Xiaomi's Redmi series consistently delivers excellent value, but choosing between models can be tricky. The Redmi 12C and Redmi Note 12 are both budget-friendly options, but cater to slightly different needs. Let's break down the key differences to help you pick the perfect phone.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12 is the clear winner, offering a significantly faster chipset, faster charging, a brighter display, and generally better overall performance. While the 12C is cheaper, the Note 12's improvements justify the price difference 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 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, December 31 | 2022, October 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 01 | Available. Released 2023, January 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 168.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm (6.53 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 12, MIUI 14 (International), MIUI 13 (India) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM 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 | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0" |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 22 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple | Frosted Green, Matte Black, Mystique Blue |
| Models | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L | 22111317I, 22111317G |
| Price | £ 132.99 / € 107.41 | € 151.99 / $ 219.99 / ₹ 11,999 |
| SAR | 1.08 W/kg (head) 0.64 W/kg (body) | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) | 0.68 W/kg (head) 0.91 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 101h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.0 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 360745 (v9)
GeekBench: 1998 (v5.1), 2017 (v6) |
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Most affordable option
- Decent battery life
- Large display
- Slower performance
- Slow charging
- Lower display quality
- Less capable camera
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Faster performance
- Faster charging
- Brighter and better display
- Improved camera
- More modern chipset
- Slightly more expensive
- Design may be less appealing to some
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 12 boasts a significantly brighter display (706 nits vs. likely around 400-450 nits for the 12C) and a superior contrast ratio (Infinite vs. typical). This translates to better visibility outdoors and more vibrant colors. The Note 12 likely also has a higher resolution, further enhancing the viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer Photo/Video capabilities, the Redmi Note 12 is expected to have a more refined camera system. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 often pairs with better image processing algorithms, resulting in better image quality, especially in low light. The Note 12 likely also has more advanced camera features.
Performance
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 in the Redmi Note 12 is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G85 in the 12C. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Note 12. The Cortex-A78 cores in the Note 12's CPU are a significant step up from the Cortex-A75 cores in the 12C.
Battery Life
Both phones offer excellent battery life, with the Note 12 achieving an impressive endurance rating of 101 hours. The 33W fast charging on the Note 12 is a major advantage, allowing you to charge the phone to 50% in just 22 minutes, compared to the 12C's slower 10W charging.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is ideal for users on a very tight budget who prioritize affordability above all else and don't need high performance. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is a better choice for those who want a smoother experience, faster charging, a better display, and a more capable camera, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi 12C good for gaming?
The Redmi 12C can handle basic games, but demanding titles will struggle. The Redmi Note 12 offers a much smoother gaming experience.
❓ How much storage do these phones have?
Both phones typically come in configurations with 64GB or 128GB of storage, expandable via microSD card. Check specific retailer listings for available options.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Both phones run Xiaomi's MIUI, but the Redmi Note 12, being a newer model, is likely to receive software updates for a longer period.
