The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Xiaomi Redmi 12C and Samsung Galaxy A14 are two strong contenders. Both offer compelling features at affordable prices, but which one delivers the best overall experience? This detailed comparison will break down every aspect, helping you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A14 edges out the Redmi 12C thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset (especially the Exynos version), faster charging, and Samsung's generally superior software support. However, the Redmi 12C remains a solid option for those prioritizing affordability.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, December 31 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 01 | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 168.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version AOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version B |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | £ 132.99 / € 107.41 | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR | 1.08 W/kg (head) 0.64 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Extremely affordable
- Large display
- Decent battery life
- Expandable storage
- Lower resolution display
- Slower charging
- Less powerful chipset
- Plastic build quality
Samsung Galaxy A14
- Better performance (especially Exynos version)
- Faster charging
- Higher resolution display (often FHD+)
- Samsung's software support
- More versatile camera system
- Slightly more expensive
- Can still feel budget-oriented
- Performance of A55 version is closer to Redmi 12C
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.6-inch displays, but the Galaxy A14 typically boasts a slightly higher resolution (FHD+ vs. HD+ on the Redmi 12C) and potentially better color accuracy. The A14 also often includes a 90Hz refresh rate, offering a smoother scrolling experience compared to the Redmi 12C's standard 60Hz.
Camera Comparison
The Galaxy A14 typically features a more versatile camera system with a higher resolution main sensor and potentially better image processing. While both phones offer decent camera performance for their price range, the A14 often produces more detailed and vibrant photos, especially in good lighting conditions. The A14 also often includes an ultrawide lens.
Performance
The Galaxy A14, particularly the Exynos 850 version, generally offers better performance than the Redmi 12C's Helio G85. While both use the same Cortex-A75/A55 core configuration, the Exynos 850's architecture and 8nm process provide a noticeable advantage in everyday tasks and light gaming. The A55 version of the A14 is closer in performance to the Redmi 12C.
Battery Life
Both phones have large batteries (typically around 5000mAh), offering all-day battery life. However, the Galaxy A14's 15W charging is faster than the Redmi 12C's 10W charging, allowing for quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is ideal for users on a tight budget who primarily need a phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. The Samsung Galaxy A14 is a better choice for those who want a smoother experience, slightly better performance for gaming, and the reliability of the Samsung ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Samsung Galaxy A14, particularly the Exynos 850 version, generally offers better gaming performance due to its more powerful chipset.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A14 worth the extra money?
If you value performance, a better display, and faster charging, the Galaxy A14 is likely worth the extra investment. However, if you're on a very tight budget, the Redmi 12C remains a viable option.
