The Karbonn A10 and A12+ represent Karbonn's attempts to capture the ultra-budget smartphone market. While both devices offer basic Android functionality, a key difference lies in their processing power. This comparison dissects the nuances between the Mediatek MT6577-powered A10 and the A12+, helping you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Karbonn A12+ is the better choice. Its 1.3 GHz dual-core CPU provides a noticeable performance uplift over the A10’s 1.0 GHz processor, resulting in smoother app launches and a more responsive user experience, even if both remain firmly in entry-level territory.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 900 / 1800 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, July. Released 2013, July | 2013, October. Released 2013, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | - | - |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~239 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.9 inches, 43.3 cm2 | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 | Dual-core 1.3 GHz |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6577 (40 nm) | - |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX531u | - |
| OS | Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) | Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 512MB 512MB RAM | 4GB 512MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | VGA |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | - |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | Proprietary | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 1400 mAh battery | Li-Ion 1400 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black/White |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 60 EUR |
Karbonn A10
- Likely the most affordable option.
- Sufficient for basic calling and texting.
- Established Mediatek chipset (MT6577).
- Slower processor compared to the A12+.
- Potentially shorter battery life due to 40nm process.
- Limited performance for multitasking.
Karbonn A12+
- Faster 1.3 GHz dual-core CPU.
- Potentially better battery efficiency.
- More responsive user experience.
- May be slightly more expensive than the A10.
- Still limited by dual-core architecture.
- Likely similar camera performance to the A10.
Display Comparison
Display specifications are not provided, so a direct comparison is impossible. However, given the price point, both devices likely utilize similar low-resolution LCD panels. Expect limited viewing angles and color accuracy. The A12+ may benefit from slightly better display drivers due to its newer processor, potentially resulting in marginally improved image clarity.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are absent, but it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera sensors. Given the market segment, image quality will be limited, particularly in low-light conditions. Any differences in camera performance will likely stem from software processing rather than hardware capabilities. Expect both to struggle with dynamic range and detail.
Performance
The core difference lies in the CPU. The Karbonn A10’s Mediatek MT6577, built on a 40nm process, features a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 processor. The A12+ boasts a dual-core 1.3 GHz CPU. While both are Cortex-A9 based, the 30% clock speed increase in the A12+ translates to faster processing of instructions. The 40nm node of the MT6577 suggests it may run slightly warmer under sustained load, potentially leading to minor throttling. Users engaging in even light multitasking will likely experience a smoother experience on the A12+.
Battery Life
Battery capacity and charging wattage are not specified. However, the A10’s older, less efficient chipset (40nm) may result in slightly shorter battery life compared to the A12+, despite potentially having a similar battery size. The A12+'s newer processor could offer better power management, extending usage time between charges.
Buying Guide
Buy the Karbonn A10 if you prioritize absolute lowest cost and are only using the phone for very basic tasks like calls and texts. Its older chipset is sufficient for minimal usage. Buy the Karbonn A12+ if you want a slightly more fluid experience for social media, light web browsing, and basic app usage; the CPU speed increase offers a tangible benefit for everyday tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Karbonn A12+ handle popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly?
The A12+'s 1.3 GHz CPU provides a noticeable improvement over the A10, making it more capable of handling social media apps without significant lag. However, don't expect a flagship-level experience; multitasking with several apps open simultaneously may still cause slowdowns.
❓ Is the difference in CPU speed between the A10 and A12+ noticeable for everyday tasks?
Yes, the 30% increase in CPU clock speed on the A12+ is perceptible in everyday tasks like launching apps, browsing the web, and navigating the user interface. While both phones are entry-level, the A12+ offers a more responsive and fluid experience.
❓ Can either of these phones play modern mobile games?
Neither the A10 nor the A12+ are suitable for playing demanding modern mobile games. Their processors lack the power and their GPUs are too limited. Simple, older games might be playable at low settings, but expect significant frame rate drops and lag.
