Xiaomi's Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget phone market. The Redmi A1 and Redmi 12C are two popular contenders, 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 the Redmi A1 is a basic entry-level device, the 12C's significantly improved chipset, better camera, and slightly larger display provide a noticeably smoother and more enjoyable user experience, justifying its small price premium.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International | 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 |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 06 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 09 | 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 | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | 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 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | 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 | 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 | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Light Green, Light Blue, Black | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | 220733SI, 220733SG, 220733SL, 220743FI, 220733SH | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | About 170 EUR | £ 132.99 / € 107.41 |
| SAR | 1.10 W/kg (head) 1.03 W/kg (body) | 1.08 W/kg (head) 0.64 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.85 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi A1
- Extremely affordable
- Large battery
- Decent for basic tasks
- Slow performance
- Basic camera
- Limited features
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Improved performance
- Better camera
- Larger display
- More responsive
- Slightly more expensive than A1
- Still a budget phone - don't expect flagship features
Display Comparison
The Redmi 12C boasts a slightly larger 6.71-inch display compared to the A1's 6.53-inch screen. Both feature HD+ resolution, but the 12C's larger size offers a more immersive viewing experience. Color accuracy and brightness are adequate on both, but not exceptional.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 12C generally delivers better image quality thanks to its improved processor and potentially slightly better camera sensors (though specific sensor details are often not publicly available). Expect more detail, better dynamic range, and improved low-light performance on the 12C. Both phones offer basic camera features.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 12C 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 significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better overall responsiveness. The A1 can feel sluggish, especially with multiple apps open.
Battery Life
Both devices feature a 5000mAh battery, offering excellent 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 A1 is ideal for users on the tightest budget who primarily need a phone for basic calling, texting, and occasional light usage. The Redmi 12C is a better choice for those who want a more responsive phone for social media, casual gaming, and taking decent photos, without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi A1 good for gaming?
The Redmi A1 is not well-suited for gaming. Its chipset struggles with even basic games, resulting in lag and poor performance.
❓ Which phone has more RAM?
Both phones are typically available in configurations with 2GB or 3GB of RAM. Check the specific model you are purchasing.
❓ Does the Redmi 12C support 5G?
No, neither the Redmi A1 nor the Redmi 12C support 5G connectivity. They both rely on 4G LTE.
