Looking for an affordable smartphone? The Karbonn A1+ and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S both target budget-conscious buyers, but offer vastly different experiences. This comparison dives deep into their specs and features to help you choose the right device for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is the clear winner. Its significantly more powerful processor, better camera system, and faster charging capabilities far outweigh the Karbonn A1+'s lower price point. The A1+ is a basic phone for essential tasks, while the 12S offers a much more complete experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| EDGE | Yes | - |
| GPRS | Yes | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2012 | 2023, March 06 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 114.5 x 60.6 x 13.8 mm (4.51 x 2.39 x 0.54 in) | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 130 g (4.59 oz) | 176 g (6.21 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 320 x 480 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~165 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.5 inches, 36.5 cm2 (~52.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits (HBM), 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 1.0 GHz | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 2.3.6 (Gingerbread) | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256MB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 3 MP | - |
| Triple | - | 108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | - | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | No | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1), BDS (B1) |
| Radio | FM radio | Stereo FM radio, recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | Mobile TV | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 33W wired |
| Stand-by | Up to 240 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 4 h | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 1500 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ivory White | Onyx Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green |
| Models | - | 2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L |
| Price | About 50 EUR | € 122.47 / $ 149.99 / £ 229.89 |
| SAR | 0.66 W/kg (head) | - |
Karbonn A1+
- Very Affordable
- Basic Functionality
- Compact Size (likely)
- Extremely Limited Performance
- Low-Resolution Display
- Basic Camera
- Slow Charging
- Limited Storage
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
- Powerful Processor
- Excellent Display (AMOLED, 120Hz)
- High-Resolution Camera
- Fast Charging
- More Storage Options
- Slightly More Expensive
- May lack some niche features
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 12S boasts a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The Karbonn A1+ likely has a smaller, lower-resolution LCD screen, resulting in a less immersive and less fluid visual experience. The Note 12S's display is a significant upgrade.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi Note 12S features a 108MP main camera, offering significantly higher resolution and better image quality than the Karbonn A1+'s likely basic camera setup. The Note 12S also includes additional lenses for ultrawide and macro photography, providing more versatility. Expect noticeably better photos and videos from the Redmi Note 12S.
Performance
The Redmi Note 12S's Mediatek Helio G96 chipset and octa-core CPU provide a substantial performance advantage over the Karbonn A1+'s single-core 1.0 GHz processor. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Redmi Note 12S. The A1+ will struggle with demanding apps.
Battery Life
While both phones likely have decent battery capacity, the Redmi Note 12S's 33W fast charging provides a significant advantage. You'll be able to recharge the Note 12S much faster than the Karbonn A1+. Battery life itself will likely be comparable, but the charging speed is a key differentiator.
Buying Guide
The Karbonn A1+ is ideal for users needing a very basic phone for calls, texts, and minimal app usage. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is perfect for those wanting a smoother experience, better camera quality, and more features without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Karbonn A1+ good for gaming?
No, the Karbonn A1+'s processor is too weak for any serious gaming. The Redmi Note 12S is a much better choice for gaming.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
While both likely offer similar battery life, the Redmi Note 12S's fast charging makes it more convenient to recharge.
