The Acer Iconia X12 and Liquid Z320 represent vastly different approaches to mobile computing. The X12, with its modern chipset, aims for a balance of portability and performance, while the Liquid Z320 is a relic of the ultra-budget smartphone era. This comparison isn't about finding a close match; it's about understanding the scale of the technological difference between these two devices.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the vast majority of users, the Acer Iconia X12 is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio G99 chipset delivers significantly superior performance, and its 80-hour battery endurance dwarfs the Z320's likely limited usage. The Z320 is only viable for those with extremely minimal needs and a very tight budget.
| 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 | - |
| EDGE | No | Yes |
| GPRS | No | Yes |
| Speed | - | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, September 03 | 2015, September. Released 2015, November |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, November | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum alloy frame | - |
| Dimensions | 286.2 x 184.4 x 6.5 mm (11.27 x 7.26 x 0.26 in) | 136 x 66.5 x 9.6 mm (5.35 x 2.62 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | No | Single SIM (Micro-SIM) or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 500 g (1.10 lb) | 142 g (5.01 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 4 | - |
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~240 ppi density) | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~218 ppi density) |
| Size | 12.6 inches, 460.3 cm2 (~87.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.5 inches, 55.8 cm2 (~61.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 400 nits | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 304 |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 5.1 (Lollipop) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, magnetic accessory connector | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity (accessories only) | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 20W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 8000 mAh | Li-Po 2000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Matte Black | Pure White |
| Models | A25014, X12-21M, X12-11-845L | - |
| Price | About 280 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 80:31h endurance, 800 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class F | - |
| Free fall | Class E (2 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class C | - |
Acer Iconia X12
- Exceptional performance with the Helio G99 chipset
- Outstanding battery life (80:31h endurance)
- Modern 6nm process for efficiency
- May be more expensive than the Z320
- Tablet form factor may not suit all users
Acer Liquid Z320
- Extremely low cost (likely)
- Compact smartphone form factor
- Basic functionality for essential tasks
- Severely limited performance
- Poor battery life
- Outdated 28nm chipset
Display Comparison
While display specifications are missing for the Liquid Z320, the Iconia X12 benefits from the efficiency of the Mediatek Helio G99, allowing for a larger display without significant battery drain. The Z320's 28nm Snapdragon 210 would struggle to power a modern, high-resolution display effectively. The X12's panel likely offers significantly better color accuracy and brightness, crucial for outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Camera details for the Liquid Z320 are unavailable, but given its market segment, expectations should be low. The Iconia X12, while not a camera-focused device, benefits from the image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio G99, offering better image quality and processing speed than the Z320’s aging Snapdragon 210 ISP. Any camera on the Z320 will likely be limited by the chipset's processing capabilities.
Performance
The performance disparity is immense. The Iconia X12’s Octa-core CPU (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) built on a 6nm process is in a different league than the Liquid Z320’s Quad-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A7 on a 28nm node. The 6nm process of the Helio G99 translates to significantly improved power efficiency and thermal management, allowing for sustained performance. The Z320’s Snapdragon 210 will struggle with even basic multitasking, while the X12 can handle demanding applications and light gaming with ease.
Battery Life
The Iconia X12 boasts an impressive 80:31h endurance and 800 charge cycles, indicating a focus on longevity and usability. This is a direct result of the efficient Mediatek Helio G99 chipset. The Liquid Z320, with its power-hungry 28nm Snapdragon 210, will likely require daily charging even with minimal use. The X12’s 20W wired charging provides a reasonable recharge speed, while the Z320’s charging capabilities are unknown but likely slower.
Buying Guide
Buy the Acer Iconia X12 if you need a device for media consumption, light gaming, productivity tasks, or simply want a responsive and long-lasting experience. It's suitable for students, travelers, or anyone who wants a versatile tablet. Buy the Acer Liquid Z320 only if you absolutely require the lowest possible upfront cost and your usage is limited to basic calls and texts – understand that performance will be severely constrained.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Acer Iconia X12 suitable for playing demanding mobile games like Genshin Impact?
While not a dedicated gaming device, the Helio G99 chipset in the Iconia X12 can handle many mobile games at medium settings. Expect playable frame rates, but don't anticipate ultra-high graphics settings. The Z320 would struggle to run even less demanding titles.
❓ How does the 28nm manufacturing process of the Snapdragon 210 impact the Acer Liquid Z320's performance and battery life?
The 28nm process is significantly less efficient than the 6nm process used in the Helio G99. This means the Snapdragon 210 consumes more power for the same level of performance, resulting in shorter battery life and increased heat generation. It also limits the overall processing capabilities of the Z320.
❓ What is the practical benefit of the 800 charge cycles on the Iconia X12's battery?
800 charge cycles indicate the battery is designed to retain a significant portion of its original capacity after being fully charged and discharged 800 times. This translates to a longer lifespan for the device, reducing the need for battery replacement over several years of use.
