The Acer Iconia X12 and Sony Xperia E1 II represent vastly different approaches to mobile computing. The Iconia X12 aims for a balance of performance and portability, leveraging a modern chipset. The Xperia E1 II, on the other hand, appears to target the ultra-budget segment with a focus on simplicity and essential functionality. This comparison dissects their core differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 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 what the Xperia E1 II can likely achieve. The E1 II might appeal to those needing an extremely basic device, but the Iconia X12 offers far more value.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | - |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA |
| | - | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, September 03 | Exp. announcement 2015, Q3 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, November | Cancelled |
| 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) | - |
| SIM | No | Yes |
| Weight | 500 g (1.10 lb) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 4 | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~240 ppi density) | 540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~275 ppi density) |
| Size | 12.6 inches, 460.3 cm2 (~87.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.0 inches, 44.1 cm2 |
| Type | AMOLED, 400 nits | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.3 GHz |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | - |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | - |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 4.4.4 (KitKat), Timescape UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 5 MP |
| 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, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | FM radio, RDS |
| 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, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 20W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 8000 mAh | Li-Ion, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Matte Black | Black, Purple, White |
| Models | A25014, X12-21M, X12-11-845L | - |
| Price | About 280 EUR | About 180 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 more powerful processor for smooth multitasking.
- Exceptional 80-hour battery endurance.
- 800 charge cycles indicate long-term battery health.
- Detailed display specifications are unavailable.
- Camera specifications are not provided.
Sony Xperia E1 II
- Likely very affordable price point.
- Simple and easy-to-use interface.
- Potentially compact form factor.
- Underpowered processor will struggle with demanding tasks.
- Battery life is likely significantly shorter than the Iconia X12.
- Limited features and functionality.
Display Comparison
Display specifications are absent for the Sony Xperia E1 II, but given its market positioning, it likely features a low-resolution LCD panel. The Acer Iconia X12, while lacking detailed display specs, benefits from the processing power of its Helio G99 to drive a potentially higher resolution and refresh rate display. The G99’s integrated graphics can handle more complex visual rendering, resulting in a smoother user experience. The absence of display details for the E1 II suggests a focus on cost reduction over visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Camera details for the Sony Xperia E1 II are unavailable, but it's reasonable to assume a basic camera setup geared towards functional, rather than high-quality, photography. The Acer Iconia X12’s camera specifications are also missing, but the processing power of the Helio G99 suggests potential for more advanced image processing algorithms. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison, but the Iconia X12’s chipset provides a foundation for a more capable camera system.
Performance
The performance gap between these devices is substantial. The Acer Iconia X12’s Mediatek Helio G99, built on a 6nm process, boasts an octa-core configuration (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55). This architecture provides a significant leap in processing power compared to the Sony Xperia E1 II’s quad-core 1.3 GHz CPU. The G99’s Cortex-A76 cores are considerably more powerful than the cores found in the E1 II, resulting in faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The 6nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling under sustained load. The E1 II’s processor is likely sufficient for basic tasks, but will struggle with anything demanding.
Battery Life
The Acer Iconia X12’s 80:31h endurance is a standout feature, indicating exceptional battery life. This is further bolstered by the 800 cycle rating, suggesting long-term battery health. The Sony Xperia E1 II’s battery capacity is unknown, but given its simpler hardware and likely smaller display, it may offer reasonable battery life for basic usage. However, it’s unlikely to approach the Iconia X12’s impressive endurance. The Iconia X12’s 20W wired charging provides a reasonable charging speed, allowing for relatively quick top-ups when needed.
Buying Guide
Buy the Acer Iconia X12 if you need a tablet capable of handling multitasking, streaming, and light gaming without significant slowdowns. Its long battery life is ideal for travelers or users away from power outlets. Buy the Sony Xperia E1 II if you prioritize extreme simplicity and a minimal feature set, and your usage is limited to basic tasks like calls and messaging, and you are on a very tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Acer Iconia X12 suitable for playing demanding mobile games?
The Mediatek Helio G99 chipset is capable of handling many popular mobile games at medium to high settings. While it's not a flagship-level gaming chip, it provides a significantly better gaming experience than the Xperia E1 II’s processor. Expect playable frame rates in titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile.
❓ What kind of user would benefit most from the Sony Xperia E1 II?
The Xperia E1 II is best suited for users who need a very basic device for essential communication tasks like making calls and sending text messages. It's ideal for those who prioritize simplicity and affordability above all else, and who don't require advanced features or demanding performance.
❓ How does the Mediatek Helio G99's 6nm process impact the Acer Iconia X12's performance?
The 6nm process node used in the Helio G99 results in improved power efficiency and reduced heat generation compared to older, larger process nodes. This translates to longer battery life and less performance throttling during sustained use, allowing the Iconia X12 to maintain higher clock speeds for longer periods.