The Gionee M12 and Realme Narzo 30A represent two distinct approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The Gionee M12, with its potentially varying chipset (MT6762D or MT6762), aims for basic functionality and reliability. The Realme Narzo 30A, powered by the Mediatek Helio G85, targets users who want a more responsive experience, particularly for gaming and everyday multitasking. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme Narzo 30A is the clear winner. Its Helio G85 chipset offers a substantial performance advantage over both versions of the Gionee M12’s processor, making it better suited for gaming and demanding apps. While the M12 may offer slightly better battery life in some configurations, the Narzo 30A’s 18W charging is a significant convenience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, November 16. Released 2020, November 16 | 2021, February 24 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, March 05 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 76.8 x 9.3 mm (6.45 x 3.02 x 0.37 in) | 164.5 x 75.9 x 9.8 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 470 nits (typ), 570 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) - model 1Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 - model 2 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm) - model 1Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) - model 2 | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Magic Green, Dazzling Black | Laser Black, Laser Blue |
| Models | - | RMX3171 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 450 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.37 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
Gionee M12
- Potentially longer battery life (depending on configuration)
- Simpler user experience
- May be more affordable
- Significantly weaker performance
- Outdated chipset
- Slower charging
Realme Narzo 30A
- Much faster performance with Helio G85
- 18W fast charging
- Better gaming capabilities
- 5W reverse charging
- Potentially shorter battery life
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on basic usability. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume both are adequate for indoor use. The absence of features like high refresh rates or HDR support is expected. The Narzo 30A’s display is likely optimized for gaming with a slightly faster response time, though this is speculative without detailed panel specifications.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, leaning towards basic functionality. Neither phone is expected to excel in low-light conditions. The Gionee M12’s camera specifications are not detailed enough to make a meaningful comparison. The Narzo 30A likely features a more capable primary sensor, but image processing will be the key differentiator. Expect both phones to struggle with dynamic range and detail in challenging lighting situations. The inclusion of 2MP macro or depth sensors on either device is largely for marketing purposes and offers limited real-world benefit.
Performance
This is where the Narzo 30A truly shines. The Mediatek Helio G85, with its octa-core configuration featuring 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, is a significant upgrade over the Gionee M12’s Mediatek MT6762D (Helio A25) or MT6762 (Helio P22). The A75 cores in the G85 provide a noticeable boost in single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. The Helio P22 variant of the M12, while still octa-core, operates at a lower 2.0 GHz clock speed across all cores, and uses older Cortex-A53 cores. The Helio A25 is even less powerful. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster game loading times, and a generally more fluid user experience on the Narzo 30A. The Narzo 30A’s GPU is also superior, making it capable of handling more demanding mobile games.
Battery Life
The Gionee M12 likely has a larger battery capacity, but the Realme Narzo 30A compensates with 18W wired charging and 5W reverse wired charging. While the M12 may last longer on a single charge with conservative use, the Narzo 30A’s faster charging significantly reduces downtime. A full charge on the Narzo 30A will be considerably quicker than on the M12. The efficiency of the Helio G85 versus the Helio A25/P22 also plays a role; the G85’s improved architecture may offset some of the M12’s potential battery capacity advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Gionee M12 if you prioritize extreme simplicity and a potentially longer battery life for very basic tasks like calls and texts, and are comfortable with limited performance. Buy the Realme Narzo 30A if you want a phone that can handle modern apps, light gaming, and multitasking without significant lag, and value faster charging speeds. The Narzo 30A is the better choice for anyone beyond the most basic smartphone needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Realme Narzo 30A support popular gaming titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty?
Yes, the Helio G85 in the Narzo 30A is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at medium settings with playable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it provides a significantly better gaming experience than the Gionee M12.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls, texts, and WhatsApp?
The Gionee M12 is sufficient for basic communication tasks. Its simpler interface and potentially longer battery life make it a reasonable choice if those are your only priorities. However, the Narzo 30A will still perform these tasks flawlessly and offer more future-proofing.
❓ Is the 5W reverse charging on the Narzo 30A useful?
The 5W reverse charging is a convenient feature for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or a smartwatch in a pinch. It's not a fast charging solution, but it can be helpful in emergencies.
❓ What are the differences between the MT6762D and MT6762 chipsets found in the Gionee M12?
The MT6762D (Helio A25) is a slightly lower-powered variant of the MT6762 (Helio P22). The A25 generally has lower clock speeds and reduced GPU performance, resulting in a less responsive experience compared to the P22 version.
