+ IPS LCD display. The Redmi 10 has a slightly higher resolution (1080 x 2400) and a 60Hz refresh rate. The Redmi 12C has a 720 x 1650 resolution and also a 60Hz refresh rate. While both are adequate, the Redmi 10's higher resolution offers a slightly sharper image.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 10 boasts a versatile quad-camera setup (50MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, 2MP depth). The Redmi 12C features a dual-camera setup (50MP main, 2MP depth). While both capture decent photos in good lighting, the Redmi 10's ultrawide lens and better image processing provide more creative options and generally better image quality, especially in low light.
Performance
The Redmi 10's Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm) offers a significant performance advantage over the Redmi 12C's Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm). The Snapdragon 680's more efficient architecture and faster CPU cores result in smoother app loading, better multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The 12C can feel sluggish at times, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
The Redmi 10 has a 5000mAh battery, while the Redmi 12C also has a 5000mAh battery. However, the Redmi 10 supports 18W fast charging, whereas the Redmi 12C is limited to 10W charging. This means the Redmi 10 will charge significantly faster.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 10 (India) is ideal for users who prioritize performance and a slightly more premium feel. It's a good choice for light gaming and multitasking. The Redmi 12C is best suited for users on a very tight budget who primarily need a phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi 10 worth the extra money compared to the 12C?
Yes, if performance and camera quality are important to you. The Redmi 10 offers a noticeably better experience overall.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both have a 5000mAh battery, offering similar battery life. However, the Redmi 10 charges much faster.
