Looking for an affordable smartphone? The Gionee S10C and S12 Lite are both contenders in the budget market. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs and features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Gionee S12 Lite edges out the S10C thanks to its more modern chipset (12nm vs 28nm), resulting in better performance and efficiency. While both are budget options, the S12 Lite's octa-core processor and improved manufacturing process give it a noticeable advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 TD-SCDMA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2017, May. Released 2017, July | 2020, September 29. Released 2020, October 05 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 148.7 x 73.7 x 7.9 mm (5.85 x 2.90 x 0.31 in) | 166.2 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.54 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Hybrid Dual SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 151 g (5.33 oz) | 174 g (6.14 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.2 inches, 74.5 cm2 (~68.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~80.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8920 Snapdragon 427 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 308 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 7.1.1 (Nougat), Amigo 5 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, PDAF | - |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, (wide), AF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 8 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 3100 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold, Green | Blue, Green, Gray |
| Models | - | H602 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | - |
Gionee S10C
- Very affordable
- Decent basic functionality
- Compact size (likely)
- Outdated chipset
- Slow performance
- Lower battery efficiency
- Likely lower camera quality
Gionee S12 Lite
- More modern chipset (Helio A25)
- Better performance
- Improved battery efficiency
- Potentially better camera
- Still a budget phone (limited features)
- May lack premium features
- Build quality may be basic
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar display technology (likely IPS LCD) and resolution (likely HD+). The S12 Lite *might* have a slightly brighter display due to its newer design, but this is speculative without specific brightness data. Screen size is likely comparable, around 6.1-6.2 inches.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely have a dual-camera setup, the S12 Lite's newer chipset may allow for better image processing and potentially slightly improved image quality. Expect similar camera features like portrait mode and HDR, but the S12 Lite *could* offer slightly better low-light performance. Front-facing cameras are likely comparable, both offering decent selfies.
Performance
This is where the S12 Lite shines. The Mediatek Helio A25 (12nm) is significantly more efficient and powerful than the Qualcomm Snapdragon 427 (28nm). Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better overall responsiveness on the S12 Lite. The S10C will feel noticeably slower, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
The S12 Lite's more efficient chipset should translate to better battery life. While both likely have a similar battery capacity (around 3500-4000mAh), the S12 Lite will likely last longer on a single charge due to its power efficiency. Expect a full day of moderate use from both, but the S12 Lite might stretch into a second day.
Buying Guide
The Gionee S10C is a decent choice for users on an extremely tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and are not demanding in terms of performance. The Gionee S12 Lite is better suited for those who want a smoother experience, slightly better camera capabilities, and improved battery life without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Gionee S10C still worth buying?
Only if you're on an extremely tight budget and only need basic smartphone functionality. Otherwise, the S12 Lite offers significantly better value.
❓ What is the difference between the Snapdragon 427 and Helio A25?
The Helio A25 is a newer and more efficient chipset built on a 12nm process, compared to the Snapdragon 427's 28nm process. This results in better performance and battery life for the S12 Lite.
