Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G Vs. Redmi 12 5G: Which is the Better Budget 5G Phone To Buy?

Xiaomi has rolled out its latest Redmi Series phone of 2023 – the Redmi 13C 5G. This affordable 5G phone is a successor to the Redmi 12 5G. In this article, we have tried to explore the differences between the Redmi 13 5G and Redmi 12 5G. Ultimately, if you are confused between the two, this Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G vs Redmi 12 5G comparison should provide you with a fitting answer that you can rely on.

Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G vs Redmi 12 5G: Pricing in India

When it comes to pricing, the Redmi 13C 5G, the latest offering, carries a price tag of INR 10,999/- for the base 4+128GB variant. Its mid-tier 6+128GB variant retails for INR 12,499/-, while the highest trim, with 8+256GB, is priced at INR 14,999/-.

On the other hand, the Redmi 12 5G retails for INR 11,999/- for its base 4+128GB variant, the mid-tier model is available at INR 13,499/- with a 6+128GB configuration, and the top-tier 8+256GB variant goes for sale at INR 15,499/-.

The pricing of the Redmi 12 5G is slightly on the higher side, requiring you to shell out an additional INR 1,000/- compared to the Redmi 13C 5G.

Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G vs Redmi 12 5G: Design & Display

We had to compare the two in terms of design. The Redmi 12 5G follows in the footsteps of its predecessors and features a punch-hole cut-out paired with thick bezels that wrap around the display. On the other hand, the Redmi 13C 5G uses a U-shaped notch that protrudes a bit, given the aged design, and not to forget slightly thicker bezels than the Redmi 12.

Both phones have sleek designs with a glass-like finish on top of plastic backs. The available colorways for the Redmi 12 5G are Moonstone Silver, Pastel Blue, and Jade Black, while the Redmi 13C 5G comes in Startrail Green, Black, and Silver.

Specs-wise, the Redmi 12 5G sports a 6.79” IPS LCD 90Hz panel with a resolution of 1080×2460 pixels and a typical peak brightness of 550 nits. On the other hand, the latest Redmi 13C 5G features a 6.74” IPS LCD 90Hz panel with a resolution of 720×1600 pixels and 600 nits of HBM.

Both displays are distinct in terms of PPI, i.e., 396 and 260 PPI, respectively. This makes the Redmi 12 5G a much better choice if you want to experience crystal-clear photos and videos, whereas the Redmi 13C 5G has made a few cuts for obvious reasons. I would still give the Redmi 12 5G a preference over the 13C given the impeccable display and the choice of processor to back it up.

Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G vs Redmi 12 5G: Performance

The Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G is powered by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, while the Redmi 13C 5G sticks to a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ SoC. Both are octa-core chipsets; however, the performance falters right here.

For starters, the SD 8 Gen 2 uses a 4nm process, while the D6100+ uses a 6nm process, ultimately making the former slightly more powerful in many cases. However, both chipsets were announced during the same time, making them almost comparable. On AnTuTu 10, we obtained scores of 426,209 and 414,159 points, respectively, where the Snapdragon takes the lead, albeit with a slight margin.

On Geekbench 6, the Snapdragon scores 927 points on single-core and 2138 points on multi-core. On the other hand, the Dimensity scores 735 and 1942 points, respectively, where again, the former takes the lead. The SD4 Gen 2 is made by the industry’s leading TSMC, while the Dimensity 6100+ uses Samsung’s foundry, which has been battling issues on its Exynos series. Therefore, it’s possible that these issues might propagate to the Dimensity line as well.

Overall, Snapdragon has the upper hand in terms of performance and sustained performance, making it a clear-cut winner. Both devices have UFS 2.21 storage, although Snapdragon has an edge thanks to its LPDDR5 support instead of LPDDR4X on the Dimensity chipset.

Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G vs Redmi 12 5G: Camera

Specs-wise, both devices feature a dual-camera setup. The Redmi 13C 5G uses a 50MP primary f/1.8 with a 28mm focal length sensor, which is the same as the Redmi 12 5G. However, the auxiliary lenses on both are poles apart at 0.08MP and 2MP, respectively. Nevertheless, given that auxiliary sensors are often used for cosmetic purposes, we won’t give them much importance. Additionally, the Redmi 12 5G boasts a larger 8MP selfie camera, while the 13C 5G opts for a 5MP selfie shooter.

Considering the fact that both use the same 50MP sensor, there shouldn’t be much room for differences, even if you think otherwise. The shots during the daytime are decent from both the front and rear cameras. Nighttime and low-light photography tend to be grainy, but what else can you expect from a sub-INR 15,000 phone, right?

Both Redmi phones are designed for casual photography, and you might hit the jackpot with the right lighting, such as during the early hours of the morning or before the sun sets. However, nighttime photography is average and in line with any phone in the same budget segment. You can still capture decent shots if there’s enough lighting in the scene, such as indoor shooting during the night.

Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G vs Redmi 12 5G: Battery

When it comes to the battery, both devices feature the same specifications with a 5,000mAh battery paired with 18W fast charging support. We were able to get through the day without any hassle or fear of losing power on the device. You could even enter Day 2 on the same charge, considering the substantial 5,000mAh capacity.

Both devices will take approximately 2 hours to charge to their full capacity. However, the distinction lies in the charger supplied in the retail box – the Redmi 12 5G comes bundled with a 22.5W charger, while the Redmi 13C 5G sticks to a 10W adapter. This means you will have to buy an 18W charger for the 13C 5G if you decide to go with it.

Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G vs Redmi 12 5G: Connectivity Features & Beyond

We had to conclude all-in, and thus, this accounts for all other features and specs not mentioned above. It turns out there’s not any difference between the two in this context. Both have a 3.5mm headphone jack, dual-band Wi-Fi AC, GPS, USB-C 2.0, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, and virtual proximity sensing. The Redmi 12 5G does get an additional IR port, but that’s about it.

Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G vs Redmi 12 5G: Verdict

Finally, we reach the end of our comparison between the two budget 5G phones – Redmi 13C 5G and Redmi 12 5G. All in all, the latter, aka the Redmi 12 5G, is a worthy purchase, given the fact that it is powered by a Snapdragon processor on top of faster RAM, a better display with a tiny punch-hole notch, and supplied with a 22.5W charging adapter instead of 10W (on Redmi 13C 5G).

Moreover, the Redmi 12 5G is just INR 1,000/- pricier than the Redmi 13C 5G, which means it is affordable for the masses. However, if you don’t want to shell out that extra one grand and instead can compromise with an inferior display, additional purchase for a charging adapter, and a comparatively less powerful chipset, be our guest and pick the Redmi 13C 5G instead.

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