Redmi 12C REVIEW: Xiaomi’s new entry-level phone works best for night photography
On the hunt for a budget phone that still delivers good pictures?
People who are strapped for cash may want to consider picking up Xiaomi’s new entry-level phone, Redmi 12C, a strong contender in the budget phone segment. Despite a change in chipset and a shift to micro-USB charging port, its bigger screen and reliable Night Mode are the MVP features.
Lightning-fast chipset for gaming: MediaTek Helio G85
Redmi 12C surprisingly does away with its predecessor’s Snapdragon chipset and shifts to a MediaTek Helio G85, usually found in Xiaomi’s mid-range phones. MediaTek has a cheaper price tag but it offers smooth performance and low latency when playing mobile games.
On top of this is its large 6.71" HD+ display and a sleek 20.6:9 aspect ratio, making Redmi 12C a reasonably decent phone for immersive gaming, as well as reading and watching videos. Just note that the box does not contain a phone jelly case so make sure to buy one separately, plus a tempered glass, so you could protect the phone from scratches.
Retro tech: Micro-USB charging port
My relationship with micro-USB charging ports had been stressful in the past so I was glad that most smartphones nowadays have USB Type-C charging ports. Redmi 12C, however, still uses a micro-USB charging port in the year 2023. But if you’re just starting out in your career, it may not be a big deal to embrace retro tech. With a sizable 5,000mAh battery, you can use your Redmi 12C with power that could last for at least one and a half days.
MVP in Night Mode
For a budget phone, Redmi 12C does not fail in taking good images and videos in low-light environments and at sundown. My favorite feature is the Night Mode, which captures the undeniable appeal of street signs and swaths of colors bathing the streets. With its HDR (high dynamic range) and its 50MP AI Dual Camera, Redmi 12C can also take nightscape images with greater detail.
Price check
Now, let’s check the prices. Redmi 12C has three variants with various RAM and internal storage capacities. RAM or random access memory determines how many apps you can run at the same time. Internal storage is where you keep your data like images and music.
The 3GB memory + 32GB internal storage version costs P5,499 or roughly the price of an Upper Box Regular ticket in a BLACKPINK concert. The 4GB+64GB variant sells for P6,499 or the standard electricity bill of a two-bedroom condo unit. The third variant, the 4GB+128GB unit, is priced at P7,499 or almost equivalent to a month’s rent for a decent studio apartment in Mandaluyong City.
There's also the 6GB+128GB version, which has a standard price of P8,999—roughly the price of a non-OLED Nintendo Switch.
In my opinion, there’s no point in possessing a 3GB memory phone if you are a multitasker. If you are not limited by your purchasing power, choose the 6GB+128GB to get your money’s worth. Redmi 12C also offers up to 6+5GB extended RAM and 1TB storage extension.