The Xiaomi Redmi series consistently delivers excellent value for money. Two popular contenders in the budget segment are the Redmi 9 Activ and the Redmi 12C. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? This comprehensive comparison will break down their key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi 12C is the clear winner. While both are budget phones, the 12C's Helio G85 chipset provides a significant performance boost over the 9 Activ's G35. Improved camera capabilities and a slightly more modern design further solidify its advantage.
| 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, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 24 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 24 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 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 | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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 | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Purple | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | - | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | About 110 EUR | £ 132.99 / € 107.41 |
| SAR | 0.51 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) | 1.08 W/kg (head) 0.64 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ
- Extremely affordable
- Large 5000mAh battery
- Decent build quality
- Underpowered chipset
- Basic camera
- Outdated design
- Slow charging
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Improved performance (Helio G85)
- Better camera quality
- More modern design
- Slightly better battery efficiency
- Still a budget phone (compromises exist)
- 10W charging is slow
- HD+ display isn't the sharpest
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch HD+ IPS LCD display. While the resolution is the same, the Redmi 12C often has slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to advancements in panel technology. Viewing angles are comparable on both.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 12C generally offers a better camera experience. While both have a primary 13MP camera, the 12C often includes additional sensors (like a depth sensor) and improved image processing algorithms. Expect better low-light performance and more detailed photos from the 12C. The 9 Activ's camera is adequate for basic snapshots.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 12C shines. The Helio G85 chipset is considerably more powerful than the Helio G35. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the 12C. The 9 Activ can feel sluggish, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones feature a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. However, the Redmi 12C's more efficient chipset may result in slightly better real-world battery performance, especially under load.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ is a good option for users on an extremely tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and long battery life. The Redmi 12C is ideal for those seeking a smoother user experience, better camera performance, and a more modern design without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi 9 Activ still worth buying?
Only if you're on an extremely tight budget and primarily need a phone for basic calling, texting, and light browsing. Otherwise, the Redmi 12C offers significantly better value.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Redmi 12C, thanks to its more powerful Helio G85 chipset, handles games much better than the Redmi 9 Activ.
❓ Do both phones support 4G LTE?
Yes, both the Redmi 9 Activ and Redmi 12C support 4G LTE connectivity.
