Xiaomi Redmi 15C vs. Redmi 12C: A Deep Dive into Budget Smartphone Performance
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 15C is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6300 chipset offers a significant performance uplift over the Helio G85 in the 12C, coupled with substantially faster 33W charging and impressive 62-hour battery endurance. The 12C remains a viable option for those on the tightest budgets.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Xiaomi Redmi 15C | Xiaomi Redmi 12C |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| 5G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2025, September 18 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, September 18 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 173.2 x 81.1 x 8.2 mm (6.82 x 3.19 x 0.32 in) | 168.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 211 g (7.44 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 6 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~254 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.9 inches, 114.9 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 810 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 15, HyperOS 2 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| - | eMMC 5.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF 0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| - | Virtual proximity sensing | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, PD, 50% in 28 min 10W reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Mint Green, Dusk Purple | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | 2508CRN2BC, 2508CRN2BG, 25062RN2DE | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | € 131.09 | £ 132.99 / € 107.41 |
| SAR | - | 1.08 W/kg (head) 0.64 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| EU LABEL | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 62:06h endurance, 1000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class B | - |
| Free fall | Class A (270 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class C | - |
Xiaomi Redmi 15C
- Significantly faster processor (Dimensity 6300)
- Much faster 33W charging with PD support
- Impressive 62-hour battery endurance
- Potentially higher price point
- May not offer substantial camera improvements over the 12C
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Lower price point
- Adequate for basic smartphone tasks
- Acceptable battery life for light users
- Slow 10W charging
- Less powerful processor (Helio G85)
- Limited performance for demanding apps and gaming
Display Comparison
Both devices likely feature similar LCD panels, given their positioning. However, detailed display specs (resolution, brightness, color gamut) are missing. The focus here is on internal performance. The 12C's older chipset will likely struggle more with smooth animations and responsiveness, impacting the perceived quality of the display experience.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the price points, both phones likely feature similar primary camera sensors. The image signal processor (ISP) within the Dimensity 6300 of the 15C is more advanced, potentially leading to better image processing, noise reduction, and dynamic range. The 12C’s Helio G85 ISP is older and less capable. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both is largely a marketing feature with limited real-world utility.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi 15C’s Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Redmi 12C’s Helio G85 (12nm). The Dimensity 6300’s Cortex-A76 cores, clocked at 2.4 GHz, provide a noticeable performance boost over the 12C’s 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores. The 6nm process also translates to improved power efficiency. This means the 15C will handle demanding apps and multitasking with greater ease, and potentially run cooler under sustained load. The 12C’s Helio G85 is adequate for basic tasks, but will show its limitations with more intensive applications.
Battery Life
The Redmi 15C boasts a remarkable 62:06h endurance, suggesting excellent battery optimization alongside its efficient chipset. Crucially, it supports 33W wired charging, capable of reaching 50% charge in just 28 minutes – a significant advantage over the 12C’s slow 10W charging. While the exact battery capacity isn't specified, the 15C’s combination of endurance and fast charging makes it the clear winner. The 12C will require considerably longer to fully charge, and may not last as long on a single charge with moderate to heavy use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 15C if you prioritize performance for multitasking, moderate gaming, and future-proofing. The faster charging and longer battery life are also compelling advantages. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C if your primary needs are basic communication, light social media use, and you're seeking the absolute lowest price point, accepting compromises in processing power and charging speed.