Redmi 12C vs Vivo iQOO 16
The Redmi 12C (2023) runs on the MediaTek Helio G85, while the Vivo iQOO 16 (2026) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6; launch prices were $120 and $840. By overall MobileRank rating, the Vivo iQOO 16 leads — 89/100 vs 25/100 (a 64-point difference). Key differences: the Vivo iQOO 16 has the bigger battery (8400 mAh vs 5000); the Vivo iQOO 16 is faster in AnTuTu (5,498,720 vs 348,562); the Redmi 12C is noticeably lighter (192g vs 223g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Redmi 12C
Vivo iQOO 16
What makes Redmi 12C better?
- Lighter: 192g vs 223g
- Cheaper at launch: $120 vs $840
- Better portability (56/100 vs 42/100)
What makes Vivo iQOO 16 better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 5498720 vs 348562
- Better Geekbench Single: 4327 vs 419
- Better Geekbench Multi: 12873 vs 1461
- Bigger battery: 8400 vs 5000 mAh
- Faster charging: 100W vs 10W
- Higher refresh rate: 165Hz vs 60Hz
- Higher performance (100/100 vs 29/100)
- Better camera (78/100 vs 0/100)
- Longer battery life (90/100 vs 43/100)
- Better display (99/100 vs 32/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Redmi 12C vs the Vivo iQOO 16, the Vivo iQOO 16 scores 64 points higher (89/100 vs 25/100). In the "performance" category, the Vivo iQOO 16 leads (100/100 vs 29/100). In the "camera" category, the Vivo iQOO 16 leads (78/100 vs 0/100). In the "battery" category, the Vivo iQOO 16 leads (90/100 vs 43/100). Value score: Redmi 12C — 32/100, Vivo iQOO 16 — 92/100; 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 Vivo iQOO 16 significantly outperforms the Redmi 12C (100/100 vs 29/100). In the "display" category, the Vivo iQOO 16 significantly outperforms the Redmi 12C (99/100 vs 32/100). In the "camera" category, the Vivo iQOO 16 significantly outperforms the Redmi 12C (78/100 vs 0/100). In the "battery" category, the Vivo iQOO 16 significantly outperforms the Redmi 12C (90/100 vs 43/100). In the "portability" category, the Redmi 12C is a bit better (56/100 vs 42/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Redmi 12C | Vivo iQOO 16 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | MediaTek Helio G85 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 | |
| AnTuTu | 348562 | 5498720 | |
| Geekbench Single | 419 | 4327 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 1461 | 12873 | |
| Display | 6.7" IPS LCD | 6.8" AMOLED | |
| Resolution | 720x1650 | 1440x3168 | |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 165 Hz | |
| Battery | 5000 mAh | 8400 mAh | |
| Charging | 10W | 100W | |
| Wireless charging | 0W | 40W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | 45 | — | |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 50 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 0 MP | 50 MP | |
| Telephoto | 0 MP | 50 MP | |
| Front camera | 5 MP | 32 MP | |
| RAM | 3GB / 4GB / 6GB | 12GB / 16GB | |
| Storage | 32GB / 64GB / 128GB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | |
| OS | MIUI 13 | Android 17 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 500 nits | 6000 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | — | IP68/IP69 | |
| Dimensions | 168.8×76.4×8.8 mm | 163.8×76.9×8.3 mm | |
| Weight | 192 g | 223 g | |
| Launch price | $120 | $840 |
Camera comparison
Redmi 12C
- Main: 50MP
- Front: 5MP
Vivo iQOO 16
- Main: 50MP f/1.7
- Ultrawide: 50MP
- Telephoto: 50MP
- Front: 32MP
Display comparison
Redmi 12C
- 6.7" IPS LCD
- Resolution: 720x1650
- Refresh rate: 60 Hz
Vivo iQOO 16
- 6.8" AMOLED
- Resolution: 1440x3168
- Refresh rate: 165 Hz
Battery and charging
Redmi 12C
- 5000 mAh
- Wired: 10W
- No wireless charging
Vivo iQOO 16
- 8400 mAh
- Wired: 100W
- Wireless: 40W
Overall performance score
We compared Redmi 12C and Vivo iQOO 16, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Vivo iQOO 16 leads Redmi 12C by 93.7% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $720. Redmi 12C was $720 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Vivo iQOO 16 significantly outperforms the Redmi 12C (100/100 vs 29/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Vivo iQOO 16 significantly outperforms the Redmi 12C (99/100 vs 32/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Vivo iQOO 16 significantly outperforms the Redmi 12C (78/100 vs 0/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Vivo iQOO 16 significantly outperforms the Redmi 12C (90/100 vs 43/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Redmi 12C is a bit better (56/100 vs 42/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Redmi 12C or the Vivo iQOO 16?
The Vivo iQOO 16 significantly outperforms the Redmi 12C by 64 points (89/100 vs 25/100).
What is the rating of the Redmi 12C and the Vivo iQOO 16?
The Redmi 12C has a MobileRank rating of 25/100, the Vivo iQOO 16 — 89/100.
Which has the better camera: the Redmi 12C or the Vivo iQOO 16?
The Vivo iQOO 16 leads on camera score (78/100 vs 0/100).
Which is more powerful: the Redmi 12C or the Vivo iQOO 16?
The Vivo iQOO 16 leads on performance (100/100 vs 29/100).
Should you choose the Redmi 12C over the Vivo iQOO 16?
The Vivo iQOO 16 is a better fit for gamers and power users, those who care about battery life, budget-conscious buyers.