Redmi 12C vs. Samsung Galaxy A14: Speed Test and Performance Comparison

The smartphone market is filled with numerous budget-friendly options, making it challenging to find the perfect balance between price and performance. Among the sea of choices, two standout devices—the Redmi 12C and the Samsung Galaxy A14—have gained popularity for their competitive specs and affordability.

But with a significant price gap between them, does the higher-priced Samsung Galaxy A14 truly justify its cost, or does the Redmi 12C punch above its weight in terms of performance?

If you're looking for the best value for your money, the differences in speed, display quality, gaming capabilities, and overall user experience will be crucial in making the right choice. Can a budget-friendly device outperform a more premium competitor?

 Let’s dive into this detailed comparison and see which smartphone comes out on top.

Specifications Overview

The Samsung Galaxy A14 is powered by the Exynos 850 SoC with 4GB of RAM, while the Redmi 12C features the MediaTek Helio G85 SoC, also with 4GB of RAM. On paper, the Helio G85 is a more powerful chipset compared to the Exynos 850, which may play a crucial role in real-world performance.

The Exynos 850 is an 8nm processor designed for efficiency rather than raw power, making it ideal for basic tasks like social media browsing, video streaming, and lightweight gaming. However, it struggles with more demanding applications and heavy multitasking. On the other hand, the MediaTek Helio G85, built on a 12nm process, is designed for enhanced gaming and overall speed. It features better GPU performance, allowing smoother gameplay in titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile.

Additionally, the Helio G85 provides better app loading speeds and UI responsiveness, making the Redmi 12C feel snappier in daily usage. This means that for users looking for a device with better performance, especially in gaming and multitasking, the Redmi 12C is a more suitable choice, while the Galaxy A14 prioritizes power efficiency and battery life.

Camera Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy A14 features a triple-camera setup on the back, consisting of:

• 50MP main camera
• 5MP ultra-wide camera
• 2MP macro camera

On the other hand, the Redmi 12C comes with a dual-camera system:

• 50MP main camera
• 1MP depth sensor

For selfies, Samsung provides a 13MP front camera, whereas the Redmi 12C is equipped with a 5MP front camera. This gives the Galaxy A14 a clear edge in photography, particularly for those who prioritize better front and rear camera performance.

Build and Design

Both devices have a plastic back and frame. While Samsung builds its fingerprint scanner within the power button, Redmi 12C places it on the back of the phone. Both phones retain the 3.5mm headphone jack, but there’s a significant difference in charging ports, where we have the USB Type-C on the Galaxy A14, while we have the Micro-USB on the Redmi 12C.

Software and Display

• Samsung Galaxy A14: Runs on Android 13 with One UI Core 5.1
• Redmi 12C: Runs on Android 12 with MIUI 13

A key downside of the Redmi 12C is its outdated software, which lacks Android 13.

In terms of display:

• The Redmi 12C has a 6.7-inch 720p+ IPS LCD panel with a 60Hz refresh rate.
• The Samsung Galaxy A14 features a 6.6-inch Full HD+ PLS LCD panel with a 60Hz refresh rate.

The Galaxy A14 offers a sharper and more vibrant display, making it the better choice for media consumption.

Performance and Speed Test

When it comes to boot-up speed, the Redmi 12C showed faster start-up times, beating the Galaxy A14 by 3 to 4 seconds.

For everyday applications:

• Basic apps like Phone Dialer and Settings loaded slightly faster on the Samsung Galaxy A14.
• Third-party apps like Amazon Shopping and Instagram performed better on the Redmi 12C.
• Gaming apps such as Subway Surfers and PUBG Mobile loaded significantly faster on the Redmi 12C, thanks to its more powerful Helio G85 processor.
• Scrolling and UI responsiveness felt smoother on the Redmi 12C, while the Galaxy A14 showed occasional lag or hiccups.

RAM Management

Both phones feature 4GB RAM, but neither offered impressive RAM management. Apps frequently refreshed in the background, meaning multitasking was not as smooth as expected. Software updates might improve this aspect over time.

Battery and Charging

Both devices come with a 5,000mAh battery:

• Galaxy A14 supports 15W fast charging, but does not include a charger in the box.
• Redmi 12C includes a 10W charger, though it lacks fast charging capabilities.

Conclusion

Pricing plays an important role in this comparison. The Redmi 12C is significantly more affordable, costing around ₦120,000 to ₦140,000, whereas the Samsung Galaxy A14 is priced at approximately ₦220,000 to ₦250,000. While internationally, their prices are closer, in regions like Nigeria, the Redmi 12C is nearly half the price of the Galaxy A14, making it a budget-friendly option.

If you prioritize performance, gaming, and affordability, the Redmi 12C is the ideal choice. However, if you value a higher-quality display, better cameras, and a smoother software experience, the Samsung Galaxy A14 is a better option.

Ultimately, the Redmi 12C delivers exceptional performance for its price, while the Galaxy A14 stands out in display quality and photography. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget.