Xiaomi Redmi 12C review
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is the company's latest budget smartphone for the Kenyan market. While it doesn't break new ground in terms of features, it makes up for its dated choices with a powerful processor and decent cameras. Priced between 10,000 to 20,000 Shillings, the device targets the mid-range segment. Unfortunately, some compromises have been made, such as charging at only 10 watts via micro USB, which is slower than most modern phones. Additionally, the display is not full HD, but it gets the job done. On a positive note, the Redmi 12C features a 50-megapixel main camera, up to 4GB of RAM, and a 128GB storage option. This makes for a smooth user experience with Android's full operating system available, unlike some budget phones that run on the go edition. The performance is decent, thanks to the dated but still reliable 12nm processor from MediaTek. Battery life is also satisfactory, making it suitable for everyday use. While the Redmi 12C may not be a game-changer in terms of features, its price makes it an attractive option for those on a budget. The starting price of around 14,000 Shillings is reasonable, considering what you get in return. However, if I had to recommend one model from this series, it would be the best variant, which offers the most value for money. Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C is a decent budget smartphone that gets the job done without breaking the bank. While there may be some compromises on features and charging speed, its performance and cameras make up for it. If you're in the market for an affordable phone with basic needs, this might just be the device for you.
Build Quality and Design
In a market flooded with budget smartphones, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C stands out as a viable option for those looking to upgrade without breaking the bank. As part of my review process, I focused on the device's build quality and design. The first thing that caught my attention was the phone's construction. The Redmi 12C feels sturdy in hand, with a solid weight that suggests a premium feel despite its budget price tag. The materials used are also commendable - plastic may not be as flashy as glass or metal, but it gets the job done. The design is where things get interesting. Xiaomi has opted for a classic look and feel, with clean lines and minimal branding. It's a design that will appeal to those who prefer a more understated approach. However, some might find it a bit bland compared to other options in this segment. One aspect I was impressed by was the phone's dimensions - at 164 x 77 x 9 mm, it's neither too big nor too small. The device is easy to grip and navigate, making it perfect for everyday use. While not particularly exciting, the Redmi 12C's build quality and design are solid enough to earn it a spot among the best budget buys out there. It may not blow you away with its looks or feel premium in every aspect, but it gets the job done without any major complaints. In conclusion, while not the most exciting device on paper, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C's build quality and design are more than adequate for a budget phone. It may not win any awards for innovation or style, but its solid construction and sensible design make it an attractive option for those on a tight budget.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is the latest budget smartphone to hit the Kenyan market, and it's an interesting offering from Xiaomi. While it may not be perfect, there are some redeeming qualities that make it worth considering. One of the areas where the Redmi 12C shines is its battery life. With a maximum charging speed of 10 watts over micro USB, you might expect this to be a major letdown. However, despite this limitation, the phone still manages to deliver decent battery life. Xiaomi's choice of processor, the Halo G85, seems to have paid off in this regard. The Redmi 12C comes with up to 4 gigs of RAM and up to 128 gigs of storage, which is more than enough for a budget device. However, it's worth noting that the phone uses EMMC 5.1 storage, which can affect performance and make the phone feel slower over time. In terms of battery life specifically, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the Redmi 12C performed. It easily lasted a full day with moderate use, and even got me through a few hours of heavy use without needing a recharge. While it may not be the longest-lasting budget smartphone on the market, it's certainly one of the better ones in this regard. Overall, while the Xiaomi Redmi 12C may have its limitations, its battery life is definitely one of its strengths. If you're in the market for a budget device and value good battery life, then the Redmi 12C is definitely worth considering.
Display
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C boasts a display that, while good for its price segment, doesn't quite live up to expectations. The phone's screen is not full HD, which might be a disappointment for those who are accustomed to higher resolution displays. Another notable aspect of the display is the charging speed. At 10 watts over micro USB, it's slow compared to other devices that utilize faster charging technologies like USB Type-C. This limitation means you'll have to rely on a standard charger, which can add bulk to your travel kit. Despite these drawbacks, the Redmi 12C's display still manages to deliver decent performance. The screen is bright and vibrant, making it suitable for casual use such as browsing social media or watching videos. However, those who demand more from their smartphone displays might find themselves underwhelmed by this offering. In terms of overall design, the Redmi 12C's display is a mixed bag. While it looks pleasant enough, its limitations in charging speed and resolution make it feel like an afterthought in an otherwise solid package. If you're shopping for a budget device and expect top-notch visuals, you might want to consider other options. Overall, the Redmi 12C's display is an acceptable compromise given its price point. While it won't blow anyone away with its specs, it still manages to deliver a decent viewing experience. If you're on a tight budget, this display will suffice – but if you can stretch your budget slightly further, you might find better value elsewhere.
Camera
The camera department on the Redmi 12C is one area where Xiaomi has made significant improvements over its predecessors. The device boasts a 50-megapixel main lens at the back, nestled next to the fingerprint scanner. This camera setup takes pretty good pictures and captures decent videos, making it suitable for simple social sharing or memory-capturing purposes. In terms of image quality, the 50-megapixel main lens delivers on its promise. Photos taken with this lens show a decent amount of detail, especially in well-lit environments. However, low-light performance is not exceptional, and images can appear slightly grainy. Additionally, there's some noticeable noise in dimly lit areas. The camera also features other lenses, although their capabilities are somewhat limited compared to the main 50-megapixel lens. The front-facing camera, which boasts an 8-megapixel sensor, takes average selfies and is not particularly impressive in its own right. Video recording is another aspect where the Redmi 12C shines. It can record video at 1080p resolution at 30fps, making it suitable for casual users who want to capture memories without breaking the bank. However, there's some noticeable stabilization issues when shooting handheld footage. Overall, while the camera department on the Redmi 12C is not exceptional, it does deliver in its price segment. The 50-megapixel main lens takes decent photos and captures average videos, making it a suitable option for casual users who want a reliable point-and-shoot camera without paying an arm and a leg. In conclusion, while the camera on the Redmi 12C is not the strongest aspect of this device, it's still an improvement over its predecessors. If you're in the market for a budget smartphone with a decent camera, the Redmi 12C is worth considering.
Price and Value
In the competitive Kenyan smartphone market, Xiaomi's latest budget offering, the Redmi 12C, is an attractive proposition for those seeking a reliable device without breaking the bank. Priced between KES 14,000 to KES 17,500, this phone falls squarely into the 10,000 to 20,000 Shillings market segment. The Redmi 12C's value proposition lies in its combination of features and price. The device boasts a 50-megapixel main camera, which takes impressive pictures and videos at this budget level. Additionally, it comes with up to 4GB of RAM and up to 128GB of storage, ensuring users can enjoy the full Android experience without being limited by the Go Edition. While some might be disappointed by the lack of a USB Type-C port and slower charging speeds (10 watts via micro-USB), these are minor trade-offs considering the overall package. The Redmi 12C's processor, though dated at 12 nanometers, is still a significant improvement over some other budget devices using the 28nm Unisoc chip. In terms of value, I believe the Redmi 12C offers an excellent balance between features and price. While it would be ideal if Xiaomi could incorporate faster storage options like UFS, the current EMMC 5.1 doesn't hinder the phone's performance significantly. Ultimately, the best model to get in the series is the base variant that starts at KES 14,000. It offers everything the more expensive variants do, including the camera and charging speeds, making it an attractive option for those seeking a reliable budget device without breaking the bank. Despite not being the cheapest option on the market, I believe the Redmi 12C's value proposition justifies its price point.
Performance
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is a budget-friendly smartphone that has caught my attention in the Kenyan market. As I interacted with this device, I was impressed by its performance, considering its price point. One of the standout features of the Redmi 12C is its processor, the 12 nanometer Halo G85, which may be considered dated by some standards. However, it outperforms many recent budget launches that employ a 28 nanometer processor from Unisoc. The result is a smooth and efficient performance experience. In today's era of fast-paced software updates, the choice of processor can make or break a device's long-term viability. Xiaomi has opted for the more powerful Halo G85, which allows for timely software updates, unlike many budget devices that struggle with updates even after a year of launch. Additionally, the Redmi 12C comes with up to 4GB of RAM and up to 128GB of storage, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a full Android experience without being limited to the Go Edition. This ensures users can enjoy all the features that Android has to offer, not just basic apps. While there are some areas where the Redmi 12C could improve, its performance is undoubtedly one of its strong points. The use of the Halo G85 processor ensures that users will have a seamless and efficient experience, making it an excellent choice for those in the market for a budget device. 4/5 If you're looking for a budget smartphone with impressive performance capabilities, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C is definitely worth considering. With its starting price of 14,000 Shillings and up to 17,500 Shillings for the most expensive variant, it offers excellent value for money.
Pros
1. Good Performance: The device uses a 12 nanometer processor, which may be considered dated but still delivers decent performance.
2. Full Android Operating System: Unlike many budget devices that run on Android Go, the Redmi 12C comes with full Android, offering users a seamless experience with up to 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.
3. Decent Cameras: The device features a 50-megapixel main camera that takes good pictures and videos, making it suitable for simple social sharing or memory capturing.
4. Fingerprint Scanner: A convenient feature that is often missing in budget smartphones, the Redmi 12C's fingerprint scanner adds to its appeal.
Cons
1. Slow Charging: The device charges at a maximum speed of 10 watts over micro USB, which is slower than what I'd expect from a modern smartphone.
2. Dated Display: The screen resolution is not full HD, which may be a letdown for those looking for a sharper display.