Lenovo K12 (China) vs. Huawei P20 Pro: A Detailed Comparison
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a reliable, affordable smartphone, the Huawei P20 Pro offers a more refined experience despite its age. Its superior chipset, the Kirin 970, delivers noticeably better performance, and its established camera system provides more consistent results. However, the Lenovo K12 is a viable option for those on the absolute tightest budget.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Lenovo K12 (China) | Huawei P20 Pro |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat16 1024/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2020, December 09. Released 2020, December 12 | 2018, March 27. Released 2018, April 06 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 75.7 x 9.2 mm (6.50 x 2.98 x 0.36 in) | 155 x 73.9 x 7.8 mm (6.10 x 2.91 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 180 g (6.35 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 mins) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2240 pixels, 18.7:9 ratio (~408 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 93.9 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | OLED |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) | Kirin 970 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G72 MP12 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 8.1 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 10, EMUI 12 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Laser AF, color spectrum sensor, Leica optics, LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 40 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/1.7", PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.4, 80mm (telephoto), 1/4.0", PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 20 MP B/W, f/1.6, 27mm (wide), 1/2.7" |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS), 720p@960fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | Leica optics |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 24 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.9µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| - | 32-bit/384kHz audio | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE, EDR, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 10W wired 2.5W reverse wired | 22.5W wired, 58% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Navy Blue, Gray | Black, Gold |
| Models | - | CLT-L29C, CLT-L29, CLT-L09C, CLT-L09, CLT-AL00, CLT-AL01, CLT-TL01, CLT-AL00L, CLT-L04, HW-01K, CLT-L0J |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 410 EUR |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Audio quality | - | Noise -92.1dB / Crosstalk -92.1dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 89h |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 4.087 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - | Voice 71dB / Noise 69dB / Ring 91dB |
| Performance | - | AnTuTu: 209884 (v7) GeekBench: 6679 (v4.4) GFXBench: 21fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Lenovo K12 (China)
- Ultra-affordable price point
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Modern Android version (potentially)
- Significantly weaker performance
- Lower-quality display
- Less capable camera system
Huawei P20 Pro
- Superior performance with Kirin 970
- Faster 22.5W wired charging
- More refined camera system
- Older device with potentially limited software updates
- Higher price compared to the K12
- Battery degradation due to age
Display Comparison
Both devices share an 'Infinite' contrast ratio (nominal) and a sunlight contrast ratio of 4.087, suggesting similar outdoor visibility. However, the K12’s display specifications are not detailed, implying a lower-quality panel compared to the P20 Pro’s likely OLED display. The P20 Pro’s OLED technology offers superior blacks and color vibrancy, while the K12 likely uses an LCD, resulting in a less immersive viewing experience. The absence of refresh rate information for the K12 suggests a standard 60Hz panel, further differentiating it from potentially higher refresh rate options available in the P20 Pro’s era.
Camera Comparison
The Huawei P20 Pro’s camera system, while older, is likely more versatile and capable than the Lenovo K12’s. While specific details about the K12’s camera are missing, Huawei’s flagship history suggests a focus on image quality and features. The P20 Pro’s triple-lens setup, including a 40MP main sensor, likely delivers superior image detail, dynamic range, and low-light performance. The P20 Pro also benefits from advanced image processing algorithms and features like optical image stabilization (OIS), which are unlikely to be found on the K12. The K12 may include a macro lens, but these are often of limited utility.
Performance
The Kirin 970 (10nm) in the Huawei P20 Pro significantly outperforms the Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 (11nm) found in the Lenovo K12. The P20 Pro’s octa-core CPU, with 4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 cores, provides a substantial performance advantage over the K12’s 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 cores. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the P20 Pro. While the Snapdragon 460 is more power-efficient, the P20 Pro’s superior processing power is more impactful for demanding tasks. The P20 Pro’s GPU also offers a better gaming experience, though both phones will struggle with graphically intensive titles at high settings.
Battery Life
Both devices boast an endurance rating of 89 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the P20 Pro’s 22.5W wired charging is significantly faster than the K12’s 10W charging. The P20 Pro can achieve 58% charge in just 30 minutes, while the K12 will take considerably longer. The K12 does offer 2.5W reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the P20 Pro, allowing it to charge other devices, albeit slowly. The P20 Pro’s faster charging is a significant convenience factor, especially for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo K12 (China) if you need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and your budget is under $100. Buy the Huawei P20 Pro if you prioritize smoother performance for multitasking and gaming, a more capable camera system, and a generally more premium user experience, even if it means spending more and accepting an older device.