The Xiaomi Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. The Redmi 10A and 12C are two popular contenders, offering affordable access to Xiaomi's ecosystem. But which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison breaks down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi 12C is the clear winner. While both offer budget-friendly pricing, the 12C's significantly more powerful Helio G85 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost, resulting in smoother multitasking and gaming. Both share the same charging speed, but the 12C's overall improvements make it the better choice.
| 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 - International | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 29 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 31 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 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 | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% 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 (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 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 | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 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 | No | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, 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 | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Charcoal Black, Sea Blue, Slate Grey | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | 220233L2C, 220233L2G, 220233L2I | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | € 60.00 / $ 66.55 | £ 132.99 / € 107.41 |
| SAR | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) | 1.08 W/kg (head) 0.64 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi 10A
- Very affordable
- Large battery
- Decent for basic tasks
- Slow performance
- Basic camera
- Limited features
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Improved performance
- Better camera
- Slightly better display
- Good value
- Still a budget phone
- 10W charging is slow
- HD+ resolution
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch HD+ (720 x 1600) IPS LCD display. While the resolution is the same, the Redmi 12C often has slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to panel improvements. Viewing angles are comparable on both.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 12C generally offers better image quality, particularly in well-lit conditions. While both have a similar camera setup (typically a 50MP main sensor and a depth sensor), the 12C's image processing is superior. Low-light performance is also slightly better on the 12C. Both phones lack an ultrawide lens.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 12C shines. The Helio G85 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G25. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and improved gaming performance on the 12C. The 10A can feel sluggish with multiple apps open.
Battery Life
Both devices typically feature a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. However, the 12C's more efficient chipset may result in slightly better battery endurance under heavy use.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 10A is a good option for users on the absolute tightest budget who primarily need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media browsing. The Redmi 12C is ideal for those who want a more responsive experience, occasional gaming, and a slightly better camera, without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi 12C worth the extra money compared to the 10A?
Yes, the Redmi 12C's improved performance and camera make it a worthwhile upgrade, especially if you plan to use your phone for more than just basic tasks.
❓ What is the charging time for both phones?
Both the Redmi 10A and 12C support 10W wired charging, which typically takes around 2.5 - 3 hours to fully charge the 5000mAh battery.
