The Xiaomi Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. The Redmi 10C and Redmi 12C are two popular contenders, offering a range of features at affordable prices. But which one is right for you?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi 10C edges out the 12C thanks to its superior Snapdragon 680 chipset, faster charging, and generally smoother performance. While the 12C offers a slightly improved display, the 10C's processing power makes 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 / 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 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 21 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 23 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 169.6 x 76.6 x 8.3 mm (6.68 x 3.02 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 | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.0% 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 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB 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/2.2 | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| 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 |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | 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, Ocean Blue, Mint Green | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | 220333QAG, 220333QBI, 220333QNY, 220333QL | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | £ 99.00 / € 109.86 | £ 132.99 / € 107.41 |
| SAR | 0.96 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) | 1.08 W/kg (head) 0.64 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi 10C
- More powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Faster 18W charging
- Slightly better overall performance
- Efficient 6nm process
- Slightly less bright display than 12C
- Average low-light camera performance
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Slightly brighter display
- Good value for money
- Decent battery life
- Less powerful Helio G85 chipset
- Slow 10W charging
- Average low-light camera performance
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.71-inch HD+ (720 x 1650) IPS LCD display with a 20:9 aspect ratio. The Redmi 12C boasts a slightly higher peak brightness, potentially offering better visibility in direct sunlight. However, the difference is minimal and unlikely to be a deciding factor for most users.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 10C features a dual-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. The Redmi 12C also has a dual-camera setup, with a 50MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. Image quality is generally comparable, with both phones producing decent results in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is average on both devices.
Performance
The Redmi 10C's Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm) chipset is significantly more powerful than the Redmi 12C's MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm). This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the 10C. The 10C's more efficient 6nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
Both phones have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. However, the Redmi 10C supports 18W fast charging, while the Redmi 12C is limited to 10W charging. This means the 10C will charge significantly faster.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 10C is ideal for users prioritizing performance and faster charging, even on a budget. The Redmi 12C is a good option for those who value a slightly better display and are less concerned about raw processing power or charging speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Redmi 10C is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset.
❓ How long does the battery last on each phone?
Both phones offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, the Redmi 10C charges much faster.
❓ Which phone has better camera quality?
Image quality is comparable in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is average on both devices.
❓ Is the Redmi 12C worth buying if I'm on a tight budget?
Yes, the Redmi 12C offers good value for money, but be aware of the performance limitations compared to the Redmi 10C.
