Xiaomi Redmi 12CvsXiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G

Xiaomi Redmi 12C

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G

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.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G is the most affordable model among the new Redmi phones, offering good value for its price. It's essentially identical to the 5G version but without the higher-speed chipset and a different main camera. The phone has a plastic body with a smooth frosted finish that doesn't smudge easily, and it's surprisingly lightweight in the hand. The display is a 6.57-inch AMOLED with a 1080p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, making swiping and scrolling feel extra smooth. While there's no HDR video support, this is still an impressive feature for a budget phone. Performance-wise, the Redmi Note 12 4G has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 chipset that's similar to the one found in previous mid-range phones but with higher CPU clock speeds. This results in decent performance in CPU benchmarks, although graphics tests leave more to be desired. The battery life is good, with an overall endurance rating of 117 hours in our tests. The phone supports 33W charging and can go from 0-55% in half an hour. The cameras are a mixed bag: the main camera takes decent photos for its price tag, but it's let down by softness and noise, especially in low light conditions. The ultra-wide camera is also underwhelming at night. Selfies from the 13MP front-facing camera can be disappointing if the lighting isn't perfect. Video recording tops out at 1080p resolution, with footage from the main camera being soft but with decent colors. Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G offers good value for its price, with a great display, adequate performance, and good battery life. While it's not perfect, it's worth considering if you're in the market for a budget phone.