Xiaomi's Redmi series consistently delivers value, but choosing between models like the Redmi 15C 4G and the Redmi Note 12 4G requires careful consideration. The 15C prioritizes raw processing power with its Helio G81, while the Note 12 focuses on efficiency with the Snapdragon 685 and a brighter display. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Redmi Note 12 4G emerges as the better choice. While the Redmi 15C boasts a slightly more powerful CPU core configuration, the Note 12’s more efficient Snapdragon 685, coupled with its brighter 744 nit display, provides a smoother, more enjoyable daily experience and better long-term performance.
| 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 | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, August 01 | 2023, March 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, August 01 | Available. Released 2023, March 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, glass back or silicone polymer (eco leather) back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 171.6 x 79.5 x 8 mm (6.76 x 3.13 x 0.31 in) | 165.7 x 76 x 7.9 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 205 g (7.23 oz) | 183.5 g (6.49 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~254 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.9 inches, 114.9 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | AMOLED, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ), 700 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G81 Ultra (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 15, HyperOS 2 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, 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 | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0" |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, PD | 33W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Moonlight Blue, Mint Green, Midnight Gray, Twilight Orange | Onyx Gray, Mint Green, Ice Blue |
| Models | 25078RA3EA, 25078RA3EL | 23021RAAEG, 23021RAA2Y, 23027RAD4I, 23028RA60L |
| Price | $ 119.50 / £ 89.00 / € 99.00 | £ 189.99 / € 107.98 / ₹ 9,998 |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 0.89 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 117h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-27.9 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 319219 (v9)
GeekBench: 1797 (v5.1), 1341 (v6)
GFXBench: 7.5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi 15C 4G
- Potentially higher peak CPU performance for specific tasks.
- Aggressive pricing may make it more affordable.
- 33W fast charging support.
- Less efficient 12nm process leads to potential throttling.
- Likely lower display brightness and quality.
- Uncertain camera performance.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G
- More efficient Snapdragon 685 processor.
- Brighter 744 nit display for better outdoor visibility.
- Potentially better camera image processing.
- Slightly lower peak CPU core clock speeds.
- May be slightly more expensive than the 15C.
- Endurance rating is the same as the 15C, but achieved more efficiently.
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 12 4G significantly outperforms the Redmi 15C in display quality. Its measured peak brightness of 744 nits ensures excellent visibility outdoors, a crucial advantage over the 15C, which lacks published brightness data and likely falls considerably lower. While both have an 'infinite' contrast ratio (typical for IPS LCDs), the Note 12’s superior brightness translates to a more vibrant and usable viewing experience. The absence of information regarding PWM dimming frequency on the 15C raises concerns for users sensitive to flicker, while the Note 12’s display is likely to offer a more comfortable viewing experience in low light.
Camera Comparison
Both devices offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are lacking. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the Redmi Note 12’s positioning as a slightly more premium device, it’s reasonable to assume it benefits from more sophisticated image processing algorithms and potentially a larger main sensor. The presence of a dedicated Night Mode on the Note 12 (based on typical Xiaomi implementation) further suggests a more capable camera system. The 2MP macro cameras on both devices are likely to offer limited utility.
Performance
The chipset choice is the core of the performance difference. The Redmi 15C’s MediaTek Helio G81 (12nm) features a CPU with two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz. The Redmi Note 12 4G, however, utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 (6nm). While the Note 12’s Cortex-A73 cores are clocked higher at 2.8 GHz, the G81 has more cores. However, the Snapdragon 685’s 6nm process node is significantly more efficient, leading to better thermal management and sustained performance. This means the Note 12 is less likely to throttle under prolonged load, offering a more consistent experience. The 6nm process also contributes to improved battery life.
Battery Life
Both phones share a 33W wired charging capability, suggesting similar charging speeds – likely around 60-70 minutes for a full charge. Both devices have an endurance rating of 117h, indicating similar battery life under typical usage. However, the Snapdragon 685’s superior efficiency in the Note 12 means it will likely achieve that endurance rating with less strain on the battery, potentially extending its lifespan over time. The 6nm process allows for more efficient power draw during everyday tasks.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 15C 4G if you prioritize peak CPU performance for demanding tasks like emulation or running multiple apps simultaneously, and are willing to potentially sacrifice some battery life and display quality. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G if you value a brighter, more efficient display, consistent performance for everyday tasks, and a more refined user experience, even if it means a slight step down in theoretical CPU power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 685 in the Redmi Note 12 struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 685 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to stick to medium graphics settings for a consistently smooth experience. While not a gaming powerhouse, its efficiency prevents significant throttling, offering a more stable frame rate than the Helio G81 in the Redmi 15C under sustained load.
❓ Does the Redmi 15C's Helio G81 get noticeably hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Helio G81 is known to generate more heat than the Snapdragon 685, especially during prolonged gaming. This can lead to thermal throttling, reducing performance and potentially impacting the long-term lifespan of the device. Expect the Redmi 15C to get warmer during gaming compared to the Redmi Note 12.
❓ Is the 33W charging on both phones compatible with Power Delivery (PD) chargers?
The Redmi 15C specifically lists PD charging support. While the Redmi Note 12 also supports 33W charging, official documentation doesn't explicitly confirm PD compatibility. However, most modern USB-C PD chargers should work without issue, but charging speeds may vary.
