Xiaomi Redmi 12C Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is a budget smartphone that offers impressive features at an affordable price. With its sleek design and large 6.71-inch display, it provides an immersive viewing experience. The device runs on Android 12 with MIUI 13, ensuring a smooth and user-friendly interface. Powered by the Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 chipset and with up to 6GB of RAM, it delivers decent performance for everyday tasks. The Redmi 12C boasts a dual camera setup with a 50MP main lens, capturing detailed photos, and a 5MP front camera for selfies. The 5000mAh battery provides ample power for extended usage. Available in multiple colors and with different storage options, the Redmi 12C offers great value for money. Prices start at €92.00, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Design and Build Quality

The Xiaomi Redmi 12C boasts a sleek design and a premium look and feel, making it an aesthetically appealing device. It features a large 6.71-inch IPS LCD display with slim bezels, resulting in an impressive screen-to-body ratio of approximately 82.6%. The phone's dimensions of 168.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm and weight of 192 g make it relatively compact and lightweight for comfortable one-handed usability.

In terms of construction, the Redmi 12C is built with durability in mind. The device has a solid build quality, thanks to the materials used and the robustness of its design. The back panel has a smooth texture that enhances grip and prevents accidental slips. The finishing touches on the phone give it a refined appearance.

The placement of buttons and controls on the Redmi 12C is well-thought-out, ensuring easy access and intuitive use. The frame surrounding the device adds to its sturdiness, providing protection against accidental drops. The phone is available in various color options, including Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, and Lavender Purple, allowing users to choose a design that suits their preferences.

Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C excels in both form factor and build quality. Its sleek design, premium look, and robust construction make it an attractive option for those seeking a durable and stylish smartphone.

Display

The Xiaomi Redmi 12C features a 6.71-inch IPS LCD display with a screen resolution of 720 x 1650 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 268 ppi. The screen-to-body ratio is around 82.6%, offering an immersive viewing experience. The display is capable of reaching a brightness level of 500 nits, ensuring good visibility even in well-lit environments. However, it's worth noting that the display is not as vibrant as some other smartphones in its price range.

In terms of color accuracy, the Redmi 12C delivers decent results, but it may not be as accurate as higher-end devices. The viewing angles are satisfactory, allowing for comfortable viewing from different orientations. However, the lack of anti-reflective coating might result in some glare under direct sunlight.

The phone does not have an OLED panel, which means it lacks the deeper blacks and vibrant colors typically associated with OLED technology. Additionally, the Redmi 12C does not support a high refresh rate or HDR, which might disappoint users who prioritize smoother visuals and enhanced dynamic range.

For protection, the display does not mention any specific brand like Gorilla Glass, but it is recommended to use a screen protector for added durability. The phone does not have a notch design, and the bezels surrounding the display are noticeable, which might give it a slightly outdated look compared to bezel-less designs.

The Xiaomi Redmi 12C does not offer features like an always-on display or a blue light filter. However, it does include adaptive brightness, which automatically adjusts the screen brightness based on ambient lighting conditions. Overall, while the Redmi 12C's display offers a decent viewing experience for its price range, it may not compete with higher-end smartphones in terms of color vibrancy, display technology, and additional features.

Performance

The Xiaomi Redmi 12C comes equipped with the Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 chipset, which is built on a 12nm process. This octa-core processor consists of two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz. The GPU is Mali-G52 MC2. These specifications indicate that the Redmi 12C is designed to deliver a decent level of performance for its price range.

In terms of CPU benchmarks, the Redmi 12C performs reasonably well. The combination of Cortex-A75 and Cortex-A55 cores allows for efficient multitasking and smooth app loading speeds. Users can expect a lag-free performance when navigating through the user interface and using everyday applications.

When it comes to gaming capabilities, the Redmi 12C proves to be a competent device. The Helio G85 chipset, coupled with the Mali-G52 MC2 GPU, provides sufficient power to handle most mobile games smoothly. The graphics scores achieved in benchmark tests are respectable, ensuring an enjoyable gaming experience for users.

In terms of thermal management, the Redmi 12C seems to handle heat reasonably well. The 12nm process and system optimizations help in keeping the device's temperature in check during prolonged gaming sessions or resource-intensive tasks. This ensures that the device maintains a stable performance without experiencing significant thermal throttling.

Speaking of benchmark scores, the Redmi 12C performs adequately in synthetic benchmarks. While it may not achieve top-tier scores like flagship devices, it delivers a satisfactory level of performance for its price segment. These benchmark scores further validate the Redmi 12C's ability to handle day-to-day tasks and light to moderate gaming with ease.

Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C offers a commendable performance in its price range. The combination of the Helio G85 chipset, Mali-G52 MC2 GPU, and system optimizations results in a smooth user experience and efficient processing power. Whether it's multitasking, gaming, or general usage, the Redmi 12C delivers a lag-free performance, making it a suitable choice for budget-conscious consumers looking for a capable and affordable device.

Software and User Interface

The Xiaomi Redmi 12C runs on the Android 12 operating system with Xiaomi's custom MIUI 13 interface. The combination of the latest Android version and MIUI 13 brings a smooth and user-friendly experience to the device. MIUI 13 offers a highly customizable interface, allowing users to personalize their home screens, app icons, and system themes according to their preferences. It also provides a range of pre-installed apps that cater to various needs. However, some users have reported the presence of bloatware on the device, which refers to unnecessary apps that come pre-installed and cannot be easily uninstalled. This can be a downside for those who prefer a clutter-free experience. Despite this, the overall software experience on the Redmi 12C is commendable, with regular updates from Xiaomi ensuring improved performance and bug fixes. The Android 12 operating system brings enhanced security features and optimizations, further enhancing the device's functionality. Overall, the software on the Xiaomi Redmi 12C offers a good balance of customization options, user-friendliness, and performance, making it a reliable choice for users seeking a budget-friendly smartphone.

Camera

The Xiaomi Redmi 12C boasts a dual-camera setup, with a primary 50-megapixel wide lens and a 0.08-megapixel depth sensor. The wide lens features a decent aperture of f/1.8, allowing for good light intake during daylight photography. It captures images with impressive sharpness and detail, thanks to its high resolution. The camera performs well in outdoor photography, producing natural colors and maintaining good dynamic range.

In terms of low-light performance, the Redmi 12C's camera utilizes a combination of noise reduction and night mode to enhance image quality. The night mode feature improves low-light sensitivity, resulting in brighter and clearer photos in darker environments. Additionally, the camera is equipped with image stabilization, which helps reduce blurriness caused by hand movements, making it suitable for handheld night photography.

The Redmi 12C offers various camera features, including portrait mode, HDR, panorama mode, pro mode, and AI scene recognition. These features enhance the versatility and creativity of the camera, allowing users to capture professional-looking photos with ease.

For video recording, the Redmi 12C supports 1080p@30fps video capture. It also offers video stabilization, ensuring smoother footage even when recording in motion. Slow-motion video and time-lapse modes are also available, allowing users to capture unique and creative videos. The device supports multiple video formats, providing flexibility in sharing and editing videos.

Overall, the camera of the Xiaomi Redmi 12C delivers impressive image quality, especially in daylight photography, and offers a range of features for both photography and videography enthusiasts.

Battery Life

The Xiaomi Redmi 12C comes equipped with a non-removable Li-Po 5000 mAh battery, which provides a solid battery life. With its large capacity, users can expect a decent amount of screen-on time and standby time. The device supports 10W wired charging, which may not be the fastest charging technology available, but it gets the job done. However, it does not offer any wireless charging options. The battery performance of the Redmi 12C is optimized to provide power efficiency, ensuring that users can make the most out of their device without worrying about frequent charging. The device also offers battery optimization features, such as a battery saver mode, to extend the battery backup even further. Overall, the Redmi 12C's battery capacity and performance are impressive for its price range, providing reliable battery endurance for everyday usage.

Connectivity and Networking

The Xiaomi Redmi 12C offers a range of connectivity options to ensure seamless communication and data transfer. With support for GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, and LTE networks, users can enjoy fast and reliable network connectivity. The device also features dual SIM functionality, allowing users to conveniently switch between two different phone numbers or mobile carriers. In terms of wireless connectivity, the Redmi 12C supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, enabling users to connect to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi networks. The device also supports Bluetooth 5.1, providing faster data transfer speeds and improved energy efficiency compared to previous Bluetooth versions. Additionally, NFC is available on certain market/region-dependent models, allowing for convenient contactless payments and data exchange. For navigation purposes, the Redmi 12C features GPS, GLONASS, BDS, and GALILEO positioning systems, ensuring accurate location tracking. The device also supports microUSB 2.0 for wired connectivity and charging. Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C offers a wide range of connectivity features and options, making it a versatile and convenient device for staying connected.

Additional Features

The Xiaomi Redmi 12C offers a range of standout features that enhance the overall user experience. One notable feature is its IP rating, which provides water and dust resistance. This means that the device can withstand being submerged in water for a certain period of time and is protected against the ingress of dust particles. Additionally, the Redmi 12C supports Qi wireless charging, allowing users to conveniently charge their device without the need for cables. The device is also equipped with advanced sensors, including an accelerometer and a gyroscope, which enable various motion-based functionalities. Furthermore, the Redmi 12C includes a sensor suite that consists of environmental sensors, offering additional functionalities such as ambient light detection and proximity sensing. Overall, these additional features enhance the usability and durability of the Xiaomi Redmi 12C.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is a budget smartphone that offers decent performance and features at an affordable price. When comparing it to other related devices in the market, we can see how it stacks up against its competitors.

In terms of specifications, the Redmi 12C comes with a MediaTek MT6769Z Helio G85 chipset, which is a budget-friendly option that provides smooth performance for everyday tasks. However, when compared to its competitors like the Samsung Galaxy A12 or the Realme C25, which offer more powerful chipsets like the MediaTek Helio G80 or the MediaTek Helio G70 respectively, the Redmi 12C falls slightly behind in terms of processing power.

In terms of display, the Redmi 12C features a 6.71-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 720 x 1650 pixels. While the screen is decent, its competitors like the Samsung Galaxy A12 or the Realme C25 offer higher resolution displays, providing a sharper and more immersive viewing experience.

When it comes to camera capabilities, the Redmi 12C offers a dual-camera setup with a 50MP primary lens and a 0.08MP depth sensor. While the camera quality is decent for its price range, competitors like the Samsung Galaxy A12 or the Realme C25 offer more versatile camera setups, including ultra-wide or macro lenses, allowing users to capture a wider range of subjects.

In terms of pricing, the Redmi 12C is positioned as a cost-effective budget phone, with prices starting at around €92.00. It competes with devices like the Samsung Galaxy A12 and the Realme C25, which are also priced in a similar range. However, the Redmi 12C offers a slightly lower price point, making it a more affordable option for budget-conscious consumers.

Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C offers decent performance and features at an affordable price point. While it may not have the most powerful chipset or the highest resolution display in its class, its competitive pricing and value for money make it an attractive option for budget smartphone buyers.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C offers a budget-friendly option for potential buyers. With its decent specifications and affordable price, it provides good value for money. The smartphone features a large 6.71-inch display, a capable MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, and a reliable 5000mAh battery. While its camera setup may not deliver groundbreaking results, it still manages to capture decent photos and videos. The device also comes with the latest Android 12 operating system and MIUI 13 for a smooth user experience. Overall, if you're in search of a cost-effective budget phone that fulfills your basic smartphone needs, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C is worth considering.