The Xiaomi Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value for money. Two popular contenders in the budget segment are the Redmi 10 Power 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 Power edges out the 12C thanks to its significantly more powerful chipset and faster charging. While the 12C boasts a slightly larger display, the 10 Power's superior performance and charging speed make it the better overall choice for most users.
| 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, April 20 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 30 | 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, 400 nits (typ) | 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 | 128GB 8GB 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 | 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 | Sporty Orange, Power Black | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | - | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | About 180 EUR | £ 132.99 / € 107.41 |
| SAR | 1.00 W/kg (head) 0.98 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 Redmi 10 Power
- More powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Faster 18W charging
- Slightly better power efficiency
- Good value for money
- Slightly lower screen resolution
- 5MP front camera
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Larger screen
- 8MP front camera
- Slightly more affordable (potentially)
- Decent battery life
- Less powerful Helio G85 chipset
- Slow 10W charging
- Less efficient 12nm process
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.71-inch display, but the Redmi 12C has a slightly higher resolution (720 x 1650 pixels) compared to the Redmi 10 Power (720 x 1600 pixels). While the difference is minimal, the 12C's slightly sharper display might be noticeable in some scenarios. Both use IPS LCD panels, offering decent color accuracy and viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 10 Power typically features a 50MP main camera, 2MP depth sensor, and 2MP macro lens. The Redmi 12C also has a 50MP main camera, but often includes an 8MP front camera versus the 10 Power's 5MP front camera. Image quality is generally comparable in good lighting conditions, but the 10 Power's processor might offer slightly better image processing. Low-light performance is adequate on both devices.
Performance
The Redmi 10 Power's Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm) chipset is a clear winner here. It offers significantly better performance than the Redmi 12C's Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm). Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the 10 Power. The 10 Power's more efficient 6nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
The Redmi 10 Power generally has a larger battery capacity (5000mAh) compared to the Redmi 12C (5000mAh). However, the 10 Power's more efficient chipset and 18W charging support give it a significant advantage in real-world battery life and charging speed. The 12C is limited to 10W charging, which is considerably slower.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 10 Power is ideal for users who prioritize performance and faster charging, even on a budget. It's a good choice for light gaming and multitasking. The Redmi 12C is best suited for users who primarily need a phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and social media, and value a larger screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Redmi 10 Power is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset. It will handle games more smoothly and with better graphics settings.
❓ Is the Redmi 12C worth buying if I only use my phone for basic tasks?
Yes, the Redmi 12C is a viable option if your usage is limited to calling, texting, and social media. However, the Redmi 10 Power still offers a better overall experience, even for basic users.
