Xiaomi Redmi 12C Smartphone review – Fast, but outdated in some respects – NotebookCheck.net Reviews

Questionable Update. The Xiaomi Redmi 10C was able to convince with fast storage and NFC for a cheap price. Now we have the successor, the Redmi 12C, in review. You can find out why it cannot keep up with its predecessor in our test.

Florian Schmitt, ???? Florian Schmitt, Anton Avdyushkin (translated by DeepL / Ninh Duy), Published ???????? ????????

Xiaomi Redmi 12C

Display

6.71 inch 20.6:9, 1650 x 720 pixel 268 PPI, capacitive touchscreen, IPS, glossy: yes, 60 Hz

Storage

128 GB eMMC Flash, 128 GB 

, 115 GB free

Connections

1 USB 2.0, Audio Connections: 3.5mm, Card Reader: microSD up to 1 TB, 1 Fingerprint Reader, NFC, Brightness Sensor, Sensors: accelerometer

Networking

802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 5.1, 2G (850/​900/​1800/​1900), 3G (B1/​B5/​B8), 4G (B1/​B3/​B5/​B7/​B8/​B20/​B28/​B38/​B40/​B41), Dual SIM, LTE, GPS

Size

height x width x depth (in mm): 8.8 x 168.8 x 76.4 ( = 0.35 x 6.65 x 3.01 in)

Battery

5000 mAh Lithium-Polymer

Operating System

Android 12

Camera

Primary Camera: 50 MPix f/​1.8, phase comparison-AF, LED-flash, Videos @1080p/​30fps (Camera 1); 0.1MP (Camera 2)
Secondary Camera: 5 MPix f/​2.2, Videos @1080p/​30fps

Additional features

Speakers: mono speaker, charger, microUSB cable, SIM tool, 24 Months Warranty, SAR: 0.979W/​kg Head, 0.994W/​kg Body, UKW radio, fanless

Weight

192 g ( = 6.77 oz / 0.42 pounds) ( = 0 oz / 0 pounds)

Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

Rating

Date

Model

Weight

Drive

Size

Resolution

Best Price

76.6 %

04/2023

Xiaomi Redmi 12C
Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2
192 g128 GB eMMC Flash6.71″1650×720
77.3 %

11/2022

Samsung Galaxy A13 4G A137F
Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2
195 g64 GB eMMC Flash6.60″2408×1080
78.9 %

11/2022

Xiaomi Poco M5
Helio G99, Mali-G57 MP2
201 g128 GB UFS 2.2 Flash6.58″2408×1080
76.6 %

07/2022

Xiaomi Redmi 10C
SD 680, Adreno 610
190 g64 GB UFS 2.2 Flash6.71″1650×720
79 %

04/2023

Motorola Moto G13
Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2
183.5 g128 GB eMMC Flash6.50″1600×720

Xiaomi’s Redmi 12C is an inexpensive smartphone that can be purchased for well under 200 Euros (~$200), depending on the storage configuration.

Xiaomi offers four color options: dark gray, purple, mint green, and blue. The back is made of plastic and has a palpable stripe pattern, like the predecessor Redmi 10C. The camera module is still very bulky, but it has now been partially adapted to the back in terms of color to look more discreet.

The casing’s stability is okay, but quiet creaking noises can be heard when twisting. The screen’s edges are also a bit sharp.

Three different storage configurations can be found on Xiaomi’s website:

  • 3 GB RAM / 32 GB mass storage: 150 Euro
  • 3 GB RAM / 64 GB mass storage: 170 Euro (~$570)
  • 4 GB RAM / 128 GB mass storage: 200 Euro

Thanks to promotional coupons, however, you can get the smartphone cheaper, and the Redmi 12C is also sold with a significant discount on the rest of the Internet.

We do not understand how Xiaomi can install a microUSB port in the Redmi 12C in 2023. We thought that the time of the confusing variety of ports would finally be over, especially since even the Redmi 10C already had a USB-C port.

The microSD card reader can be used in addition to 2 nano-SIMs, though it is not the fastest in the tests with our reference card Angelbird V60.

05101520253035404550556065707580Tooltip

Xiaomi Redmi 12C Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G85, 128 GB eMMC Flash; SDCard Sequential Write 0.5 GB; Angelbird V60: Ø36.5 (23-48)

Samsung Galaxy A13 4G A137F Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G80, 64 GB eMMC Flash; SDCard Sequential Write 0.5 GB; Angelbird V60: Ø36.1 (18.4-50)

Xiaomi Poco M5 Mali-G57 MP2, Helio G99, 128 GB UFS 2.2 Flash; SDCard Sequential Write 0.5 GB; Angelbird V60: Ø37.7 (21.8-45.3)

Xiaomi Redmi 10C Adreno 610, SD 680, 64 GB UFS 2.2 Flash; SDCard Sequential Write 0.5 GB; Angelbird V60: Ø38.2 (26.4-46.1)

Motorola Moto G13 Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G85, 128 GB eMMC Flash; SDCard Sequential Write 0.5 GB: Ø37.2 (28.2-49.3)

Xiaomi Redmi 12C Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G85, 128 GB eMMC Flash; SDCard Sequential Read 0.5 GB; Angelbird V60: Ø70.3 (36.9-77.5)

Samsung Galaxy A13 4G A137F Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G80, 64 GB eMMC Flash; SDCard Sequential Read 0.5 GB; Angelbird V60: Ø72.7 (46.8-80.1)

Xiaomi Poco M5 Mali-G57 MP2, Helio G99, 128 GB UFS 2.2 Flash; SDCard Sequential Read 0.5 GB; Angelbird V60: Ø76 (40-79.1)

Xiaomi Redmi 10C Adreno 610, SD 680, 64 GB UFS 2.2 Flash; SDCard Sequential Read 0.5 GB; Angelbird V60: Ø78.7 (28.6-82.6)

Motorola Moto G13 Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G85, 128 GB eMMC Flash; SDCard Sequential Read 0.5 GB: Ø76 (18.5-78.8)

The WiFi 5 module in the Redmi 12C does a slightly better job than in the predecessor, but it cannot quite keep up with other devices in the price range in terms of receiving speed. This is mainly due to a short drop in the transfer rate, which we can observe again and again at different points even when repeating the test.

The Xiaomi Phone can use 4G as the fastest mobile network and comes with the necessary frequencies for Central Europe. For further trips, you should check in advance which LTE bands you need in the host country and whether the Redmi 12C supports them. The reception quality in the mobile network is decent but cannot keep up with high-end phones.

The software is called MiUI 13, but it is still based on Android 12. The good update promise of 2 Android versions that Xiaomi makes for this phone therefore only extends to Android 14. At least the security patches are renewed quite regularly: every 3 months; they were from March 2023 on our device, which is fairly up-to-date at the time of testing.

The fingerprint sensor is integrated into the camera module on the back. It unlocks the smartphone quite reliably after a short wait. Face recognition is also possible, but it is software-based and thus not as secure.

020406080100120140160180200220240260280300320340360380Tooltip
Photo from the front camera
Photo from the front camera

Like numerous other inexpensive phones, the Redmi 12C uses Samsung’s Isocell JN1 as the main camera’s image sensor. The additional camera now only has a 0.1-megapixel lens, but it cannot be used to create photos anyway and only provides additional data for portrait mode.

Main camera takes partly blurry pictures, and the brightness also leaves a lot to be desired. This is not only noticed in daylight but also dark lighting conditions and strong contrasts. Bright areas are over-brightened, while dark ones hardly show any pattern in the photo. The camera is also a bit blurry in full studio lighting in the lab, but the contrasts are acceptable here.

The selfie camera is located in a waterdrop notch at the top of the screen. It has a resolution of 5 megapixels. The resulting photos look quite bright at first glance, but they do not show any drawing, especially in dark areas, and the details are rather poor when enlarged.

Overall, the cameras of the Redmi 12C are on par with the competition.

Image Comparison

Choose a scene and navigate within the first image. One click changes the position on touchscreens. One click on the zoomed-in image opens the original in a new window. The first image shows the scaled photograph of the test device.

Main cameraMain cameraLowLight

click to load images

ColorChecker

7.5 ∆E

10.9 ∆E

13.1 ∆E

8.8 ∆E

14.2 ∆E

9.4 ∆E

9.3 ∆E

10.9 ∆E

10 ∆E

3.5 ∆E

9.2 ∆E

10.6 ∆E

7.4 ∆E

8.5 ∆E

9.6 ∆E

4.8 ∆E

8.7 ∆E

10.4 ∆E

5.2 ∆E

7 ∆E

9.3 ∆E

5.3 ∆E

4 ∆E

4.7 ∆E

ColorChecker Xiaomi Redmi 12C: 8.43 ∆E min: 3.5 – max: 14.16 ∆E
ColorChecker

28.7 ∆E

52.4 ∆E

39.1 ∆E

35.4 ∆E

44.5 ∆E

61.1 ∆E

51.7 ∆E

34.7 ∆E

40.5 ∆E

27.4 ∆E

63.8 ∆E

62.8 ∆E

30.3 ∆E

46.7 ∆E

35 ∆E

75.3 ∆E

41.6 ∆E

42.9 ∆E

89.9 ∆E

70.3 ∆E

51.5 ∆E

36.5 ∆E

24 ∆E

13.8 ∆E

ColorChecker Xiaomi Redmi 12C: 45.83 ∆E min: 13.76 – max: 89.95 ∆E
Subpixel structure
Subpixel structure

Xiaomi would have had a chance to stand out with the screen: Full HD screens are definitely possible in this price range, like the Galaxy A13 4G or the Poco M5, or very bright screens like in the Moto G13.

However, the manufacturer does without that and installs a 720p screen with a brightness that is even below 400 cd/m² on average in our tests. Thus it is often difficult to see anything on the screen outdoors or in bright rooms.

We did not notice PWM, but a visible color cast into purple in the grayscale. Overall, the screen’s color accuracy is okay.

410
cd/m²
394
cd/m²
409
cd/m²
375
cd/m²
417
cd/m²
402
cd/m²
356
cd/m²
420
cd/m²
391
cd/m²

Distribution of brightness

X-Rite i1Pro 2

Maximum: 420 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 397.1 cd/m² Minimum: 1.9 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 85 %
Center on Battery: 417 cd/m²
Contrast: 1191:1 (Black: 0.35 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 3.81 | 0.55-29.43 Ø5.2
ΔE Greyscale 5.2 | 0.57-98 Ø5.4
96.1% sRGB (Calman 2D)
Gamma: 2.531

Xiaomi Redmi 12C
IPS, 1650×720, 6.71
Samsung Galaxy A13 4G A137F
PLS, 2408×1080, 6.60
Xiaomi Poco M5
IPS, 2408×1080, 6.58
Xiaomi Redmi 10C
IPS, 1650×720, 6.71
Motorola Moto G13
IPS, 1600×720, 6.50
Response Times

-19%

19%

17%

-30%

Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *

49.5

71%

2.9

44%

4.5

13%

Gamma

2.531 87%

2.398 92%

2.298 96%

2.266 97%

2.131 103%

CCT

7842 83%

7668 85%

6658 98%

6443 101%

7380 88%

Total Average (Program / Settings)

-6% /
2%

26% /
30%

21% /
23%

-10% /
3%

* … smaller is better

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.

       Response Time Black to White
20.9 ms … rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 11.2 ms rise
↘ 9.7 ms fall
The screen shows good response rates in our tests, but may be too slow for competitive gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.4 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 36 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is similar to the average of all tested devices (22.5 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
49.5 ms … rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 29.5 ms rise
↘ 20 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.25 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 82 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (35.4 ms).

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession – a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.

Screen flickering / PWM not detected

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 19111 (minimum: 2.4 – maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

With the Helio G85 from MediaTek, a former mid-range SoC now also arrives in phones of the lower price regions. Thus, the Redmi 12C actually proves to be much stronger than the Redmi 10C. The Xiaomi phone also offers a lot of power in direct comparison with other inexpensive phones.

It runs quite smoothly in most apps in everyday use. You only experience performance problems when you want to run several programs simultaneously or install very complex apps. However, you have to make do with the slow eMMC flash, which makes loading times and data transfers a bit longer.

The phone heats up to 44.7 °C at room temperature with the heavy load. This means temperature could increase even more on hot days and become unpleasant. However, strong heat development does not affect the performance: the phone hardly shows any losses in the 3DMark stress test.

Small speaker on the lower edge does a pretty good job: it does not distort even at maximum volume, reproduces voices well, and only sounds slightly muffled. Of course, you should not expect a hi-fi sound. External speakers or headphones, which can be connected via a 3.5 mm jack or Bluetooth, are needed for better quality. The phone supports many Bluetooth codecs, including up-to-date ones like aptX TWS+ or LHDC v3/v4.

The 5,000 mAh battery has remained, but Xiaomi has shortened the charging power to 10 watts, while on the Redmi 10C, 18 watts were still possible. The runtimes have improved slightly and are now 15:33 hours in our Wi-Fi test. The smartphone cannot keep up with the Moto G13, but it still delivers very good runtimes for its price range.

Geekbench 6
Single-Core
Average of class Smartphone
  (188 – 2531, n=25, last 2 years)





1314 Points ∼100% +211%

Motorola Moto G13
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096


429 Points ∼33% +1%

Xiaomi Redmi 12C
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096


423 Points ∼32%

Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (408 – 429, n=3)





420 Points ∼32% -1%

Multi-Core
Average of class Smartphone
  (512 – 6460, n=25, last 2 years)





3542 Points ∼100% +169%

Motorola Moto G13
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096


1442 Points ∼41% +10%

Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (1315 – 1442, n=3)





1375 Points ∼39% +5%

Xiaomi Redmi 12C
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096


1315 Points ∼37%

PCMark for Android – Work 3.0
Average of class Smartphone
  (4436 – 19783, n=238, last 2 years)





10512 Points ∼100% +24%

Xiaomi Poco M5
Mediatek Helio G99, Mali-G57 MP2, 4096


9587 Points ∼91% +13%

Xiaomi Redmi 12C
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096


8450 Points ∼80%

Motorola Moto G13
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096


8214 Points ∼78% -3%

Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (6596 – 8672, n=9)





7714 Points ∼73% -9%

Xiaomi Redmi 10C
Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G, Adreno 610, 4096


5884 Points ∼56% -30%

Samsung Galaxy A13 4G A137F
Mediatek Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096


5589 Points ∼53% -34%

3DMark
Wild Life Score
Average of class Smartphone
  (370 – 10062, n=191, last 2 years)





3095 Points ∼100% +322%

Xiaomi Poco M5
Mediatek Helio G99, Mali-G57 MP2, 4096


1205 Points ∼39% +64%

Motorola Moto G13
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096


744 Points ∼24% +2%

Xiaomi Redmi 12C
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096


733 Points ∼24%

Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (706 – 761, n=11)





731 Points ∼24% 0%

Samsung Galaxy A13 4G A137F
Mediatek Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096


682 Points ∼22% -7%

Xiaomi Redmi 10C
Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G, Adreno 610, 4096


450 Points ∼15% -39%

Wild Life Unlimited Score
Average of class Smartphone
  (366 – 14566, n=224, last 2 years)





4505 Points ∼100% +513%

Xiaomi Poco M5
Mediatek Helio G99, Mali-G57 MP2, 4096


1155 Points ∼26% +57%

Motorola Moto G13
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096


748 Points ∼17% +2%

Xiaomi Redmi 12C
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096


735 Points ∼16%

Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (698 – 757, n=11)





729 Points ∼16% -1%

Samsung Galaxy A13 4G A137F
Mediatek Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096


682 Points ∼15% -7%

Xiaomi Redmi 10C
Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G, Adreno 610, 4096


438 Points ∼10% -40%

Wild Life Extreme
Average of class Smartphone
  (22 – 3877, n=224, last 2 years)





1214 Points ∼100% +546%

Xiaomi Poco M5
Mediatek Helio G99, Mali-G57 MP2, 4096


342 Points ∼28% +82%

Motorola Moto G13
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096


190 Points ∼16% +1%

Xiaomi Redmi 12C
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096


188 Points ∼15%

Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (181 – 193, n=10)





185.8 Points ∼15% -1%

Samsung Galaxy A13 4G A137F
Mediatek Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096


171 Points ∼14% -9%

Xiaomi Redmi 10C
Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G, Adreno 610, 4096


122 Points ∼10% -35%

Wild Life Extreme Unlimited
Average of class Smartphone
  (101 – 3792, n=216, last 2 years)





1212 Points ∼100% +552%

Xiaomi Poco M5
Mediatek Helio G99, Mali-G57 MP2, 4096


323 Points ∼27% +74%

Motorola Moto G13
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096


187 Points ∼15% +1%

Xiaomi Redmi 12C
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096


186 Points ∼15%

Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (178 – 191, n=10)





183.8 Points ∼15% -1%

Samsung Galaxy A13 4G A137F
Mediatek Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096


171 Points ∼14% -8%

Xiaomi Redmi 10C
Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G, Adreno 610, 4096


122 Points ∼10% -34%

GFXBench
on screen Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Onscreen
Average of class Smartphone
  (3.6 – 123, n=255, last 2 years)





36.3 fps ∼100% +114%

Xiaomi Redmi 10C
Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G, Adreno 610, 4096


17 fps ∼47% 0%

Xiaomi Redmi 12C
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096


17 fps ∼47%

Xiaomi Poco M5
Mediatek Helio G99, Mali-G57 MP2, 4096


14 fps ∼39% -18%

Motorola Moto G13
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096


12 fps ∼33% -29%

Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (7.5 – 22, n=12)





11.9 fps ∼33% -30%

Samsung Galaxy A13 4G A137F
Mediatek Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096


8.1 fps ∼22% -52%

1920×1080 Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Offscreen
Average of class Smartphone
  (1.9 – 164, n=256, last 2 years)





45.8 fps ∼100% +382%

Xiaomi Poco M5
Mediatek Helio G99, Mali-G57 MP2, 4096


16 fps ∼35% +68%

Xiaomi Redmi 10C
Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G, Adreno 610, 4096


9.5 fps ∼21% 0%

Xiaomi Redmi 12C
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096


9.5 fps ∼21%

Samsung Galaxy A13 4G A137F
Mediatek Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096


9.2 fps ∼20% -3%

Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (8 – 9.7, n=12)





9.15 fps ∼20% -4%

Motorola Moto G13
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096


8.8 fps ∼19% -7%

on screen Aztec Ruins High Tier Onscreen
Average of class Smartphone
  (2.8 – 100, n=256, last 2 years)





25.7 fps ∼100% +176%

Xiaomi Redmi 10C
Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G, Adreno 610, 4096


10 fps ∼39% +8%

Xiaomi Redmi 12C
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096


9.3 fps ∼36%

Xiaomi Poco M5
Mediatek Helio G99, Mali-G57 MP2, 4096


8.8 fps ∼34% -5%

Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (5 – 13, n=12)





7.82 fps ∼30% -16%

Motorola Moto G13
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096


7.7 fps ∼30% -17%

Samsung Galaxy A13 4G A137F
Mediatek Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096


5.1 fps ∼20% -45%

2560×1440 Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen
Average of class Smartphone
  (0.85 – 68, n=256, last 2 years)





17.7 fps ∼100% +406%

Xiaomi Poco M5
Mediatek Helio G99, Mali-G57 MP2, 4096


5.8 fps ∼33% +66%

Xiaomi Redmi 12C
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096


3.5 fps ∼20%

Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (3.1 – 3.5, n=12)





3.38 fps ∼19% -3%

Samsung Galaxy A13 4G A137F
Mediatek Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096


3.3 fps ∼19% -6%

Motorola Moto G13
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096


3.3 fps ∼19% -6%

Xiaomi Redmi 10C
Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G, Adreno 610, 4096


3.2 fps ∼18% -9%

3840×2160 4K Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen
Average of class Smartphone
  (0.38 – 31, n=109, last 2 years)





10.3 fps ∼100% +587%

Xiaomi Poco M5
Mediatek Helio G99, Mali-G57 MP2, 4096


2.5 fps ∼24% +67%

Xiaomi Redmi 12C
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096


1.5 fps ∼15%

Motorola Moto G13
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096


1.5 fps ∼15% 0%

Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (1.4 – 1.5, n=5)





1.48 fps ∼14% -1%

Xiaomi Redmi 10C
Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G, Adreno 610, 4096


1.4 fps ∼14% -7%

Samsung Galaxy A13 4G A137F
Mediatek Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096


1.4 fps ∼14% -7%

Octane V2 – Total Score
Average of class Smartphone
  (4633 – 74261, n=196, last 2 years)





28789 Points ∼100% +152%

Xiaomi Poco M5
Mediatek Helio G99, Mali-G57 MP2, 4096


17228 Points ∼60% +51%

Samsung Galaxy A13 4G A137F
Mediatek Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096


12253 Points ∼43% +7%

Motorola Moto G13
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096


12107 Points ∼42% +6%

Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (10299 – 13252, n=9)





12028 Points ∼42% +5%

Xiaomi Redmi 12C
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096


11406 Points ∼40%

Xiaomi Redmi 12CSamsung Galaxy A13 4G A137FXiaomi Poco M5Xiaomi Redmi 10CMotorola Moto G13Average 128 GB eMMC FlashAverage of class Smartphone
AndroBench 3-5

-15%

188%

103%

-7%

-25%

156%

Sequential Read 256KB

290.6

300.6

3%

976.4

236%

927.7

219%

281.1

-3%

289

 44.7 °C
112 F
36.9 °C
98 F
34.7 °C
94 F
 
 43.6 °C
110 F
37.2 °C
99 F
35.5 °C
96 F
 
 42.1 °C
108 F
36.4 °C
98 F
34.4 °C
94 F
 
Maximum: 44.7 °C = 112 F
Average: 38.4 °C = 101 F
33.2 °C
92 F
38.1 °C
101 F
43.3 °C
110 F
33.8 °C
93 F
38.6 °C
101 F
43 °C
109 F
34.7 °C
94 F
39.1 °C
102 F
44.5 °C
112 F
Maximum: 44.5 °C = 112 F
Average: 38.7 °C = 102 F

Power Supply (max.)  41.3 °C = 106 F | Room Temperature 22 °C = 72 F | Fluke t3000FC (calibrated), Voltcraft IR-260

(-) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 38.4 °C / 101 F, compared to the average of 32.6 °C / 91 F for the devices in the class Smartphone.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 44.7 °C / 112 F, compared to the average of 34.9 °C / 95 F, ranging from 21.9 to 52.9 °C for the class Smartphone.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 44.5 °C / 112 F, compared to the average of 33.7 °C / 93 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 25.7 °C / 78 F, compared to the device average of 32.6 °C / 91 F.

Xiaomi renews its budget phone with the Redmi 12C, but cuts some corners: with slower storage, longer charging times, and a microUSB port (!), the Redmi 12C falls behind its predecessor, but also other smartphones in its price range.

Why Xiaomi made this decision is a good question. Perhaps it is based on the fact that customers who buy a smartphone in this price range are not very interested in technical details and hardly compare the device with other phones. However, it is a shame because the Redmi 10C was a step in the right direction, whereas the Redmi 12C looks like a clear step backwards.

Apart from that, the screen could be brighter and strong heating under high load has to be expected as well. However, the performance rates are appropriate for a device in this price range, and the battery runtimes of over 15 hours in our Wi-Fi test are also convincing. The smartphone also comes with a lot of storage on request.

The Redmi 12C offers decent performance rates, good runtimes, and NFC at a relatively low price, but there are strong alternatives.

The predecessor Redmi 10C is now available with a generous 128 GB of storage for little money, for example, for just under 150 Euros at notebooksbilliger.de. We also liked the Motorola Moto G13, although the update supply is unclear.

The Redmi 12C costs between 150 and 200 Euros at the time of testing directly from the manufacturer depending on the memory configuration. Discounts are also available here from time to time.

However, the Redmi 12C is available for much less at other online retailers: for example, the 32 GB version is available at amazon.de for just under 125 Euros. The 64 GB version costs only 5 Euros more at amazon.de.

The 128 GB version is already available for 137 Euros at amazon.de, while our lender cyberport.de charges just under 160 Euros.

Xiaomi Redmi 12C

04/15/2023 v7

Florian Schmitt

Connectivity

44 / 70 → 62%

Games Performance

15 / 64 → 24%

Application Performance

66 / 86 → 77%

Smartphone – Weighted Average

Transparency

The present review sample was made available to the author as a loan by the manufacturer or a shop for the purposes of review. The lender had no influence on this review, nor did the manufacturer receive a copy of this review before publication. There was no obligation to publish this review.

Pricecompare

Florian Schmitt, 2023-04-18 (Update: 2023-04-18)

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Florian Schmitt

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