Xiaomi's Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget phone market. The Redmi A2+ and Redmi 12C are two popular contenders, but which one offers the best bang for your buck? This comprehensive comparison will dissect their features to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi 12C emerges as the clear winner, offering a significantly faster processor, improved camera capabilities, and a slightly better display. While the A2+ is a more affordable option, the 12C's performance boost makes it the better overall choice for most users.
| 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 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 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 | 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 | Aqua Blue, Classic Black, Sea Green | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | 23028RNCAG, 23028RN4DI, 23028RNCAI, 23028RN4DH | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | About 100 EUR | £ 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 | 0.71 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi A2+
- Very affordable
- Large battery
- Sleek design
- Slow performance
- Basic camera
- Slow charging
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Faster processor
- Better camera
- Improved display
- More responsive
- Slightly more expensive
- Slow charging
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch HD+ (1600 x 720) IPS LCD display. However, the Redmi 12C generally offers slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its more advanced panel technology, though the difference is subtle. Both have a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 12C boasts a dual-camera setup (50MP main + 2MP depth) compared to the A2+'s 8MP main + 0.8MP depth. The 12C's higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing result in sharper, more detailed photos with better dynamic range. The A2+'s camera is adequate for basic snapshots but struggles in low light.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 12C shines. Its Mediatek Helio G85 chipset is considerably more powerful than the A2+'s Helio G36. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user experience on the 12C. The A2+ will feel noticeably slower, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones have 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 A2+ is ideal for users on a very tight budget who prioritize basic functionality like calls, texts, and light social media use. The Redmi 12C is better suited for those who want a smoother experience for everyday tasks, occasional gaming, and better photo quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi A2+ worth buying if I'm on a very tight budget?
If your budget is extremely limited and you only need a phone for basic tasks, the A2+ can suffice. However, the Redmi 12C offers significantly better value for a small price increase.
❓ Can the Redmi 12C handle light gaming?
Yes, the Helio G85 chipset in the Redmi 12C can handle light gaming at low to medium settings. Don't expect to play demanding games smoothly, but casual titles should run well.
