The Xiaomi Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. The Redmi 12C and Redmi 10C are two popular contenders, offering a range of features at affordable prices. But which one is right for you?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi 10C edges out the 12C thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 680 chipset, faster charging, and generally more efficient power management. While the 12C offers a slightly improved display, the 10C's performance advantage makes it the better overall choice 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International | 1, 2, 3, 4, 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 | 2022, March 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 01 | Available. Released 2022, March 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 168.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 169.6 x 76.6 x 8.3 mm (6.68 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla 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 (~82.0% 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 (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 11, MIUI 13 |
| 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 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| 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) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green |
| Models | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L | 220333QAG, 220333QBI, 220333QNY, 220333QL |
| Price | £ 132.99 / € 107.41 | £ 99.00 / € 109.86 |
| SAR | 1.08 W/kg (head) 0.64 W/kg (body) | 0.96 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Larger Display
- Slightly Improved Camera Resolution
- Affordable Price
- Slower Performance
- Slow Charging (10W)
- Less Efficient Processor
- Can feel sluggish
Xiaomi Redmi 10C
- Faster Performance (Snapdragon 680)
- Faster Charging (18W)
- Better Battery Life
- More Efficient Processor
- Slightly Smaller Display
- Similar Camera Quality to 12C
- May lack some features of higher-end phones
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.71-inch HD+ display, offering a large viewing area. The Redmi 12C boasts a slightly higher resolution (1650 x 720) compared to the Redmi 10C (1600 x 720), potentially resulting in marginally sharper visuals, though the difference is minimal in real-world use. Both displays are LCD panels, so don't expect vibrant colors or deep blacks.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 12C features a 50MP main camera, while the Redmi 10C has a 50MP main camera as well. Both have depth sensors. Image quality is generally comparable in good lighting conditions, but the 10C's more efficient processor can contribute to slightly better image processing. Low-light performance is adequate on both, but not exceptional.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 10C shines. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 chipset, built on a 6nm process, is considerably more powerful and efficient than the Redmi 12C's Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm). Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the 10C. The 12C can feel sluggish at times, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
The Redmi 10C has a 5000mAh battery, similar to the 12C. However, the 10C's more efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset allows it to deliver significantly better battery life. The 12C's Helio G85 tends to drain power more quickly. The 10C also supports 18W fast charging, while the 12C is limited to 10W, meaning much faster charging times.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is a good option for users prioritizing a larger display and slightly improved camera features on a very tight budget. The Redmi 10C is ideal for those seeking better performance, faster charging, and a more efficient device, even if it means a slightly smaller screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Redmi 10C is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset. The Redmi 12C can struggle with demanding games.
❓ How long does the battery last on each phone?
The Redmi 10C generally offers longer battery life thanks to its more efficient processor. Expect a full day of moderate use on both, but the 10C will likely last longer.
