Xiaomi's Redmi series consistently delivers value, but navigating the options can be tricky. The Redmi A1+ and Redmi 12C represent two distinct approaches to the ultra-budget segment. The A1+ prioritizes a clean Android experience and basic functionality, while the 12C aims for a performance boost with a more powerful chipset. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Redmi 12C is the superior choice. Its Helio G85 chipset provides a significantly more responsive experience for everyday tasks and even light gaming, justifying the slight price premium. While both phones share a 10W charging rate, the 12C’s performance advantage makes it the better all-rounder.
| 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 | 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 | 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 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 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 |
| 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), 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 | 220733SFG | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | About 80 EUR | £ 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+
- Potentially cleaner software experience (depending on MIUI version)
- Lower price point (likely)
- Simple and straightforward operation
- Significantly slower performance
- Struggles with multitasking
- Limited gaming capabilities
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Faster and more responsive performance
- Better for multitasking and gaming
- More future-proof chipset
- Potentially more bloatware (MIUI)
- Slightly higher price
- Still limited camera capabilities
Display Comparison
Both the Redmi A1+ and Redmi 12C likely feature similar LCD panels, given their price points. However, detailed display specs like resolution and peak brightness are not provided. The focus here is on performance, not visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a strong suit on either model, but both will be adequate for basic content consumption.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, with both likely featuring a primary sensor and a depth sensor. Given the market segment, detailed sensor sizes and apertures are unavailable. The 12C *may* have a slightly better image signal processor (ISP) integrated into the Helio G85, potentially leading to marginally improved image processing. However, don't expect flagship-level camera quality from either device. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing feature with limited practical utility.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi 12C’s MediaTek Helio G85 is a substantial upgrade over the A1+'s Helio A22. The G85’s octa-core configuration (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) provides significantly more processing power than the A1+'s quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53. The A75 cores in the G85 are architecturally superior, offering better single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and responsiveness. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more enjoyable user experience on the 12C. While both are built on a 12nm process, the G85’s more efficient design and additional cores contribute to better overall performance.
Battery Life
Both phones share the same 10W wired charging, meaning charge times will be comparable. While battery capacity isn't specified, the Redmi 12C’s more efficient chipset could translate to slightly better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity. The 10W charging rate is slow by modern standards, requiring over two hours for a full charge on both devices. Battery life will heavily depend on usage patterns, but the 12C’s more efficient processor will likely provide a longer screen-on time.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi A1+ if you need a supremely basic smartphone for essential communication – calls, texts, and light app usage – and prioritize a clean, uncluttered software experience. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C if you prefer a phone capable of handling multitasking, social media browsing, and casual gaming with greater fluidity, and don't mind a slightly more customized MIUI interface.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 12C handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Helio G85 in the Redmi 12C is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty at low to medium settings. However, don't expect a consistently smooth framerate, especially in demanding scenarios. The A1+’s Helio A22 is not suitable for these games.
❓ How much bloatware is pre-installed on the Redmi 12C compared to the A1+?
The Redmi 12C, running Xiaomi’s MIUI, will likely have more pre-installed apps (bloatware) than the A1+, which may run a closer-to-stock version of Android. However, many of these apps can be uninstalled or disabled.
❓ Is the 10W charging speed acceptable for daily use on either phone?
10W charging is slow by today's standards. Expect over two hours to fully charge either device. It's best to charge overnight to ensure you have sufficient battery life for the day.
