Xiaomi consistently delivers excellent value in the budget smartphone market. The Redmi 10T 5G 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 10T 5G takes the crown for overall performance thanks to its faster chipset and 5G connectivity. However, the Redmi 12C offers a slightly larger display and potentially better battery life in real-world usage, making it a strong contender for those prioritizing screen size and affordability.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 40, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 20 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 26 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 161.8 x 75.4 x 8.9 mm (6.37 x 2.97 x 0.35 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 | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| | Splash proof | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ), 500 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 12 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 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 |
| | UFS 2.2 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
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 | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, 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 Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Metallic Blue, Mint Green, Chromium White, Graphite Black | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | M2103K19I, M2103K19Y | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | About 170 EUR | £ 132.99 / € 107.41 |
| SAR | 0.86 W/kg (head) 0.80 W/kg (body) | 1.08 W/kg (head) 0.64 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10T 5G
- Faster Processor (Dimensity 700)
- 5G Connectivity
- Slightly More Premium Design
- Good Performance for Gaming
- Slightly Smaller Display
- Slower Charging (18W)
- Potentially Less Battery Life than 12C
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Larger Display
- Potentially Longer Battery Life
- More Affordable
- User-Friendly Interface
- Slower Processor (Helio G85)
- No 5G
- Slower Charging (10W)
Display Comparison
The Redmi 12C boasts a larger 6.71-inch display compared to the 10T 5G's 6.43-inch screen. Both utilize IPS LCD panels, but the 12C's larger size might be preferable for media consumption. Resolution is generally similar, offering decent clarity for the price point.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer a multi-camera setup. The 10T 5G typically features a 48MP main sensor, while the 12C also has a 50MP main sensor. Image quality is generally comparable in good lighting, but the 10T 5G's processor may offer slightly better image processing. Low-light performance is likely similar on both.
Performance
Here's where the 10T 5G shines. The Dimensity 700 chipset is significantly more powerful than the Helio G85 in the 12C. Expect smoother app loading, better multitasking, and improved gaming performance on the 10T 5G. The 7nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
The Redmi 12C often has a larger battery capacity (typically 5000mAh) compared to the 10T 5G (around 4820mAh). While the 10T 5G's more efficient chipset helps, the 12C might offer slightly longer battery life in typical usage, especially for less demanding tasks.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 10T 5G is ideal for users who need 5G connectivity, prioritize smoother performance for gaming and multitasking, and appreciate a slightly more premium design. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is a great choice for budget-conscious buyers who value a larger display, extended battery life, and a simple, user-friendly experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi 10T 5G worth the extra money?
If 5G connectivity and smoother performance are important to you, then yes. The 10T 5G offers a noticeable upgrade in processing power.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The Redmi 12C generally offers slightly better battery life due to its larger battery capacity, although the 10T 5G's more efficient chipset helps to offset this.
