Xiaomi's Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value for money. The Redmi 12C and Redmi 10A are two popular contenders in the budget smartphone arena. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi 12C emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly more powerful Helio G85 chipset, resulting in smoother performance and better gaming capabilities. While both offer similar battery life and charging speeds, the 12C's improved processor makes it the better overall pick 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, December 31 | 2022, March 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 01 | Available. Released 2022, March 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 168.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| 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 | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB 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 |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm, AF |
| 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, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple | Charcoal Black, Sea Blue, Slate Grey |
| Models | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L | 220233L2C, 220233L2G, 220233L2I |
| Price | £ 132.99 / € 107.41 | € 60.00 / $ 66.55 |
| SAR | 1.08 W/kg (head) 0.64 W/kg (body) | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- More powerful processor (Helio G85)
- Improved camera performance
- Slightly better display
- Modern design
- 10W charging is slow
- HD+ resolution may appear dated on a larger screen
Xiaomi Redmi 10A
- More affordable
- Long battery life
- Reliable for basic tasks
- Weaker processor (Helio G25)
- Lower camera quality
- Slower performance
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch HD+ (720 x 1600) IPS LCD display. While the resolution is the same, the Redmi 12C generally offers slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potential panel improvements. However, the difference is minimal and unlikely to be noticeable for most users.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 12C boasts a 50MP main camera with an improved sensor compared to the Redmi 10A's 13MP main camera. While both phones offer decent image quality in good lighting conditions, the 12C captures more detail and performs better in low light. Both have similar selfie camera setups (8MP).
Performance
This is where the Redmi 12C truly shines. The Helio G85 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G25 in the Redmi 10A. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a better overall responsiveness. The G85 also handles gaming significantly better, allowing for higher graphics settings in many titles.
Battery Life
Both devices are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W wired, which is relatively slow by today's standards.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is ideal for users who prioritize performance and a smoother user experience, especially those who enjoy casual gaming. The Redmi 10A is a great option for those on a tighter budget who primarily need a reliable phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light browsing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi 12C worth the extra money?
Yes, if performance is a priority. The Helio G85 offers a significant upgrade over the G25, making the 12C a more enjoyable device to use.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones offer similar battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage.
❓ Can I play games on the Redmi 10A?
Yes, but performance will be limited, especially in graphically demanding games. The Redmi 12C is a better choice for gaming.
