The Acer Iconia X12 and HTC Desire 310 represent vastly different eras of mobile computing. The Iconia X12, powered by a modern Mediatek Helio G99, aims to deliver tablet performance for productivity and entertainment. Conversely, the Desire 310, with its older Mediatek MT6582M, targets the ultra-budget smartphone market. This comparison isn't about finding a direct competitor, but understanding the trade-offs between a device prioritizing performance and one focused on absolute affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a responsive and versatile device, the Acer Iconia X12 is the clear winner. Its Helio G99 chipset provides a substantial performance advantage, and its 80-hour battery endurance offers significantly more usability than the Desire 310. However, the Desire 310 remains a viable option for those on the tightest of budgets.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - EU, Asia, China |
| 4G bands | N/A | - |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | Yes |
| Speed | - | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, September 03 | 2014, January. Released 2014, April |
| 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) | 132.4 x 68 x 11.3 mm (5.21 x 2.68 x 0.44 in) |
| SIM | No | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 500 g (1.10 lb) | 140 g (4.94 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 (~62.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 400 nits | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6582M (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-400MP2 |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean), Sense UI 5.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | - | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 4GB 512MB, 4GB 1GB RAM |
| Phonebook | - | Yes |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | VGA |
| Video | Yes | 480p |
| | - | No |
| 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, aptX |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| 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 |
|---|
| Games | - | Downloadable |
| Java | - | No |
| Messaging | - | SMS, IM |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity (accessories only) | Accelerometer |
| | - | Audio/video player |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 20W wired | - |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 852 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 11 h |
| Type | Li-Ion 8000 mAh | Li-Ion 2000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Matte Black | Black, White, Red |
| Models | A25014, X12-21M, X12-11-845L | D310n |
| Price | About 280 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 80:31h endurance, 800 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class F | - |
| Free fall | Class E (2 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class C | - |
Acer Iconia X12
- Significantly faster processor for smooth multitasking and gaming.
- Longer battery life with 80-hour endurance.
- More efficient 6nm chipset reduces heat and improves performance.
- Faster 20W charging.
- Likely higher price point.
- Tablet form factor may not suit all users.
HTC Desire 310
- Extremely affordable.
- Compact smartphone form factor.
- Simple and easy to use for basic tasks.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Very slow processor struggles with modern apps.
- Limited battery life.
- Outdated 28nm chipset is inefficient.
- Poor performance for gaming or demanding tasks.
Display Comparison
While display specifics for the Desire 310 are unavailable, its market segment suggests a basic LCD panel. The Iconia X12, though lacking detailed display specs, benefits from the processing power of its Helio G99 to handle higher resolutions and refresh rates if equipped. The significant difference lies in the chipset's ability to drive a more visually demanding display. The 6nm process of the G99 also allows for more efficient display power consumption.
Camera Comparison
Camera details for both devices are limited. Given the Desire 310’s positioning, it likely features a basic camera setup. The Iconia X12, while not explicitly a camera-focused device, benefits from the image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio G99, which offers superior image processing capabilities compared to the ISP in the MT6582M. This translates to better image quality, especially in low-light conditions, even if the sensor resolutions are similar.
Performance
The performance disparity is stark. The Acer Iconia X12’s Mediatek Helio G99, built on a 6nm process, features an octa-core CPU (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) designed for efficient multitasking and gaming. This contrasts sharply with the HTC Desire 310’s quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 processor, fabricated on a much older 28nm node. The A76 cores in the Iconia X12 represent a significant architectural improvement over the A7 cores in the Desire 310, offering substantially higher IPC (Instructions Per Clock). The 6nm process further enhances efficiency, reducing heat and improving sustained performance. The Iconia X12 will handle demanding apps and games with ease, while the Desire 310 will struggle with even moderate workloads.
Battery Life
The Acer Iconia X12 boasts an impressive 80-hour endurance with 800 charge cycles, indicating a large battery capacity and optimized power management. The Desire 310’s battery life is likely significantly shorter, given its less efficient chipset and smaller battery (specifications unavailable). The Iconia X12’s 20W wired charging provides a faster recharge rate, minimizing downtime. The 6nm process of the Helio G99 contributes to the extended battery life by reducing power consumption during operation.
Buying Guide
Buy the Acer Iconia X12 if you need a tablet for media consumption, light productivity tasks, or casual gaming, and value a long-lasting battery. Its modern chipset ensures a smooth experience. Buy the HTC Desire 310 if you absolutely require the lowest possible upfront cost for basic communication – calls, texts, and minimal app usage – and are willing to accept significant performance limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Acer Iconia X12 suitable for playing demanding mobile games like Genshin Impact?
The Mediatek Helio G99 in the Iconia X12 is capable of running Genshin Impact, though you may need to adjust graphics settings for optimal performance. The G99's CPU and GPU are significantly more powerful than the Desire 310's chipset, making it a viable option for casual gaming.
❓ Can the HTC Desire 310 handle modern social media apps like TikTok and Instagram without significant lag?
The Desire 310 will likely struggle with smooth operation of modern social media apps. The quad-core Cortex-A7 processor and limited RAM will result in noticeable lag and slow loading times. Basic functionality may be possible, but the experience will be far from ideal.
❓ How does the 6nm process of the Helio G99 impact the Acer Iconia X12's battery life compared to the Desire 310?
The 6nm process is significantly more power-efficient than the 28nm process used in the Desire 310's chipset. This means the Iconia X12 consumes less power for the same level of performance, resulting in a much longer battery life – as evidenced by its 80-hour endurance rating.
