Redmi 13C vs Redmi 12C – Which Budget Phone Is Worth Buying in 2025?

When it comes to budget smartphones, the Redmi C-series by Xiaomi has always been a great option. Because of its dependable performance and low price, best best-selling entry-level phone was the Redmi 12C. But now that the Redmi 13C has arrived, there is one question on many people’s minds: Is it really an upgrade or only a minor refresh?

If you’re looking forward to purchasing the new Redmi phone and can’t decide between the Redmi 13C and Redmi 12C, this detailed comparison will help you pick the right one as per your choice. Let’s break down the design, performance, camera, battery, and value of each phone.

Design and Build Quality

Redmi 13C - Modren and Stylish

The Redmi 13C gets a noticeable design upgrade. It looks much more premium with a flat-edge frame and a cleaner back panel that resembles higher-end Redmi models. The camera module now has two large lenses and a neat layout, giving it a more modern vibe. It’s available in several colors like Midnight Black, Navy Blue, Glacier White, and Clover Green. 

Redmi 12C - Classic Curved Design

The Redmi 12C follows Xiaomi’s older design language with curved edges and a textured back that gives a good grip. It’s simple and sturdy, but it doesn’t look as stylish as the newer 13C. Colors include Graphite Gray, Mint Green, Lavender Purple, and Ocean Blue still attractive, but the overall design feels slightly dated compared to the 13C.

Display Camparsion

Redmi 13C: Bigger and Smoother Display

The Redmi 13C features a 6.74-inch IPS LCD screen and it produces HD+ resolution of 1680 x 720 pixels. The biggest performance enhancement here comes from the 90Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling, animations and gaming feel even smoother. Brightness is also up to a maximum 600 nits, allowing for outdoor visibility. Videos look sharper and cooler due to the faster refresh rate of the screen, which has a better color balance.

Redmi 12C: Decent but Standard

The Redmi 12C also features a 6.71-inch HD+ LCD screen of the same standard size, but this one is restricted to a measly 60Hz refresh rate. That means you’ll see even more delay or choppiness when scrolling, compared with what the 13C offers. It’s about 500 nits bright, as well, which works for indoor use but struggles a bit in direct sunlight.

Performance and Hardware

Redmi 13C: Upgraded Efficiency

The Redmi 13C is also powered by MediaTek Helio G85 processor which is a good upgrade over the Helio G85 on Redmi 12C, offering enhanced gaming and multitasking performance with better efficiency. You get up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. Apps load quicker and multitasking seems more fluid.

Redmi 12C: Reliable but Slower

The Redmi 12C is also powered by the same MediaTek Helio G85, though it’s tuned to run a little less in terms of performance and optimization. It’s decent for basic tasks like YouTube, WhatsApp, and light gaming, but once you open multiple apps, it starts to slow down. It provides up to 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, which is still good for a budget phone but nowhere near as generous as the 13C.

Software Experience

Redmi 13C: MIUI 14 Based on Android 13

The Redmi 13C has MIUI 14 on top of Android 13, which is cleaner and smooth. According to Xiaomi, that means better app management, smoother animations and improved privacy controls. Xiaomi has also cut the number of unnecessary pre-installed apps, resulting in a lighter interface.

Redmi 12C: MIUI 13 on Android 12

The Redmi 12C runs on MIUI 13 based on Android 12. It's still humming along fine, if not for the latest Android security patches or system optimizations.12C updates are at less of a frequency as well with the 13C coming into picture.

Camera Performance

Redmi 13C: Clearer and Sharper Photos

The Redmi 13C comes with a primary camera of 50MP along with a 2MP depth sensor. For this price range, I feel the camera is very good. It’s a sharper shooter in daylight, and the HDR mode works wonders with shadows and highlights. The 8MP front-facing camera is also bumped up, capturing better selfies with better looking skin tones and clarity.

Redmi 12C: Basic but Reliable

The Redmi 12C comes with a 50MP primary sensor and a 0.08MP depth sensor, which is again similar, but the image processing is of older time frame. Did well in outdoor light, but not so much under indoor or dim light. The selfies are average with the 5MP front camera.

Battery and Charging

Inside, both phones pack 5000mAh of battery capacity, but the newer 13C supports faster charging at 18W compared to just 10W for the Redmi 12C, so the better charging speed in real life is more significant. Battery life on the two is great you can easily get a full day or more of use, giving you typical usage like social media browsing, call and video watching time.

Connectivity and Extra Features

The two phones come equipped with dual SIM slots and include 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, fingerprint sensors and a 3.5mm headphone jack among other things. The presence of a USB Type-C port on the Redmi 13C sets it apart from the Redmi 12C, as the latter one still has an older micro-USB. This tiny tweak means the 13C is better future-proofed and more convenient.

Overall Comparison Table

Should You Upgrade?

If you already have a Redmi 12C then the Redmi 13C might not seem like a massive jump from it at first glance, but in everyday use it feels a lot smoother and slicker to operate. And with its 90Hz display, faster charging, better selfie camera and newer software, it’s the overall better package. But if you don’t mind your budget too much and use a phone just for calls, social apps and light browsing, the Redmi 12C still continues to offer good value.

Go for Redmi 13C if you want:

• A smoother 90Hz display
• Faster 18W charging
• Better selfie and low-light photos
• Type-C port and newer MIUI 14

Stick with Redmi 12C if you want:

• The most affordable Redmi phone for basic use
• Solid battery life
• Simple and reliable performance

Final Thoughts

Both devices are solid budget option from Xiaomi, but the Redmi 13C clearly offers more for your money. It feels like a nicely balanced upgrade that builds on the Redmi 12C weaknesses without busting the wallet.If you’re being looking to buy a smartphones right now and wanted an affordable, reliable, stylish device for everyday use, the Redmi 13C is the smarter choice. It’s proof that Xiaomi still knows how to deliver strong value in the entry-level category. You can also explore the latest Xiaomi Phones, Mi Watch and Wifi Router.