Xiaomi's Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget phone market. The Redmi 12C and Redmi A2 are two contenders vying for your attention, offering affordable entry points into the smartphone world. But which one is the better choice for your needs?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi 12C emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly more powerful Helio G85 chipset, resulting in smoother performance and a better overall user experience. While the Redmi A2 is a budget-friendly option, the 12C's performance advantage makes it the more compelling 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 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, December 31 | 2023, March 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 01 | Available. Released 2023, March 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 168.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.49 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 192 g (6.77 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) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 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 (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 12 or 13 (Go edition), MIUI |
| 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 | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Auxiliary lens |
| 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) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| | 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 | Aqua Blue, Classic Black, Sea Green |
| Models | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L | 23028RN4DG, 23026RN54G |
| Price | £ 132.99 / € 107.41 | € 59.00 / £ 54.95 |
| SAR | 1.08 W/kg (head) 0.64 W/kg (body) | 1.10 W/kg (head) 1.01 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) | 0.90 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Significantly better performance (Helio G85)
- Higher resolution main camera (50MP)
- Slightly better display quality (potentially)
- More responsive user interface
- 10W charging is slow
- HD+ resolution is not ideal
- Plastic build quality
Xiaomi Redmi A2
- More affordable
- Large 5000mAh battery
- Simple and easy to use
- Slow performance (Helio G36)
- Lower resolution camera (8MP)
- Basic features
- Slow charging
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 often has slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potentially better panel quality, though this can vary by unit. Expect similar viewing experiences overall, adequate for everyday use but not exceptional.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 12C typically features a dual-camera setup (50MP main + 2MP depth) while the Redmi A2 has a 8MP main camera. The 12C's higher resolution main sensor and potentially better image processing algorithms generally result in better image quality, especially in well-lit conditions. Low-light performance will still be limited on both devices.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 12C truly shines. The Helio G85 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G36 in the Redmi A2. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the 12C. The A2 will feel sluggish, especially when handling more demanding apps or games.
Battery Life
Both phones have a 5000mAh battery, suggesting similar battery life. However, the Redmi 12C's more efficient chipset might give it a slight edge in real-world usage, potentially lasting a bit longer on a single charge. Both offer 10W charging, which is slow by modern standards.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is ideal for users who prioritize performance and a smoother experience, even on a budget. It's suitable for light gaming, multitasking, and general everyday use. The Redmi A2 is best for users with extremely limited budgets who primarily need a phone for basic calling, texting, and occasional social media browsing. It's a bare-bones option for essential communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi 12C worth the extra money compared to the Redmi A2?
Yes, the Redmi 12C's improved performance makes it a worthwhile investment for most users. The smoother experience and better camera justify the price difference.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Redmi 12C is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful chipset. The Redmi A2 will struggle with even basic games.
