Xiaomi's Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value, but choosing between models can be tricky. We're pitting the Redmi A1+ against the Redmi 12C to see which budget champion reigns supreme. This comparison will cover everything from performance and camera quality to battery life and overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi 12C is the clear winner. While the A1+ offers a more affordable entry point, the 12C's significantly more powerful processor, improved camera, and slightly better display make it the better choice for most users seeking a reliable budget phone.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | 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 | 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 | 2022, September 23 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 23 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.49 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) | 168.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 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 | 6.52 inches, 102.6 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 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition), MIUI 12 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB 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 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
0.08 MP (depth) | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | Dual-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 |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | - | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Light Green, Light Blue, Black | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | 220733SFG | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | € 78.30 / £ 72.30 / ₹ 6,670 | £ 132.99 / € 107.41 |
| SAR | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) | 1.08 W/kg (head) 0.64 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.91 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi A1+
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Lightweight design
- Slow performance
- Basic camera
- Limited storage
- Slow charging
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Faster performance
- Better camera
- Improved display
- More storage options
- Slightly more expensive than A1+
- Slow charging
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles and adequate brightness for everyday use. However, the Redmi 12C often exhibits slightly better color accuracy and contrast due to its slightly more advanced panel. The A1+’s display is perfectly serviceable, but not a standout feature.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 12C boasts a more capable camera system. While both phones feature a primary 13MP sensor, the 12C's image processing is superior, resulting in better detail, dynamic range, and low-light performance. The A1+’s camera is adequate for casual snapshots, but struggles in challenging conditions. The 12C also typically includes a depth sensor for improved portrait mode.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 12C truly shines. Its Mediatek Helio G85 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the A1+'s Helio A22. The G85's octa-core architecture and higher clock speeds translate to noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The A1+ can feel sluggish, especially when running multiple apps.
Battery Life
Both phones offer a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. However, the Redmi 12C's more efficient chipset allows it to squeeze slightly more usage out of the same battery capacity. Both support 10W charging, which is relatively slow.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi A1+ is ideal for users on the absolute tightest budget who primarily need a phone for basic calling, texting, and light app usage. The Redmi 12C is a better choice for those who want a smoother experience, better camera performance, and the ability to handle more demanding apps and games.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi A1+ worth buying if I'm on a very tight budget?
The A1+ is a viable option if your budget is extremely limited and you only need basic phone functionality. However, the Redmi 12C offers significantly better value for a small price increase.
❓ Can I play games on the Redmi A1+?
You can play some basic games on the A1+, but don't expect smooth performance. The Redmi 12C is much better suited for gaming thanks to its more powerful processor.
