The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the ZTE Blade A55 and Xiaomi Redmi 12C aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, significant differences in their core chipsets dictate vastly different user experiences, making a direct comparison crucial for budget-conscious buyers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C is the better choice. While both phones share a 10W charging rate, the Redmi 12C’s MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a demonstrably smoother experience for multitasking and app loading compared to the ZTE Blade A55’s Unisoc SC9863A.
| 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, 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 | 2024, January | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, July | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 167.7 x 77.4 x 8.5 mm (6.60 x 3.05 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 | - | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | 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 14 (Go edition) | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 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 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, AF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 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 | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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 (side-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 | Mint Green, Starry Black, Sunset Orange | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | Z2450 | 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 A55
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly slower performance
- Less efficient chipset
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- Faster and more responsive performance
- More efficient chipset
- Better suited for multitasking and gaming
- May be slightly more expensive
- Still limited by 10W charging
- Camera quality likely remains basic
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. While specific details like peak brightness and color gamut are unavailable, the focus here is on the chipset's ability to drive the display smoothly. The Redmi 12C’s more powerful GPU should translate to slightly better responsiveness in UI animations and video playback, though the difference will be subtle.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Helio G85’s integrated image signal processor (ISP) is generally more capable than the Unisoc SC9863A’s, potentially resulting in slightly better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests limited utility; image quality from these sensors will likely be subpar. Focus should be on the main sensor performance, which is currently unknown for both.
Performance
The core differentiator lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C’s MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm) features a more modern architecture with 2x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This contrasts with the ZTE Blade A55’s Unisoc SC9863A (22nm), which uses 4x 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x 1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The Helio G85’s larger, faster cores provide a significant advantage in CPU-intensive tasks. The 12nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially leading to slightly longer battery life under load. The Redmi 12C will exhibit noticeably faster app launch times and smoother multitasking.
Battery Life
Both devices are equipped with 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds – expect around 2-3 hours for a full charge. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Helio G85’s improved power efficiency could offset a potentially smaller battery in the Redmi 12C, resulting in comparable real-world battery life. However, the Unisoc SC9863A’s less efficient architecture may lead to faster battery drain during sustained use.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade A55 if your primary need is a basic, functional smartphone for minimal tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing, and you prioritize absolute lowest cost. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C if you want a more responsive device capable of handling social media, streaming video, and casual gaming without significant lag, even if it means spending slightly more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 12C handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Helio G85 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, but expect to play at lower graphics settings (Medium or Low) to maintain a stable frame rate. The Unisoc SC9863A in the Blade A55 will struggle with these titles, likely resulting in significant lag and a poor gaming experience.
❓ Is the difference in performance between these two phones noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The Redmi 12C’s Helio G85 will provide a much smoother and more responsive experience when browsing the web, scrolling through social media feeds, and opening apps. The Blade A55’s Unisoc SC9863A will feel sluggish in comparison.
❓ Does either phone support fast charging, or are they both limited to 10W?
Both the ZTE Blade A55 and the Xiaomi Redmi 12C are limited to 10W wired charging. This means charging times will be relatively slow, taking approximately 2-3 hours for a full charge.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
For basic communication, the ZTE Blade A55 is sufficient. However, even for calls and texts, the Redmi 12C’s smoother interface will provide a more pleasant user experience. The price difference is likely minimal, making the Redmi 12C the better overall choice even for basic users.
