Xiaomi Redmi 12C vs Redmi Note 12 Pro+
The Verdict
Xiaomi's budget Redmi 12C targets cost-conscious buyers with a massive 5000 mAh battery and basic reliability, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ delivers flagship features at mid-range pricing. The 12C offers a 6.71-inch IPS LCD display at 1650x720 resolution with 400 nits brightness, paired with a MediaTek Helio G85 and 3-4GB RAM, suitable for messaging and light apps. The Note 12 Pro+ counters with a 6.67-inch AMOLED screen delivering 2400x1080 resolution at 120Hz with 900 nits brightness, powered by the significantly faster Dimensity 1080 and 8GB RAM. Camera quality shows dramatic differences: the 12C's 50MP main sensor produces serviceable photos, while the 12 Pro+ features a 200MP main camera with optical image stabilization plus an ultrawide option, capable of 4K video. Charging speeds diverge sharply, with 10W versus 120W HyperCharge making a substantial real-world impact. The Note 12 Pro+ adds IP53 dust and water resistance, 5G connectivity, NFC, and USB-C. For $210 more, the Note 12 Pro+ justifies its premium through superior performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and modern conveniences. The 12C works for budget-conscious users prioritizing battery longevity and basic functionality, but the Note 12 Pro+ provides exceptional value for anyone willing to spend moderately.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12C if…
- →Ultra-affordable at $119 for a functioning smartphone
- →Large 5000 mAh battery lasts multiple days with light use
- →50 MP main camera is decent for basic photography
Buy the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ if…
- →200 MP main sensor is a headline spec at this price
- →120W charging is exceptionally fast for the segment
- →OIS on the main camera aids low-light stability
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
Pros
- Ultra-affordable at $119 for a functioning smartphone
- Large 5000 mAh battery lasts multiple days with light use
- 50 MP main camera is decent for basic photography
- Large 6.71-inch display for media consumption
- MicroSD expansion up to 1 TB for storage
Cons
- HD+ resolution is noticeably pixelated on the large screen
- Micro-USB port is obsolete — not USB-C
- Only 10W charging takes 4+ hours for a full charge
- No NFC for contactless payments
- Helio G85 struggles with anything beyond basic apps
Redmi Note 12 Pro+
Pros
- 200 MP main sensor is a headline spec at this price
- 120W charging is exceptionally fast for the segment
- OIS on the main camera aids low-light stability
- 120Hz AMOLED display
- NFC included
Cons
- Dimensity 1080 is a mid-range chip, not flagship
- Heavy at 210 g
- No wireless charging
- 8 MP ultrawide is mediocre
- MIUI ads in some regions
Full Specifications
| Spec | Xiaomi Redmi 12C | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 12 (MIUI 13) | Android 12 (MIUI 13) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 192 g | 210 g |
| Material | Plastic frame and back | Plastic back, aluminum frame |
| IP rating | None | IP53 |
| Dimensions | 168.8 x 76.4 x 8.77 mm | 162.9 x 76.0 x 8.8 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.8 | 200 MP, f/1.65, OIS |
| Depth | 0.08 MP, f/2.8 | — |
| Front camera | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 16 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps |
| Ultrawide | — | 8 MP, f/2.2, 120-degree |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 3 GB / 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 10W wired | 120W HyperCharge wired |
| Wireless charging | No | No |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.71 inches | 6.67 inches |
| Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1650 x 720 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 400 | 900 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz + 6x1.8 GHz) | Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G85 | MediaTek Dimensity 1080 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | Micro-USB | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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