The tablet market caters to a wide range of needs, from power users demanding performance to those simply seeking a device for basic media consumption. This comparison pits the Acer Iconia X12, equipped with a modern Mediatek Helio G99 chipset, against the Samsung Galaxy Star 2 Plus, a device likely focused on affordability and essential functionality with its older Cortex-A7 processor. We'll dissect the key differences to help you determine which tablet best suits your requirements.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the vast majority of users, the Acer Iconia X12 is the clear winner. Its Helio G99 chipset delivers significantly superior performance, enabling smoother multitasking, gaming, and overall responsiveness. While the Galaxy Star 2 Plus may appeal to those on the absolute tightest budget, the Iconia X12’s performance and battery endurance justify the price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) |
| 3G bands | N/A | - |
| 4G bands | N/A | - |
| EDGE | No | Yes |
| GPRS | No | Yes |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, September 03 | 2014, July. Released 2014, August |
| 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) | 129.7 x 65.9 x 9.4 mm (5.11 x 2.59 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | No | Single SIM (Micro-SIM) or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 500 g (1.10 lb) | 129 g (4.55 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 4 | - |
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~240 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~217 ppi density) |
| Size | 12.6 inches, 460.3 cm2 (~87.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.3 inches, 52.6 cm2 (~61.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 400 nits | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | - |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | - |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 4GB 512MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 3.15 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 320p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | - |
| Video | Yes | - |
| | - | 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 |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | No |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity (accessories only) | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 20W wired | - |
| Music play | - | Up to 32 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 17 h |
| Type | Li-Ion 8000 mAh | Li-Ion 1800 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Matte Black | Black, White |
| Models | A25014, X12-21M, X12-11-845L | SM-G350E, SM-G350 |
| Price | About 280 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.75 W/kg (head) 1.12 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.48 W/kg (head) 0.49 W/kg (body) |
| 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 performance with the Helio G99 chipset
- Long battery life with 80:31h endurance
- Robust battery longevity with 800 charge cycles
- Camera specifications are unknown
- May be more expensive than the Galaxy Star 2 Plus
Samsung Galaxy Star 2 Plus
- Extremely affordable
- Likely lower power consumption due to the older processor
- Simple and easy to use for basic tasks
- Very slow performance with the Cortex-A7 processor
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Display and camera quality likely to be subpar
Display Comparison
Display specifications are absent for the Samsung Galaxy Star 2 Plus, making a direct comparison difficult. However, given its market positioning, it likely features a lower resolution and less vibrant panel than the Acer Iconia X12. The Iconia X12’s display benefits from the processing power of the Helio G99, allowing for smoother animations and potentially higher refresh rates (though not specified). The absence of detailed display specs on the Star 2 Plus suggests a focus on cost reduction, likely resulting in a less immersive viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Camera details for the Samsung Galaxy Star 2 Plus are unavailable. The Iconia X12’s camera specifications are also missing, but given the tablet’s focus on performance, it’s reasonable to assume a basic camera setup geared towards video calls and casual snapshots. Without specific details, it’s impossible to make a meaningful comparison beyond stating that the Iconia X12 likely offers a more capable camera experience due to its more powerful image signal processor (ISP) integrated within the Helio G99 chipset.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Acer Iconia X12’s Mediatek Helio G99, built on a 6nm process, boasts an octa-core configuration with two high-performance Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz and six efficiency cores at 2.0 GHz. This is a world apart from the Samsung Galaxy Star 2 Plus’s single-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 processor. The Helio G99’s architecture allows for significantly faster application loading, smoother multitasking, and the ability to handle graphically intensive games. The 6nm process also contributes to improved thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. The Star 2 Plus, with its older architecture, will struggle with even moderately demanding tasks.
Battery Life
The Acer Iconia X12 boasts an impressive 80:31h endurance rating and supports 800 charge cycles, indicating a long-lasting battery and robust longevity. While the Samsung Galaxy Star 2 Plus’s battery capacity is unknown, its less powerful processor likely translates to lower power consumption. However, the Iconia X12’s 20W wired charging offers a faster replenishment rate, potentially offsetting any differences in overall battery life. The 800 cycle rating on the Iconia X12 also suggests a higher quality battery cell, ensuring sustained performance over the device’s lifespan.
Buying Guide
Buy the Acer Iconia X12 if you need a tablet capable of handling demanding applications, light gaming, and extended use without significant performance slowdowns. It’s ideal for students, casual gamers, and anyone who values responsiveness. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Star 2 Plus if you prioritize extreme affordability and only require a tablet for very basic tasks like web browsing, email, and occasional video playback, and are willing to accept a significantly slower user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Acer Iconia X12 capable of running demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Helio G99 is a capable mid-range chipset, Genshin Impact is a particularly demanding game. The Iconia X12 can likely run it at lower settings and resolutions for a playable experience, but don't expect flagship-level performance. Expect some frame drops during intense combat scenarios.
❓ How does the older Cortex-A7 processor in the Samsung Galaxy Star 2 Plus affect everyday tasks like web browsing?
The Cortex-A7 processor is significantly outdated. Web browsing will be noticeably slower, with longer page loading times and potential lag when scrolling or interacting with complex websites. Expect a less fluid and responsive experience compared to modern devices.
❓ What is the practical benefit of the 800 charge cycles on the Acer Iconia X12?
800 charge cycles indicate the battery can be fully charged and discharged 800 times with minimal degradation in capacity. This translates to a longer lifespan for the battery, meaning you'll be able to use the tablet for a longer period before needing a battery replacement.
