The sub-₹10,000 (approximately $120 USD) smartphone segment in India is fiercely competitive. The Gionee P15 Pro and Samsung Galaxy A12 both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the Gionee relying on a newer, albeit less powerful, Mediatek chipset, while the Samsung opts for an older, but more refined, Exynos processor. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and brand reliability, the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) emerges as the better choice. Its Exynos 850 chipset, built on a more efficient 8nm process, provides a smoother experience than the Gionee P15 Pro’s Helio G35, despite the latter’s higher clock speeds on some cores.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 26. Released 2021, March 29 | 2021, August 12 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, August 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 173.8 x 78.5 x 9.5 mm (6.84 x 3.09 x 0.37 in) | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 208 g (7.34 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 8 MP | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| 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 |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Fjord, Petrol Blue | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | - | SM-A127F, SM-A127F/DS |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.79 W/kg (head) |
Gionee P15 Pro
- Potentially more recent software updates due to newer chipset.
- Higher clocked CPU cores (on paper).
- May offer a slightly lower price point.
- Less efficient 12nm chipset leads to lower battery life.
- Older Cortex-A53 cores offer lower performance per clock.
- Likely inferior image processing capabilities.
Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)
- More efficient 8nm Exynos 850 chipset.
- Modern Cortex-A55 cores for better performance and efficiency.
- Established Samsung brand reliability and software support.
- 15W fast charging support.
- Older chipset architecture.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Basic LCD display.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Specifications are unavailable for the Gionee P15 Pro's display, but given its price point, it likely utilizes a standard 60Hz LCD panel. The Samsung Galaxy A12 also features a basic LCD panel. The key difference lies under the hood: the Exynos 850’s image signal processor (ISP) likely provides slightly better color reproduction and dynamic range, even on the same panel type. Both will likely struggle in direct sunlight, but the Samsung’s ISP offers a marginal advantage in image processing.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar camera setups focused on affordability. Without detailed sensor information for the Gionee P15 Pro, it’s difficult to make a definitive statement. However, the Samsung Galaxy A12’s Exynos 850 ISP provides a significant advantage in image processing. Expect better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality from the Samsung, even with similar sensor resolutions. The prevalence of 2MP macro and depth sensors on both devices suggests limited utility; focusing on the main sensor performance is crucial.
Performance
The chipset is where the most significant difference lies. The Samsung Galaxy A12’s Exynos 850, fabricated on an 8nm process, offers superior power efficiency compared to the Gionee P15 Pro’s 12nm Mediatek Helio G35. While the G35 boasts higher clock speeds (2.3 GHz vs 2.0 GHz), the Exynos 850’s Cortex-A55 cores are more modern and efficient than the G35’s Cortex-A53 cores. This translates to better sustained performance and less thermal throttling during prolonged tasks like gaming. The Exynos 850’s GPU will also outperform the Helio G35’s, offering a smoother experience in graphically demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the Gionee P15 Pro, but given its market positioning, it’s likely comparable to the Samsung Galaxy A12’s 5000mAh cell. However, the Exynos 850’s superior power efficiency gives the Samsung a clear advantage in battery life. Furthermore, the Galaxy A12 supports 15W wired charging, while charging speed for the Gionee P15 Pro is unknown. The 15W charging on the Samsung will provide a faster 0-100% charge time, reducing downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the Gionee P15 Pro if you prioritize a very recent chipset and are willing to accept some performance trade-offs for potentially better software support in the future. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) if you value a more polished user experience, a more efficient processor, and the established reliability of the Samsung ecosystem, even if it means using an older chipset.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850 is known for its relatively good thermal management. While it will get warm during extended gaming, its 8nm process and efficient core design minimize throttling, providing a more consistent gaming experience compared to the Gionee P15 Pro’s Helio G35.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget smartphones offer limited utility. The low resolution results in images lacking detail and sharpness. They are often included as a marketing feature rather than a genuinely useful photographic tool. Expect better results using the main camera in standard photo mode.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) handle games like PUBG Mobile at 60fps with reasonable graphics settings?
The Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) can run PUBG Mobile, but achieving a consistent 60fps experience will require lowering the graphics settings to the low or medium preset. The Exynos 850’s GPU is capable, but it’s not a high-end gaming chip. Expect some frame drops during intense action sequences.
❓ What type of charging port does the Gionee P15 Pro use, and how long does it take to fully charge?
The charging port type and full charge time for the Gionee P15 Pro are currently unavailable. However, given its budget positioning, it likely uses a Micro-USB port and will take significantly longer to charge than the Samsung Galaxy A12’s 15W fast charging.
