The Xiaomi Redmi A5 4G and Redmi 12C represent two distinct approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The A5 4G, while older, boasts a more efficient Unisoc chipset and impressive battery endurance. The 12C, a newer offering, counters with a slightly faster Mediatek Helio G85. This comparison dives deep into the core differences to determine which device offers the best experience for the price-conscious consumer.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi A5 4G emerges as the stronger choice. Its superior battery endurance – lasting 45:26h – and efficient Unisoc T7250 chipset provide a smoother, longer-lasting experience, outweighing the Redmi 12C’s marginally faster CPU clock speeds. The 12C’s 10W charging is a significant drawback.
| 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 | 2025, March 21 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, March 21 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 171.7 x 77.8 x 8.3 mm (6.76 x 3.06 x 0.33 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 | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 5 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.88 inches, 112.4 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T7250 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 15 (Go edition), up to 2 major Android upgrades | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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 | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 32 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 |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 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 | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5200 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ocean Blue, Lake Green, Sandy Gold, Midnight Black | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | 25028PC03G, 25028RN03A, 25028RN03I, 25028RN03Y | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | € 69.85 / $ 75.09 / £ 54.99 / ₹ 6,499 | £ 132.99 / € 107.41 |
| SAR | - | 1.08 W/kg (head) 0.64 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 45:26h endurance, 1000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class B | - |
| Free fall | Class A (270 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class C | - |
Xiaomi Redmi A5 4G
- Exceptional battery life (45:26h endurance)
- More efficient Unisoc T7250 chipset
- Faster 15W charging
- Older device, potentially limited software updates
- Slightly slower CPU clock speeds compared to the 12C
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Newer device, potentially longer software support
- Slightly faster CPU clock speeds
- Potentially better GPU performance for light gaming
- Significantly slower 10W charging
- Inferior battery endurance
- Less efficient Mediatek Helio G85 chipset
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Detailed specs like resolution and brightness are missing, but the focus here is on internal components. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced panel technologies like LTPO is expected, meaning visual experience will be standard for budget phones.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely similar on both devices, relying on basic image sensors and software processing. Without detailed sensor information, it’s safe to assume both will struggle in low-light conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on the 12C is a common, but often underwhelming, feature in this segment. Image quality will largely depend on software algorithms rather than hardware prowess.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi 12C’s Mediatek Helio G85 features slightly higher CPU clock speeds (2.0 GHz vs 1.8 GHz on the A5 4G’s Cortex-A75 cores), suggesting a marginal performance advantage in CPU-intensive tasks. However, the Unisoc T7250 in the A5 4G is built on a 12nm process, potentially offering better power efficiency. Both chipsets share the same Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, but the A5 4G’s architecture leans towards sustained performance rather than peak bursts. The 12C’s GPU is likely more capable for gaming, but the A5 4G’s overall system optimization could mitigate this difference.
Battery Life
This is where the Redmi A5 4G truly shines. Its 45:26h endurance is a significant advantage over what we can infer the 12C will deliver. The 15W charging on the A5 4G is also faster than the 12C’s 10W charging, meaning quicker top-ups. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the A5 4G’s endurance suggests a well-optimized combination of battery size and chipset efficiency. The 12C’s slower charging will be a noticeable inconvenience for users accustomed to faster power replenishment.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi A5 4G if you prioritize all-day battery life and consistent performance for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging. It’s ideal for users who don’t need the absolute fastest processing power but value reliability and longevity. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C if you occasionally engage in light gaming and prefer a slightly newer device, understanding you’ll sacrifice battery life and charging speed for a small performance bump.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T7250 in the Redmi A5 4G struggle with multitasking compared to the Helio G85?
While the Helio G85 has slightly faster clock speeds, the Unisoc T7250’s architecture and efficiency are optimized for sustained performance. For typical multitasking – switching between apps like messaging, browsing, and social media – the A5 4G should handle it adequately. The difference will be most noticeable in demanding tasks like video editing or graphically intensive games.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Redmi A5 4G with its 15W charging compared to the Redmi 12C’s 10W?
The Redmi A5 4G’s 15W charging will significantly reduce charging times. While exact figures depend on the charger used, expect a 0-100% charge to take approximately 2.5-3 hours on the A5 4G, compared to 3.5-4 hours on the Redmi 12C. This difference is substantial for users who need quick top-ups.
❓ Is the Redmi 12C a good choice for playing PUBG Mobile?
The Redmi 12C’s Helio G85 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but likely at lower graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The A5 4G may struggle more with PUBG due to its less powerful GPU. However, both phones may experience thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions.
