Redmi 12C vs Samsung Galaxy S26

The Redmi 12C (2023) runs on the MediaTek Helio G85, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 (2026) runs on the Samsung Exynos 2600; launch prices were $120 and $799. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads — 74/100 vs 25/100 (a 49-point difference). Key differences: the Redmi 12C has the bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4000); the Samsung Galaxy S26 is faster in AnTuTu (2,827,538 vs 348,562); per DXOMark lab testing, the Samsung Galaxy S26 has the stronger camera (146 vs 45); the Samsung Galaxy S26 is noticeably lighter (162g vs 192g).

The Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Redmi 12C by 49 points (74/100 vs 25/100).

Profile comparison

Category scores

Redmi 12C

Performance 29
Display 32
Camera 0
Battery 43
Portability 56
Value for money 32

Samsung Galaxy S26

Performance 89
Display 81
Camera 77
Battery 31
Portability 89
Value for money 62

What makes Redmi 12C better?

  • Bigger battery: 5000 vs 4000 mAh
  • Cheaper at launch: $120 vs $799

  • Longer battery life (43/100 vs 31/100)

What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 better?

  • Higher AnTuTu: 2827538 vs 348562
  • Better Geekbench Single: 2880 vs 419
  • Better Geekbench Multi: 9100 vs 1461
  • Faster charging: 25W vs 10W
  • Higher refresh rate: 120Hz vs 60Hz
  • Lighter: 162g vs 192g

  • Higher performance (89/100 vs 29/100)
  • Better camera (77/100 vs 0/100)
  • Better display (81/100 vs 32/100)
  • Better portability (89/100 vs 56/100)

Comparison verdict

Comparing the Redmi 12C vs the Samsung Galaxy S26, the Samsung Galaxy S26 scores 49 points higher (74/100 vs 25/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads (89/100 vs 29/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads (77/100 vs 0/100). In the "battery" category, the Redmi 12C leads (43/100 vs 31/100). Value score: Redmi 12C — 32/100, Samsung Galaxy S26 — 62/100; it shows how far a model sits above or below the usual level for its price, and is not part of the overall rating. In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Redmi 12C (89/100 vs 29/100). In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Redmi 12C (81/100 vs 32/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Redmi 12C (77/100 vs 0/100). In the "battery" category, the Redmi 12C is a bit better (43/100 vs 31/100). In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Redmi 12C (89/100 vs 56/100).

Samsung Galaxy S26: The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a better fit for gamers and power users.

Specs comparison

Specification Redmi 12C Samsung Galaxy S26
Processor MediaTek Helio G85 Samsung Exynos 2600
AnTuTu 348562 2827538
Geekbench Single 419 2880
Geekbench Multi 1461 9100
Display 6.7" IPS LCD 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution 720x1650 2340x1080
Refresh rate 60 Hz 120 Hz
Battery 5000 mAh 4000 mAh
Charging 10W 25W
Wireless charging 0W 15W
DXOMark (camera) 45 146
Main camera 50 MP 50 MP
Ultrawide 0 MP 12 MP
Telephoto 0 MP 10 MP
Front camera 5 MP 12 MP
RAM 3GB / 4GB / 6GB 12GB
Storage 32GB / 64GB / 128GB 128GB / 256GB / 512GB
OS MIUI 13 Android 16 / One UI 8.5
Brightness (peak) 500 nits 2600 nits
NFC yes yes
Protection — IP68
Dimensions 168.8×76.4×8.8 mm 158.4×75.8×7.3 mm
Weight 192 g 162 g
Launch price $120 $799

Camera comparison

Redmi 12C

  • Main: 50MP
  • Front: 5MP
0
camera

Samsung Galaxy S26

  • Main: 50MP f/1.8
  • Ultrawide: 12MP
  • Telephoto: 10MP
  • Front: 12MP
77
camera

Display comparison

Redmi 12C

  • 6.7" IPS LCD
  • Resolution: 720x1650
  • Refresh rate: 60 Hz
32
display

Samsung Galaxy S26

  • 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
  • Resolution: 2340x1080
  • Refresh rate: 120 Hz
81
display

Battery and charging

Redmi 12C

  • 5000 mAh
  • Wired: 10W
  • No wireless charging
43
battery

Samsung Galaxy S26

  • 4000 mAh
  • Wired: 25W
  • Wireless: 15W
31
battery

Overall performance score

We compared Redmi 12C and Samsung Galaxy S26, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.

Redmi 12C MediaTek Helio G85
25/100
348562 AnTuTu
Samsung Galaxy S26 Samsung Exynos 2600
74/100 +87.7%
2827538 AnTuTu

Samsung Galaxy S26 leads Redmi 12C by 87.7% in our overall performance rating.

Benchmarks

Launch prices and where to check today's

Redmi 12C

$120

Samsung Galaxy S26

$799

Launch price difference: $679. Redmi 12C was $679 cheaper at launch.

Detailed category analysis

performance

In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Redmi 12C (89/100 vs 29/100).

display

In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Redmi 12C (81/100 vs 32/100).

camera

In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Redmi 12C (77/100 vs 0/100).

battery

In the "battery" category, the Redmi 12C is a bit better (43/100 vs 31/100).

portability

In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Redmi 12C (89/100 vs 56/100).

Frequently asked questions

Which is better: the Redmi 12C or the Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Redmi 12C by 49 points (74/100 vs 25/100).

What is the rating of the Redmi 12C and the Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Redmi 12C has a MobileRank rating of 25/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 — 74/100.

Which has the better camera: the Redmi 12C or the Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on camera score (77/100 vs 0/100).

Which is more powerful: the Redmi 12C or the Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on performance (89/100 vs 29/100).

Should you choose the Redmi 12C over the Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a better fit for gamers and power users.