PhoneLifespan

Xiaomi Redmi 12C

Avoid buyingValue Score 40/100
$95
Not US-official; USD-equivalent from global pricing
$130 at launch

How long will it last?

Our estimate

Supported until December 2025 · Buy-by December 2023

0
days
00
hrs
00
min
00
sec
2022◆ Buy-by Dec 20232025

Apple doesn't publish an end date, but iPhones have a consistent ~2-year update track record — on that basis the Redmi 12C should be supported until around December 2025. Buying it today still gets you about -0.5 years of safe use (Apple's written legal minimum is 5 years).

Source: Xiaomi's official policy · last verified 2026-06-13 · how we compute this

Our verdict

A bare-bones budget phone with a 50MP camera and big battery but very slow charging.

Pros

  • Capable 50MP main camera for the price
  • Large 5000mAh battery
  • Helio G85 is decent for light tasks

Cons

  • Only 10W charging is very slow
  • HD+ 60Hz screen feels dated
Best for: Buyers on the tightest budgetBest for: Backup or first phone useAvoid if: You care about fast charging or a smooth displayAvoid if: You want long software support

Full specifications

Display

💡 Bigger numbers = smoother scrolling (Hz) and easier outdoor reading (nits).

Screen6.71-inch IPS LCD, 1650x720 (HD+), 60Hz
Performance

💡 The phone's brain — it decides speed today and how well it ages.

ChipsetMediaTek Helio G85
RAM3GB / 4GB / 6GB
Storage64GB / 128GB
Cameras

💡 Megapixels aren't everything — lens variety matters more day-to-day.

main50MP
front5MP
Battery & charging

💡 Capacity in mAh — bigger usually means longer between charges.

Battery5,000 mAh
Charging10W wired
Build

💡 Size, weight, and the materials between your phone and the floor.

Dimensions168.8 × 76.4 × 8.8 mm
Weight192 g
Materialsglass front, plastic back and frame
Water resistancenot rated
Software & connectivity

💡 The software it ships with, and how far it can upgrade.

SoftwareAndroid 12 with MIUI 13 at launch
Connectivity4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, 3.5mm jack
Update policy~1 years of updates (our estimate from Xiaomi's track record — written minimum is 5 years)

Better-value alternatives

Similar price, lower cost per month of safe ownership.

Frequently asked questions

How fast does the Redmi 12C charge?

It only supports 10W wired charging, so fully topping up the 5000mAh battery takes a long time compared to rivals with 18W or faster.

Does the screen have a high refresh rate?

No. The 6.71-inch HD+ IPS LCD runs at a standard 60Hz, unlike the 90Hz panels on the Redmi 12 and 13C.

Is the camera any good?

The 50MP main sensor takes acceptable daylight photos, but the secondary lens is filler and low-light shots are weak.

Compare it

Specs are collected from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers and change often. Support end dates follow each brand's official policy (or, for Apple, its documented historical pattern). Last verified 2026-06-13.