Xiaomi's Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget phone market. The Redmi A2 and Redmi 12C are two contenders vying for your attention, offering affordable entry points into the smartphone world. But which one truly reigns supreme?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi 12C is the clear winner. While the A2 is a decent entry-level option, the 12C's significantly more powerful Helio G85 chipset, improved display, and slightly better camera performance make it the superior choice for most users, despite similar charging speeds.
| 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 | 2023, March 24 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 24 | 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 | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 or 13 (Go edition), MIUI | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB 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 | Aqua Blue, Classic Black, Sea Green | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | 23028RN4DG, 23026RN54G | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | € 59.00 / £ 54.95 | £ 132.99 / € 107.41 |
| SAR | 1.10 W/kg (head) 1.01 W/kg (body) | 1.08 W/kg (head) 0.64 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.90 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi A2
- Very affordable
- Lightweight design
- Decent battery life
- Slow performance
- Basic camera
- Limited features
- Slow charging
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Better performance
- Larger display
- Improved camera
- Good battery life
- More modern design
- Slightly more expensive than A2
- Slow charging
Display Comparison
The Redmi 12C boasts a 6.71-inch display compared to the A2's 6.53-inch screen. Both offer HD+ resolution, but the 12C's larger size and potentially slightly better color accuracy (though not confirmed) give it a slight edge. Viewing angles and brightness are likely comparable, being typical for this price range.
Camera Comparison
While both phones feature a dual-camera setup (typically a main lens and a depth sensor), the Redmi 12C's more powerful processor allows for better image processing and potentially improved low-light performance. Expect slightly more detailed and vibrant photos from the 12C. Both will struggle in challenging lighting conditions.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 12C shines. The Helio G85 is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G36. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a better experience with games. The A2 will feel sluggish by comparison, especially with more demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both devices likely feature a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life for moderate users. Charging speeds are identical at 10W, meaning charging will take a considerable amount of time.
Buying Guide
The Redmi A2 is best suited for users who prioritize the absolute lowest price and basic functionality – calls, texts, and very light app usage. The Redmi 12C is ideal for those seeking a smoother experience, better performance for social media and casual gaming, and a more versatile camera system, all while remaining budget-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi A2 worth buying?
The Redmi A2 is a viable option if you're on an extremely tight budget and only need basic smartphone functionality. However, the Redmi 12C offers significantly better value for a small price increase.
❓ Which chipset is better: Helio G36 or Helio G85?
The Helio G85 is considerably better than the Helio G36. It offers significantly improved performance for gaming, multitasking, and overall responsiveness.
