Xiaomi offers a range of budget-friendly smartphones, and the Redmi 9C NFC and Redmi Note 12S are two popular contenders. But which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12S is the clear winner. While the 9C NFC is a budget champion, the Note 12S boasts a significantly faster processor, better camera, faster charging, and a superior display, making it a worthwhile upgrade for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 27. Released 2020, August 27 | 2023, March 06 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 176 g (6.21 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits (HBM), 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (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), 1.12µm | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1), BDS (B1) |
| Radio | FM radio | Stereo FM radio, recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Gray, Sunshine Yellow, Twilight Blue | Onyx Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green |
| Models | M2006C3MNG | 2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L |
| Price | About 100 EUR | € 122.47 / $ 149.99 / £ 229.89 |
| SAR | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.37 W/kg (head) 1.14 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Redmi 9C NFC
- Extremely affordable
- NFC connectivity
- Decent battery life
- Large display
- Slow performance
- Basic camera
- Slow charging
- IPS LCD display
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
- Faster performance
- Better camera
- Fast charging (33W)
- AMOLED display with 90Hz
- Modern design
- Slightly more expensive than the 9C NFC
- No expandable storage in some regions
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 12S features a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smoother scrolling compared to the 9C NFC's 6.53-inch IPS LCD display with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The Note 12S's display is noticeably more immersive and enjoyable to use.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi Note 12S generally offers superior camera performance. It typically features a higher resolution main sensor (often 108MP vs. 13MP on the 9C NFC) and improved image processing. While both offer decent image quality in good lighting, the Note 12S excels in low-light conditions and offers more detail.
Performance
The Redmi Note 12S's Mediatek Helio G96 chipset provides a substantial performance boost over the 9C NFC's Helio G35. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Note 12S. The Note 12S's CPU architecture (Cortex-A76 cores) is also more efficient for demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Both phones offer decent battery life, but the Redmi Note 12S's 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging times. The 9C NFC's 10W charging is considerably slower. While battery capacity is similar, the Note 12S's charging speed is a major advantage.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 9C NFC is ideal for users on a very tight budget who prioritize NFC connectivity and basic smartphone functionality. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is perfect for those seeking a smoother experience, better camera quality, faster charging, and a more modern design without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Note 12S worth the extra money compared to the Redmi 9C NFC?
Yes, for most users, the Redmi Note 12S is worth the upgrade. The improved performance, camera, display, and charging speed offer a significantly better overall experience.
❓ Does the Redmi 9C NFC have expandable storage?
Yes, the Redmi 9C NFC supports microSD card expansion up to 512GB.
