Both the ZTE Blade A53 Pro and the Xiaomi Redmi 12C target the ultra-budget smartphone market, but they take different approaches to achieving affordability. The Blade A53 Pro relies on a Unisoc chipset, while the Redmi 12C opts for MediaTek’s Helio G85. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device delivers the best experience for the price.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C is the superior choice. While both phones share 10W charging, the Redmi 12C’s Helio G85 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift in everyday tasks and light gaming, justifying its slight price premium.
| 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 | LTE | 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 | 2023, April | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.7 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.34 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) |
| 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 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 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 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, AF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue, Green | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | - | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | - | £ 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) |
ZTE Blade A53 Pro
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly weaker processor performance
- Less responsive user interface
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Faster and more efficient processor
- Smoother user experience
- Better for social media and light gaming
- Slightly higher price
- 10W charging is slow
- Camera performance is basic
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. However, details like peak brightness and color gamut are unavailable. The focus here is on processing power, not visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, contributing to a larger overall footprint for the screen size.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones featuring basic camera setups. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both rely on budget sensors. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization. Image processing will likely be basic, prioritizing speed over detail and dynamic range. Expect acceptable results in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi 12C’s MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm) is a significant step up from the ZTE Blade A53 Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A1 (22nm). The Helio G85 features a more modern CPU architecture – two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz alongside six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz – compared to the Blade A53 Pro’s four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz and four at 1.2 GHz. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the Redmi 12C. The 12nm process node of the Helio G85 also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting the slightly larger performance gap. The Unisoc SC9863A1 is geared towards basic functionality, while the Helio G85 offers a more versatile experience.
Battery Life
Both devices are equipped with 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds – expect over 2.5 hours for a full charge. Battery capacity is not specified, but given the target market, both likely feature batteries in the 5000mAh range. The Helio G85’s improved power efficiency might translate to slightly longer battery life on the Redmi 12C, but the difference is unlikely to be substantial.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade A53 Pro if your primary need is a basic, functional smartphone for essential communication – calls, texts, and very light app usage – and you prioritize minimizing upfront cost above all else. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C if you want a smoother, more responsive experience for social media, streaming, and casual gaming, and are willing to spend a little more for a more capable processor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 12C handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G85 in the Redmi 12C can run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at lower graphics settings (Balanced or Low) to maintain a playable frame rate. The Unisoc SC9863A1 in the Blade A53 Pro will struggle with PUBG Mobile, offering a significantly less enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ Is the difference in processor speed noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The Redmi 12C’s Helio G85 will result in faster app loading times, smoother scrolling through social media feeds, and a more responsive overall experience compared to the ZTE Blade A53 Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A1.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge both phones?
With both phones utilizing 10W charging, expect a full charge to take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours from 0%. Neither device supports fast charging technologies.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses WhatsApp and makes calls?
While both phones can handle WhatsApp and calls, the Redmi 12C offers a more future-proof experience. The faster processor ensures the phone will remain responsive even as apps become more demanding over time. The Blade A53 Pro will suffice for basic use, but may start to feel sluggish sooner.
