Xiaomi consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. The Redmi 11 Prime 5G and Redmi 12C are two popular contenders, each offering a compelling package for price-conscious buyers. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi 11 Prime 5G takes the crown thanks to its 5G connectivity, more powerful chipset, and faster charging. However, the Redmi 12C remains a strong contender, particularly for those prioritizing a larger display and potentially a slightly lower price point.
| 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, September 06 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 09 | 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 | - | 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 | 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 | Thunder Black, Chrome Silver, Meadow Green | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | - | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | About 180 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 11 Prime 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- More Powerful Chipset (Dimensity 700)
- Faster 18W Charging
- Slightly Better Performance
- Potentially Higher Price
- Slightly Smaller Display
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Larger Display
- Potentially Lower Price
- Decent Battery Life
- Less Powerful Chipset (Helio G85)
- Slower 10W Charging
- Slightly Less Responsive
Display Comparison
The Redmi 12C boasts a larger 6.71-inch display compared to the Redmi 11 Prime 5G's 6.67-inch screen. Both feature an HD+ resolution, but the larger size of the 12C makes it better for watching videos and browsing. The 11 Prime 5G might offer slightly better color accuracy, but the difference is minimal.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer a triple-camera setup. The Redmi 11 Prime 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 11 Prime 5G's more powerful processor may allow for slightly better image processing. Low-light performance is adequate on both.
Performance
The Redmi 11 Prime 5G's Dimensity 700 chipset is significantly more powerful than the Helio G85 in the Redmi 12C. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better performance in games. The 7nm process of the Dimensity 700 also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
The Redmi 12C generally has a 5000mAh battery, similar to the 11 Prime 5G. However, the 11 Prime 5G supports 18W fast charging, while the 12C is limited to 10W. This means the 11 Prime 5G will charge significantly faster.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 11 Prime 5G is ideal for users who want 5G connectivity, smoother performance for everyday tasks and light gaming, and faster charging. The Redmi 12C is a great option for those prioritizing a larger screen for media consumption and a more budget-friendly price, and who don't heavily rely on 5G.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi 11 Prime 5G worth the extra money?
If 5G connectivity and smoother performance are important to you, then yes, the Redmi 11 Prime 5G is worth the extra investment. The faster charging is also a significant advantage.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones offer similar battery life, but the Redmi 11 Prime 5G's faster charging means you'll spend less time plugged in.
