The Lenovo K12 (China) and Oppo K7x represent compelling options in the fiercely competitive budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, they diverge significantly in their core hardware choices, particularly in the chipset and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and convenience, the Oppo K7x is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 720 chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the Snapdragon 460 in the Lenovo K12, and the 30W fast charging is a game-changer. However, the K12 may appeal to those seeking maximum battery life at the expense of speed.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G 2.3 Gbps DL |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, December 09. Released 2020, December 12 | 2020, November 04. Released 2020, November 11 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 75.7 x 9.2 mm (6.50 x 2.98 x 0.36 in) | 162.2 x 75.1 x 9.1 mm (6.39 x 2.96 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MC3 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, ColorOS 7.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| 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, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 30W wired, 100% in 65 min
Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Navy Blue, Gray | Blue, Black |
| Models | - | PERM00 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 190 EUR |
Lenovo K12 (China)
- Potentially longer battery life (depending on capacity)
- Lower price point (likely)
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Significantly slower performance
- Extremely slow 10W charging
- Less capable chipset for gaming
Oppo K7x
- Faster and more efficient Dimensity 720 chipset
- 30W fast charging (65 minutes to 100%)
- Likely better camera performance
- Potentially shorter battery life (depending on capacity)
- Higher price point (likely)
- May run slightly warmer under heavy load
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the K7x's positioning, it likely features a higher resolution and potentially a higher refresh rate panel than the K12. The K12, being a more budget-focused device, likely utilizes a standard 60Hz LCD. Color accuracy will likely be similar across both, leaning towards standard sRGB coverage rather than wide color gamuts like DCI-P3.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the K7x, being a slightly more premium offering, likely features a larger main sensor and potentially better image processing algorithms. The inclusion of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) is also more probable on the K7x, resulting in sharper images and more stable videos, especially in low-light conditions. The K12 likely relies on software-based image stabilization, which is less effective. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and offers limited practical benefit.
Performance
The Oppo K7x’s Mediatek Dimensity 720, fabricated on a 7nm process, represents a significant architectural advantage over the Lenovo K12’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 (11nm). The Dimensity 720’s Cortex-A76 performance cores deliver substantially higher single-core performance, crucial for responsive app launches and smoother UI navigation. While both are octa-core CPUs, the Dimensity 720’s core configuration (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) is more efficient and powerful than the K12’s (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240). This translates to a noticeable difference in gaming performance and multitasking capabilities, favoring the K7x.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn't specified, the charging capabilities highlight a key difference. The Oppo K7x’s 30W wired charging, capable of a full charge in 65 minutes, is a significant advantage over the Lenovo K12’s slow 10W charging. This faster charging speed dramatically improves usability, allowing users to quickly top up their battery when needed. The K12’s 2.5W reverse wired charging is a niche feature, useful for charging accessories, but the K7x also offers reverse wired charging, albeit at an unspecified wattage. The K12 may compensate with a slightly larger battery capacity, but the convenience of 30W charging on the K7x likely outweighs this advantage for most users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo K12 (China) if you prioritize long battery life and are comfortable with slower performance for basic tasks like messaging and social media. It's ideal for users who rarely play demanding games or edit videos. Buy the Oppo K7x if you value faster performance for gaming, streaming, and multitasking, and appreciate the convenience of rapid 30W charging. This phone is better suited for users who actively use their smartphone throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Oppo K7x's Dimensity 720 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Mediatek Dimensity 720 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. While it won't match the performance of flagship chipsets, it provides a significantly better gaming experience than the Snapdragon 460 in the Lenovo K12.
❓ How much faster is the 30W charging on the Oppo K7x compared to the 10W charging on the Lenovo K12?
The 30W charging on the K7x is dramatically faster. It can fully charge the phone in approximately 65 minutes, whereas the K12's 10W charging will take over 3 hours, potentially even longer. This difference is crucial for users who need to quickly top up their battery throughout the day.
❓ Does the Lenovo K12's slower processor impact everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the Snapdragon 460 will exhibit noticeable lag when switching between apps or loading complex web pages compared to the Oppo K7x. While it's sufficient for basic tasks, users will experience a smoother and more responsive experience with the Dimensity 720.
❓ Is the reverse wired charging on either phone useful for more than just emergencies?
The reverse wired charging is primarily useful for charging accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches. While convenient, it's not a primary feature and will significantly drain the phone's battery if used extensively.
