The Gionee P12 and Realme C12 represent the ultra-budget end of the smartphone spectrum, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. While both aim for affordability, they differ significantly in their internal hardware, particularly in the chipset, impacting everyday performance and multitasking capabilities. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which phone delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C12 is the superior choice. Its MediaTek Helio G35, featuring an octa-core CPU, provides a noticeable performance boost over the Gionee P12’s quad-core Helio A20. While both offer similar battery capacity, the C12’s 10W charging is a slight advantage, making it better suited for users who demand more from their smartphone.
| 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, 3, 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 09. Released 2020, November 09 | 2020, August 14. Released 2020, August 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back | - |
| Dimensions | 156.1 x 73.7 x 9.7 mm (6.15 x 2.90 x 0.38 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 | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 209 g (7.37 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~288 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 89.8 cm2 (~78.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A20 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.8, AF | 5 MP |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), AF
0.3 MP, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP B/W, f/2.4
2 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Stand-by | Up to 510 h (2G) / Up to 500 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 20 h (2G) / Up to 9 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 3200 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Purple | Marine Blue, Coral Red, Silver, Power Blue, Power Silver |
| Models | K130, K120, K121 | RMX2189 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Gionee P12
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Reliable for basic communication tasks
- Significantly slower performance
- Struggles with multitasking
- Limited gaming capabilities
Realme C12
- Faster and more responsive performance
- Better multitasking capabilities
- 10W charging for quicker top-ups
- Slightly higher price
- May still struggle with very demanding games
- Basic camera system
Display Comparison
Neither Gionee nor Realme provide detailed display specifications beyond size. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. The absence of information regarding peak brightness or color gamut suggests both displays are geared towards basic visibility rather than media consumption. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a strong point on either model.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are unavailable for either device. However, given the market segment, both likely feature basic camera setups with a primary sensor and potentially a depth or macro lens. Image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing and lighting conditions. Without knowing sensor sizes or apertures, it’s difficult to definitively say which phone has the better camera. However, the Realme brand generally invests more in camera software optimization, suggesting a potential edge for the C12. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and should not be a deciding factor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C12’s MediaTek Helio G35 is an octa-core processor (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) built on a 12nm process, offering significantly more processing power than the Gionee P12’s MediaTek Helio A20 (quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53, also 12nm). This translates to smoother app launches, faster multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the C12. While both use the same process node, the additional cores and higher clock speeds of the G35 provide a tangible performance advantage. The Gionee P12 will struggle with demanding applications and multitasking, while the C12 can handle them with relative ease. RAM configurations are not specified, but are likely limited on both, further emphasizing the C12’s chipset advantage.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature similar battery capacities, typical for this price range (around 4000-5000 mAh). However, the Realme C12 includes 10W wired charging, while the Gionee P12’s charging speed is unspecified. This 10W charging, while not fast by modern standards, provides a tangible benefit over potentially slower charging on the Gionee P12, reducing the time spent tethered to a power outlet. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but both phones should comfortably last a full day with moderate use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Gionee P12 if your primary need is an extremely basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light app usage, and you prioritize absolute minimal cost. Buy the Realme C12 if you want a more responsive experience for social media, occasional gaming, and multitasking, and are willing to spend a little more for improved performance and a slightly faster charging experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C12 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
While the Helio G35 is a gaming-focused chip, it's still an entry-level processor. PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty will likely be playable at low to medium settings with reduced frame rates. Expect some stuttering and lag during intense moments. The Gionee P12 will struggle significantly with these titles.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio A20 and Helio G35 noticeable in everyday tasks?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The Helio G35’s octa-core configuration allows for smoother app switching, faster web browsing, and a more responsive user interface. The Helio A20 will feel sluggish in comparison, especially when running multiple apps simultaneously.
❓ How long will the battery last on the Realme C12 with typical usage?
With typical usage (social media, calls, messaging, occasional video streaming), the Realme C12 should easily last a full day on a single charge. Battery life will vary depending on screen brightness, app usage, and network conditions.
❓ Does either phone support fast charging beyond 10W?
No, neither the Gionee P12 nor the Realme C12 support fast charging technologies beyond 10W. This is typical for smartphones in this price range.
