Xiaomi Redmi 12vsZTE Blade A53+

Xiaomi Redmi 12

ZTE Blade A53+

Xiaomi Redmi 12

The Xiaomi Redmi 12 is an entry-level phone that offers a larger display and revamped design compared to its predecessor, the Redmi 10. The device boasts a 6.79-inch LCD display with 1080p resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate, which provides smooth swiping and scrolling experience. However, it lacks a light sensor, leading to unreliable auto brightness. The phone's camera setup is similar to the Redmi 10, featuring a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro camera. While the camera processing has improved, resulting in decently sharp photos with good contrast and punchy colors in well-lit conditions, low-light performance is subpar. The Redmi 12 runs on MIUI 14 based on Android 13 and supports two years of OS updates and four years of security patches. It also features a Mediatek Helio G88 chipset, which is not impressive compared to competitors at the same price point. Battery life is good, with an overall endurance rating of 117 hours, but charging times are mediocre, taking around half an hour to reach 29%. The phone's build quality feels solid, with a glass back and flat design. While the Redmi 12 offers some improvements over its predecessor, it's not a significant upgrade. Its lackluster performance, subpar low-light camera capabilities, and outdated chipset make it less appealing compared to other entry-level options in the market. However, if you're on a tight budget and want a larger screen with updated software and design, the Redmi 12 might be worth considering.

ZTE Blade A53+

The ZTE Blade A53+ is a budget smartphone that falls short in several areas. Despite its affordable price tag of around $150, this device fails to impress with its mediocre specs and features. The inclusion of a micro USB charging port in 2023 is a major misstep, while the dual camera setup, display resolution, and RAM are also underwhelming. With better options available at similar or slightly higher prices, such as the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11, it's hard to recommend this phone to anyone looking for a reliable budget device.