Acer Iconia V12 vs. HTC Desire 628: A Generational Leap in Performance

The Acer Iconia V12 and HTC Desire 628 represent vastly different points in Mediatek's chipset evolution. The Iconia V12, powered by the Helio G99, aims for a modern tablet experience, while the Desire 628, with its MT6753, is a relic of the early octa-core smartphone era. This comparison dissects the core differences and reveals where each device truly shines – or struggles.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user, the Acer Iconia V12 is the clear winner. Its Helio G99 chipset offers a substantial performance uplift over the Desire 628’s MT6753, translating to smoother multitasking, better gaming, and improved overall responsiveness. While the Desire 628 may be cheaper, the performance gap is too significant to ignore.

PHONES
Phone Names Acer Iconia V12 HTC Desire 628
Network
2G bandsN/AGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bandsN/AHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bandsN/A1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
EDGENo-
GPRSNo-
Speed-HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
TechnologyNo cellular connectivityGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2025, May 162016, May. Released 2016, June
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, JulyDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum alloy frame-
Dimensions7.9 mm thickness146.9 x 70.9 x 8.1 mm (5.78 x 2.79 x 0.32 in)
SIMNoNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight595 g (1.31 lb)142 g (5.01 oz)
Display
Resolution1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~195 ppi density)720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density)
Size11.97 inches, 407.8 cm25.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~66.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53
ChipsetMediatek Helio G99 (6 nm)Mediatek MT6753 (28 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Mali-T720MP3
OSAndroid 15Android 5.1 (Lollipop), Sense 7 UI
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal256GB 8GB RAM32GB 3GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single8 MP, AF13 MP, f/2.0, 28mm (wide), AF
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single5 MP5 MP, f/2.4, 28mm (wide)
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE4.1, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningUnspecifiedGPS, GLONASS
RadioNoFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0microUSB 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot
Features
SensorsUnspecifiedAccelerometer, proximity
Battery
Type8000 mAhLi-Ion 2200 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsGreenBlack, White
ModelsV12-11MDesire 628 dual sim
PriceAbout 290 EURAbout 200 EUR

Acer Iconia V12

  • Significantly faster processor and GPU
  • More power-efficient chipset for longer battery life
  • Likely a higher-resolution and brighter display
  • Better camera image processing capabilities

  • Likely a higher price point
  • Larger form factor may not suit all users

HTC Desire 628

  • Lower price point
  • Compact and portable smartphone form factor
  • Simple and easy-to-use interface (potentially)
  • May be sufficient for basic tasks

  • Extremely slow processor and GPU
  • Poor power efficiency leading to short battery life
  • Outdated camera technology
  • Struggles with multitasking and modern apps

Display Comparison

Context data lacks display specifics for both devices. However, given the Iconia V12 is a tablet, it likely features a larger display with a higher resolution than the Desire 628’s smartphone screen. The age of the MT6753 suggests the Desire 628 likely uses an older LCD panel, while the Iconia V12 *may* benefit from a more modern IPS panel. The larger form factor of the Iconia V12 also allows for a potentially brighter display, crucial for outdoor visibility.

Camera Comparison

Without specific camera specs, a direct comparison is limited. However, given the age of the Desire 628, its camera system is likely to be significantly inferior to what is achievable with a modern chipset like the G99. The G99’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is far more advanced, enabling better image processing, noise reduction, and dynamic range. While both devices may feature multiple cameras, the Iconia V12 is likely to produce sharper, more detailed, and more vibrant photos and videos.

Performance

The performance disparity is stark. The Acer Iconia V12’s Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) utilizes Cortex-A76 cores, a significant architectural improvement over the Cortex-A53 cores in the HTC Desire 628’s MT6753 (28nm). The 6nm process node of the G99 delivers superior power efficiency and thermal performance, allowing for sustained performance under load. The G99’s CPU clock speeds (2.2 GHz vs 1.3 GHz) further amplify this advantage. The older MT6753 will struggle with modern multitasking and demanding applications, while the G99 provides a much smoother experience. The G99 also benefits from a more modern GPU, offering a substantial boost in graphics performance.

Battery Life

Again, lacking specific battery capacities, we can infer based on usage. The Iconia V12, being a tablet, likely has a larger battery capacity than the Desire 628. However, the MT6753’s inefficient 28nm process will drain the Desire 628’s battery quickly, even with a smaller capacity. The Helio G99’s 6nm process offers significantly better power efficiency, allowing the Iconia V12 to deliver longer battery life despite potentially running more demanding applications.

Buying Guide

Buy the Acer Iconia V12 if you need a tablet for media consumption, light productivity, and casual gaming, prioritizing a responsive experience. The Helio G99 ensures a fluid user interface and handles modern apps with ease. Buy the HTC Desire 628 if you are on an extremely tight budget and only require basic smartphone functionality – calls, texts, and very light app usage – and are willing to accept significant performance limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the HTC Desire 628 struggle with modern social media apps like TikTok or Instagram?
Yes, the Desire 628’s MT6753 chipset is likely to struggle with the resource demands of modern social media apps. Expect slow loading times, laggy scrolling, and potential crashes. The Helio G99 in the Iconia V12 will provide a much smoother and more enjoyable experience.
❓ Is the Acer Iconia V12 a good choice for mobile gaming?
The Iconia V12, with its Helio G99, is capable of handling casual mobile games with ease. While it won't compete with dedicated gaming tablets, it offers a significantly better gaming experience than the Desire 628, which will struggle with even less demanding titles. Expect playable frame rates in games like PUBG Mobile at lower settings.
❓ How much faster is the Helio G99 compared to the MT6753 in real-world usage?
The Helio G99 is multiple times faster than the MT6753 in most tasks. Benchmarks would show a significant difference, but more importantly, the difference is noticeable in everyday use – faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. The G99's architectural improvements and higher clock speeds provide a substantial performance boost.