The Xiaomi Redmi 12C and Poco C55 are both contenders in the fiercely competitive budget smartphone market. Both offer compelling features at an affordable price, but subtle differences can make a big impact on your user experience. This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which phone is the right fit for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
Both phones share the same core chipset, resulting in similar performance. The Poco C55 generally offers a slightly more refined design and potentially better software experience. Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities – design and software versus potentially a slightly lower price for the Redmi 12C.
| 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, 8, 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 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 01 | Available. Released 2023, February 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Panda Glass), eco leather back |
| Dimensions | 168.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.01 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 | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| | - | Dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) | IPS 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) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 12, MIUI 13 for POCO |
| 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 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple | Cool Blue, Power Black, Forest Green |
| Models | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L | 22127PC95I |
| Price | £ 132.99 / € 107.41 | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | 1.08 W/kg (head) 0.64 W/kg (body) | 0.87 W/kg (head) 0.77 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Very affordable
- Large display
- Decent battery life
- Expandable storage (microSD card slot)
- Basic design
- Slow charging
- Average camera performance
- Potentially less frequent software updates
Xiaomi Poco C55
- Slightly more modern design
- Potentially better software experience
- Decent battery life
- Good value for money
- Slow charging
- Average camera performance
- Performance similar to Redmi 12C
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.71-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution. While both offer a large viewing area, the Poco C55 might have slightly better color accuracy or brightness due to potential panel differences. Expect similar viewing experiences overall, suitable for everyday use and media consumption.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 12C typically features a 50MP main camera, while the Poco C55 often includes a 50MP main camera with potentially improved image processing. Expect decent image quality in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will likely be average on both devices. Video recording capabilities will be similar, likely topping out at 1080p.
Performance
The shared Mediatek Helio G85 chipset means performance will be very similar in everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking. Don't expect flagship-level performance, but both phones should handle casual games and apps without significant issues. Software optimization could be a differentiating factor here, with the Poco C55 potentially offering smoother operation.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. Charging speeds are limited to 10W wired charging on both, meaning a full charge will take a considerable amount of time.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is ideal for users prioritizing affordability and a large display for media consumption. The Poco C55 is a better choice for those who value a more modern design, potentially improved software updates, and a slightly more premium feel, even within the budget category.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are the Redmi 12C and Poco C55 the same phone?
No, while they share the same chipset, the Poco C55 often features a slightly different design, potentially better software, and sometimes a slightly improved camera.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones have a 5000mAh battery and offer similar all-day battery life for moderate usage.
