The Acer Iconia V12 and Liquid Zest Plus represent vastly different eras of mobile computing. The Zest Plus, with its older chipset, targets the ultra-budget segment, while the Iconia V12, powered by a modern Helio G99, aims for a more capable, though still affordable, tablet experience. This comparison dissects the core differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the vast majority of users, the Acer Iconia V12 is the clear winner. Its Helio G99 chipset delivers significantly superior performance, making it suitable for multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications. While the Liquid Zest Plus is cheaper, its outdated hardware severely limits its usability in 2024.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA |
| 4G bands | N/A | LTE |
| EDGE | No | Yes |
| GPRS | No | Yes |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, May 16 | 2016, April. Released 2016, July |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, July | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum alloy frame | - |
| Dimensions | 7.9 mm thickness | 154 x 77 x 10 mm (6.06 x 3.03 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | No | Single SIM (Micro-SIM) or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 595 g (1.31 lb) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~195 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.97 inches, 407.8 cm2 | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~70.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6735 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-T720MP2 |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Laser AF, LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 13 MP, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | Unspecified | GPS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Unspecified | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 8000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green | Blue, White |
| Models | V12-11M | - |
| Price | About 290 EUR | About 200 EUR |
Acer Iconia V12
- Significantly faster processor for smooth multitasking.
- More power-efficient chipset for longer battery life.
- Likely larger display for better media consumption.
- Potentially higher price point.
- Tablet form factor may not be ideal for all users.
Acer Liquid Zest Plus
- Extremely affordable price.
- Compact smartphone form factor.
- Basic functionality for essential tasks.
- Outdated processor struggles with modern apps.
- Poor performance for gaming or multitasking.
- Slow charging speed (10W).
Display Comparison
Context data lacks display specifics for both devices. However, given the Iconia V12 is a tablet, we can infer a larger screen size and potentially higher resolution than the Zest Plus, which is a smartphone. The Iconia V12 likely benefits from an IPS panel for wider viewing angles, crucial for tablet use. The Zest Plus, being an older model, may utilize a less efficient panel technology. Without specific nit ratings, it's difficult to assess brightness, but newer tablets generally offer superior outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Context data provides no camera details beyond the chipsets. Given the Zest Plus is a smartphone, it likely has a rear and front camera. The Iconia V12, as a tablet, may have a single camera for video calls. Image quality on the Zest Plus will be limited by its older ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the MT6735. The Iconia V12, benefiting from a newer chipset, will likely offer better image processing, even with a similar sensor. We anticipate both devices will struggle in low-light conditions.
Performance
The performance disparity is the most significant difference. The Acer Iconia V12’s Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) utilizes an octa-core CPU with two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz. This architecture is a substantial leap over the Liquid Zest Plus’s quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 processor built on a 28nm process. The 6nm node of the Helio G99 offers significantly improved power efficiency and thermal performance, allowing for sustained performance under load. The Cortex-A76 cores in the Iconia V12 provide a much stronger single-core performance, impacting app launch speeds and responsiveness. The Zest Plus’s older chipset will struggle with modern applications and multitasking.
Battery Life
The Liquid Zest Plus includes 10W wired charging, indicating a slower charging speed. The Iconia V12’s battery capacity is unknown, but as a tablet, it likely has a larger battery than the Zest Plus. While a larger battery doesn't automatically equate to longer battery life (software optimization plays a role), the Helio G99’s 6nm process contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting a larger battery capacity. The Zest Plus’s 28nm chipset will consume more power, resulting in shorter runtimes.
Buying Guide
Buy the Acer Iconia V12 if you need a tablet for everyday tasks, streaming video, light gaming, or running multiple apps simultaneously. Its modern processor and likely larger display (based on tablet form factor) provide a smoother, more responsive experience. Buy the Acer Liquid Zest Plus if you absolutely require the lowest possible price point and only need a device for basic communication – calls, texts, and very light web browsing. Be prepared for significant performance limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Acer Liquid Zest Plus be able to run modern mobile games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Acer Liquid Zest Plus’s MT6735 chipset is severely underpowered for modern mobile games. While you might be able to run very basic games, expect significant lag, low frame rates, and a generally poor gaming experience. The Helio G99 in the Iconia V12 is far better suited for gaming, though still not a high-end gaming experience.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Acer Liquid Zest Plus sufficient for daily use?
10W charging is quite slow by today's standards. It will take a considerable amount of time to fully charge the Acer Liquid Zest Plus, and you may find yourself needing to charge it multiple times a day with moderate use. The Iconia V12, while charging speed is unknown, likely supports faster charging due to its newer chipset.
❓ Can I expect smooth multitasking on the Acer Iconia V12?
Yes, the Acer Iconia V12’s Helio G99 chipset and octa-core CPU are designed for multitasking. You should be able to switch between apps smoothly and run multiple applications simultaneously without significant slowdowns. The Liquid Zest Plus will struggle with even basic multitasking.
