We’re going to focus on several budget-friendly devices in order to take a slight detour from the majority of midrange and flagship devices we’ve recently reviewed. Among these is Xiaomi’s most recent model for their entry-level series, the Redmi 12C.
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C’s bigger screen and storage address the majority of consumers’ problems with low-end smartphones. We must, however, wait and see how it performs when used as a daily driver. Does the Redmi 12C’s price worth it? Let’s dive into our full review.
Xiaomi Redmi 12C Specs
- Display: 6.71-inch LCD (IPS) screen w/ HD+ 1650 x 720 resolution at 268 ppi
- CPU: 2.0GHz 12nm MediaTek Helio G85 octa-core processor
- GPU: Mali-G52 2EEMC2 (1,000MHz)
- RAM: 3GB/4GB/6GB LPDDR4X
- ROM: 32GB/64GB/128GB eMMC 5.1 expandable storage via microSD card up to 1TB
- Back Camera: 50MP f/1.8 main camera + QVGA Auxilliary lens + LED flash
- Selfie Camera: 5MP f/2.2
- Battery: 5,000mAh w/ 10W charging
- OS: Android 12 w/ MIUI 13
- Connectivity: WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, 4G LTE, Bluetooth 5.1, OTG, FM Radio, NFC, GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, dual SIM
- Sensors: Accelerometer, proximity
- Others: Fingerprint sensor
- Colors: Graphite Grey, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, and Lavender Purple.
- Dimensions: 168.76 x 76.41 x 8.77 mm
- Weight: 192 g
- Price: PHP 5,499 (3GB/32GB), PHP 6,499 (4GB/64GB), PHP 7,499 (4GB/128GB), PHP 8,999 (6GB/128GB)
Unboxing the Xiaomi Redmi 12C
When you open the Xiaomi Redmi 12C’s box, you’ll find:
- The Smartphone Device
- Power Brick (10W Adapter)
- USB Cable (USB Type A to Micro USB)
- SIM Tray Ejector Tool
- Quick Start Guide
- Warranty Card
- Safety Information
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C was delivered in white packaging. The Redmi 12C phone, a 10-watt charger, a USB Type-A to MicroUSB data/charging cable, paper instructions, and a SIM ejector tool are all included in the box. Unfortunately, you must purchase earphones and a protective cover separately if you want to use the Redmi 12C.
Design and Build
The Redmi 12C’s screen is larger than usual but yet perfectly fits my small hands, as you will immediately notice. The device offers a more immersive reading, watching, and gaming experience thanks to its 6.71-inch HD+ display with a stylish 20.6:9 aspect ratio.
The gorgeous and distinctively textured surface of this smartphone offers a more secure grip. The polycarbonate finish on the Redmi 12C’s exterior serves as protection. Its body is covered in ridges, which undoubtedly aid in grip. It’s safe to claim that it won’t be that easy to lose in your pocket or from your hand.
On the right side of the Xiaomi Redmi 12C are the power and volume buttons. On the left side is the SIM tray, which has space for two Nano SIM cards and a memory card slot for up to 1TB of storage expansion. The 3.5mm audio jack is at the top, while the main microphone, speaker grill, and micro-USB port are all found at the bottom. On the right side are the power button and volume rocker.
The SIM tray is located on the left and has a memory card slot for up to 1TB of storage expansion as well as two Nano SIMs.
The main microphone, micro-USB port, and speaker grill are all located at the bottom. Given that the majority of smartphones on the market today, especially those with lower price tags, now use USB-C, the micro USB charging connector on this device is quite surprising.
Display
The display of the Xiaomi Redmi 12C is of high quality. It has a 6.71″ HD+ display that features a 20:6:9 widescreen aspect ratio, rich colors, and an expansive viewing area. Even if it isn’t the crispest, it is more than adequate for binge-watching the shows you love, be they on Netflix or Disney+.
Although the peak brightness of 500nits is low, it is respectable for the price tag. The display does not appear very bright and that makes it quite difficult to see the content well in direct sunlight.
Additionally, the Redmi 12C offers a reading mode feature that protects your eyes while using it for prolonged periods of time.
Overall, the pictures are respectable, especially for the price.
Performance
The powerful MediaTek Helio G85 octa-core CPU within the Redmi 12C delivers best-in-class performance for a fluid gaming and daily use experience. The Redmi 12C can accommodate your need for more storage capacity for your pictures, videos, music, and games while also offering quick and responsive input when opening programs thanks to its up to 6+5GB expanded RAM and 1TB expandable storage.
Gaming on Redmi 12C
It’s hardly surprising that the Helio G85 can run a few of the most popular mobile games right now, given our prior experience with it.
For Mobile Legends, it is undoubtedly possible to play in High settings with little to no lag or frame drops. I am impressed with how it performs on this game given that this is a budget phone.
Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C’s performance in everyday use is impressive and reliable.
MIUI 13
Compared to MIUI 12.5, MIUI 13 offers a number of performance enhancements. In comparison to the previous release, Xiaomi says that the most recent version of its custom Android skin offers enhanced app fluency with 15% fewer missed frames in third-party applications. With 23% fewer missing frames, Xiaomi’s native apps perform better on the updated version as well.
The UI feels adequate in terms of the overall user experience. Operating on MIUI 13, the apps open quickly enough and the games are input-responsive enough. However, since it only has a 60Hz refresh rate, using social networking apps could feel a little choppy. You might be able to run several apps simultaneously with little to no lag, but this is only true to a certain extent.
Once you start opening resource-intensive apps or viewing movies, the device starts to feel a little sluggish. You can only run several low- to medium-requirement apps simultaneously with an LPDDR4X 4GB RAM and 128GB storage variant.
Battery
Redmi claims that the 12C’s 5,000mAh battery allows for roughly 20 hours of video playback and 21 days of standby life; however, it may take a while to fully charge the device when using the micro USB port’s 10W wall charger. The charger takes around 2 hours to charge the phone from 0% to 100%.
The Redmi 12C can easily survive a full day with moderate to heavy usage, according to our user experience.
Camera
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C’s 50MP primary camera produces passable shots with respectable clarity, sharpness, and detail. Some images, though, might come off as flat and lacking in color accuracy.
Thankfully, it offers a dedicated night mode that aids in enhancing image quality in lowlight conditions.
As for taking selfie shots, the 5MP front-facing camera is respectable enough to take pictures with sufficient detail provided you have good lighting.
Both the front and rear cameras support 1080p@30fps and 720p@30fps video recording. Everything is produced decently in terms of color, contrast, and detail.
Should you buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C?
As for taking photos, the 5MP front-facing camera is respectable enough to record pictures with sufficient detail, provided you have sufficient lighting.
The Redmi 12C is unquestionably an excellent smartphone to serve as your daily driver if you’re on a limited budget.
This phone performs better than its price tag thanks to its powerful MediaTek Helio G85 processor, massive 6.71″ HD+ display, 5000 mAh battery, expandable storage, and a 50MP AI dual camera, making it a must-have for a smart-choice lifestyle.
Price and availability
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C comes in four variants, each offering varying storage and memory capacities. Starting at PHP 5,499 for the 3GB/32GB variant, PHP 6499 for the 4GB/ 64GB variant, PHP 7499 for the 4GB/128GB variant, and PHP 8,999 for the 6GB/128GB variant which is an online exclusive. The Redmi 12C is available in Xiaomi-authorized retail locations as well as online through their official Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.
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