Xiaomi Redmi 12Cvsvivo V29 Lite

Xiaomi Redmi 12C

vivo V29 Lite

Xiaomi Redmi 12C

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.

vivo V29 Lite

The Vivo V29 Lite is a mid-range smartphone that promises great performance, a stunning display, and decent camera capabilities. However, its value lies in the specific aspects of its features. Design-wise, the phone has a sleek and elegant design with a shiny matte finish that changes colors depending on the angle and lighting conditions. It's available in two color options: black and gold. The phone feels solid and comfortable to hold, weighing 177 grams and measuring 7.9mm thickness. The display is the highlight of this smartphone, featuring a 6.78-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, and 388 PPI. The screen-to-body ratio is an impressive 90.3%, making it look premium. Under the hood, the phone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset, which may be considered old for a 2023 smartphone. However, it's paired with 12GB of dedicated RAM and 8GB of virtual RAM expansion, making multitasking smooth. The phone runs on Android 13 out of the box with Vivo's custom skin. The camera setup consists of a triple-camera system featuring a 64MP main camera, a 2MP macro camera, and a 2MP depth sensor. However, it can only record videos at up to 1080p resolution at 30fps. The front camera is a 16MP shooter that can record videos at up to 60fps. The battery performance is notable, with a 5000mAh battery supporting up to 44W fast charging via USB-C port. However, the phone lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack and has IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance. The Vivo V29 Lite is a good smartphone for those who value display quality, battery life, more RAM options, and camera stability over other aspects. While it's priced competitively at 1299 Dirhams in Dubai, it may not be the best option for those seeking powerful CPU or higher charging features.