Xiaomi's Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value for money. The Redmi 11 Prime and Redmi 12C are two popular contenders in the budget smartphone arena, 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 11 Prime edges out the 12C thanks to its significantly more powerful chipset and faster charging. While the 12C boasts a larger display and potentially better availability in some regions, the 11 Prime's performance advantage makes it the overall winner 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 | 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, September 06 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 23 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| 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 | 201 g (7.09 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, 400 nits (typ) | 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 Helio G99 (6 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 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
2 MP (macro)
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 | 8 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 |
| | 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 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
5W reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Playful Green, Flashy Black, Peppy Purple | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | 22071219AI | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | About 160 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
- More powerful chipset (Helio G99)
- Faster 18W charging
- OIS on main camera
- Slightly more compact design
- Potentially slightly less availability
- No ultrawide camera
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Larger display
- Ultrawide camera
- Potentially lower price
- Good battery life
- Less powerful chipset (Helio G85)
- Slower 10W charging
- No OIS
Display Comparison
The Redmi 12C features a slightly larger 6.71-inch display compared to the 11 Prime's 6.67-inch screen. Both offer a 1080 x 2400 resolution, resulting in similar pixel density. However, the 12C's larger size might be preferable for media consumption, while the 11 Prime's slightly smaller size could offer better one-handed usability.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a triple rear camera setup. The Redmi 11 Prime typically includes a 50MP main sensor with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. The Redmi 12C usually has a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro lens. While megapixels aren't everything, the 11 Prime's OIS provides better stability in low-light conditions, and the 12C's ultrawide lens offers more versatility. Image quality is generally comparable in good lighting.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 11 Prime truly shines. Its Mediatek Helio G99 chipset is considerably more powerful than the 12C's Helio G85. Expect smoother performance in apps, games, and multitasking on the 11 Prime. The 11 Prime's 6nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
The Redmi 12C typically has a 5000mAh battery, while the 11 Prime also has a 5000mAh battery. However, the 11 Prime's more efficient chipset and faster 18W charging give it an edge in real-world battery life and charging speed. The 12C is limited to 10W charging.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 11 Prime is ideal for users who prioritize performance and faster charging speeds, even on a budget. It's a good choice for light gaming and multitasking. The Redmi 12C is better suited for users who primarily need a phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and social media, and who value a larger screen and potentially a lower price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Redmi 11 Prime is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Helio G99 chipset.
❓ Does the Redmi 12C have a better camera?
The Redmi 12C has an ultrawide lens, offering more versatility. However, the Redmi 11 Prime's OIS provides better low-light performance and more stable videos.
❓ Which phone charges faster?
The Redmi 11 Prime charges much faster with its 18W wired charging compared to the Redmi 12C's 10W charging.
❓ Are both phones 5G capable?
Neither phone supports 5G connectivity. They both rely on 4G LTE.
